03/08/2023
ππ€± Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week! π€±π
Hey friends! It's World Breastfeeding Week, and as an IBCLC, I couldn't be more thrilled to join the global conversation about the highs and lows of breast/chest feeding! This year's theme has me super passionate, as it puts a spotlight on transforming policies and legalities to enhance support for new parents and make IBCLCs more accessible and affordable. πͺπ
We all know that breast/chest feeding your baby is a personal choice but I hear so often that the impacts of societal expectations and limitations of support dramatically impact that choice. Which sucks!!!
Everyone in power has the responsibility to create an environment that empowers parents to embark on their feeding journey feeling supported. Education is key for everyone when it comes to how you feed your baby! Information is power!
Having the time to learn the skill of feeding is also crucial. We need to ensure that new parents have sufficient time off work to establish and enjoy their breast/chest feeding routine. We do this by implementing supportive leave policies that prioritize families and parent/baby connection. I've heard from so many parents "I'd like to breast/chest feed but what's the point if I'm only home for 3 months".
But education and time alone are not enough; support is the glue that holds it all together. From the moment a parent considers breast/chest feeding to the challenges they face along the journey, having easy and affordable access to IBCLCs is crucial. When we make these services more affordable and accessible, we pave the way for parents to receive the guidance, expertise, and encouragement they need to navigate the breast/chest feeding experience with confidence. π₯π
So join me in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, where we advocate for policies that champion parental leave, prioritize access to lactation support, and cherish the essential foundations of education, time, and support on every breast/chest feeding journey. Together, we can create a world where every parent has the tools they need to nourish and nurture their little ones. ππ€±πͺ
/chestfeedingJourney