Breastfeeding on the Front Lines

By Dr. Sherley Samuels, OB/GYN

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the beauty, challenges, and strength behind one of the most natural, yet demanding, aspects of motherhood. As an OB/GYN and mother of four, I’ve supported countless women through their breastfeeding journeys. But this year, I’m deep in the thick of my own. And it’s my fourth time.

That’s right—this isn’t my first breastfeeding rodeo. Each of my four children has had a unique nursing journey, and I’ve learned that while some things do get easier with experience, breastfeeding never becomes effortless. This time, I’m balancing the needs of a busy 10-month-old with hospital shifts, pumping schedules, and the emotional push-and-pull of being a working mom.

The Truth About Breastfeeding: It’s Not Always Picture-Perfect

We often see glossy images of mothers in cozy chairs, blissfully nursing in the golden light of a quiet nursery. But real life? Real life looks like me, in my hospital call room, still in scrubs, holding my son close for a much-needed feed between patients. I’ll always treasure the photo that captured that moment, which only happened because my mother brought him to the hospital so I could nurse during a break in my 24-hour shift.

Another photo shows me passing a freshly pumped bottle of breast milk through the car window to my husband, who’s waiting outside the Labor & Delivery unit. I was on call, juggling responsibilities, and he was doing his part to make sure our baby had the nourishment he needed while I kept doing the work I love.

These snapshots are real. They’re raw. And they’re reminders that breastfeeding isn’t always serene—it’s sometimes a logistical puzzle, a late-night cry, or a breast pump in a supply closet. But it’s also a beautiful act of love and sacrifice.

What I’ve Learned in Four Journeys

With each child, I’ve gained new lessons, but one truth has remained constant: you cannot do this alone. Breastfeeding takes energy, time, and deep emotional reserves. None of us were meant to shoulder that alone.

In this fourth journey, I’m more intentional about leaning into my support system and more vocal about my needs. I no longer try to power through exhaustion in silence. I’ve learned to accept help, to say “yes” when someone offers a hand, and to trust that my village wants to show up for me—just as I would for them.

Leaning on Your Village

What gets me through? My people. I’m talking about the family members, friends, and coworkers who step in so I can step back when I need to.

Redefining the Village

Not everyone has family nearby—or family they can rely on. And that’s okay. Your village doesn’t have to look traditional to be powerful.

If your loved ones live far away or if you’re feeling isolated, create your village. Join a local breastfeeding or new mom support group, talk to your healthcare provider about postpartum resources, or explore programs like our CenteringPregnancy Program, where moms come together during pregnancy and build lasting relationships that carry into postpartum life.

In fact, many of the strongest mom friendships I’ve seen were formed not through family ties, but through shared experience—those late-night text threads, car seat tutorials in the parking lot, and “you’ve got this” pep talks from someone who’s walking the same road.

Whether it’s your best friend, a coworker, a doula, or someone you met at a prenatal class, your village is who you choose to let in.

How Loved Ones Can Support

To the partners, grandparents, coworkers, friends—this part is for you. You are essential.

Here are a few meaningful ways you can support the breastfeeding mom in your life:

1. Show Up Physically and Emotionally

Sometimes just being there makes a world of difference. Helping with diaper changes, bringing water, or holding the baby while mom showers can mean everything.

2. Run Interference

Protect her feeding or pumping time like it’s sacred. Whether that means managing other kids, handling phone calls, or telling visitors to wait, every little buffer helps.

3. Normalize the Process

Never make her feel like she has to hide or apologize for feeding her baby. Advocate for her comfort in public spaces or family gatherings.

4. Keep Her Fed and Rested

Breastfeeding burns serious calories and takes serious energy. Help by preparing nourishing meals, offering snacks, or letting her nap between feeds.

5. Be Her Emotional Anchor

Breastfeeding can be emotionally intense, especially if it’s not going as planned. Listen without judgment. Encourage without pressure. And remind her that she’s doing an incredible job.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

To my fellow moms: I know it can be hard to ask for help. You might feel like you should be able to do it all. But you don’t have to. Let your village in. Let them bring the baby to your job. Let them stand outside with the car running, waiting to take milk home. Let them love you through this.

Because the truth is, breastfeeding isn’t just a one-person job. It takes a team—and a whole lot of grace.

This month, and every month, I’m honoring every woman nursing through tears, work shifts, growth spurts, and sleepless nights. Whether you’re on your feet in a hospital, leading a classroom, running your own business, or caring for others in your home—I see you. I am you. And with a little help from our village, we’ve got this.

Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month!