What better way to start things than with this short video of this AMAZING breastfeeding mother.
Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! Be encouraged!
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2014
Happy Black Breastfeeding Week!
Today kicks off Black Breastfeeding Week.
What better way to start things than with this short video of this AMAZING breastfeeding mother.
Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! Be encouraged!
What better way to start things than with this short video of this AMAZING breastfeeding mother.
Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! Be encouraged!
Friday, July 11, 2014
Mothers of Color! We Need Your Voices!
A friend of mine on facebook shared this via one of the groups we are apart of and now I want to pass it on to you. Below is a copy of the original post. Please consider submitting your experiences and if you are unable to then please share with someone who may be interested.
Thank you!
"Attention moms! Avital Norman Nathman, editor of "The Good Mother Myth" is working on her next book and needs your help!
Thank you!
"Attention moms! Avital Norman Nathman, editor of "The Good Mother Myth" is working on her next book and needs your help!
However, 86% of the responses are from straight, white, middle class women- more Women of Color's experiences need to be recorded!
Please take a moment to complete this survey!"
Please take a moment to complete this survey!"
Friday, June 6, 2014
Upcoming Community Baby Shower!
Expecting and new moms are encouraged to attend!
This event is absolutely free so please mark your calendars and tell a friend!
Space is limited so be sure to register here to reserve your spot.
Donations are also being accepted! Refer to the website linked below if you're interested!
Babies Love Breast Milk also offers free breastfeeding support classes (open to breastfeeding mothers and mothers interested in breastfeeding) every 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm - 9:00pm and held at the West College Hill Community Center.
Please visit http://www.babieslovebreastmilk.com/ for more information on breastfeeding and postpartum services.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Privilege and Racism In The Realm of Birthwork
Status Update
By Sherry Payne
Post-racial diatribe: its what's for breakfast:
Rachel says:
May 21, 2014 at 11:07 am
I’m just curious why women of color would not feel comfortable attending an open to everyone LLL meeting? Why they need their own. As a LLL leader I’ve had women of every color and have never seen a problem with it.
Rachel says:
May 21, 2014 at 11:11 am
along the same lines, why would women of color have a more difficult time acquiring the required hours needed to sit for the IBCLC exam. I know this is a barrier and very difficult for everyone and finding a way to have a resource for all candidates would be very helpful in increasing the number of IBCLC’s in general which is always beneficial to everyone.
Reply
Sherry Payne MSN RN CNE IBCLC CD(DONA) SNM says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 22, 2014 at 8:56 am
Thank you Rachel for your questions I will try to address them one by one. Question 1: I know it may seem on the surface as if I am creating a racially-based division. But in fact, that division already exists. LLLI is well aware that its model of mother to mother support does not translate to communities of color and never has. While their meetings are officially ‘open to everyone,’ they do not meet the specific needs of communities of color. Their misstep is based on a common fallacy of thinking that many share. Let me give you an example: If you Rachel, ventured into say a new pediatrician’s office for your child, and the walls of the office were covered with photos of African-American families and children, you would think, “Oh, this practice is for African-American families. If you visited yet another doctor’s and found only photos of Latino families on the wall, you might think, “Oh this practice serves Latino families. However, if you found a practice that had photos on the wall of all Caucasian families, you would think, “Finally, a practice that serves everyone.” This fallacious thinking is based on culture norming that says everything ‘White’ is inclusive of everyone, making ‘Whiteness’ the norm, with everyone else measured against that standard. So now back to your first question: “why women of color would not feel comfortable attending an open to everyone LLL meeting” The truth of the matter is, those meetings are not open to everyone. They are Caucasian Normative in their style and approach, attracting White women because they were created by White women for White women (not intentionally of course- the creators just thought if it suited and fit them- it would suit and fit everyone), occur primarily in White neighborhoods, and subscribe to standards and guidelines that can be met primarily by middle-class White women. (I am aware that only a few weeks ago LLL has started to make some changes to broaden its appeal.) One or two women of color, does not diversity make. I have to wonder if you are seeing true inclusion or merely tokenism? True inclusion is purposeful, ongoing, and grows organically.
