Conveying the right information, for the informed decision of mothers and families, is correct and ethical.
Considerable scientific evidence is available on breastfeeding and human milk feeding as a public health strategy given its myriad benefits for both newborns and breast feeders. However, breastfeeding is often perceived by some health care professionals as simply a lifestyle choice. They fear creating guilt in those who choose not to breastfeed by "pushing" for breastfeeding.
However, mothers may feel guilty if they chose not to breastfeed and learn later that some of the health problems their baby faces could have been avoided through breastfeeding.
If in the initial conversation a high-risk pregnant woman does not intend to breastfeed, after explaining the reasons why it is important for her baby, one possibility is to offer to provide her colostrum and milk for a period of time. After the initial moment, the breastfeeder can always decide how to continue, provided she is given adequate information.
