ga·lac·ta·gogue /gɘ῾laktɘˌgӓg/ An agent that promotes the secretion of milk. Merriam-Webster dictionary explains how this word derives from the ancient Greek word galaktikós, meaning “milky”.
The hallmark of MLLD is to improve breastfeeding practices through both education and nutrition within the state of Tennessee. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2022 report, the national average of mothers who ever breastfed was 83.2%, compared to 78.8% of Tennessee mothers who ever breastfed their newborns. In the same report, if you compare the national percentage of babies exclusively breastfed up to 6 months, the nation and Tennessee ranked 55.8% and 53.2%, respectively. When considering the aforementioned statistics, Tennessee appears to be on par with the national average. The state with the highest number of newborns ever breastfed was Colorado at 94.0%, and 73.2% of infants in Vermont were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months, which was the highest number in the nation.
Although there is no one factor mentioned in the reports as to why some states fell well below the national average for newborns who were ever breastfed, but one could surmise that the average modern mother in the U.S. has limited support to leverage when beginning her breastfeeding journey. Chances are her mother and even her grandmother were also unsupported during their breastfeeding attempts. Unfortunately, the history of breastfeeding in the U.S. is not commendable. Even though artificial milk--be it evaporated milk or commercial baby formula, has been on the scene for quite some time in America. Society in the late 1800's considered breastfeeding to be a practice among the lower class because there was no cost associated. In fact, mothers were persuaded by their doctors that breastmilk was inferior to the formulated milk created by chemist. Doctors highly promoted evaporated milk concoctions or baby formula over breastfeeding, and even prescribed new mothers pills to "dry up" their milk, so they would forego engorgement and/or mastitis. To put it plainly, the art of breastfeeding is lost on many American mothers. Thankfully, several organizations are springing up to help normalize breastfeeding, again.
Research shows benefit after benefit of breastfeeding infants exclusively for a minimum of 6 months and beyond. So, why are only 55.8% of U.S. mothers exclusively breastfeeding their infants? The answer may not be cut and dry. There are a myriad of reasons, not to mention every mother's situation is unique. However, I would like to address one aspect which may affect lactation---the mother's nutrition.
A breastfeeding mother's nutritional status may have a direct impact on the composition of her milk. It would behoove her to become more intentional about her diet---not necessarily for the purpose of weight control, but to ensure her diet is positively affecting baby's development.
With the right postpartum support through a licensed lactation consultant, you can successfully navigate breastfeeding challenges. Invest in you and your newborn by seeking out a trained professional. You do not have to go it alone!