Do women of color regularly attend your meetings or just drop in occasionally? Do you have any leaders of color? Do any of your meetings take place in communities of color? Do you ever discuss issues of interest to women of color? Do women of color return and bring their friends? Do your inclusive meetings reflect the percentages present in the population as a whole? For example Black people make up about 12% of the US population, Latinos about 14%. Is that the breakdown that you see in your meetings? 26% or one quarter of your meetings are African-American and Latino women? Or did you perhaps mean that every few months, a woman of color attends one meeting or perhaps that you have one woman of color that attends regularly? I myself attended LLL for seven years as the only woman of color in my group. I had to go to a White neighborhood to do it, because there were no LLL groups in my own neighborhood. I enjoyed the ladies, and got good information, and was successful in breastfeeding several babies over that period of time. But- I had to check my cultural identity at the door to do so. I know what you are thinking, “Breastfeeding is breastfeeding, what does racial identity have to do with it?” The answer is ‘everything’. Breastfeeding is a human behavior and as such exists in a cultural context. I travel around the country teaching healthcare professionals how important it is to understand the cultural context of lactation for African-American women. We are a unique and distinct and diverse culture, with equally unique needs that go unmet in a dominant normative White culture construct around lactation. Groups like LLL send a subtle message: “Breastfeeding is for people like us.” Us being White, middle-class, stay-at-home moms with cloth diapered, amber necklace wearing, attachment style parented babies. Nothing about that description would appeal to the mamas I see everyday in my practice. Like nearly everyone else, LLL subscribes to the fallacy that they are inclusive, BECAUSE they are White, and White is the dominant culture norm, therefore it includes everyone. This of course is racist thinking at its finest. The fact of the matter is that there are disparities in breastfeeding. African-American women breastfeed at much lower rates and for much shorter intervals than their Caucasian counterparts, and the reasons for this are primarily racially-based. Healthcare providers are much less likely to discuss breastfeeding with their African-American clients prenatally. African-American women are less likely to see a Lactation Consultant in the hospital. Nurses are less likely to assist African-American women with their breastfeeding issues and offer a bottle instead. When African-American women go home from the hospital and seek out community-based support, they are likely to find it only in White neighborhoods and not in their own. Oh, and all those providers I just mentioned are likely to be White so that African-American women never see providers who look like them or share their values. This too is racism at its finest. Second question: “why would women of color have a more difficult time acquiring the required hours needed to sit for the IBCLC exam” Same answer as for question No. 1: RACISM.
You are correct in stating that finding mentors is difficult for everyone. Aspiring LCs of color have the additional burden of having very few LCs that look like them. Mentees of color, much like students of color, don’t get mentors because dominant culture mentors are uncomfortable selecting mentees of color. They want to choose someone they think they have commonalities with, someone of course who looks like them. Doing as you state, “finding a way to have a resource for all candidates would be very helpful in increasing the number of IBCLC’s in general which is always beneficial to everyone.” is not true. It would only benefit White people, because your “everyone” really only means White people, and not the ones who are suffering the disparities, who would be locked out of opportunities intended for ‘everyone’. Think about it, that is what we do now- have opportunities aimed at ‘everyone’. As a result, what percentage of LCs in the US are White? (hint: overwhelming, vast majority). We don’t need resources for ALL candidates, we need resources for underrepresented candidates, because they are being locked out of opportunities in a White dominated profession. Fewer professionals of color mean fewer women of color getting what they need. The ugly legacy of inequities and disparities continue. I know I have written an overly long response to your questions and I thank you in advance for both taking the time to read it and hopefully understanding another point of view. I think your questions are important ones, because so many Caucasian Americans are oblivious to the racial norming that keeps everyone else locked out. I believe many people believe as you do, that normative culture is every culture, but sadly this is not so. I hope that you will turn a more critical eye to your own social constructs surrounding lactation support and take the initiative to find out what you don’t know. In the meantime, I’ll keep fighting on the front lines for African-American women to get what they need to ensure breastfeeding success- the same things that normative culture women take for granted.
