Breastfeeding Advocacy

BREAKING BARRIERS AND SHOWING SUPPORT.

Breastfeeding plays an important role in the health and development of babies and has many benefits for moms too. Being an advocate for breastfeeding families and providing supportive environments are easy steps that will help lead to a healthier and stronger community.

Tips for Childcare Providers

When caring for infants and feeding them expressed milk, childcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring the baby’s health, comfort, and well-being. Here are some tips for childcare providers when feeding human milk.

Communication with Parents

Maintain open and clear communication with the baby’s parents about their breastfeeding routine, including feeding times, quantities, and any specific instructions or preferences they may have.

Proper Storage and Handling

Breast milk should be handled with care to maintain its nutritional value. Follow guidelines for storing human milk at the correct temperature and avoid shaking the milk vigorously, as it can destroy some of its beneficial components.

Labeling and Organization

Ensure that each bottle of milk is labeled with the baby’s name and date to avoid mix-ups. Organize milk bottles by the time they were pumped to ensure that the oldest milk is used first.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

Practice proper handwashing and sanitation procedures before handling expressed milk or feeding the baby. Clean and sterilize feeding bottles, nipples, and other equipment thoroughly, or store safely to send home with parents for them to clean and sanitize prior to the next use.

Feeding Cues

Pay attention to the baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on fists, or crying. Avoid propping up a bottle and allow the baby to feed at their own pace.

Bottle Temperature

Check the temperature of the breast milk before feeding by testing it on your wrist. It should be warm, not hot, to prevent burns.

Avoid Overfeeding

Allow the baby to decide when they are full. Overfeeding can lead to discomfort and unnecessary spitting up.

Bottle Feeding Position

Practice paced bottle feeding! Hold the baby in a semi-upright position while feeding to prevent choking and ear infections. Ensure that the bottle is tilted just enough so that the nipple is filled with milk but not so much that the bottle is slanted at a downward angle, and remove the bottle from baby’s mouth to allow for eating pauses that simulate the pauses that baby would take at the breast/chest.

Burping

Gently burp the baby after feeding to release any swallowed air and reduce the likelihood of discomfort or gas.

Respect the Baby's Pace

Some breastfed babies may eat smaller amounts more frequently. Be patient and accommodating to their unique feeding schedule.

Create a Comfortable Environment

If baby struggles to take a bottle, try finding a quiet and calm area to feed the baby, minimizing distractions during the feeding time.

Record-keeping

Keep track of the baby’s feeding times, amounts consumed, and any notes from the parents. This information can help create a consistent and supportive feeding routine.

Support Families

Encourage and support parents when they visit the daycare, providing them with a comfortable space to feed or pump if needed.

Seek Guidance

If you encounter any challenges or have questions about feeding human milk, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the parents, have recommendations for local lactation professionals to give to the family, or consult with a lactation consultant yourself.

By following these tips, childcare providers can create a positive and nurturing feeding environment for children and support the parents in their human milk feeding journey.

Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace

Being a breast/chestfeeding parent and working can present unique challenges for Black and Brown families. It’s important to be aware of your rights and seek support to successfully continue providing milk for your baby while balancing work responsibilities. Since there are extra roadblocks that Black and Brown families face with regards to breastfeeding at work, here are some tips to reduce barriers.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with local laws and workplace policies regarding breastfeeding. Many countries have laws that protect a person’s right to breastfeed or pump at work, including provisions for break times and private spaces.

Plan Ahead

Before returning to work, create a breastfeeding plan. Discuss your needs with your employer or supervisor, and work together to find solutions that accommodate your breastfeeding schedule. Also consider attending prenatal breastfeeding classes and build a relationship with your favorite local lactation professional.

Advocate for Accommodations

If your workplace doesn’t have a designated lactation space, advocate for one. Work with HR or management to create a private and comfortable area where you can pump during work hours.

Use a Breast Pump

Invest in a high-quality breast pump that suits your needs. Double electric pumps are generally more efficient for working mothers. Practice using the pump before returning to work to become familiar with the process. Most insurances will cover a pump for each pregnancy, or every few years.

Build a Stash

Start pumping and storing breast milk a few weeks before returning to work. This helps build a supply in case of emergencies or to ease the transition. Seek guidance from your local lactation professional for a “back to work” plan if that’s helpful.

Communicate with Coworkers

Talk openly with your coworkers about your breast/chestfeeding needs. This can foster a supportive environment and reduce any potential discomfort or misunderstandings. If you encounter misconceptions or lack of awareness about breastfeeding, take the opportunity to educate your coworkers about its importance and benefits.

Set a Pumping Schedule

Establish a regular pumping schedule that aligns with your baby’s feeding routine. Consistency is key to maintaining your milk supply.

Make Time for Breaks

Ensure you have sufficient break times to pump during your workday. Communicate your pumping schedule to your employer and coworkers, so they understand the importance of adhering to these breaks.

Dress for Easy Access

Choose clothing that allows for quick access to your breasts/chest when pumping or nursing.

Store Human Milk Properly

Label and store your expressed milk in a refrigerator or cooler with ice packs to maintain its quality.

Take Care of Yourself

Balancing work and human milk feeding can be challenging, so prioritize self-care. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and get enough rest to maintain your energy and milk supply.

Join a Support Group

Seek out breastfeeding support groups or networks that are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of Black and brown families. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be beneficial.

Be Patient and Persistent

Navigating breastfeeding at work might have some obstacles, but be patient with yourself and persistent in seeking solutions. Remember that you are doing what’s best for your baby’s health and well-being.

Refer to Culturally-relevant Resources

Seek out breastfeeding resources that are culturally relevant and cater to black and brown families. These resources can address specific cultural considerations and offer relatable guidance.

Share Knowledge with Future Generations

Pass down knowledge and tips to others, especially younger generations.

By advocating for your needs and seeking support from your workplace and community, you can create a positive and supportive environment for breast/chestfeeding at work. Remember that breastfeeding is a personal journey, and every family’s situation is different. Trust yourself and do what works best for you and your baby.