Happy World Breastfeeding Week! Let's Build Your Village

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This week, celebrated every August 1-7, is a global commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration, which was established to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. There is so much to celebrate. According to the World Health Organization, the number of infants under six months who are exclusively breastfed has increased by more than 10% in the last 12 years. That means 48% of infants worldwide now benefit from this healthy start in life.

This progress is vital because exclusive breastfeeding has the single most significant potential impact on child mortality of any preventive intervention. It serves as a child’s first immunization, providing essential nutrition and protection from respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and other life-threatening ailments. The WHO estimates that improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children's lives each year. 

This highlights a fundamental truth I see in my clinic every day: breastfeeding doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes a village—a team of support that wraps around a family, offering encouragement, expertise, and care.

As we work toward the global nutrition target of increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50% by 2025, it’s clear that community and professional support are the keys to success. As a lactation medicine physician, I see myself as one piece of that puzzle. But who else should be in your village? Let's talk about building your team.

The Core Team: Your Partner & Family

This is your front line. A partner who brings you a water bottle without being asked, a mother who cooks a meal, a friend who holds the baby so you can shower—this support is priceless. Open communication is key. Talk with your partner and family about how they can best support your feeding goals. Their emotional encouragement is just as important as their practical help.

The Baby's Expert: Your Pediatrician

Your pediatrician is the expert on your baby's overall health. They will track your baby's growth, monitor their development, and manage any health concerns. I work collaboratively with pediatricians across our community. They are an essential part of ensuring your baby is thriving, which is the ultimate goal of any feeding plan.

The Mother's Expert: Your OB/GYN or Midwife

Your obstetrician or midwife cared for you throughout your pregnancy and delivery, and their support continues after your delivery. They manage your physical recovery and can address any health concerns you may have, from postpartum bleeding to managing blood pressure. Your health is a critical component of a successful breastfeeding journey.

The Latch & Positioning Coach: The IBCLC

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a certified professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They are incredible resources for helping with latch, positioning, and common breastfeeding challenges. They provide hands-on support and can help you and your baby get comfortable. Many of the families I see have worked with an IBCLC and come to me when a medical issue is suspected.

The Medical Detective: The Lactation Medicine Physician

So, where do I fit in? As a board-certified lactation medicine physician, I bring a medical lens to complex feeding issues. My role is to be a medical detective for the mother-baby dyad. When challenges go beyond latch and positioning, I can:

• Diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions in both you and your baby that may be impacting feeding (like thyroid disorders, PCOS, or complex infant anatomy).
  

• Order and interpret lab work or imaging.
  

• Prescribe medication when necessary to support lactation or treat infections.
  

• Perform in-office procedures, like a frenotomy for tongue-tie, if medically indicated after a thorough evaluation.

Your village should make you feel supported, not overwhelmed. This World Breastfeeding Week, I encourage you to think about your team. Know who to call for what, and never hesitate to ask for help.

If you feel you need a physician-level evaluation for your feeding challenges, I invite you to schedule a consultation. 

Visit here for online scheduling or call our office to book an appointment.