Your Breastfeeding Journey

August is National Breastfeeding Month. August 25-31 is Black Breastfeeding Week! This year’s theme is BBW2022: 10 Years, A New Foundation. Celebrating countless stories and families-past, present, and future. The goal is to shift the narrative and support and uplift each other. I would like to share breastfeeding was difficult for me 27 years ago. I wanted to breastfeed so bad but did not know how and I did not have anyone to guide or help me get it right. But guess what, that was my journey. It dictated how I would feed my second child and also my third. I say that to say your journey is your journey. It matters not if you breastfed for one day or one year, the experience you now have helps you to navigate where to go from here.

How to Get Help?

Now I know better!! So, when I am helping a mother breastfeed, I know how to pause and follow her lead and allow her to show me how to help her. I say this to say toyou, that if you need assistance with breastfeeding, know where your resources are, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Start with where you delivered your baby. Hospital-they should have lactation professionals on staff. Get that contact information and reach out for help. Home birth-ask your midwife or your doula to help and if they cannot ask them to refer you to a lactation professional. Pediatrician-there are some great pediatrician offices that are breastfeeding champions, ask for support. These are just a few places but a great place to start looking and asking for help.

This is your journey. Do all you can to make it an amazing one!! #BBW2022