“Not only does it limit our capabilities, but it can also be very discouraging.”
A doula lends emotional, physical, and informational help throughout the pregnancy journey.
“Culturally, amongst Black families, and historically, breastfeeding was kind of shunned upon.
“[It made] many people take a step back from breastfeeding.”
2.Black women are more likely to facebiasand/ordiscriminationwhile visiting healthcare professionals.
This misconception has led to cases of medical professionals ignoring and/or not properly treating Black women’s concerns.
3.Lack of resources plays a big role.
“Access to some of the resources to make breastfeeding much easier aren’t available.”
Thankfully, Naturally Nurtured Birth Services offers all of these options and more.
4.A lot of families are dealing with unrealistic expectations as to what breastfeeding should look like.
“That typically stems from not seeing good examples of breastfeeding around them.
First off, when you have a newborn, we’re not producing two-ounce bottles.
And that’s perfectly fine.
Our bodies make exactly what your baby needs.
You produce colostrum it’s only a few drips, but it’s just what your baby needs.
5.Formula companies often push their products on new mothers without their consent.
I breastfed all of my children.
There’s an agenda out there that makes it hard to stay on track.”
6.Breastfeeding is a team effort.
“It’s a team effort making your breastfeeding journey successful,” she added.
7.Build your birth support team!
“[Naturally Nurtured Birth Services] builds a team throughout.
We plan the baby showers, we plan the gender reveals, etc.
Who can you lean on when things get a little rough?
Talk to other people who have breastfed; they’re going to be your biggest support system.
Figure out your ‘norm’ and know that there will be challenges, and that’s okay.”
8.The first two weeks of nursing are the hardest.
“I’ve had moms whose goal is to just make it through the first three weeks of breastfeeding.
I’m like, okay, if that’s your goal, then that’s mine, too.
9.Motherhood can feel isolating.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Shanille believes shared experiences are the best way to learn.
It also helps people realize they’re not alone.
10.Beware of taking advice from social media.
“I hate when I see these overproducers on social media.
They’re filling their fridge with tons of [breast]milk.
That’s not the goal.You don’t want to overproducebecause that’s a whole list of other problems.
Seeing images like that can be discouraging.”
“Babies are also less likely to suffer from obesity,” continued Shanille.
“Breastfed babies, overall, are healthier.
Breastfeeding helps the mom’s uterus shrink back down and helps decrease bleeding.”
And of course, it promotes bonding between the mother and child.
Oxytocin is released during nursing, so the love is felt both ways.
