August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month - Resources

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and we would like to take a moment to recognize our Certified Educators that are also Lactation Consultants, Doulas and Childbirth Educators and support families through their unique feeding situations.

Through our continuing education partnership with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) as well as State Nurses organizations recognized by DONA International and CAPPA, Infant Massage USA's training offers continuing education credits for Lactational Consultants, Doulas and Childbirth Educators.

We would also like to share these resources including those from HealthyChildren.org from the American Association of Pediatrics, The CDC, The National Institute For Children's Health Quality, and The US Breastfeeding Committee -

HealthyChildren.org from the American Association of Pediatrics - Q & A on Infant Food And Feeding. Including questions like ‘Should I breastfeed my baby?’ ‘Help! I’m breastfeeding my baby and I have a lot of questions.’ ‘What if I’m not breastfeeding my baby?’ and more.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/growing-healthy/Pages/baby-food-and-feeding.aspx

Throughout the month of August, the USBC will host "NBCC Reimagined," a robust series of webcasts that will be available on-demand and free of charge.

http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/p/cm/ld/fid=874 

Mothers can have many concerns about breastfeeding, especially in the early days. It’s important to learn about the common challenges mothers experience so they can receive the support they need. https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/common-breastfeeding-challenges 

The CDC shares tips on how to provide both prenatal and postpartum support to transgender parents who wish to breastfeed or chestfeed their infant:

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/breast-surgery.html

Reducing racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding starts with providing families with education and support services that meet their social, cultural and linguistic needs. Learn how cultural sensitivity improves breastfeeding outcomes:

https://www.nichq.org/insight/cultural-sensitivity-better-breastfeeding-outcomes

It’s not always easy for mothers to get the support they may need while breastfeeding. Read how telelactation can provide mothers with online lactation consultants, support groups and other essential resources:                                                                   

https://www.nichq.org/insight/bringing-breastfeeding-support-more-mothers-and-caregivers



Peer and family networks can improve breastfeeding rates among Black women. Learn how these networks can fill a gap in breastfeeding support for Black women—a gap largely created by the historic and systemic inequities:

https://www.nichq.org/insight/breastfeeding-takes-village-and-too-often-black-women-dont-have-one