As I read Victoria Hugo-Vidal’s description of the challenge, stress and anxiety that she experienced as she attempted to “nourish” breast feed her newborn (“Settling in with Sonny,” Nov. 9), I am sadly reminded that the lack of support for first-time mothers continues to be ever-present in this country.

My Ph.D. research highlights on how little to no emphasis, teaching or support is devoted to the fourth trimester, e.g., postpartum. Providing a few home visits from a professional could have been extremely helpful to problem-solve and support Victoria and Sonny’s feeding efforts.

As a prenatal/postpartum home visiting nurse, I have sat with many new mothers allaying their anxiety, supporting their breast feeding and strategizing how best to support their baby’s attempt to feed. Being with the new mother in her home setting allows the professional to see where and how she is attempting to breast feed while supporting her efforts and celebrating her success.

I am saddened that the first solution to breast feeding challenges is formula feeding. This practice causes confusion for the infant, who clearly finds bottle feeding less “work.” This practice encourages mothers to abandon breast feeding and its benefit to her and her baby and contributes to the million-dollar baby formula industry.

Marilyn Fraktman, RN, Ph.D.
Scarborough