Implications
The reasons why women living in poverty are not initiating or continuing breastfeeding are complex. A recent study suggests mothers who cannot afford enough food are more likely to stop breastfeeding before other mothers, even though nearly all begin at a similar rate. The research concluded that financially vulnerable women struggle significantly more to breastfeed and need more government support. The study found that 86% of women living in poverty tried to breastfeed, but more than half stopped before two months, while half of the more financially secure moms stuck with it for at least four months. They reported trouble affording enough food for themselves and their family, which sometimes included other children. They were likely undernourished themselves, and suffering considerably stress. They likely struggled to pay rent and afford other necessities.

Source: Orr SK, Dachner N, Frank L, Tarasuk V. Relation between household food insecurity and breastfeeding in Canada. CMAJ. 2018;190(11):E312-E319.