What are the difficulties in starting mother support groups?
The community may not perceive the need for establishing a support group. The prevailing attitude in society may be an obstacle. People may think that breastfeeding is a common practice, old fashioned, difficult, embarrassing, or inconvenient. Countering these attitudes is difficult. News releases in print and on radio, posters, and leaflets can help raise awareness of breastfeeding in general and the benefits of support groups. Health care providers may feel threatened until they understand that the support group complements the service offered by the formal health sector. Meeting with local health care providers can help create a spirit of trust, cooperation, and team work.
