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Empowering Change: Why IBCLCs Should Join Breastfeeding Task Forces and Coalitions

August 28, 2024
Empowering Change: Why IBCLCs Should Join Breastfeeding Task Forces and Coalitions
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Breastfeeding Task Forces and Coalitions: Why You Should Get Involved

As an IBCLC or an aspiring lactation consultant, you are more than just a provider of breastfeeding support—you are also an advocate for the health and well-being of families. One powerful way to embrace this advocacy role is by getting involved with breastfeeding task forces or coalitions. These groups play a crucial role in promoting breastfeeding, supporting families, and influencing public policy. In this post, we'll explore what these coalitions are, why your involvement is essential, and how you can find and join one in your area.

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What Are Breastfeeding Task Forces and Coalitions?

Breastfeeding task forces and coalitions are groups of healthcare professionals, community members, policymakers, and advocates who work together to promote and support breastfeeding in their communities. These groups operate at various levels—local, state, and national—and aim to address barriers to breastfeeding, improve breastfeeding rates, and ensure that families receive the support they need.

Typically, these coalitions work to:

  • Educate the public and healthcare providers about the benefits of breastfeeding.
  • Advocate for policies that protect and support breastfeeding families.
  • Provide resources and support to breastfeeding mothers.
  • Collaborate with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create breastfeeding-friendly environments.

Why IBCLCs Should Get Involved

As an IBCLC, advocacy is a key part of your professional role. By participating in a breastfeeding task force or coalition, you can make a significant impact in several ways:

  • Advocacy: You can help shape policies and practices that support breastfeeding at a broader level, beyond individual consultations.
  • Community Impact: Your involvement can lead to tangible improvements in breastfeeding rates and family health in your community.
  • Professional Growth: Being part of a coalition allows you to network with other professionals, gain new insights, and develop your advocacy skills.
  • Policy Influence: You can contribute to meaningful policy changes that protect breastfeeding rights and promote supportive environments for families.

How to Find Your Local Breastfeeding Task Force or Coalition

Finding a breastfeeding task force or coalition in your area is easier than you might think. Here are some tips:

  • Search Online: Many states and regions have websites or directories where you can find local breastfeeding coalitions. Start by searching terms like "breastfeeding coalition [your state]" or "breastfeeding task force [your city]."
  • Check with Professional Organizations: The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and other professional bodies often have lists of active coalitions.
  • Reach Out to Local Health Departments: Many local health departments are involved in or have information about breastfeeding coalitions in your area.
  • Ask Colleagues: Your fellow IBCLCs or healthcare providers may already be involved in a coalition and can help you connect.

Once you've found a coalition, getting involved is as simple as reaching out, attending a meeting, or joining a project. Your participation, whether large or small, can make a big difference.

Examples of Impactful Work by Breastfeeding Task Forces/ Coalitions

Breastfeeding task forces and coalitions across the country have spearheaded numerous successful initiatives. Here are a few examples:

  • Improving Hospital Practices: Some coalitions have worked with local hospitals to implement the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, leading to increased breastfeeding rates and better support for new mothers.
  • Advocating for Workplace Support: Many coalitions have successfully lobbied for state or local policies that require workplaces to provide adequate time and space for breastfeeding employees.
  • Public Education Campaigns: Coalitions often run public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, reaching a broad audience and creating a more supportive environment for families.

I am the chair of a regional breastfeeding task force,  North Central Breastfeeding Task Force, which has made significant strides in supporting breastfeeding families in the North Central region. This task force is made up of IBCLCs, WIC breastfeeding coordinators and peer counselors, hospital allys, and more. One of the projects that we are currently working on is the WIC-Hosptial Partnership program, where we are working to help all of the hospitals in our region form partnerships with their local WIC agencies to help improve outcomes for the most at-risk moms. We are also working on a breastfeeding-friendly business program where we encourage businesses in our region to sign a pledge to support and encourage breastfeeding in their businesses. 

Getting involved in a breastfeeding task force or coalition is an excellent way to expand your impact as an IBCLC. By participating in these groups, you can contribute to improving breastfeeding support, shaping public policy, and fostering a community that values and supports breastfeeding families. So why wait? Take the first step today by finding and joining a local coalition. Your voice and expertise are needed to make a difference!

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. Office of the Surgeon General. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52682/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Breastfeeding Report Card, United States, 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm

International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). (n.d.). The Role of the IBCLC. Available from: https://www.ilca.org/main/about/the-role-of-the-ibclc

Baby-Friendly USA. (2023). The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Available from: https://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/

National WIC Association. (2018). WIC Works: Addressing Barriers to Breastfeeding. Available from: https://www.nwica.org/overview-of-wic-works-addressing-barriers-to-breastfeeding

North Central Breastfeeding Task Force. (n.d.). Our Initiatives. [Local resource or website of the task force, if available]

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2012). Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827-e841. Available from: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827

World Health Organization (WHO). (2003). Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241562218