Another common breastfeeding misconception:

"If the mom cannot pump enough, I find it unlikely the child is getting enough calories as well. Plus, once a child can start drinking other things, breast milk is not required."

False, and false. Here's why:

Unfortunately, some women don’t seem to respond as well to the breast pump as others. The milk is there, but a breast pump is just not as effective at removing it. This can be due to several reasons, but getting a letdown is the most common. It's simple. I, personally, do not have a meaningful connection with my pump - but I do with my baby. My milk lets down just fine for him.

One can find it unlikely that a single ounce of research was completed before spouting out that nonsensical statement - it's common knowledge that wellness visits include a pediatrician who tracks growth and development. Lorenzo has had a steady gain from birth, just like the overwhelming majority of other breastfeeding children.

Next, let's examine the "plus, once a child can start drinking other things, breast milk is not required" comment. That's an incredibly bold statement that holds no merit against the leading experts on the subject. Breastfeeding is about more than the milk. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers do not just breastfeed for nutrition; they nurse for comfort, closeness, soothing, and security. WHO and UNICEF recommend:

"early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth;

exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and

introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond."

In fact, according to WHO, "Breast-milk is also an important source of energy and nutrients in children aged 6–23 months. It can provide half or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and one third of energy needs between 12 and 24 months. Breast milk is also a critical source of energy and nutrients during illness, and reduces mortality among children who are malnourished."

Further, WHO states, that the guiding principles for appropriate complementary feeding are to "continue frequent, on-demand breastfeeding until 2 years of age or beyond."

UNICEF and WHO created the Global Breastfeeding Collective to rally political, legal, financial, and public support for breastfeeding. The Collective brings together implementers and donors from governments, philanthropies, international organizations, and civil society. The Collective’s vision is a world in which all mothers have the technical, financial, emotional, and public support they need to breastfeed.