Breastfeeding Support for All

By: Yanett Hodgson, Lactation Consultant and Ashley Guidry, Communications Associate

World Breastfeeding Week, established in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy, is celebrated annually from August 1-7. This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap- Breastfeeding Support for All,” emphasizes enhancing breastfeeding support to reduce societal inequities, particularly during emergencies and crises. Legacy has pledged to participate in the #WBW2024 celebration and is featured in the Pledge Map.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding, or chestfeeding, for the first six months after birth as it provides essential energy and nutrients for infants. Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both baby and parent. Breastmilk contains antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses like asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, and SIDS. It is easier to digest than formula and is more cost-effective. For the parent, it lowers the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, ovarian and breast cancers.

“Breastfeeding promotes the optimal health outcomes for mothers and children,” says Legacy’s Lactation Consultant, Yanett Hodgson. “Breastfeeding guarantees that children meet their full developmental potential, prevents infections, is environmentally friendly, and is health cost efficient for mothers and children.”

Breastfeeding can act as a societal equalizer, and efforts must be made to ensure everyone has access to support and opportunities. Lack of support during the first week can negatively affect overall breastfeeding intention.

Non-Hispanic Black infants consistently experience lower rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity compared to non-Hispanic White infants, while Hispanic infants also show lower rates, though to a lesser extent. Various factors impact breastfeeding practices, such as birth hospitalization experiences, access to lactation support, returning to work and workplace support, family and social support, and cultural norms. It is crucial to ensure no one is left behind, particularly vulnerable mothers who may need extra support to address breastfeeding disparities.

This is why lactation consultants play a crucial role in making breastfeeding a pain-free and viable option for new moms. A lactation consultant is a certified health professional who specializes in breastfeeding issues. They are trained to help parents and infants with feeding concerns and problems that arise after a baby is born.

Legacy’s Lactation Consultant Yanett Hodgson, who has been with Legacy for 10 years, joined the Patient Education team on Wednesday, August 7^th to share information about breastfeeding with patients and offer new breastfeeding education classes. At clinics providing OB/GYN and Pediatric services were free breastfeeding incentives, educational materials, class scheduling, and chances to win prizes for patients who visited our tables and sign up for classes.

Legacy is committed to supporting breastfeeding for every newborn and parent. To support this commitment, we encourage patients to explore resources on the US Breastfeeding Committee website. We also warmly invite new and expectant moms to visit our locations where our experts can provide valuable information and more resources to help make the transition to motherhood smoother.