World Breastfeeding Week: Insights from a Labor and Delivery Nurse

By Jodi Chapin RN, Vice President of Green Network Providers

Every year, from August 1st to 7th, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign to raise awareness and promote the benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding for both infants and parents. As a seasoned labor and delivery nurse, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible journey of breastfeeding, from the first latch to the development of a strong, nurturing bond between mothers and their children. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of breastfeeding/chestfeeding and the support needed to ensure successful breastfeeding/chestfeeding experiences for all families.

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding offers numerous health benefits for infants, children, and parents. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding/chestfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. They further advocate for continued breastfeeding/chestfeeding along with the introduction of solid foods for at least one year(Dietary Guidelines), or at least two years (AAP), and longer if desired.

Although families often face many challenges, data does show that most infants begin life breastfeeding and many continue to receive some breast milk at six months. Even a small amount of breast milk is beneficial to infants. However, many families do not breastfeed/chestfeed for as long as they intend, and there are noticeable disparities by race and ethnicity. The steady decline in breastfeeding/chestfeeding indicates that families need stronger support systems such as coaching, time and space to pump milk, education, and widespread social acceptance.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding offers numerous benefits for both babies and mothers. Here are some key advantages:

For Babies:

Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients essential for a baby’s growth and development.
Immune Support: Breast milk provides antibodies that help protect against infections and illnesses. It boosts the baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Cognitive Development: Studies have shown that breastfed/chestfed babies have higher IQ scores and better brain development compared to formula-fed infants.
Emotional Bonding: breastfeeding/chestfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between parents and baby, promoting a sense of security and comfort.

For delivering parents:

Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size, reducing postpartum bleeding.
Calorie Burning: breastfeeding burns extra calories, aiding in postpartum weight loss.
Reduced Cancer Risk: breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Emotional Well-being: The act of breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," which promotes relaxation and bonding, and can reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come easily to every mother and baby. Here are some common challenges and tips to overcome them:

1. Latching Issues: Proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding/chestfeeding. If you're having trouble, seek guidance from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. Sometimes, simple adjustments in positioning can make a significant difference.

2. Sore Nipples: Soreness can be a common issue, especially in the early days. Ensure your baby is latching correctly, use nipple cream, and allow your nipples to air dry after feedings. Be aware that very painful nipples may be a sign of thrush, a yeast infection that can be shared between the infant and the breastfeeding/chestfeeding parent.

3. Low Milk Supply: Frequent breastfeeding and ensuring proper hydration and nutrition can help boost milk supply. Pumping between feedings can also stimulate milk production. If concerns persist, consult a lactation specialist, herbalist, or other health care provider.

4. Engorgement: If your breasts become engorged, try breastfeeding more frequently, applying warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses after. Gentle breast massage can also help. Chilled cabbage leaves can also be applied directly to the breast to reduce pain and hardness of the breast tissues.

5. Balancing Work and breastfeeding/chestfeeding: For working parents, maintaining breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be challenging. Plan for pumping breaks, and storing milk safely. Discuss your needs with your employer to find supportive solutions.

Supporting Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents must have support from family, friends, healthcare providers, and employers to continue breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Here are some ways to support our breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents:

1. Provide Encouragement: Positive reinforcement and encouragement can boost a parent’s confidence and commitment to breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

2. Offer Practical Help: Help with household chores, cooking, and caring for older children can allow the parent to focus on breastfeeding/chestfeeding and rest.

3. Educate and Advocate: Educate yourself about the benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding and advocate for policies that support breastfeeding/chestfeeding in public spaces and workplaces.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the parent has a comfortable and private space to breastfeed/chestfeed or pump milk.

As a labor and delivery nurse, I’ve seen the transformative power of breastfeeding in the lives of mothers and babies. World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to celebrate this natural and nurturing practice, raise awareness about its benefits, and provide the support that parents need to succeed. Let’s come together to promote breastfeeding/chestfeeding and ensure that every parent has the resources and encouragement they need to give their baby the best start in life.

Breastfeed with Love.

Support with Care.

Celebrate the Bond.