Did you know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month? In this month we are reminded of the profound connection between a mother and her child—a bond that starts with the simplest, yet most vital act of nurturing. Yet, for many mothers around the world, this beautiful experience is fraught with challenges that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
This year, UNICEF and WHO have called for equal access to breastfeeding support, emphasizing the critical need to empower all mothers and babies with the resources and guidance they need to thrive. UNICEF and WHO defend that when mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits. Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820 000 children’s lives each year!
While global breastfeeding rates have seen a hopeful increase over the past decade, with 48% of infants under six months now being exclusively breastfed, there are still countless mothers left struggling, their requests for help unheard. In Portugal, for example, only 22% of mothers are able to exclusively breastfeed until six months, falling short of the United Nations' goal of 50% by 2025. These numbers are not just goals; they represent real mothers, real babies, and real struggles.
One story that shows the importance of receiving support is that of Mariam, a Nigerian mother who has been in Lisbon for over two years.
Mariam faced a challenging breastfeeding journey, struggling with low milk supply and significant pain, which led her to start giving formula to her 5-month-old baby. Despite this, her baby continued to struggle with feeding, and Mariam, sensing something was wrong, sought help at the Lisbon Project after doctors dismissed her concerns.
It was during a conversation with Jodeé, a compassionate team member of the LP that a solution seemed possible. Jodeé talked to Claudia, a speech therapist and lactation consultant, who was ready to help. Claudia had started collaborating with the LP some time before as part of her PhD research on breastfeeding among migrant and refugee women.
Claudia visited Mariam at home and, after analysing the baby’s orofacial structures, discovered the issue – a tongue tie. This condition was preventing the baby from breastfeeding effectively and even making it difficult to feed from a bottle. While the Portuguese Public Health Service does perform surgery for tongue ties, the wait time is often several months – time that Mariam’s baby, who was already showing signs of dehydration and malnourishment, simply didn’t have. Without intervention, the baby would continue to struggle with feeding, which could lead to further health complications.
Claudia was quick to recur to her professional network which helps mothers and babies who need immediate help, and they made a small cut to the tie. Claudia continued to visit Mariam’s home, assisting with muscle activation exercises to support the baby’s recovery. Although Mariam’s milk supply had dried up and exclusive breastfeeding was no longer possible, the baby was finally able to feed properly with formula.
Mariam described the support received as a “Lifetime moment”, expressing her happiness and relief of seeing her baby being nurtured again. Unfortunately, as Claudia noted, hospitals in Portugal are not always prepared for these situations. As they did not see an initial problem, exclusive breastfeeding was not carried out.
Mariam’s story highlights the importance of early accessible breastfeeding support. Though we no longer have a dedicated healthcare program at the Lisbon Project, we are still so committed to mobilising our community to support each other in overcoming challenges. In this month especially, we advocate for a world where every mother and baby receive the care they deserve.
Let’s spread awareness and support this month by sharing stories like Mariam’s, reminding us all of the incredible impact we can have when we come together as a community. If you want to be part of this journey, join us at the Lisbon Project.
Special thank you to Claudia and your network for intervening in this “lifetime moment”.
The lisbon project exists to make a difference in the lives of migrants and refugees.
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