Breastfeeding & COVID-19 Series Session #2: Supporting Breastfeeding During Challenging Times

This was the second session in the Breastfeeding & COVID-19 webinar series, facilitated by Cathy Carothers of Every Mother Inc. During this webinar, Cathy shared best practices and strategies that lactation consultants can utilize to build connection and reassurance with new parents, in order to support breastfeeding and maternal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discussed a shared decision-making model that lactation consultants can use to educate parents and help parents make decisions about breastfeeding during the pandemic. Participants heard about barriers and challenges to breastfeeding, especially due to the pandemic, and learn strategies for identifying and engaging support networks, such as fathers/partners and grandparents. Cathy also discussed safety practices to consider when providing individualized counseling, as well as methods for providing education and emotional support to families virtually during the pandemic.