Breaking Barriers: Insights and Solutions from Leaders in Breastfeeding Advocacy

To celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we've interviewed leaders from top organizations like ACNM, The Baby Academy, Pumpspotting, Mama Glow, and NAPS. They share insights on breastfeeding barriers, expert advice, future advocacy goals, and words of encouragement for current and future breastfeeding moms. Join us in highlighting these inspiring voices dedicated to empowering mothers and fostering a supportive breastfeeding community.

About: NAPS is a trusted parenting partner, offering online, nurse-led support, education, and coaching from pregnancy to preschool.

What do you believe is the biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding in your field?

From society to social media, there is immense pressure on mothers which, while sometimes well-intentioned, can create barriers to successful breastfeeding. The pervasive expectation that "breast is best" can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy for those who struggle with breastfeeding or choose alternative feeding methods. This pressure is fueled by societal judgment and unsolicited opinions, creating an environment where mothers feel hesitant to share their feeding choices. This includes blanket statements and little acknowledgment that every family, every baby, and every feeding journey is different. What worked for one might not work for another. This lack of support and understanding can isolate mothers, making it difficult for them to seek help or discuss their experiences openly, further complicating their feeding journey and overall well-being.

What solutions or advice would you offer to overcome this barrier?

The solution is twofold. First, you don't have to have a "problem" to work with a lactation consultant. Establish care during your pregnancy or immediately postpartum, just to have someone check on you. Second, choose someone to support you who is not only a trusted medical professional but also makes you feel safe, supported, and not judged. If someone is the wrong fit, change providers. A good provider will ask you lots of questions, talk to you about risks and benefits, what we know and don't know through research, and help you come up with options so you can make a choice that feels best for YOU. The right provider makes all the difference in fostering a more positive and empowering experience.

At an organizational level, what are your future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding?

Our goal is to continue reaching more moms so they can feel supported and educated during their feeding journey. At NAPS, we will continue to fiercely advocate for our parents, and you will never find us telling someone what to do. Instead, we offer choices so that families can make decisions that feel best for them.

What's one word of encouragement you'd like to share with breastfeeding and future breastfeeding moms?

Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, and it's important to remember that how you feed your baby does not define your worth as a parent. What matters most is the love and care you provide. Trust yourself, be kind to yourself, and remember that your resilience through the ups and downs is a powerful expression of your unconditional love for your child. No mother should be on her postpartum journey alone—you deserve support, education, and people in your life who will show up and help you, from your pediatrician to a lactation consultant, to friends and family.

About: The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States.

In your field, what do you believe is the biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding?

The biggest barrier to breastfeeding in the US is the lack of normalization and community support for breastfeeding. According to the CDC, 75% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 13% of mothers are exclusively breastfeeding at the end of 6 months.

What solutions or advice would you offer to overcome this barrier?

We don’t see breastfeeding enough. There needs to be more community support and normalization of breastfeeding. We should not have to hide in a bathroom or a separate breastfeeding room to feed our babies.

At an organizational level, what are your future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding?

1. Encourage comprehensive health education and social marketing efforts to inform and educate the public, health care providers and clients about breastfeeding as a normal process and the preferred method of infant feeding.

2. Advocate for health care systems that provide timely and ongoing counseling and support for breastfeeding and ensures that maternity/newborn facilities follow lactation-friendly policies.

3. Promote adoption of international, national, state, local and institutional policies that clearly support breastfeeding,

4. Support a program of research that seeks to further the understanding of the health benefits of breastfeeding, to identify social, cultural, economic and psychological factors that influence breastfeeding and to assess varying programs aimed to increase the incidence of breastfeeding mothers, both domestically and internationally.

5. Promote federal and state legislation that encourages supportive breastfeeding institutional policies and ensures optimal environmental conditions to facilitate breastfeeding in the workplace and school.

6. Support international efforts to promote and protect breastfeeding through policy, action programming and legislation.

What's one word of encouragement you'd like to share to breastfeeding and future breastfeeding moms?

JUST DO IT!! It’s the best feeling in the world. The bond that is developed is like no other.

About: The Baby Academy is the most trusted digital provider of Pregnancy and Parenting Education in the US.

In your field, what do you believe is the biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding?

The biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding, in my experience, is the lack of consistent support and education for new mothers. Many mothers face conflicting advice from various sources, including family, friends, healthcare providers, and the internet. This inconsistency can lead to confusion, frustration, and, ultimately, a lack of confidence in their ability to breastfeed.

What solutions or advice would you offer to overcome the barrier of breastfeeding?

To overcome this barrier, my primary advice is to seek out and establish a reliable support network early on. This network should include certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs), breastfeeding support groups, and trusted healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding. Here are a few specific steps to consider:

1. Prenatal Education: Attend breastfeeding classes during pregnancy to build a strong foundation of knowledge.

2. Professional Support: Schedule a consultation with an IBCLC shortly after birth, even if breastfeeding is going well, to address any questions and ensure a good start.

3. Community Resources: Join local or online breastfeeding support groups to connect with other breastfeeding mothers who can offer advice, share experiences, and provide emotional support.

