For moms who have been shamed while breastfeeding in public the support of a partner or bystander can make all the difference.
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Project: Breastfeeding is a breath of fresh air in the movement to promote breastfeeding, and it is unique in that it was started by a man. The founder, Hector Cruz, states that the mission of Project: Breastfeeding is to destigmatize public breastfeeding, educate men, and empower women. He is issuing a call to fathers to educate themselves about breastfeeding in order to support their wives:
When I started this project, I set out to change my town—to make my town as breastfeeding friendly as I could—so my wife and daughter would never be made to feel ashamed.
For moms who have been shamed while breastfeeding in public, and unfortunately there are many, the support of a partner or bystander can make all the difference in giving her the courage to continue feeding her baby whenever and wherever baby is hungry.
Amanda Ogden, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at The Mama’hood in Denver, said that educating dads is a huge factor in breastfeeding success. Dads who have knowledge about breastfeeding are a source of support for their partners, and will also be more likely to notice if problems are occurring in the breastfeeding relationship and will take the appropriate steps to get mom and baby any additional support that they may need. She said that educating dads generally leads to longer duration of breastfeeding as well.
All major health organizations support breastfeeding as the best way of feeding infants, with the World Health Organization stating, “Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.”
Hector is a talented photographer and is raising money to host photo shoots all over the U.S., where men pose shirtless with their child(ren) and the slogan: If I Could, I Would. He is issuing a call to fathers and hopes through the project to eventually be able to offer co-ed breastfeeding education classes.
Fathers, I am calling you out! I need more men to step up and be a voice! Talk about it, support your wives, when you see a mom breastfeeding her child in public go tell them how much they rock!!! Help me reach other guys. We have a voice and we can make this world a better place for our wives, partners, and our children! Isn’t that what being a father is all about?
Awareness, education, and support will all serve to increase breastfeeding rates and therefore the health and wellbeing of moms and babies.
Check out the video. (Especially sweet Sophia suckling on her dad’s nose!)
Video: Project Breastfeeding Promo by Kalimana.com from Kalli Pavon on Vimeo.
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