It’s hard enough to parent. In addition to figuring out what each child needs and how to handle their needs, society puts a lot of pressure on parents. Let’s briefly talk about some myths and responses. Consider how these myths may be impacting you, and if you might be able to relax more in your early parenting journey.

If you are like me, you may be wondering how to help when people, particularly mothers and children are displaced, are in transit, and are refugees. It’s intuitive and true that infants and young children are so vulnerable in crisis. It is so heartbreaking.

This resource was motivated by the crisis in Ukraine, though it applies to humanitarian crises around the world.

It may surprise you, that in many instances, breastfeeding creates food security for infants right here at home. In a crisis, Infants who are NOT breastfeeding are particularly vulnerable and need special help.

Whether you’re a dad, partner, or another type of support person, this is for you. What can partners do during pregnancy? Get informed. Learn all about breastfeeding, learn about normal feeding and expectations in the early hours and days. Learn what you CAN do BESIDES feed the baby. Know you can be really supportive, helpful, have lots of great bonding time, without feeding. Help the birthing person find resources in your area so that you know where to go for help when you need it (for example find out how your hospital or midwife supports breastfeeding in the early days, interview IBLCs, look for breastfeeding meet ups or clinics). Set up additional support for when the baby arrives, whether a postpartum doula or family/friends, who can come and help so that the birthing person can focus mostly on feeding the baby. Be confident in your role!

Parenting can be challenging and know it is okay not to be okay. Mental health resources are available. Download the PDF below.

Learn about creative solutions to providing breastfeeding support during the pandemic. The discussed innovative strategies may be applied to a wide variety of practices and organizations. These panel presenters, Erin Shaheen, Gillian Szollos, Cindy Kaye, Sue Theriault Valin, Jos Anderson, and Sonya Boersma, share information about virtual breastfeeding education and support created as solutions to the COVID-19 environment. Hosted by the Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program (CMNRP).