What is breastfeeding support anyway?
Support:
verb (used with object)
to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.
to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.
to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate.
to sustain (a person, the mind, spirits, courage, etc.) under trial or affliction:They supported him throughout his ordeal.
to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for:to support a family.
to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, countenance, one's vote, etc.; back; second.
to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.).
to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.):Leading doctors supported his testimony.
to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance:The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
It is almost universal for mothers to state a wish for more support during their season of breastfeeding.
From the very early days as they struggle to latch their newborn infant to the final days as they wean their child, support is cited as vital. Yet many are lost when asked to describe the support they crave.
Is it practical support in those early days, as they bridge the divide between hospital and home? Someone with time and wisdom to guide mother and baby towards effective, comfortable milk removal at the breast? Or perhaps that practical support comes in the form of food, care and nurturing in the home while breastfeeding is established in the early weeks? Support in the form of paternity or carer’s leave taken by a loved one and given wholy into looking after the home and family while mother and baby navigate this time?
Is it emotional support at every stage when a mother needs to be heard, without judgement? When advice is only offered when sought, when choices are heard respectfully and not challenged or dismissed?
Is it community support, where breastfeeding is valued and welcomed, accommodated and respected? Where there need be no fear of criticism, judgement or embarrassment. Where inclusiveness includes the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their children?
Is it support in the form of advocacy, where others step up and defend breastfeeding when global capitalism undermines its value in order to profit from breastmilk substitution? Where mothers and infants in vulnerable circumstances are protected as the dyad they are, without separation? Where all community spaces embrace the connection between them, from hospital wards to refugee camps and evacuation centres?
Is it informed support, where knowledge of breastfeeding practice is shared at all levels of society and no woman needs to defend her goals, actions or requirements? Where all children are educated about lactation and breastfeeding as routinely they do about other human biology? Where there is no embarrassment or shame about breasts or breastmilk?
Or is it - pure and simple - asking a mother what her breastfeeding goals are and then doing everything you can to help her achieve them?
And when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned, mothers need support to grieve and express their emotions. Acknowledging their disappointment, frustration and other strong feelings is far more helpful than offering platitudes about formula feeding. Breastfeeding trauma and grief are real and valid experiences and need recognition and validity within society.
