Bridging the Divide: Why Inclusive Breastfeeding Support is the Heart of a Healthy Community

By Dr. Ivy M. Bagley, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, IBCLC, CDP, ASDCS, NHDP-BC, PMH-BC, PMHNP

As World Breastfeeding Week approaches, I find myself reflecting on the challenges that many families face in their breastfeeding journeys. This year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights a vital issue: equitable access to breastfeeding support.

In my practice here in Eastern North Carolina, I witness the diverse experiences within our community. While breastfeeding is a natural process, each person's journey is unique and not always straightforward. Various factors, such as limited access to care in rural areas, cultural beliefs, and language barriers, can create significant gaps in the support systems that should be accessible to every parent.

For families in rural Eastern North Carolina, accessing in-person lactation consultants or support groups can be a daunting challenge. Limited transportation options, long distances, and competing responsibilities often make it infeasible to provide essential hands-on assistance. This is where innovation and advocacy are crucial. At Blessed and Healthy Families, Telehealth and in-home healthcare services have transformed our approach, allowing me to connect with parents in their homes to provide guidance and reassurance without facing logistical obstacles.

I want to help address the ongoing disparities in breastfeeding rates among different communities through support and education. This issue extends beyond personal choice; it reflects systemic problems. Are we offering culturally sensitive education? Do our healthcare systems genuinely embody a "baby-friendly" environment that respects and supports all families, regardless of their backgrounds? Are workplaces not only legally compliant but also practically accommodating for parents who need to pump or nurse? 

Closing these gaps requires understanding that effective support is not one-size-fits-all. It involves investing in community-based programs, empowering peer support networks, and ensuring that every healthcare provider, from pediatricians to mental health specialists, has a solid understanding of lactation and can make appropriate referrals. When we prioritize inclusive support, we are not just aiding individual families; we are fostering healthier, more resilient communities for future generations.