Importance of Breastfeeding

• Protection from acute and chronic illnesses for mothers and infants

• Individual and governmental cost savings

World Breastfeeding Week

• Established annually by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

• Celebrated globally August 1-7 or October 1-7, 2013.

World Breastfeeding Week

• 2013 theme highlights support for breastfeeding families.

• Supporting breastfeeding families is instrumental in creating a healthier future.

Why Support Breastfeeding?

• New mothers may get off to a good start and experience problems later.

• Many problems mothers experience are preventable through high quality care, follow-up, and support.

Types of Support• Direct Support

– Mother-to-Mother– IBCLC®

• Supportive Environments– Family and Friends– Healthcare Providers– Employers– Childcare Providers

DIRECT SUPPORT

Mother-to-Mother Support

• Mothers value experiences from other breastfeeding mothers.

• Offered through peer counseling or mother-to-mother support groups.

Peer Counseling Support

• Breastfeeding Peer Counselor:– A mother who has successfully

breastfed her own children– Lives in the same community and is of

the same population served– Gives basic breastfeeding information

and referrals for high-risk situations

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC) Support

• An IBCLC: – Completes 14 health science

courses, 90 hours of lactation education, and 300-1000 hours of clinical experience

– Abides by the IBLCE® Code of Professional Conduct

– Supports families with more complex and high-risk breastfeeding situations

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Friend and Family Support

• Friends and family are a mother’s most immediate sphere of influence.

• Mothers are influenced by their beliefs and attitudes.

• Include family and friends in any breastfeeding education offered.

Healthcare Provider Support

• Healthcare Providers:– Are instrumental in normalizing

breastfeeding.– Offer mothers access to skilled

breastfeeding support.– Ensure practices are evidence-

based and support breastfeeding.

Employer Support

• Employer lactation support programs:– Help mothers continue breastfeeding

after returning to work– Are proven to have a good Return on

Investment with increased employee productivity

Childcare Provider Support

• Childcare providers can help make the transition back to work/school easier for breastfeeding families.

• Proper handling and storage of milk and words of encouragement go a long way.

SUPPORTING BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES WITHIN YOUR

COMMUNITY

YOUR Support

• Recommend early and exclusive breastfeeding.

• Ensure mothers have access to an IBCLC.

• Include the mother’s family and friends in any breastfeeding education.

YOUR Support

• Seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and skills in lactation management.

• Avoid inadvertently serving as an advertiser of breastmilk substitutes.