Breastfeed Durham is thrilled to spotlight a transformative piece of literature shared by Lindsey Bickers Bock, MPH, Director of Health Education & Community Transformation, from the Improving Community Outcomes and Maternal Health team. Lindsey’s dedication to enhancing maternal health outcomes and her continuous efforts to bring pivotal resources to our community’s forefront have once again enriched our collective knowledge and advocacy. The work by Brown and Lunsky, ‘Time to Count the Breastfeeding Experience of Women with Disabilities in Health Surveillance Efforts.’ serves as a crucial reminder of the diversity within the lactation community (request a free copy). It shows that, although individuals with disabilities initiate breastfeeding at rates similar to their peers without disabilities, significant disparities in breastfeeding duration persist. This underscores the necessity for tailored support that recognizes and accommodates the unique obstacles encountered by lactating parents with disabilities.
Lindsey’s initiative to share this article with our community not only amplifies its vital message but also sparks a broader conversation on how we, as advocates and supporters, can further tailor our efforts to be genuinely inclusive and supportive of all breastfeeding journeys. This inspiration has led to the creation of a blog article that delves deeper into the themes presented by Brown and Lunsky, advocating for enhanced peer-to-peer support, accessible lactation resources, and healthcare provider training that acknowledges the diversity of breastfeeding experiences.
We invite our readers to explore the insights and recommendations detailed in this significant research, reflecting on how we can collectively contribute to a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding breastfeeding community. Lindsey Bickers Bock’s thoughtful contribution serves as a reminder of the power of shared knowledge and the impact of collaborative advocacy in transforming the breastfeeding landscape for all families.
Navigating the complexities of newborn care and lactation is a universal challenge that is often intensified for individuals with disabilities. The range of experiences—from the physical difficulties of chest/breastfeeding with a mobility impairment to the sensory challenges faced by parents who are blind, deaf, or autistic—highlights the diverse needs within the community. Despite these challenges, the determination and resilience of parents with disabilities in their lactation journey are profound, reflecting their deep love and commitment to their children.
Recognizing the need for specialized lactation support for individuals with disabilities is just one aspect of Breastfeed Durham’s advocacy. We aim for a holistic approach to inclusivity, acknowledging and addressing the varied needs of all families. The saying “a rising tide lifts all ships” beautifully captures our ethos, yet it’s essential to recognize that not all families begin from the same vantage point. Achieving equity in lactation support requires a customized approach that respects the unique journeys and challenges of each family.