Embolden Breastfeeding

KPBS health reporter Kenny Goldberg recently highlighted breastfeeding barriers women in San Diego experience in a three-part health report series. The first series highlighted barriers experienced in health care system including access to professional lactation support immediately after birth. The second series highlighted cultural barriers including the lack of encouragement from family, friends and the community. The last series highlighted barriers experienced in the work place including adequate accommodations to pump.

Photo credit: Katie Schoolov

Prenatal Yoga in San Marcos opens up the second health report on breastfeeding support, and one of our beautiful new moms, Pricila Marquez, was interviewed sharing her recent experiences as a first time mom supporting her infant son with breastfeeding. She explains that breastfeeding is a lot harder than it looks, and that it has taken much more from her than expected. Prenatal yoga provides new moms weekly encouragement and empowerment as they are getting ready for their little one to join earth side. This includes breastfeeding support discussions that include preparations needed to breastfeed, recommendations of independent international board certified lactation consultants, and resources for lactation support groups both in person and online.

Kenny Goldberg’s reporting highlights key health issues for breastfeeding support – breastfeeding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs the support of the community whether it be: the care providers that assist with best practices and provide solutions; the cultural shift necessary from community that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be difficult and to provide support and encouragement for moms to breastfeed whenever and where ever; and the absolute necessary accommodations needed to support mothers returning back to work. The major take away from this health reporting is that health benefits of breastfeeding are not only for mother and baby – breastfeeding builds a healthier community.