5 Min Read
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a beautiful and natural part of motherhood, but the reality for many women can be far from this idealized image.
The Breastfeeding Struggle is Real—and Common
According to recent findings, just over two thirds of U.S. women who have been pregnant (69%) have tried breastfeeding, and a staggering 67% admit to facing difficulties with breastfeeding. This struggle is particularly prominent among younger mothers aged 18-44, where 81% report difficulties compared to 59% of women aged 45 and older. These figures highlight a worrying trend: not only is breastfeeding challenging for most who have attempted it, but younger women, likely currently or recently in their breastfeeding journey, are particularly vulnerable.
Among those who have attempted breastfeeding, more than 2 in 5 (42%) say they found it difficult initially, and nearly as many (37%) say they were unable to breastfeed for as long as they had hoped. Issues such as trouble with the baby latching (32%) and not being able to afford to use a lactation consultant (9%) further complicate the process.
Breastfeeding Information, Resources and Support: A Gap to Fill
There is a notable information gap, with nearly 2 in 5 women who have been pregnant (39%) reporting they did not receive enough or any info or resources on breastfeeding from their healthcare providers. For those who have experienced breastfeeding challenges, support is crucial but unfortunately appears to have been inadequate for many. Nearly half of women who struggled with breastfeeding (45%) state they received subpar or no support at all from healthcare providers or professionals. This lack of adequate information and support is critical, as it can leave new mothers feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by the challenges of breastfeeding and can heavily influence their ability to start or continue breastfeeding.
“While breastfeeding is extremely personal, the choice to do so is shaped by the health systems and social support that surround mothers,” said Dalvery Blackwell, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the African American Breastfeeding Network. “But the reality is: these systems too often fail, especially for Black women. The result? We see lower breastfeeding rates and higher maternal stress. It’s not a lack of want; it’s a lack of access and culturally appropriate messaging.”
Longevity in Breastfeeding
A mere 19% of women who have breastfed achieved their desired duration of breastfeeding, with this figure dropping to just 8% among those aged 18-44. Nearly two thirds of women who have breastfed (65%) indicate that certain improvements would have encouraged them to continue breastfeeding longer than they did, most commonly better access to breastfeeding supplies (27%) and longer paid maternity leave (26%).
Paid Maternity Leave: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
When it comes to systemic support, nearly 7 in 10 women (69%) believe the paid maternity leave offered by most U.S. employers is insufficient. Maternity leave is essential for mothers to establish and sustain breastfeeding without the added pressure of returning to work prematurely. Furthermore, about 1 in 5 women who breastfed (21%) cite flexible workplace policies, like the ability to pump at work or work from home, would have encouraged them to breastfeed longer than they did.
Outdated Perceptions and Societal Norms Could be Cutting Breastfeeding Journey’s Short
Uneasiness with breastfeeding in public is another significant barrier, with more than three quarters of women who have breastfed (76%) citing they did not feel comfortable doing so. This discomfort is compounded by outdated stigma when it comes to public breastfeeding and highlights a broader issue of societal acceptance. Nearly a quarter of women who breastfed say a more accepting society (24%) and better public breastfeeding facilities (24%) would have encouraged them to continue breast feeding longer than they did.
Empowering Breastfeeding Mothers through Necessary Support and Societal Change
Enhancements like breastfeeding classes (22%), more accessible lactation services (22%), and breastfeeding support groups (16%) were also noted as factors that would have extended breastfeeding journeys. For those who did not breastfeed at all, more than 1 in 4 (27%) say that certain factors, like extended maternity leave (12%), might have encouraged them to try.
The evidence is clear: while breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always a straightforward one. It requires adequate support, resources, and societal change. Addressing these needs could not only improve the breastfeeding experience for many women but also support healthier outcomes for their children. It is time for healthcare providers, employers, and policymakers to step up and make the required changes to support breastfeeding mothers more effectively.
Survey methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll April 23-28, 2025 among 4,170 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 2,370 are women, of which 1,597 are/have been pregnant and 1,583 have given birth. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact The Harris Poll.
