For primary care providers, midwives, OB/GYNs, etc., they know the importance of breastfeeding. However, myths around breastfeeding persist. The WHO fights breastfeeding misconceptions not only among parents, but among professionals.

In fact, while evidenced supports the importance of breastfeeding in all countries, misconceptions remain. In fact, Laurence Grummer-Strawn, PhD, head of food and nutrition action in health systems at WHO, told Healio Primary Care:

“Many health professionals in high-income countries believe that breastfeeding only matters in poor countries, where water is unclean, or families cannot afford infant formula.”

Yet, we know this is not evidenced-based information. Yes, the risks associated with formula feeding are higher in low-income countries, but they are not eliminated.

As certified breastfeeding counselors (CBC), it is important to get your information from reputable sources, such as the WHO. From there, you can be part of fighting breastfeeding misconceptions.

Does Breastfeeding Really Matter?

While many providers are aware of the benefits, many families still do not receive the education and support needed to reach their or evidenced-based goals. In fact, the CDC estimates that only 25% of US babies are exclusively breastfed at 6 months. Other data suggests this rate may be up to 39% in Western Europe as well as developing countries.

It is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to inadvertently minimize their potential impact on feeding decisions. Their language matters as families look to them as experts. However, many healthcare professionals have little training in supporting breastfeeding. Even if they have the evidence, practical application is not always learned in medical training.

“They sometimes fear that by providing scientific information about breastfeeding, they will make women feel guilty about their feeding decisions,” Grummer-Strawn said to Healio. “As a result, they deprive women of the support they need to address concerns about positioning, latching at the breast, pain or situation‐specific issues.”

As a CBC, you understand the difficulty in providing lactating people with evidenced-based information during a vulnerable time. We want to support their breastfeeding goals, provide evidenced-based information, all without making them feel upset about their difficulties or decisions.

Breastfeeding is a Public and Personal Health Concern

Breastfeeding is a public health and a personal health concern. It can be difficult to balance sharing important information with the vulnerable and emotional investment.

However, as you know, even in higher income countries, not breastfeeding can:

• Increase the risk of SIDS
• Lead to more frequency and severity of common childhood illnesses
• Increase the risk of some female cancers in birthing people
• Lead to more hospitalizations for babies with dehydration during illness
• And more.

That is only some of the risks, of course. Research shows there is significant benefit to providing infants with human milk. It also shows the importance of breastfeeding following a pregnancy. The physiological norm for both the birthing person and infant is to breastfeed following birth. While this does not happen for all, and there are some circumstances where this is not possible, for most dyads, it is physiologically possible.

As a CBC, you know that some clients lose confidence after discussing breastfeeding with healthcare providers. Providers can trigger low confidence “by suggesting that breastfeeding is good ‘if she can’ or ‘if she has enough milk,’” Grummer-Strawn said.

“True milk insufficiency is quite rare and is usually caused by inappropriate management of lactation,” he added.

Breastfeeding is Vital

Breastfeeding has always been an important part of human health. However, in recent years, we have seen many global issues where breastfeeding becomes extremely important. With the pandemic hitting in 2020, crises in Ukraine, lack of access to clean water in the US, breastfeeding rates are beginning to become more vital than in previous years.

The WHO plays a significant role in educating healthcare professionals, the public, and influences government policy. As a CBC, it is important you keep an eye on trends in breastfeeding news. You can use this information to better support you clients and educate your community.

Not already a CBC? Be sure to register today to help more families meet their breastfeeding goals.