4. Consistent Information: Identify reputable sources of breastfeeding information, such as La Leche League, KellyMom, or The Baby Academy, to avoid misinformation.

At an organizational level, what are your future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding?

At the Baby Academy, our future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding focus on educating and empowering parents. We aim to provide comprehensive and accessible breastfeeding education to all parents, helping them feel confident and supported in their breastfeeding journey. Additionally, we are looking to establish partnerships with health systems to enhance our reach and impact. By working closely with healthcare providers, we can ensure that parents receive consistent and accurate breastfeeding support from multiple sources.

What's 1 word of encouragement you'd like to share with breastfeeding and future breastfeeding moms?

Persevere. Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the beginning, but remember that you are giving your baby an incredible gift. Trust in your body and your baby, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Every drop of breast milk is beneficial, and every effort you make is valuable. You're doing an amazing job!

About: Mama Glow is a global leader in maternal health and education, offering comprehensive doula training, workforce development, doula matching services, and advocacy tools.

In your field, what do you believe is the biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding?

The biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding, particularly within the context of Black maternal health, is systemic disparities in healthcare access and support. Black mothers often face historical and structural challenges that affect their breastfeeding journey, including higher rates of maternal mortality, inadequate prenatal care, and limited access to lactation support services.

What solutions or advice would you offer to overcome this barrier?

To overcome these barriers, we need a multifaceted approach. Firstly, increasing access to culturally competent doula care is essential. Doulas, especially those from the community, provide invaluable emotional, physical, and informational support that empowers black mothers to navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence. Secondly, advocating for policies that address racial disparities in healthcare, improving breastfeeding education, and creating supportive environments in hospitals and workplaces are crucial steps.

At an organizational level, what are your future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding?

Our vision is to elevate black maternal health by promoting doula care as a standard of support for all mothers, especially those in marginalized communities. We aim to expand doula training programs that prioritize cultural humility and equip doulas with the skills to provide personalized breastfeeding assistance. Additionally, we strive to collaborate with healthcare providers and policymakers to implement inclusive practices that improve breastfeeding outcomes and maternal well-being.

What's one word of encouragement you'd like to share with breastfeeding and future breastfeeding moms?

Resilience. Recognize the strength within yourself and the legacy of resilience that mothers have carried through generations. Embrace the support of doulas and community networks, knowing that you deserve compassionate care and are capable of nurturing your child in a way that honors your journey and culture.

About: Pumpspotting is a community-driven platform designed to support breastfeeding and baby feeding, making the experience less isolating and more supportive.

In your field, what do you believe is the biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding?

I have seen both first hand and through the tens of thousands of parents we’ve worked with at Pumpspotting how much social isolation and lack of confidence can impact breastfeeding outcomes. When you are navigating constant feeds, lack of sleep, doubt over your ability—questions around everything from milk supply to work support—hearing a kind word or pumping insight from a mother who’s been can make all the difference between giving up and keeping going.

What solutions or advice would you offer to overcome this barrier?

Overcoming these barriers truly requires the entire community to come together and to create more support and access to resources in every place a breastfeeding mother goes. Here are some of the areas where I think we can move the needle most effectively:

1. Community Support: Foster non-judgemental community spaces for breastfeeding and pumping women to be seen and supported. We need more community spaces to create a network of encouragement and shared experiences, from virtual support spaces like Pumpspotting to local breastfeeding support groups.

2. Access to Resources: Improve access to experts and resources like lactation consultants for mothers - both in person and virtually/on demand, as we do on the Pumpspotting app - to increase their chances of success.

3. Workplace Policies: Advocate for more breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, such as designated lactation rooms, flexible schedules, and adequate break times.

4. Technology: Apps and platforms like pumpspotting help to break down barriers by connecting parents with real-time advice, tips, and a community of peers who can offer support and understanding.

5. A Mobile Boob Bus! Spaces for women to experience this community in person! We need to create environments that spur connection and conversation in real life, uniting communities around mothers. Our Feel Better, Feed Better Tour in our 36-foot Breast Express bus does just that!

At an organizational level, what are your future goals for advocating and supporting breastfeeding?

To do that we will continue to build solutions that meet moms where they are, fostering community in the palm of their hands, at work, and in person. This summer and fall, we’re excited to take Pumpspotting on the road with the Feel Better, Feed Better Tour, offering direct, hands-on support to mothers in 15 cities across the country. We’ll create safe, welcoming spaces for nursing and pumping, facilitate connections between moms, and raise awareness about maternal health. We are partnering with local organizations and beloved brands, like Momcozy, to host events, forums, and family activities that highlight the importance of nursing and pumping support. Our goal is to build a robust network that extends beyond the digital realm, fostering a stronger, more connected community of parents.

What's one word of encouragement you'd like to share with breastfeeding and future breastfeeding moms?

Don’t quit on your hardest day! You are not alone in this journey and when it feels hardest, when you think you can’t make it one more pump or feed, imagine the community of women who have been there, are there, and will be there, cheering you on. Take it one day, one feed at a time and know that whatever feeding journey you take is right for you and your baby. We see your dedication and we celebrate your beautiful work. The Pumpspotting team is here for you!