How can breastfeeding women support other mothers around the world?

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-04-14 16:20:00 UTC

(photo credit: babsteve)

Do your part to make breastfeeding normal in your culture and globally. If you cover when you nurse, do it for your own sake, not because of people around you. If you are asked why you breastfeed, tell the truth - because it's the best possible nutrition for a baby and reduces childhood illnesses. Let people take your picture when you nurse; post the pictures on flickr if you feel comfortable. Write about your experiences in any medium you can access.

Donate to milk banks in your community. If you pump more milk than you can use, give it to a milk bank. Your local hospital is likely to have one, or in North America check here. The milk is used for premature babies, and infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed. You couldn't use it anyway, so let the milk do what it was designed to; nourish a child.

Hold formula manufacturers accountable. Write to companies that donate baby formula in exploitative ways. Stop purchasing their products, and let them know why.

Use what you have learned. Breastfeeding is a constant learning process; by the end of a breastfeeding relationship you know a lot about infant feeding. Use that knowledge to inform your charitable giving. Support programs that are good for mothers and babies, and take their needs into account.

Use your experience as a breastfeeding mother to advocate for others. Speak up for women and babies, and their right to breastfeed. Hold NGOs and government donors accountable for following good feeding practices in humanitarian emergencies.

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