From Practice to Policy: Healthcare Providers' Impact on Breastfeeding Support | 2024 Awareness Guide
As we enter August, National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the US, it's time to shine a spotlight on a critical issue that affects millions of families across the United States: the support and protection of breastfeeding mothers. This year's theme, "Nourish, Sustain, Thrive," encapsulates not only the benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers but also the vital need for societal support to ensure successful breastfeeding journeys.
As a human being, mother, and business consultant, I firmly believe in supporting families in feeding their babies in the way that works best for them, whether that's through exclusive breastfeeding, a combination of breastfeeding and formula, or formula-only feeding. This post, however, focuses on supporting those for whom breastfeeding is their best option and works for their family.
The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, yet many mothers face significant obstacles in initiating and continuing to breastfeed. The statistics are stark: while 83.2% of infants born in 2019 started breastfeeding, only 55.8% were still breastfeeding at 6 months, according to the CDC's National Vital Statistics System. This dramatic drop-off underscores the challenges mothers face, from lack of paid parental leave to inadequate workplace accommodations.
Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned at the intersection of these challenges. You witness firsthand the struggles your patients face while possessing the potential to drive meaningful change. As a business consultant to healthcare provider-owners, I see a compelling case for better supporting breastfeeding patients.
When patients feel supported, they are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes. This improved compliance not only benefits the patient but also leads to more efficient healthcare delivery and potentially reduced costs in the long run.
Moreover, by advocating for policies that support breastfeeding mothers, you can contribute to a healthier society overall while enhancing your practice's reputation and patient loyalty. This is not just about individual health outcomes; it's about shaping a society that values and supports the choice to breastfeed.
Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers: A Comprehensive Approach
To effectively promote and sustain breastfeeding, we need to address challenges in various spheres of a mother's life. Here are key areas where you, as healthcare providers, can make a significant impact:
1. Medical Practices:
- Provide comprehensive prenatal education on breastfeeding
- Offer immediate postpartum support and guidance
- Ensure follow-up care and lactation consultations
Your role in this early stage is critical. Studies show that early support can significantly impact breastfeeding success. Consider this: 19.2% of breastfed infants receive formula before 2 days of age. Your intervention during this crucial period can make a lasting difference.
2. Workplace Support:
- Implement lactation-friendly policies in your own practice
- Provide clean, private spaces for expressing milk
- Offer flexible scheduling for pumping breaks
- Advocate for these practices in other workplaces
The importance of workplace support cannot be overstated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 27% of private sector employees have access to paid family leave. This lack of support can significantly impact breastfeeding duration. As healthcare providers, you can lead by example in your own practices and advocate for change in your community.
3. Societal Support:
- Normalize breastfeeding in public spaces
- Advocate for paid parental leave policies
- Educate the public on the benefits of breastfeeding
While 49 states have laws allowing mothers to breastfeed in any public or private place, the implementation and public awareness of these laws vary greatly. Your voice as a healthcare provider carries weight in these discussions.
4. Addressing Disparities:
- Recognize and address racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates
- Provide culturally competent care and support
- Target resources to underserved communities
The disparities in breastfeeding rates are stark and demand our attention. CDC data shows that 90.3% of infants of Asian mothers initiate breastfeeding, compared to only 73.6% of infants of Black mothers - a disparity of 16.7 percentage points. Your role in addressing these disparities through targeted interventions and culturally competent care is crucial.
