The Compassion Code: Power, perseverance and passion in lactation support

Media headlines from around the world are increasingly highlighting the mental health toll of working within healthcare, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, we know that infant feeding experiences can leave a lasting memory for mothers who have struggled. But what about those working to support new families with feeding their baby? Who is listening to and supporting them?

In a society that does not understand, value or protect breastfeeding, working or volunteering in lactation support can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. For every family whose life you change with your support, it feels like another five appear. You see your guidance and support overridden by others in the system who do not understand or who are motivated to convince a new mother to feed her baby in a different way. Frustrations with paperwork, bureaucracy and an underfunded system can leave many feeling frazzled and burnt out. But still many continue, driven by a passion to support breastfeeding, immense personal joy and reward from the success stories, and a determination to make a difference to families, both now and in the future.

The Compassion Code: Power, perseverance and passion in lactation support draws on research with over 700 practitioners and volunteers working across the field of lactation to support families. It unpicks and reflects on the challenges of the role while also reminding us why we continue. Most importantly it focuses on the future. What is it about this vocation that keeps bringing people back day after day? How can we nurture and support those working in this field? Ultimately how can we fight to not only protect breastfeeding for the next generation but also those working to support them?