Curious about breastfeeding in the U.S. vs. Latin America? Here’s what actually moving between both countries and breastfeeding through all of it taught me about support, culture, and figuring it out no matter where you are.
By: Yanina Boshes, Ceres Chill Mom & Customer Service Team Member
There’s a moment many moms experience, especially if they’ve lived or mothered in more than one place. You start to breastfeeding isn’t just personal. It’s cultural. It’sstructural. It’s deeply shaped by where you are. And sometimes, that difference is what makes things feel either supported…or surprisingly hard.
I have had the honor of experiencing change in moving while actively breastfeeding. Moving from the United States to Costa Rica brought many changes and a realization that not all moms have the same support, even regardless of how many resources they do have.
How Breastfeeding Culture Differs: U.S. vs. Latin America
In the United States, breastfeeding often exists alongside a fast return to work, limited maternity leave, and a culture that values productivity just as much as caregiving. In much of Latin America, there is often more normalization of breastfeeding in public, stronger community presence, and in some places, longer postpartum support systems.
But the reality is more nuanced than that. Because when we look at the data, something interesting appears:
• In North America, only about 26–27% of babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months
• In Latin America and the Caribbean, that number rises to about 43%
• Globally, the average sits around 44–48%
(Sources: CDC Breastfeeding Report Card and KellyMom breastfeeding resources)
Part of this comes down to structure. In many countries across Latin America, breastfeeding is more integrated into daily life. It’s visible. It’s expected. It’s supported in subtle, cultural ways. It is accepted.
At the same time, access to resources, education, and consistent support can vary widely. For example, the idea that I could exclusively pump is an out of this world idea for many moms here in Costa Rica. Many are forced into uncomfortable nursing experiences, poor latch, and decide that formula is best.
In the U.S., there is often more access to equipment, lactation consultants, and pumping technology, however the US really struggles because there is far less built-in time to actually use them. And this matters. Because research shows that returning to work, especially full-time, is strongly associated with stopping breastfeeding earlier than planned. So while no region is perfect, there are clear differences in how breastfeeding is supported and how sustainable it feels.
So it’s not just about intention.
It’s about environment.
My Experience: Breastfeeding Across Two Countries
For me, this has never been theoretical. With my first, I was navigating a system that didn’t fully support what I needed. I exclusively pumped for 26 months…not because it was easy, but because I learned, adapted, and kept going. While days were hard, I was given the proper tools to store my milk safely. Time given to pump. Education.
This time, living in Costa Rica, things feel different. There was more fluidity in how motherhood fit into my daily life. But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically easier…it just means the challenges look different. I’ve learned that no matter where you are, one thing stays the same: You’re constantly figuring out how to make breastfeeding fit into your real life.
I have seen many moms here fear asking for support or lean into pain being normal, just because they want to join a sacred club of breastfeeding and not feel shamed for having to feed differently. Most are not even given the proper pumps or proper flange fitting drastically cutting their breastfeeding journeys.
How to Sustain Breastfeeding While Living Your Real Life
Whether you’re in the U.S., Costa Rica, France, Canada, or anywhere in between, one truth holds: You’re moving. School drop-offs. Work. Errands. Long drives. Community. Life. Home life. And breastfeeding doesn’t happen in stillness…it happens in motion.
That’s where things shift from “how do I breastfeed?” to “how do I sustain this while living my life?” Not perfect tips, just real ones that worked for me.
1. Simplify EVERYTHING You Can
The more steps there are, the harder it becomes to keep going. Having one system for pumping, storing, and moving through your day matters more than having the “best” setup. I personally always had my Chillers, wipes, and my Ren Organizer by Mimi and Pal, a good bag to have it all is key. Less thinking. More flowing.
2. Feed Where You Are…Not Where It’s Ideal
Sometimes it’s a quiet room.
Sometimes it’s your car.
Sometimes it’s between moments.
Breastfeeding doesn’t need perfect conditions to still be meaningful and effective.
And if you find yourself exclusively pumping, finding a pump that gives you flexibility is everything. Consistency is so important, you have to remember it is all about supply and demand.
3. Protect Your Rhythm
Whether you’re working or home, consistency matters more than precision. Your body responds to patterns, not perfection.
4. Stay Hydrated
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked pieces. You give SO much throughout the day…it’s easy to forget to refill yourself.
5. Give Yourself Grace
What worked in the early days may not work when you return to work. What works now may shift again later. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means you’re adjusting.
The Bigger Picture: What Connects Breastfeeding Moms Everywhere
No matter where you are in the world, breastfeeding is rarely just about feeding.
It’s about navigating systems, expectations, your own body, your time, and your identity…all at once. And still choosing, again and again, to continue in whatever way works for you. The differences between the U.S. and Latin America are real. But what connects mothers everywhere is deeper than that. The adapting. The figuring it out. The finding ways to make it work…even when it doesn’t fit perfectly into the day.
You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re doing it within the life you actually have.
And that’s what makes it meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding in the U.S. vs. Latin America
Is breastfeeding more common in Latin America than in the United States?
Yes — in Latin America and the Caribbean, about 43% of babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, compared to around 26–27% in North America. Cultural normalization and community support play a big role in that gap.
Why do U.S. moms stop breastfeeding earlier than moms in other countries?
Research consistently links early breastfeeding cessation in the U.S. to short maternity leave and early return to full-time work. It’s not about intention — it’s about structure and time.
What is exclusive pumping, and is it common in Latin America?
Exclusive pumping means feeding your baby only pumped breast milk — no nursing directly. It’s relatively common in the U.S., where pumping equipment and support are more accessible. In places like Costa Rica, it’s still a fairly unfamiliar concept, and many moms lack access to quality pumps or proper flange fitting.
How can I maintain my milk supply when going back to work?
Consistency is everything. Protect your pumping schedule as much as possible, stay hydrated, and simplify your setup so there are fewer barriers to pumping during the day. Your body responds to patterns, not perfection.
Does breastfeeding culture really affect how long moms breastfeed?
Yes, significantly. When breastfeeding is normalized in public, supported by community, and integrated into daily life, moms tend to breastfeed longer. Environment shapes sustainability just as much as personal choice.
What should I pack to make breastfeeding easier on the go?
A good organization system makes the biggest difference. Think: a quality insulated bag (like the Ren Organizer by Mimi and Pal), Chillers, pump wipes, and a flexible pump if you’re exclusively pumping. One system, less thinking.