The Tribune

Published author and mother of three Kelly Fowler never imagined that one of the greatest challenges she would face after giving birth would be breastfeeding.

Like many first-time mothers, Fowler expected breastfeeding to come naturally. Instead, she found herself battling pain, frustration and self-doubt as she struggled to feed her newborn.

"The beginning was painful, and the milk that I expected to flow freely and naturally just did not," Fowler recalled. "I was ready to quit in the first few weeks."

Like many first-time mothers, she had carefully prepared for childbirth but soon realised she knew very little about what to expect once her baby arrived. Every feeding became an emotional experience as she questioned whether her son was getting enough nourishment and wondered if she would ever breastfeed successfully.

"I experienced all of it with the looming worry of, 'Is my baby getting enough?'" she said.

Determined not to give up, Fowler sought the advice of retired nurse and midwife Ampusam Symonette, a longtime breastfeeding advocate and leader in the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA). Through guidance on proper latching techniques, increasing milk production and caring for herself during the process, Fowler gradually overcame the challenges that had nearly ended her breastfeeding journey before it had truly begun.

"It is because of her that I was able to successfully breastfeed," she said.

Today, Fowler considers that difficult beginning one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. She breastfed her first child for 19 months, and with each subsequent child, she found the process easier as her knowledge and confidence grew.

"Breastfeeding gave me the freedom and convenience of feeding my baby whenever, wherever, without the need to carry extra equipment," she said. "I love that breastmilk contains everything the baby needs for nutrition and immunity at every stage of growth, and the emotional bond it builds."

In addition to raising her family, Fowler is an accomplished author whose publications include the children's books Sleepy Heads, Aunt Love, My Friend Uncle and Things Above. She also authored the heritage research publication History to Heritage: A Heritage Assessment of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera.

She believes education and support are just as important as the decision to breastfeed itself.

"I think my breastfeeding journey would have been less stressful had I known what to expect," she said. "I had prepared for every part of childbirth except this part."

Her experience reflects the message promoted by the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness during World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed annually from August 1-7.

This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," emphasised the importance of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding while ensuring mothers have access to the education, encouragement and practical assistance they need to succeed.

Throughout the week, the association hosted breastfeeding promotion displays, educational exhibitions at participating health clinics, newspaper features and radio interviews aimed at increasing public awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. The observance concluded with The Big Latch On at Mall at Marathon, where breastfeeding mothers gathered in a public show of support for breastfeeding.

As part of the week's activities, Annes Town Clinic captured the national title for the World Breastfeeding Week Educational Exhibit Competition, earning top honours for its creative and informative display promoting the benefits of breastfeeding. Anne's Town Clinic displayed nutrition during pregnancy. The second place winner was the Lower Bogue Clinic in Eleuthera, which displayed family planning themes. Third place was the South Beach Health Center, which focused on infant safety. Judges were Jennifer Pearce, Ampusam Symonette and Melissa Colebrook.

For Fowler, receiving the right guidance transformed what began as one of the hardest experiences of motherhood into one of its greatest blessings.

"I am grateful for the assistance I received to be able to breastfeed all of my babies and give them the best possible start to life."

The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association continues to encourage pregnant women, new mothers and breastfeeding families to seek support, information and community resources that can make all the difference as they begin and continue their own breastfeeding journeys.