Words matter.
Whether you’re speaking with a legislator, writing a letter to the editor, posting on social media, or talking with an employer or a friend, the words we choose shape how people understand breastfeeding—and the solutions they believe are possible.
Advocacy is about helping people see breastfeeding as a public health issue, a family support issue, a workplace issue, and ultimately a community responsibility.
Over the years, advocates have learned a great deal about communicating effectively. Here are some principles that continue to guide our work.
start with shared values
People are more open to new ideas when conversations begin with values they already share.
Nearly everyone wants babies to be healthy, parents to have good information, families to thrive, and communities to be strong. Beginning with these shared goals creates common ground before discussing specific policies or programs.
focus on systems
Parents make infant feeding decisions within systems that can support or undermine breastfeeding to varying degrees and in multiple ways.
Paid family leave, access to skilled lactation care, workplace breastfeeding policies, hospital practices, insurance coverage, child care policies, and community support all influence what families are able to do.
The question should not be, “Why didn’t that mother breastfeed?” but rather, “What barriers does our community place in her way, and how can we remove them?”
Recognizing these broader influences helps us focus on creating environments where healthy choices are practical choices.
breastfeeding is normal
Breastfeeding is the biologic norm for infant feeding. Our goal is to make it the social norm as well.
Rather than presenting breastfeeding as a personal parenting choice, it is a societal, community responsibility, manifested through thoughtful policies, supportive workplaces, and accessible health care.
The goal is to make breastfeeding normal and possible for all families throughout our society.
choose language carefully
Whenever possible:
Small changes in wording can shift conversations from judgment to support.
match your message to your audience
Different audiences respond to different messages.
Health professionals appreciate clinical evidence.
Legislators often respond to stories from constituents, local data, and information about costs and benefits.
Employers are interested in employee retention, absenteeism, and productivity.
Parents may want practical information and reassurance.
Effective advocates don’t change the facts—they present those facts in ways that matter to the people they are addressing.
use both stories and evidence
Data explain the scope of a problem.
Stories explain why it matters.
A legislator may remember that Massachusetts has high breastfeeding initiation rates but significant disparities in duration. They are even more likely to remember the NICU parent who struggled to obtain an insurance-covered breast pump while traveling daily to visit a hospitalized newborn.
Stories make statistics human.
Statistics show that those stories are not isolated experiences.
Together they create powerful advocacy.
build partnerships
Breastfeeding advocacy is stronger when many voices work together.
Parents, physicians, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, doulas, nutrition programs, disability advocates, employers, insurers, public health professionals, and community organizations all bring valuable perspectives.
Lasting change does not come from one organization working alone.
be accurate, respectful, and hopeful
Advocacy is most persuasive when it is grounded in evidence, respectful of families’ diverse circumstances, and optimistic about solutions.
Our goal is to create communities where every family has the knowledge and resources they need to meet their own breastfeeding goals, and the institutions that touch their lives support them fully.
words can change policy
Thoughtful communication has helped secure paid family leave, workplace pumping policies, insurance coverage for lactation services, Baby-Friendly hospital practices, and many other improvements.
The conversations we have today shape the policies of tomorrow.
Choosing our words carefully is powerful way we can help build healthier families and communities.
Learn more
Effective advocacy is an ongoing learning process. Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition provides resources, legislative updates, and opportunities to help improve breastfeeding support across the Commonwealth. Whether you are a parent, health professional, employer, or community member, your voice can make a difference. Contact our Advocacy Committee to learn more or get involved.
Photos (top to bottom): Fauxels, United States Breastfeeding Committee, Brett Jordan, Cottonbro Studio, RF._.Studio, Polina
