This week is National Breastfeeding Week! National Breastfeeding Month is in August. Breastfeeding is one of nature’s most natural things, and yet, today in the 21st century we still need a month to highlight and discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and the difficulties mothers have to be able to breastfeed: challenges in the workplace, nonexistent maternity leaves and other issues.
Much progress has been made even in the last 5 years since I breastfed my son. When I was breastfeeding, lactation consultants weren’t even covered by insurance– and that meant they were out of reach for me! Today, they are covered by insurance (as are breast pumps!).
Today, my son’s pediatrician’s office offers the services of a lactation consultant, which wasn’t the case five years ago. I know because I asked a lactation question and the pediatrician said I’d have to go to my own doctor for that. (SMH).
Today, there are communities on the internet that you can turn to that will help you, applaud you and show you the way– keep you motivated when breastfeeding gets tough. Because Instagram is one of my favorite social media channels, I wanted to share with you some accounts of awesome breastfeeding moms to follow on Instagram:
Breastfeed Without Fear’s motto is “breast is normal • fed is best” They are there for support (they have support group meetups through out the USA) and are not there to shame those who cannot or choose to not breastfeed. Here’s what they say: “Breastfeeding is a normal part of life and motherhood. The most important thing is that you and baby are healthy and nourished.”
MsWright is a rockstar in the breastfeeding/mama goddess world. Where else have you met a breastfeeding pole dancing globe-trotting mama? She is fierce and her photos are beautiful. Follow her and be inspired.
Black Moms Breastfeed is a community dedicated to decreasing breastfeeding disparities in the Black community and inspiring Black moms through love and community.
Blactavist’s mission is to increase breastfeeding rates in the black community with support and encouragement!
BreastfeedingUSA’s mission is to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information and support, and to promote breastfeeding as the biological and cultural norm. I love their “#milkmemo” shots!
You can also visit their site: breastfeedingusa.org
Breastfeeding World is a photography project created by a NY-based photographer, Alexia Garcia. She seeks to awareness and encourage new moms to choose to breastfeed. Alexia’s pictures are phenomenal!
With over 40,000 followers, Normalize Breastfeeding provides inspiration, support and laughter. You will not believe where these mamas have breastfed! It will encourage you and make you smile!
The Badass Breastfeeder
Abby Theuring, The Badass Breastfeeder. Mother, Wife, Activist, Blogger, Social Worker Speaker of breastfeeding and Attachment Parenting. www.thebadassbreastfeeder.com
LACTATION RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
For more support check out:
KellyMom – Breastfeeding and Parenting
National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color
New York Lactation Consultants Associations
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READ RELATED:
Breastfeeding Awareness Month: Open Letter to Congress
Breastfeeding … what Breasts Are Really For
