During the Covid 19 pandemic, education and lactation assistance for new parents was extremely limited. A recent study showed that over 70% of mothers reported not having the support that they needed to reach their breastfeeding goals during the lockdown. August is World Breastfeeding Month and is celebrated to raise awareness to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding not only for mother and baby but for children, families, and the environment.
This week, we’re talking with Marji Stark, lactation consultant at Saint Luke’s East Hospital, about how the pandemic impacted new mothers on their breastfeeding journey, the benefits for mom and baby, and the lactation support and resources there are for moms.
I’ve been an SLHS employee for 21 years, but before that breastfed my 4 kids, each at least 3 years, with one of whom I had to work 6 days a week when he was growing up. 😊 I also donated breast milk to SLHS way back. I think it’s awesome how mothers are able to receive this much-needed assistance now. There aren’t as many, if any, mothers and grandmothers able to help instruct and provide assistance to the new moms, and breastfeeding requires huge commitment and if you don’t know what to do and cope, it’s often so easy to just stop. I think it is even more important now especially given the issues with formula shortage. 🫤