World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2023 is here, and during this week, the team at Ameda finds it crucial to pause and appreciate the significance of this worldwide initiative. It's a time to raise awareness, grapple with ever-changing themes, explore this year's emphasis on breastfeeding and the workplace, and inspire participation in the WBW pledge. Moreover, we see it as an opportunity to share invaluable tips to help mothers successfully navigate breastfeeding while managing their professional commitments. Learn more about World Breastfeeding Week, as well as some tips for pumping in the workplace in this post from the Ameda blog.
What is World Breastfeeding Week?
World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, is a global campaign coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and is a part of National Breastfeeding Month. Its goal is to raise awareness about the vital importance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers and to encourage breastfeeding-friendly practices and policies worldwide. The theme for 2023 is enabling breastfeeding and making a difference for working parents.
Understanding the Themes of World Breastfeeding Week
Every year, WBW revolves around a unique theme, focusing on different aspects of breastfeeding. The themes aim to highlight the many benefits of breastfeeding and address the challenges that can sometimes pose barriers to its successful practice. From emphasizing the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, to advocating for shared parental responsibility, the themes ensure a comprehensive approach to promoting breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week 2023 Theme
This year, the theme of World Breastfeeding Week is especially pertinent as we navigate our way through a post-pandemic world. In keeping with the times, the theme draws attention to the intersection of breastfeeding and employment. It aims to underscore the importance of paid leave, supportive workplace policies, and evolving parenting norms in facilitating successful breastfeeding. The focus this year isn't just about awareness, but about action. It calls upon everyone - governments, policymakers, employers, communities, and parents - to play their part in fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment, particularly as we adapt to new norms in our work life.
Understanding Breastfeeding in the Workplace
It's a fact of modern life that many mothers return to work while they are still breastfeeding. In an ideal world, all workplaces would be equipped to support this. Many progressive companies are now providing "mother rooms" for breastfeeding or pumping during work hours, and some even offer dedicated refrigerators for storing expressed milk. However, the reality is that not all workplaces have such facilities. This underlines the importance of advocating for better support for breastfeeding in all work environments, as part of the broader objectives of World Breastfeeding Week. To help new mothers navigate breastfeeding in the workplace, here are some tips to make your experience as successful and comfortable as possible.
Tips for Pumping in the Workplace
Successful pumping at work requires some planning and preparation. Here are a few tips:
- Establish a Routine: Try to establish a pumping schedule that aligns with your baby's feeding schedule. This helps maintain your milk supply and reduces discomfort from engorgement.
- Prioritize Comfort and Privacy: Use a nursing cover if pumping in a shared space for more privacy. Make sure you're comfortable, as stress can affect milk letdown.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Keep a water bottle and healthy snacks at hand to stay well-nourished and hydrated throughout the day.
What to Look for in a Breast Pump for Use in the Workplace
A good breast pump can be a working mother's best ally. But with a variety of models on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. When selecting a breast pump for workplace use, consider the following:
- Efficiency: Look for a double electric breast pump that can pump both breasts simultaneously, saving precious time.
- Portability: A compact, lightweight model is essential for commuting.
- Quiet Operation: A quiet pump will allow you to pump discreetly, even in a shared space.
- Easy to Clean: You want a pump that can be quickly disassembled and cleaned, to maintain hygiene while saving time.
Ameda carries a wide variety of breast pumps appropriate for use in the workplace. Browse our selection of breast pumps here.
Tips for Storing Breast Pump and Expressed Milk at Work
Proper storage of your breast pump and expressed milk is critical. Here are some tips:
- Store Pump in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your pump in a clean bag when not in use to protect it from dust and germs.
- Use Proper Containers: Store milk in hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting tops, or special breast milk storage bags.
- Refrigerate Promptly: If possible, store expressed milk in a refrigerator as soon as you've pumped. If a fridge isn't available, use an insulated cooler with ice packs.
Navigating breastfeeding in the workplace can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, it's entirely possible. At Ameda, we're committed to providing quality breast pumps and valuable advice to support you on your breastfeeding journey, at home, and work. Join us in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2023 and advocating for more breastfeeding-friendly workplaces worldwide. Let's work together to make breastfeeding work, for every mother and every baby.
Getting Involved with the WBW Pledge
One of the most effective ways to participate in World Breastfeeding Week is to take the WBW Pledge. By taking this pledge, you are committing to promote and support breastfeeding in whatever capacity you can. This could mean advocating for breastfeeding-friendly policies in your workplace, spreading awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding in your community, or simply offering support to a breastfeeding mother. The pledge embodies the spirit of World Breastfeeding Week: every one of us has a role to play in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. It's a powerful statement of solidarity with breastfeeding mothers around the world, and a commitment to take action. Take the pledge for a chance to be featured on the World Breastfeeding Week website. Take the Pledge here:https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/pledge/.
Ameda Is Your All-In-One Breastfeeding Solution
Here at Ameda, we wholeheartedly support the objectives of World Breastfeeding Week and the WBW Pledge. We believe that breastfeeding is not just a mother's issue, but a societal one that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. So this World Breastfeeding Week, let's celebrate, understand, and take action. Whether you're a parent, a healthcare professional, an employer, or a policymaker, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Take the WBW Pledge, champion the cause of breastfeeding, and help create a world where every mother has the support she needs to breastfeed successfully. Explore the Ameda website for more information on how we can support your breastfeeding journey, and join us in celebrating and promoting breastfeeding this World Breastfeeding Week. Let's make #WBW2023 a success together!