Healthcare Providers as Advocates and Changemakers
Your influence extends far beyond the walls of your practice. Here's how you can leverage your position to create broader change:
1. Lobbying for Change:
- Engage with local and state lawmakers to push for pro-breastfeeding legislation
- Advocate for policies supporting paid parental leave and workplace accommodations
- Provide expert testimony in legislative hearings on maternal and infant health
2. Community Outreach:
- Participate in local health fairs and community events to educate the public
- Collaborate with schools to incorporate breastfeeding education in health curricula
- Partner with community organizations to reach underserved populations
3. Workplace Advocacy:
- Consult with local businesses to help create lactation-friendly workplaces
- Offer guidance on implementing effective lactation support programs
- Highlight the business benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees
4. Professional Leadership:
- Take leadership roles in professional associations to influence policy
- Contribute to developing evidence-based guidelines for breastfeeding support
- Mentor younger colleagues to create a new generation of breastfeeding advocates
5. Media Engagement:
- Write op-eds or letters to the editor on breastfeeding issues
- Participate in local media interviews to share expert insights
- Use social media to disseminate accurate information and combat misinformation
By taking on these advocacy roles, you can extend your impact far beyond your individual practices. You can help shape policies, change societal attitudes, and create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. This not only benefits patients directly but also contributes to improved public health outcomes and potentially reduces healthcare costs in the long term.
Be the Change for Breastfeeding Support
As healthcare providers, you have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of breastfeeding mothers and their families. Here's how you can take action today:
1. Evaluate Your Practice:
- Review your current policies and procedures for supporting breastfeeding mothers.
- Identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
2. Educate and Empower:
- Enhance your own knowledge about breastfeeding support and share it with your staff.
- Provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive breastfeeding education to your patients.
3. Advocate Beyond Your Practice:
- Reach out to local lawmakers about breastfeeding-friendly legislation.
- Engage with community organizations to promote breastfeeding support.
4. Collaborate for Change:
- Partner with local businesses to create lactation-friendly workplaces.
- Join forces with other healthcare providers to amplify your voice.
5. Lead by Example:
- Implement exemplary breastfeeding support policies in your own practice.
- Share your success stories to inspire others in the healthcare community.
Remember, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement. Your expertise, influence, and advocacy can help create a society where breastfeeding mothers feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Supporting breastfeeding mothers is not just a matter of individual choice—it's a public health imperative that requires collective action. The benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the immediate mother-infant dyad, positively impacting families, communities, and society at large.
As healthcare providers, you stand at the forefront of this crucial issue. Your unique position allows you to directly influence patient care, shape institutional policies, and advocate for broader societal change. By supporting breastfeeding mothers in your practices, lobbying for family-friendly policies, and challenging societal norms, you can help close the gaps in breastfeeding rates and reduce health disparities.
The impact of supportive practices is clear. States with higher overall breastfeeding rates tend to have smaller racial and ethnic disparities. By working together to implement supportive policies and practices, we can aim to replicate the success of states like Oregon, where 94.8% of infants initiate breastfeeding.
Remember, every interaction with a breastfeeding mother is an opportunity to provide support, every conversation with a colleague is a chance to spread awareness, and every letter to a lawmaker is a step towards policy change. Your actions, both big and small, ripple outward, creating a more supportive environment for all families.
As we move forward, let's commit to being active champions for breastfeeding and family support. By doing so, we're not just improving health outcomes—we're strengthening the fabric of our communities and investing in the future of our society. The journey to comprehensive breastfeeding support may be long, but with healthcare providers leading the way, we can create lasting change that benefits generations to come.
Your voice matters. Your actions count. Together, we can build a world where every mother who chooses to breastfeed has the support she needs to succeed. Let's make it happen.
Take the Next Step
If you're a provider-owner seeking to build a thriving, sustainable practice without sacrificing your wellbeing, I invite you to explore working with us. As a healthcare business consultant and executive coach, I partner with innovative provider-owners to optimize operations, prevent burnout, and implement strategies that elevate profitability and market leadership while nurturing personal growth. Schedule a consultation so we can co-create your inspired next steps.
About the Author
Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.
Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.
Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.
Citations:
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/your-breastfeeding-rights
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm#print
https://hub.jhu.edu/at-work/2024/07/12/national-breastfeeding-month/
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7021a1.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/mpinc/supporting-evidence.html
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-state-of-paid-family-and-medical-leave-in-the-u-s-in-2024/
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7021a1.htm