In a world where the journey towards health equity remains ongoing, moments of collaboration and dialogue stand out as sign of progress. On Wednesday, March 6th, when Breastfeed Durham was invited to share insights and strategies at Duke Obstetrics (OB) Grand Rounds. This event represented not just an opportunity for engagement, but a pivotal step towards bridging gaps in support for lactating families within our community.
The gathering was an extraordinarily positive experience, underscored by the invitation to leave our presentation accessible for further review by Duke’s healthcare providers. Our presentation, enriched by letters and contributions from providers across the community, shed light on the varied landscape of lactation support—a testament to the collaborative spirit we aim to foster.
Navigating Challenges Together
Our engagement with Duke OB students and professionals centered on a crucial conversation: how can we enhance collaboration among healthcare providers, lactation consultants, doulas, and peer-to-peer support groups? As we continue to advocate that big Duke complete the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation, acknowledging the hurdles and working collaboratively towards overcoming them is essential.
An Invitation to Collaborate
As we navigate these challenges, the perspectives and expertise of our community’s lactation support professionals are invaluable. Your experiences and insights offer a roadmap towards a more integrated and equitable support network for lactating families. This event was a fantastic opportunity to work towards achieving health equity in our community. Health equity in Durham is a journey, with much work still to be done. Thank you to those who share your thoughts, stories, and strategies for enhancing collaboration between healthcare providers and lactation support professionals. Together, we can address the gaps, build on our strengths, and ensure that every family receives the comprehensive, compassionate care they deserve.
Your voice is critical in this journey towards health equity. Let’s keep the dialogue open and work together to transform our aspirations into action.