Survey shows economy as a reason for increase in breastfeeding

PHILADELPHIA A softening economy may be driving more mothers to breast feed, Mothers Work, Inc., a specialty retailer with approximately 760 locations, announced Wednesday.

Through its Motherhood Maternity store banner, Mothers Work surveyed some 10,000 customers regarding breast feeding. The vast majority (94.5 percent) agreed that the baby’s health was the “most important” reason to breastfeed; 34.7 percent said that saving money was a “pretty important” factor in their decision. A little less than half (47.6 percent) of mothers surveyed reported they pump at work to keep costs down.

“Throughout the year we promote that breastfeeding is best,” stated Rebecca Matthias, Mothers Work president, chief creative officer and active chief merchandising officer. “We know that benefits like reducing the risk of childhood illnesses, boosting IQ, a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, not to mention the strong emotional bond, are vitally important to mom. … Today’s difficult economic conditions are just one more reason to nurse your baby.”