Brochures, fact sheets and artwork depicting breastfeeding are all important tools you can use when visiting your area health professionals. Materials can be purchased through La Leche League International (LLLI), or you can make your own.
Approach your target audience with an activist mindset. You should not act as if these health care workers don't know enough about breastfeeding, but that they should be aware that many of their clients don't feel it is important. Just as activists raise awareness for diabetes or cancer, you can help give your health care professionals resources so that they have new approaches to educating patients.
Organize a group of health care professionals that you are in contact with. Your pediatrician and the nurses in that office are great people to start with. Then, branch out by finding a few lactation consultants and childbirth educators who are willing to join your efforts. But don't limit yourself to medical people who seem to be obvious choices; many doctors and nurses have been touched by breastfeeding either personally or professionally. My own GP has nursed all of her children, some for more than two years, and was eager to talk to me about breastfeeding even when I was seeing her for a sinus infection.
Organize a schedule of events for World Breastfeeding Week. Understand that doctors are busy people; plan ahead. Here are some ideas for activities:
Remember, many women take what their doctors and nurses say very seriously. Allowing your health care professionals to speak out about something as important as breastfeeding makes an impact on the general public.
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