Breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Expectation, experience and exposing the gap

Article By

Sonni-Ann

Published On

24 Jul, 2025

Read Time

3 minutes

Half of American moms feel shamed over feeding choices – it’s time to change that.

For so many moms, feeding their baby is one of the most beautiful but vulnerable parts of early parenthood. Yet new research from Tommee Tippee reveals a truth that too often goes unspoken: half of American moms say they stop breastfeeding before they’re ready – not because they want to, but because of pain, pressure, and a lack of support.

This World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), we’re opening up an honest, judgment-free conversation about what feeding really looks like in 2025.

Breastfeeding isn’t failing – the system is failing moms

Our research uncovered that while 85% of moms wanted to breastfeed, 50% couldn’t continue despite trying. The reasons are rarely simple:

32% experienced physical pain
31% struggled with milk supply
27% lacked hands-on help
26% faced mental health challenges
21% struggled with latching

These barriers aren’t just practical, they’re deeply emotional. 56% of moms felt ashamed, and 52% felt judged, when breastfeeding didn’t work out.

And it’s not just internal pressure. 53% of moms felt pushed to feed a certain way, even when it didn’t work for them or their baby.

It’s no surprise, then, that 80% of moms believe greater investment in breastfeeding support is essential if we want to improve breastfeeding rates across the US.

The impact is even greater for Black women

Black mothers face even higher barriers and pressures:

57% say stronger support is essential
50% wished they could breastfeed for longer
47% felt pressured by family or hospitals
41% felt pressured by social media
55% felt shame when they couldn’t breastfeed

These numbers tell a clear story: the current support systems don’t meet the needs of all families, and Black women are disproportionately impacted.

Feeding should never feel like failing

At Tommee Tippee, we believe that every parent deserves to feel supported, informed, and proud of how they feed their baby.

This week, we’re creating space for honest, empowering conversations.

Join us on Friday August 8th @tommeetippeenorthamerica for our first monthly story takeover with Krystal @milkymamallc. She’ll share real feeding stories, practical tips, and answer your questions in a judgment-free space.

We’re here for you

Our Parent-care products are designed to support you. Because feeding your baby isn’t about living up to anyone else’s expectations, it’s about finding what works for you and your family.

Explore the range at tommeetippee.com

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About the research

This survey was conducted with respondents who identify as women and use the term 'mother' to describe themselves. Tommee Tippee recognises and respects the diverse identities and experiences of all birthing and feeding people.

An online survey was conducted by WALR among 2073 US women of childbearing age (18-45), including 924 mothers. There was a quota applied for 500 African American women within the sample. Minimum quotas have been applied to major cities. Fieldwork took place between 11 July 2025 - 16 July 2025. Data has been collected adhering to MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines to ensure ethical and accurate data collection.

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Discover some of the most popular different breastfeeding positions and read our helpful breastfeeding tips for helping your baby successfully latch and unlatch.