Black Breastfeeding Week-Educate

Breastfeeding is something near and dear to my heart. I never thought I would be as passionate as I am about something so ridiculously natural, and done all over the world, but I am.  I had a Mother who nursed two of her three children. She wasn't able to with me due to birth complications.  I saw the nursing as something "you just did".  I never even wondered about it really.  I've had friends that do it, the generation before me showed examples of it, etc.

What if your culture didn't? If you rarely saw a Mother that breastfed?  If you had people say that it was weird?  What if the hospitals, aides, counselors, representatives of health organizations didn't encourage this in your community?  Would you want to breastfeed, or be like what you saw?  I'm going to bet most women, especially young women that look to others for encouragement as new Mother's, would go with what they're taught.

Black Breastfeeding Week is such an important week to bring to the forefront a need in the community.  Moms in the lower income areas could then be taught how inexpensive, nurturing, and healthy it is for their babies. Black Mother's from all walks of life could get a better sense of community, and common ground.

There obviously have been numerous reports on the benefits of breastfeeding, the black communities could stand more education on the importance of it as well. The bonding with a child, the way it helps prevent disease and illness, the ways it can help prevent things to come in a person's body. There is also always in every community, the almighty dollar being put above human need.  Formula is an amazing thing, and even though I nursed all three of my children, each one of them received a few bottles of the stuff to help me out here and there. I'm not bashing that, what I am saying is the fact that advertisement for it is consistent while something natural like breastfeeding is an afterthought.

Please educate your friends, be an encouragement to others, educate a younger Mother in your community or family.  Breastfeeding is not simply just breastfeeding, it is bringing a community of families together.  Breastfeeding shifts in an entire community, can literally change the future of the community.

*photo borrowed by blackmothersbreastfeeding.org*

August Is National Breastfeeding Month!

National breastfeeding month is something dear to my heart. It makes me happy that breastfeeding is getting acknowledged as a valid and necessary start to a baby's life. I have had a wonderful bonding experience with both of my children while nursing them. My daughter for ten months and now my son who is almost six months old. Each of them were unique in their feeding habits and each has posed it's own set of challenges. It was something I always thought I would do and I have fulfilled that goal with happiness. The road wasn't always easy but, it was attainable.

I will try and post some facts about breastfeeding in a few posts so that moms who are curious about nursing can see for themselves why breastfeeding should be a goal, at least for a few months of their baby's life. Not all moms can breastfeed but, the majority can. It's important to educate yourself on anything you choose to do for you and your family.

Did you know?:

• Formula isn't sterile?
• Formula contains Formaldehyde
• A Mother's breast milk is constantly changing as her baby grows to provide the exact type of nutrition the baby needs.
• Breast milk is species specific and is the perfect nutrition for your infant.
• Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Here is a short video to give a general guideline of how nursing takes place in the beginning. Enjoy

Expressiva Nursingwear Review

I recently had the chance to check out a top from Expressiva Nursingwear. When I nursed my daughter, I didn't have any actual nursing tops. I didn't have a lot of money so I didn't invest in them, although there were a few times I would have loved to have one.

When I received the top I noticed the coloring was a nice pale lavender. I liked the touch of smocking right in the front, a simple detail. The shirt I picked was simple. I like something simple in design because I like to pair t-shirts and tank tops with other items. It makes it easy, especially when nursing. The top also comes with an "under tank" I guess you would say. A thin layer of material that allows for discreet nursing. I love that it still covers you.

The shirt was made of organic cotton and was said to be an XL/1X sized top. It also states that some shrinkage will occur. Most nursing moms will tell you that their breasts swell from a little to A LOT when nursing so they want something that's going to be flattering and comfortable. I used their size guidelines and when I put the shirt on, it barely fit. I know with all shops, there's going to be a different fitting. I was bummed that it barely fit because it doesn't make it easy for nursing. The shirt is clingy, especially with the under tank that allows for discreet nursing. So, if you're going to order from them, a good rule would be to probably order one size larger.

Expressiva carries a number of items that are very convenient for nursing moms. I think the best part is that it's convenient when you have to go out and be fully dressed or when you go to work. You can pump or go home for lunch and nurse your baby. They have dresses, bra's, tops, sleepwear, slings, covers, swimsuits, plus sizes and more. My overall take on this shop is that it carries a large variety of items and most are great for everyday wear!

*thank you to Expressiva for providing a shirt for review*