August 1st to 7th is World Breastfeeding Week. This years theme is “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”. The WHO and UNICEF are calling on governments around the world to protect and promote families access to skilled breastfeeding support which is a key component of breastfeeding success. The WHO highlight the different supports that may be available in communities to provide breastfeeding counselling including health care professionals, lactation counselors and peer support providers. These breastfeeding support people may work in hospitals, clinics, community programs, in person or remotely. Due to the impact of COVID-19, innovation has ensured alternative solutions to care including virtual consultations and supports. Here on the Sunshine Coast, we are lucky that breastfeeding support resources are in abundance! I am proud to be a breastfeeding support person for families on the coast and throughout British Columbia. These are some of the challenges I have supported clients with this year:
Painful latching
Breast pain
Nipple pain
Blocked ducts and nipple blebs
Weaning from SNS (supplemental nursing system)
Pumping concerns
Transitioning from formula bottle feeding to exclusive breastfeeding
Weaning from supplements
Supply concerns and delayed lactogenesis II (the onset of copious milk secretion)
This World Breastfeeding Week I would like to thank the families I have supported and those that I will support in the future. Without your dedication and motivation to breastfeed, non of what I do would be successful. It's one thing to provide support, education and guidance and another thing to adopt change and implement it. I celbrate you!
Sarah Dhillon
BSc A. Obs., MPH, IBCLC
Irish Registered Midwife