Join The Big Breastfeeding Conversation
Join The Big Breastfeeding Conversation, Hosted by Medela
The 12th July will see the return of Medela’s annual event, formally the Big Breastfeeding Café - but as it returns for its 9th year this summer, the campaign has a fresh new take, stripping it back to its core values to ensure expectant and new mums have a platform to have open and honest conversations about breastfeeding.
Sharing the realities of their individual experiences, reflecting on the things they wish they had been told, as well as just getting mum’s talking, the upcoming social media initiative is all about creating open and honest conversations about breastfeeding –sharing the good, the bad and the unexpected…
Ahead of this year’s newly named Big Breastfeeding Conversation event, the global breastfeeding brand ran a social survey to get a true reflection of how expectant and news mums feel about breastfeeding and how this potentially impacts on their experiences… Having spoken to over 500 women, Medela discovered that…
- 85% of mothers wished more people had discussed breastfeeding with them during pregnancy.
- Over 90% of mothers shared that having more information during pregnancy, would have better prepared them for breastfeeding.
- Worryingly, 90% of mothers asked felt there was not enough education around complications that can cause setbacks (such as tongue tie/mastitis)
- However, 90% of women confirmed that even with challenges they have overcome, their breastfeeding journey has been rewarding.
The results show a worryingly high percentage of mums really felt they needed more information and education on breastfeeding during pregnancy, to better prepare them for their journey ahead. With this in mind, the Big Breastfeeding Conversation on 12th July is encouraging just that – getting mums and mums-to-be talking about the real stuff from day one (in pregnancy!).
Additionally, part of the recent survey revealed that 80% of pregnant women do have goals to breastfeed, which really shows the importance of honest information, to better prepare them, as well as to support them to breastfeed for as long as they had hoped to. With breastfeeding frequently hitting the headlines becoming a divisive topic in the UK, it has never been more important to offer support, break the taboos, and involve mums-to-be in the conversation.
Acknowledging the struggles, as well as the celebrations, the day itself (which can be accessed anywhere through the power of social media) will see a number of lives taking place on Medela’s Instagram from fellow mums and mums-to-be, all in conversation about breastfeeding, covering the things they wish they had been told, the tips and tricks that really made the difference, as well as experts answering the questions mums really want to hear. The whole campaign will be encouraging mums to get talking about those topics that just aren’t spoken about enough, whilst involving expectant mums in the conversation too.
The ultimate goal is to share an insight into the raw and honest breastfeeding experience, celebrating mothers, and sharing why it is such an important part of their journey, even with any challenges they may face along the way.
Medela’s Marketing Manager, Charlotte Price, commented:
‘We are so proud to continue to support breastfeeding mums and mums-to-be, and this year’s twist on our annual event will do just that. The Big Breastfeeding Conversation is all about mum-to-mum support, whilst really offering advice for expectant mothers, something our recent survey has showed just isn’t done enough. The day itself is set to be bursting with information, celebration and amazing conversation, we can’t wait!’
