Dear Members, Dear Colleagues,
In our counselling practice, we often work with mothers who begin or continue breastfeeding under challenging internal and external circumstances. Psychological strain, conflicting societal expectations, structural barriers in working life, and uncertainties regarding health-related and legal matters shape the breastfeeding experience of many families. In this issue of Lactation & Breastfeeding, we therefore wish to focus specifically on some of these challenges and explore them from professional, scientific and practical perspectives.
In her article “Between Coping and Crisis”, Natalie Groiss demonstrates how breastfeeding support in the context of mental health conditions can be delivered with empathy and a resource-oriented approach. As well as covering medical aspects, she addresses communication, self-efficacy and how we can maintain appropriate professional boundaries as counsellors.
Drawing attention to a topic that is gaining relevance in light of societal change, Elise Armoiry examines maternal cannabis use during lactation. Her article outlines the pharmacological foundations and offers practical recommendations for breastfeeding counsellors on how to approach this issue in practice.
The compatibility of breastfeeding and returning to paid employment is discussed by Pia Müller in her article “Breastfeeding in the Workplace”. She considers not only the legal framework but also the typical challenges involved in practical implementation.
Drawing on their research at the EpiCenter Innsbruck at the Medical University of Innsbruck (Austria), Lena Tschiderer and Peter Willeit report on findings regarding the long-term reduction in cardiovascular risk associated with breastfeeding.
In her contribution, Eva Bogensperger-Hezel shares her personal experience of providing hospital-based training in breastfeeding support for healthcare professionals.
Marianne Reber reports on easy language as an integral component of target-audience-oriented, barrier-free communication.
Secure handling of sensitive data is at the heart of our work as breastfeeding counsellors. Veronica Quadu offers a practice-oriented guide to meeting data protection requirements as an IBCLC.
This issue is completed by an interview with ELACTA President Mihaela Niţă, who offers personal insights into the association’s vision and its daily work to enhance the visibility and networking of breastfeeding counsellors across Europe. We hope you enjoy the read.
Warm regards
Eva Bogensperger-Hezel and the entire editorial team – Mihaela Nita and the ELACTA board