Podcast | Breaking Down the US Breastfeeding Landscape with Kelly Durbin

Kelly Durbin's book, Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding

In this conversation, Christine and Kelly Durbin discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding breastfeeding. They emphasize the importance of data in understanding breastfeeding trends, the need for improved education and community support, and the role of lactation consultants in protecting breastfeeding potential. They also address the decline of community support post-pandemic and the necessity of reframing breastfeeding education to better prepare parents. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations in lactation support and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for breastfeeding families.

Takeaways

Data is crucial for understanding breastfeeding trends.

States should collect breastfeeding data at local levels.

Community support for breastfeeding has declined post-pandemic.

Prenatal education on breastfeeding needs to be improved.

Lactation consultants play a vital role in supporting breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding education should be reframed to focus on real experiences.

Protecting breastfeeding potential is essential for mothers.

Conflicts of interest in lactation support must be addressed.

Community knowledge of breastfeeding is vital for success.