World Breastfeeding Week and Reflections on Support
Friday 1st August marked the start of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) this year. Each year World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in the first week of August to generate public awareness and support of breastfeeding. In 2025 the theme is:
Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems and highlight the importance of accessible, ongoing support for families.
I love this theme, because we know that one of the largest reasons that women don’t achieve their breastfeeding goals is because they don’t have the support that they need for breastfeeding, whether that is from their partners, family, friends or health professionals. When women are supported and know where to get breastfeeding support they are more likely to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
I have breastfeed all three of our children, and this week I have been thinking of a post I wrote over two years ago when I stopped feeding Master J after 4.5 years of breastfeeding. It was my tips on where to get support for breastfeeding. 100 percent with this years WBW theme, so here are my breastfeeding support tips that I tell all clients. If you are looking for help this will help, so read on and share with anyone you know who is pregnant because it will help them too.
Post written on 24th June 2023
One week ago this little man and I had our last breastfeed . After 4.5 years of feeding together it came to an end and our last feed was lovely. We talked and then he got up to go and play with his new Transformers which where his finishing breastfeeding gift.
For me not only is this the end of this journey, but this stage in the kids life. For the past 11 years there has only been 3 months where I haven’t either been pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s been huge and I’m proud of the journey. I’ll admit that there have been challenges along the way; breastfeeding toddlers, learning to navigate breastfeeding when a baby has new teeth, mastitis and doubt. But do you know she has got me through?
⭐️ Support and belief from my husband. He’s always been my biggest supporter in breastfeeding. He was there for our breastfeeding class at Mackay Hospital and sitting there with me for those early first feeds with a newborn. Reminding me to take her off and start again when Miss S wasn’t latching properly. The research is right you won’t last as long at breastfeeding if you don’t have partner support.
⭐️ Family & friends who believe in breastfeeding. You know who you all are and you have taught me so much. Thank you
⭐️ Breastfeeding support groups through Australian Breastfeeding Association. I have been lucky enough to be part of two amazing groups Australian Breastfeeding Association Springfield and Surrounds and Mackay Group Australian Breastfeeding Association. At both groups I found friends, support, education and welcoming arms.
If you don’t know they also have a helpline that is staffed 24 hours a day by trained volunteer breastfeeding counsellors. These women volunteer to help women and their partners navigate breastfeeding. I can attest that they are incredible. To contact them their number is 1800 686 268.
⭐️ Breastfeeding education, my hubby and I did a breastfeeding class at our local hospital with the amazing Ruth Carson. I still reference what she taught me today as a postpartum doula and childbirth educator. If you are looking for one, my advice is start with the Australian Breastfeeding Association, they have been doing this for 60+ years, it’s evidence based and staffed by trained volunteers helping women.
⭐️ 3 known midwives, who supported me through breastfeeding doubts in pregnancy and early postpartum.
⭐️ Finally me! As I became more confident with breastfeeding I never doubted that it was best for the kids and knew we would find the right time to stop. The philosophy of:
“if it’s not a problem for me than it’s not a problem”
became my mantra when I would hear unhelpful advice of night feeding a toddler.
So now it’s time to ditch the maternity bras and buy some new bras reflect back on these memories and help support families navigate their breastfeeding journey whatever it looks like for them.
To find out more about specific breastfeeding support in Greater Ipswich and Springfield, that I recommend to my clients visit my blog post here on this topic.
