Breastfeeding isn’t easy. How can lactation support help?

The baby formula shortage in the United States has put many parents in dire situations. As of mid-May, an increasing number of stores reported having no formula or very low stocks.

And breastfeeding is not an easy solution. Health, economic and time constraints can impact a parent’s ability to breastfeed. Breastfeeding and pumping throughout the day can be challenging for working parents. And Black, Indigenous and Hmong parents are less likely than white parents to breastfeed. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the disparities in who breastfeeds, and how to better support parents and their babies. 

Guests: 

• Shashana Craft is a indigenous lactation consultant, certified perinatal educator and indigenous doula. 

• LaVonne Moore is a certified nurse midwife, women’s health care nurse practitioner and lactation consultant. She is also the founder and CEO of Chosen Vessels Midwifery Services. She has a PhD in nursing practice. 

• Ellen W. Demerath is a professor of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota. She has a PhD in anthropology.