01/08/2025
Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This year's theme is "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems."
Those that know me, know firsthand how hard I struggled with breastfeeding all 4 of my children. I sought out help each time, desperate for answers as to why it wasn't working. There were no dedicated IBCLCs bedside at that time. As an OB nurse, I didn't know, my co-workers didn't know, my OB docs and Pediatricians didn't know why it wasn't working either-nor did they have the time to help me. Each time, I desired for it it work and each time, no answers. BUT...I learned a little more each time and the passion to help others was ignited. By my 4th time, with more education, support and knowledge under my belt, I was able to meet not 1 but 2 goals: to breastfeed for a year and become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). My support system was amazing and meant well and wanted the best for me, so please don't misunderstand me when I say this, but in the end...it was not my nurses, doctors, or family that helped me find the answers...it was Jenny Walters, a fellow IBCLC, who cared enough to come alongside me & without having to say hardly anything, she knew my heart and my strong desire to make this work and meet MY goal. All of this is to say that our healthcare systems can and should do better! Breastfeeding is important to so many of my patients but is so easily dismissed and unsupported when there are struggles. I can tell you that as a nurse and mother myself, our providers, nurses and doctors, are not fully equipped to provide the necessary support. As a nurse, I didn't know how to help my patients and didn't know what I didn't know! Now, as an IBCLC working inpatient and private practice, I can tell you it's not enough! I'm telling you, looking a mom in the face, who is struggling but wants a chance to breastfeed her baby, and saying "fed is best" or "sometimes breastfeeding just doesn't work" or "I formula fed and my kids are just fine" or "it doesn't matter how you feed you baby" oh, I could go on and on with all the things I was told along the way with each child I had, and each time....IT WAS NOT HELPFUL. Many moms do not have the same desire as me, and that is completely fine, this post is not about them. I'm here to tell you that there are ALOT of moms like me. I work with them everyday. They need a voice. They need the knowledge and support. AND they need it from the first latch and beyond! The IBCLC is and should be an integral piece of that mother's healthcare team.
Please feel free to share this and your story, too, if you have one! Please advocate for the expansion of lactation coverage in the healthcare place and in your community! Make phone calls and make your voices heard ❤️
From the WHO:
"Under the banner of WHO’s ongoing Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures campaign, World Breastfeeding Week will shine a particular spotlight on the ongoing support women and babies need from the healthcare system through their breastfeeding journey."
