As lactation professionals, we are all about parent support. That’s why we’re excited that Tommee Tippee’s new ads include real life breastfeeding trouble and success.
One of the best ways to support new parents is to help then know they aren’t alone. Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t challenging. When new parents know what troubles might pop up, and how to manage, they’re more likely to reach their breastfeeding goals.
As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), finding easy to access and relatable sources for your clients is a great way to support them. Being aware of what is out there is vital, because as it turns out, these ads have been limited.
“Boob Life” By Tommee Tippee Banned From Social Media
Hiding the realities of breastfeeding, postpartum, and parenting is incredibly damaging to women and parents. Many parents see only the highlight reels of parenthood and wonder why their experience is so hard.
Tommee Tippee’s ad series shows breastfeeding trouble and success, a vital part of preparing new parents. You can see the ad below.
Unfortunately, Facebook denied the ad, even their “no nipple” edited version. Society still sees breasts as only sexual and problematic. This leads to isolation, misinformation, and stigmas related to normal infant feeding. This makes motherhood harder than it needs to be.
Why Sharing Breastfeeding Trouble And Success Is Important
The ad series can play a small but vital role in normalizing breastfeeding. It can help prepare new parents for what typical breastfeeding can look like. As lactation professionals, you can use this resource to help parents understand the importance of breastfeeding support.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselors support new parents in breastfeeding initiation and common associated difficulties. These things include:
- Showing or explaining a healthy deep latch
- Explaining normal infant feeding behavior
- Educating about pumping and pumping options
- Helping come up with a typical feeding routine while understanding the importance of early feeding on demand
- Troubleshooting typical nipple discomfort
- Referring to an IBCLC for nipple pain, persistent latch difficulties, etc.
Another vital part of supporting families in reaching their breastfeeding goals is through peer support. Understanding you’re not alone and seeing variations of normal can be invaluable to new families. While in-person support groups are excellent, this ad series is another way to connect with peer experiences.
Watch The “Boob Life” Ad By Tommee Tippee
They describe their series on their site saying:
“Watch our four-part series of free, fun, informative, downright dishy conversations on all the things on your mind right now. These episodes were filmed live, and you can now watch on-demand your favorite celebrities, influencers, experts and, most importantly, real moms with the real tea… or milk, rather.”
Watch the first part of their series:
Why Are Breastfeeding Trouble And Success Stories Important?
As mentioned above, it’s important to share the stories. But why are they important? Every breastfeeding, pumping, and infant feeding journey are uniquely beautiful. These stories are important in helping validate all experiences.
It’s important for mothers to know that experiencing breastfeeding trouble is normal. It’s also important for them to know that they can overcome difficulties and find success, whatever that looks like!
Breastfeeding success is simply overcoming whatever feeding troubles are thrown at you and finding a feeding plan which works.
As a CBC you can help your clients find success. That may look like breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, giving formula as needed, or a combination of all of the above.
With evidenced based information, and armed with referrals to IBCLCs or healthcare providers, you play a vital role in supporting your clients. The stories featured in this series are another way to show your clients that success looks different for each feeding pair.
To see the rest of the series, visit the Tommee Tippee website.