Is Breastfeeding Harder than You Thought? Exploring Support & Tips

As a new parent, you might be feeling overwhelmed about breastfeeding; you’re not alone. Many parents find that when they first start their breastfeeding journey, it’s a mix of excitement and anxiety. The prospect of nourishing your baby in this natural way can be thrilling, but questions and doubts often creep in. Will you produce enough milk? Will your baby latch properly? How will you manage breastfeeding with other responsibilities? These concerns are common and completely normal. Remember, millions of parents have navigated this path before you, and with the right support and information, you can too.

Every year from August 1st to August 7th, we celebrate International Breastfeeding Week. Supported by global powerhouses like WHO and UNICEF, along with various health ministries and community groups, this week highlights the crucial role of breastfeeding for the health of both babies and mothers. It’s all about ensuring parents get the support they need, no matter where they are in their breastfeeding journey.

The theme for 2024, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” focuses on making every breastfeeding mother feel supported from the start. This effort shapes policies and healthcare systems to truly help women who breastfeed. The goal is to enable moms to breastfeed wherever they need to and feel confident to continue as long as they want. By bringing communities together, the campaign strengthens support networks and promotes understanding, cheering on breastfeeding moms everywhere.

Breastfeeding is vital for little ones, offering more than just nutrition. It fosters bonding, shields against illnesses, and supports overall development. Recognized by the “Convention on the Rights of the Child” as a basic right, breastfeeding has profound health benefits.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF have some recommendations that many parents find helpful:

1. Try to start breastfeeding within an hour after birth.
2. Aim for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
3. At six months, start introducing other foods but continue breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond if possible.

To back these guidelines, several actions have been taken:

• The International Labour Organization promotes extended maternity leave and benefits through specific conventions.
• The “International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes” combats aggressive formula marketing.
• The “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative guides healthcare facilities in supporting breastfeeding.

Recent years have seen positive trends in breastfeeding rates. The Global Breastfeeding Scorecard shows that exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased by 10 percentage points over the past decade, now reaching 48%. With the goal to reach 50% by 2025, various developing countries are also pushing policies that ensure breastfeeding support is available right from the start, even just after birth.

If you’re looking for breastfeeding support, here’s how you can access it:

1. Identify Your Needs: Pinpoint what you need help with – it could be techniques how to breastfeed, solving physical challenges, or advice for breastfeeding in public or at work.
2. Consult Healthcare Providers: Start with your doctor or a pediatrician. They can provide initial guidance and refer you to a lactation consultant if needed.
3. Online Resources: Visit reputable sites like the CDC’s Breastfeeding section for a host of information.
4. Community Resources: Look for local breastfeeding support organizations or groups—they offer tremendous peer support and access to seasoned experts. Organizations like the Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) offer such support.
5. Know Your Rights: It’s important to understand your rights regarding breastfeeding, especially in public places and at work.

Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique. While some find it relatively easy, others may face challenges and the key is to seek help when needed. If you’re just starting out, and feeling unsure, know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of support out there for you. And if you’re not a parent but want to support the breastfeeding parents in your life, sometimes just a word of encouragement can make a big difference.

As we observe International Breastfeeding Week, let’s remember the importance of creating an environment where all mothers feel supported in their choice to breastfeed. By closing the gap in breastfeeding support, we can help ensure that more infants get the best possible start in life, benefiting not just individual families but society as a whole.

-Staff Reporter