World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year between August 1 and August 7 to encourage, promote, support, and protect breastfeeding around the world with the goal of improving the health of babies around the world.
Breastfeeding is rarely contraindicated and is wholly recommended for the first six months by Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) as it provides astounding benefits for baby and breastfeeding parent(s). I will discuss more of these benefits in future posts, but until then, I encourage you to view the links above for more information.
As we wrap up this year’s dedicated week to breastfeeding around the world, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge those who cannot, could not, were advised against, or have chosen not to breastfeed: I see you. I see what went into making that decision, whether it was your choice or not. I see that as your child’s parent(s), you know what your child needs to thrive and live a happy life.
I started my doula training in Summer 2018, and in the year leading up to that point, two of my closest friends had their first baby – 366 days apart. Both of these dear friends of mine had endured a lot of hardship around breastfeeding. Between lack of milk generation, to baby having a tongue tie (and of course its associated procedure to remove it), to the mental and emotional strain such hardships caused between the babies, parents, and care providers… both babies relied on alternative methods of feeding. In the end, both babies and their parents continued to live happy lives with full tummies!
Seeing that side of the “Breast is Best” vs. “Fed is Best” debate, I knew that the decision of which organization to certify with could not be made lightly as I wanted to ensure that the organization that I certified with was inclusive to those who could and do relate to the scenarios my two friends faced. In the end, I am proud to say that I am certifying as a Labour/Birth & Postpartum Doula through Doula Training Canada, where being supported and informed about feeding is best.
As a Labour/Birth & Postpartum Doula, I am happy to share evidence-based and unbiased resources to help you make the best decisions for your family! Let me know how I can help you and your family in this next chapter in your lives!
Chat soon,
Karena
Photo credit: Leah Rempel Photography
