Aeroflow Breastpumps survey: More education, resources needed

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-three percent of respondents to a recent survey by Aeroflow Breastpumps felt they needed assistance to properly breastfeed, pointing to a need for more resources and support. 

To understand how breastfeeding impacts postpartum mental health and where resources are needed, Aeroflow Breastpumps surveyed 508 mothers who have had children within the past year, with 409 completed responses. 

According to the survey: 

• 67% of respondents said they have skipped out on activities due to not having the tools or resources necessary to breastfeed in public. 
• About 90% of respondents said they experienced feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress or a low mood after giving birth, with 67% saying that breastfeeding or making sure their baby was fed contributes to their stress and anxiety. 
• More than half (53%) of new mothers experienced anxiety after weaning. 
• 80% of mothers expressed interest in receiving education around the resources and tools available to help their mental health after giving birth. 
• More than 90% feel that education around what mothers should expect with their postpartum mental health needs to be improved. 

"Postpartum already brings so many changes to a woman's body that can impact their mental health, and breastfeeding is just another aspect that can cause new moms to feel stress and anxiety,” said Dr. Jessica Madden, medical director of Aeroflow Breastpumps. “We need to provide mothers with more education and resources to ease their breastfeeding journey, which will ultimately result in better mental health outcomes," "Health insurance and care providers play a huge role in increasing access to critical breastfeeding resources that will help moms reach their breastfeeding goals and ensure their mental health is intact."