3 Easy Ways to Support New Breastfeeding Moms
Reading time: 4 minutes
Today, breastfeeding moms have a wealth of information and support, but it hasn’t always been that way. Believe it or not, in the 1950’s breastfeeding fell out of favor and formula was marketed as a superior form of nutrition. Now, we know that mother’s milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition and can’t be replicated, but the trend from 60 years ago is still impacting us today.
While most moms know breast milk offers the best nutrition for their child, many women first learn about breastfeeding through their moms and sadly there’s a gap in experience. Fortunately, medical professionals and advocacy organizations are filling the “knowledge gap” to overcome barriers to breastfeeding and there’s still more work to do. Here’s a few simple ways you can support new moms.
1. Breastfeed out in the open
The best way to normalize breastfeeding again is to do it proudly. Make it clear that this is something no one should be ashamed of, and something no one should be forced to do in the bathroom or in a distant room in the house. Whether you bare your breast or use a cover, it’s your right to nurse your child. If you’re approached by someone, always reply with a positive attitude (even if you don’t get the same returned). Explain your rights and why you won’t move to the bathroom. Be warm and educational.
2. Make changes at your work
In the United States, employers are required to support breastfeeding mothers by giving them time and space to pump while they work. Unfortunately, many employers fail to take this seriously or do not understand what’s required of them. Be assertive and work with your employer’s human resources department to get the accommodations mothers need. Once policies and facilities are in place, be sure to communicate them throughout the office.
3. Work directly with new moms
As previously mentioned, one of a mother’s biggest challenges is not having someone to go to for help. If you know someone with a baby, don’t wait for them to them to stumble. Be empathetic and offer genuine guidance, advice, and information to help them succeed. You can even go a step further by encouraging mothers to call you or connecting them with helpful resources when they experience a painful latch or are having difficulty with their breast pump.
While it may feel most natural for a daughter to consult her mother with these questions, in many cases it just isn’t possible, so do your best to fill that role.
What steps have you taken to support nursing moms?
Written by Melissa LaHann, Founder and CEO of Happy Fig, LLC
Like many moms before her, Melissa cradled her hungry, crying baby as she clumsily adjusted her bra and sat uncomfortably holding up her shirt. Before she knew it, her baby was squirming, her shirt was falling, and the nursing session was interrupted. She needed a better solution, so she created LatchPal, the first nursing clip of its kind.
LatchPal is a breastfeeding shirt clip that holds up a mother’s shirt during breastfeeding. It eliminates shirt re-positioning and feeding disruptions, and helps a mom nurse hands-free in comfort to maximize milk flow. LatchPal was designed with moms in mind. The multi-use solution only requires one hand to latch. It’s a must-have breastfeeding accessory and essential for post-partum moms, pumping moms, and nursing in public.
Interested in writing a guest blog for LatchPal? Send your topic idea to pr@latchpal.com.
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. LatchPal makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
