Survey: Better support could help more moms reach their breastfeeding goals
Aeroflow Breastpumps reports that better support could help moms achieve breastfeeding goals, as many face challenges
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Survey: Better support could help more moms reach their breastfeeding goals
Because breastfeeding offers well-established health benefits for both babies and moms, organizations including the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for two years or more. Moms are hearing these recommendations, alongside a common message that breastfeeding is a natural part of early motherhood, and are setting breastfeeding goals for the months ahead. However, many moms are experiencing challenges along the way.
Based on results from their 2026 Breastfeeding Support Survey, Aeroflow Breastpumps examined the goals of breastfeeding mothers and explored how families can receive better support from pregnancy through postpartum.
Moms Are Committed to Breastfeeding
Nearly 4 out of 5 moms surveyed planned to breastfeed for at least four months, and more than half hoped to continue for seven months or longer. After returning to work, nearly 80% intended to keep breastfeeding.
Despite that commitment, some moms struggled to meet those goals. Nearly 40% of respondents who planned to breastfeed for seven months or more said they did not reach that milestone, showing that unexpected challenges may make it difficult for moms to breastfeed for as long as they had planned.
Breastfeeding Challenges Are a Shared Experience
It’s easy to look at social media posts of stocked fridges or cozy nighttime feeds and assume everyone else has it figured out. The reality is often quite different: The survey confirmed that breastfeeding challenges and insecurities are actually a shared experience. Nearly three-quarters of moms said that breastfeeding and keeping their baby fed contributed to feelings of stress or anxiety. And although breastfeeding confidence increased after birth, 1 in 4 moms still reported low confidence postpartum.
The Right Support Can Make a Difference
The survey also uncovered that moms make it very clear: Support matters to them. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said better access to support would have helped them breastfeed longer.
Awareness Is the First Step to Accessing Support
Access to support starts with knowing what support exists. With healthcare providers, online resources, videos, and guides available, it can seem like moms have everything they need at their fingertips. But finding the right support isn’t always easy.
The survey found that many moms were unaware of breastfeeding benefits covered by their insurance before giving birth, and some said they didn’t receive the support they wanted simply because they didn’t know what resources were available. While most respondents were offered access to a lactation consultant during their hospital stay, far fewer sought support after going home, a critical time when new challenges may arise or new families have questions about milk supply and baby’s growth.
Returning to Work Creates New Challenges
For many moms, returning to work marks another transition point in their breastfeeding journey. While many plan to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, workplace support and accommodations can play an important role in whether they are able to do so.
The survey found that many moms faced barriers in the workplace, including limited access to appropriate pumping accommodations. Only 21% of respondents felt their employer had a workplace lactation policy in place and 44% reported lacking an adequate pumping space.
Those barriers appear to have real consequences. Nearly half of respondents (45%) said they would consider changing employers for better breastfeeding resources.
Employers can play an important role in the lives of breastfeeding mothers by providing dedicated pumping spaces, clear lactation policies, and a workplace culture that supports breastfeeding employees.
Better Support Helps Moms Reach Their Goals
Taken together, these findings suggest that many moms begin their breastfeeding journey with clear goals and strong motivation. The gap between those intentions and their actual experience does not reflect a lack of commitment, but shows the challenges they encounter and the support available along the way.
The survey findings highlight an opportunity to better support breastfeeding families throughout the entire journey. From earlier education about insurance-covered breastfeeding benefits and greater awareness of available resources to continued lactation support postpartum and improved workplace accommodations, families benefit when support is available at every stage.
This story was produced by Aeroflow Breastpumps and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
