One of the things I'm most passionate about is supporting other women in reaching their breastfeeding goals, whatever those may be. This is why I'm so excited to have just completed a peer lactation counselor course.
Both of my babies were born in winter months, and so I feel like I've experienced firsthand how isolating having a newborn can be (in general)... let alone when you're trying to develop a brand new skill that requires almost your full attention and that you've rarely seen demonstrated. We don't live in villages anymore where there are other women around to model, to ask questions of and to lean on for support - I often wish we did.
(According to The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, among children born in 2007 about 75% of mothers initiated breastfeeding, 43% were still nursing at 6 months and only 22% at 12 months. The numbers are even lower when you look at exclusive breastfeeding (33% at 3 months, 13% at 6 months). BUT... good news... according to the CDC, the numbers were up across the board in 2011: 79% of women initiated, 49% still going at 6 months, 27% at 12 months... 40% exclusive at 3 months, 19% exclusive at 6 months.)
Some people choose not to breastfeed, or to stop earlier than they planned, and they are totally at peace with their decision, and that's awesome. But stopping because you chose to is different than stopping because you felt you HAD to, didn't have support, ran into a speed bump, etc. I bet a lot of people fall into this latter camp, and I bet a lot of these moms are left feeling disappointed, frustrated and sad.
Enter more good news: Professional lactation support is a vital tool in helping mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding, and the numbers of helpers are increasing annually. Also from the CDC: 2006 through 2013, the number of IBCLCs (board certified lactation consultants) increased from 2.1 to 3.5 per 1000 live births. And in 2013 there were 3.8 CLCs (certified lactation consultants) per 1000 live births, up from 2.5 in 2011.
My training didn't make me either one of these types of professionals, but it provided a great base of knowledge to supplement my personal experience with nursing, as well as opportunities to hone my counseling skills. It also allows me ongoing access to moms who need help. I can use my knowledge to troubleshoot issues, provide empathy, impart confidence and connect them with the pros if necessary. I'm so excited to become part of the solution.