Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month
3rd Annual Breastfeeding Bash
Saturday, August 12
9 a.m. to noon
EVMS TowneBank Lawn
RSVP here or email cinch@evms.edu for more information
Free and open to the public, food trucks, giveaways, games/bounce house and breastfeeding help and education
Each August the United States observes National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding among mothers and families. This month-long awareness campaign aims to highlight the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, while addressing the critical issue of disparities in breastfeeding rates across different communities. By understanding the importance of breastfeeding and taking steps to reduce these disparities, the road can be paved for a healthier and more equitable society.
This year, #757Breastfeeds, an initiative of the Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH), is hosting a Breastfeeding Bash on Saturday, Aug. 12. #757Breastfeeds seeks to build a supportive community for human milk feeding in Hampton Roads through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Over the last several years, this group of committed community members and professional stakeholders has worked diligently to dismantle systemic barriers to breastfeeding and create an environment supportive of this choice. The free event will take place on TowneBank Lawn on the EVMS campus from 9 a.m. to noon and will feature food trucks, giveaways, games, a bounce house and breastfeeding help and education. RSVP here or email cinch@evms.edu for more information.
Breastfeeding is often referred to as the gold standard in infant nutrition. It provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost a baby's immune system, offering protection against various infections and diseases. Furthermore, breastfeeding fosters a unique bond between mother and child, promoting emotional and psychological well-being for both parties. For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain cancers, improve postpartum recovery, and even enhance their emotional connection with their newborns.
Despite these incredible benefits, breastfeeding rates vary significantly among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Black families in Virginia face lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration than any other race/ethnicity. This disparity is intertwined with overall Black maternal health outcomes and alarming rates of Black maternal mortality. Several factors contribute to these disparities, including cultural beliefs and practices, access to support and resources, workplace policies, and systemic inequalities. Addressing these challenges is crucial in promoting breastfeeding as a norm for all families and ensuring that every child has a healthy start in life. While #757Breastfeeds respects every parent’s choice to feed their baby in the way they see best, the group provides education and advocacy to make breastfeeding a more accessible choice for everyone.
To decrease disparities in breastfeeding, a multi-faceted approach must be taken by various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, employers and the community. Education and awareness play a vital role in promoting breastfeeding and dispelling common myths or misconceptions that might deter some mothers from choosing this option. It is essential to provide evidence-based information to families, emboldening them to make informed decisions about infant feeding.
Support from healthcare providers is another key aspect of encouraging breastfeeding. Prenatal and postnatal care should include comprehensive lactation support, ensuring that mothers receive guidance and assistance in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Offering access to skilled lactation consultants and support groups can make a significant difference in a mother's breastfeeding journey.
Workplace policies are also critical in supporting breastfeeding mothers. Implementing policies that provide adequate break times and private spaces for pumping milk can enable employed mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. This accommodation can positively impact both employee morale and productivity, ultimately benefiting businesses and the overall economy.
Additionally, community support is instrumental in normalizing breastfeeding and creating an environment where mothers feel comfortable nursing their babies in public without stigma or judgment. Community-driven initiatives can help create breastfeeding-friendly spaces and promote acceptance and understanding among the general public.
National Breastfeeding Month serves as a reminder of the importance of breastfeeding in promoting the health and well-being of infants and mothers. By addressing disparities in breastfeeding rates, significant strides can be taken toward building a more equitable society where every child has an equal opportunity to receive the many benefits of breastfeeding. It requires a collaborative effort from individuals, communities, and institutions to provide support, resources, and education that empower mothers to make the best choices for their children.