Yerxa quoted in BDN article on feeding babies, supporting women
Kate Yerxa, a statewide nutrition and physical activity educator with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for the article, “When it comes to feeding their child, experts say mothers need more support, less judgment.” Some mothers have a more difficult time successfully breastfeeding, which could amplify their anxiety about feeding their child in public, according to Yerxa. Having a plan and thinking ahead is a good way to try to prevent anxiety, Yerxa said, citing examples such as asking others where a more discrete place to breastfeed might be, or pumping and bottling breast milk to use in public. Mothers who choose not to breastfeed can often feel ostracized for their decision, according to Yerxa. “The conversation needs to be around supporting women and how they choose to feed their baby and encouraging parents to feed their babies in the best way they can,” she said.