This is our Why! Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month 2023
Breastfeeding is a personal feeding choice, and yet it is often a topic of public discussion. Although natural, breastfeeding may come with challenges, some we prepare for and some we can’t. From the first time mom to the mom who has breastfed before, every pregnancy and every baby is different and therefore every feeding journey is different. Everyone, from our family, our neighbor, and even a stranger in the supermarket, loves to give advice on how, when, and what to feed those cute new babies but often that’s where the support ends. Over the past 70 years, the support women receive after childbirth has changed. At one time, a new mom, regardless if it was her first child or her 10th, had a village of support with other mothers, grandmothers, aunt, sisters, and neighbors who supported her in those early days to rest and establish that coveted breastfeeding bond. Over time and with changes in society and culture, that level of support is no longer guaranteed and is often considered a luxury. And with those changes, support for new moms is more valuable than ever, regardless of feeding choice.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, with August 1st-7th designated as World Breastfeeding Week. The theme for this year is “This is Our Why”. This month we celebrate our successes, no matter how small, we share our driving force, our motivation to push through those early challenges to continue breastfeeding in any form. We share our resources and empower families to make informed feeding choices. Join us in celebrating our successes and challenges by visiting our Facebook page and sharing your why! You can also comment directly on this blog post.
When I had my first child (twenty years ago), breastfeeding seemed like the natural thing to do. I can remember feeling alone in my decision with no “support”, no one showing me or telling me what was normal, or what to expect. I breastfed my first son for 2.5 months. With my daughter 5 years later, I knew I wanted to try again but again felt alone in that decision. For context, internet support groups and prenatal classes weren’t as common as they were today. And in this area, support groups are few and sometimes far in between. As I struggled to breastfeed my daughter, I realized how unsupported breastfeeding mothers were. A a nurse, I felt like I should be able to do this easily. As a mother, I felt like I was failing at the most basic motherly skill – feeding our babies. It was then I learned of what a lactation consultant is and how they can support breastfeeding mothers. It was then I committed to becoming the support I did not find. Ten years later, I have successfully breastfed my last son for a little over 3 years. I never want another mother to feel she is alone or doesn’t have the support she needs to breastfeed and nurture her infant. I have committed my professional career to ensuring mothers who need access to skilled breastfeeding support have it. This is my why.
Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition. It helps prevent many common childhood illnesses and provides protection for moms against diabetes, heart disease, breast and ovarian cancer. I support mothers and infants who are receiving breastmilk for these reasons. Breastmilk also provides adequate hydration for infants, much like water does for mothers!
Having just finished reading “This is Our Why: Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2023” on the ABC Pediatrics website, I’m truly inspired. It’s wonderful to see a healthcare provider so dedicated to supporting and promoting breastfeeding. The article beautifully highlights the numerous benefits and the special bond it creates between mother and child. Kudos to ABC Pediatrics for their commitment to maternal and child health. Happy World Breastfeeding Week!