First time mothers know all too well the struggles of nursing their newborn. In fact, even experienced mums may have trouble with breastfeeding from time to time. Sometimes your baby may not be latching on, or you may not be producing enough milk. That is why lactation consultants are always needed, to guide, support and educate nursing mums during these trying moments. After all, there is so much more to breastfeeding than what you might normally believe. Sometimes Google and other online sources can only give you theoretical information. Charts and infographics and a list of instructions.
But at the end of the day, nothing beats real, practical, hands-on experience from trusted and seasoned specialists. But there are very few places where help can be found. That’s where organisations like The Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Association (MBPCA) comes in. MBPCA is one of the various breastfeeding support groups that have provided a guiding beacon for nursing mothers out there who may be needing a helping hand or two on their tumultuous breastfeeding journey.
Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Association (MBPCA)
Peer Counsellor Training Program
The MBPCA is most widely known for their peer counsellor training program. They offer a variety of classes meant to foster breastfeeding peer counsellors (PCs) who will then go on to help any nursing mother who is need of breastfeeding assistance. The organisation of course makes the distinction between PCs and lactation consultants. The latter of which requires formal certification, which they do not provide. Instead, the MBPCA only provides support for trained breastfeeding peer counsellors who wish to enhance their credibility to become an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). They train breastfeeding peer counsellors to equip them with essential basic counselling skills and basic breastfeeding knowledge.
Seminars on Breastfeeding Awareness
Aside from their training program, the MBPCA also organises events meant to elucidate the issues relating to breastfeeding. Some topics that they have covered include postnatal care and diet, nursing during natural disasters, and the mental health of nursing mums. Their seminars (or rather, webinars) are mostly held online via Facebook, but they also regularly host physical workshops, booths and gatherings at various venues across Malaysia. One of their recorded sessions for instance, features Prof Madya Dr Zaharah Sulaiman, Senior Lecturer and Lactation Consultant at Universiti Sains Malaysia. This seminar highlighted the dos and don’ts about being a breastfeeding counsellor volunteer during crisis events and natural disasters.
Breastfeeding Advocacy Campaigns
In conjunction with various educational and training programs, MBPCA also part-times as a social activist group. Their recent campaign was the White Umbrella Walk, an international women’s march advocating for breastfeeding rights. They also regularly post articles and other informational pieces on breastfeeding awareness. They are most especially passionate about exposing aggressive and unethical marketing of ‘breast milk substitutes’ that sway mums from choosing breastmilk. MBPCA also advocates fiercely for the proper institutional support for nursing mums, especially when it comes to implementing family-friendly policies that cater to a mother’s breastfeeding needs.
Disaster Relief for Nursing Mums
The MBPCA was a saving grace during the massive 2021/2022 flooding that occurred in several major states across Malaysia. Helping provide free breastfeeding equipment to nursing mothers who lived in disaster zones. The group posted various ads on their social media platforms urging followers to spread the word. They were also instrumental in helping educate volunteers and peer counsellors during the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly on how to handle COVID-positive nursing mothers and other issues. The group also conducted several studies to investigate how breastfeeding mothers fared during the pandemic.
Exposes Unethical Infant Product Marketing
Finally, one of the organisation’s most important mandates is their dedication towards protecting and promoting the practice of breastfeeding itself. Part of this initiative involves exposing aggressive and unethical marketing tactics used by companies when promoting infant products. Particularly certain types of breast milk substitutes. They have an online complaint platform specifically created for this purpose. Allowing their large group of followers to anonymously report any violation of the infant product marketing ethics enforced by WHO (World Health Organisation) and MOH (Ministry of Health).
A Fierce Advocate for Breastfeeding Rights and Awareness
The Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Association has provided countless mothers the help they need on their breastfeeding journey. If you are currently having issues, questions or recommendations related to breastfeeding, feel free to join the group. As they are public, all their information is easily accessible to you. But even if you’re not nursing, or a mother, you may share this feature and help introduce the MBPCA to any breastfeeding mum who may be in need of some advice.
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