Rachel says:
May 21, 2014 at 11:07 am
I’m just curious why women of color would not feel comfortable attending an open to everyone LLL meeting? Why they need their own. As a LLL leader I’ve had women of every color and have never seen a problem with it.
Rachel says:
May 21, 2014 at 11:11 am
along the same lines, why would women of color have a more difficult time acquiring the required hours needed to sit for the IBCLC exam. I know this is a barrier and very difficult for everyone and finding a way to have a resource for all candidates would be very helpful in increasing the number of IBCLC’s in general which is always beneficial to everyone.
Reply
Sherry Payne MSN RN CNE IBCLC CD(DONA) SNM says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 22, 2014 at 8:56 am
Thank you Rachel for your questions I will try to address them one by one. Question 1: I know it may seem on the surface as if I am creating a racially-based division. But in fact, that division already exists. LLLI is well aware that its model of mother to mother support does not translate to communities of color and never has. While their meetings are officially ‘open to everyone,’ they do not meet the specific needs of communities of color. Their misstep is based on a common fallacy of thinking that many share. Let me give you an example: If you Rachel, ventured into say a new pediatrician’s office for your child, and the walls of the office were covered with photos of African-American families and children, you would think, “Oh, this practice is for African-American families. If you visited yet another doctor’s and found only photos of Latino families on the wall, you might think, “Oh this practice serves Latino families. However, if you found a practice that had photos on the wall of all Caucasian families, you would think, “Finally, a practice that serves everyone.” This fallacious thinking is based on culture norming that says everything ‘White’ is inclusive of everyone, making ‘Whiteness’ the norm, with everyone else measured against that standard. So now back to your first question: “why women of color would not feel comfortable attending an open to everyone LLL meeting” The truth of the matter is, those meetings are not open to everyone. They are Caucasian Normative in their style and approach, attracting White women because they were created by White women for White women (not intentionally of course- the creators just thought if it suited and fit them- it would suit and fit everyone), occur primarily in White neighborhoods, and subscribe to standards and guidelines that can be met primarily by middle-class White women. (I am aware that only a few weeks ago LLL has started to make some changes to broaden its appeal.) One or two women of color, does not diversity make. I have to wonder if you are seeing true inclusion or merely tokenism? True inclusion is purposeful, ongoing, and grows organically.
Do women of color regularly attend your meetings or just drop in occasionally? Do you have any leaders of color? Do any of your meetings take place in communities of color? Do you ever discuss issues of interest to women of color? Do women of color return and bring their friends? Do your inclusive meetings reflect the percentages present in the population as a whole? For example Black people make up about 12% of the US population, Latinos about 14%. Is that the breakdown that you see in your meetings? 26% or one quarter of your meetings are African-American and Latino women? Or did you perhaps mean that every few months, a woman of color attends one meeting or perhaps that you have one woman of color that attends regularly? I myself attended LLL for seven years as the only woman of color in my group. I had to go to a White neighborhood to do it, because there were no LLL groups in my own neighborhood. I enjoyed the ladies, and got good information, and was successful in breastfeeding several babies over that period of time. But- I had to check my cultural identity at the door to do so. I know what you are thinking, “Breastfeeding is breastfeeding, what does racial identity have to do with it?” The answer is ‘everything’. Breastfeeding is a human behavior and as such exists in a cultural context. I travel around the country teaching healthcare professionals how important it is to understand the cultural context of lactation for African-American women. We are a unique and distinct and diverse culture, with equally unique needs that go unmet in a dominant normative White culture construct around lactation. Groups like LLL send a subtle message: “Breastfeeding is for people like us.” Us being White, middle-class, stay-at-home moms with cloth diapered, amber necklace wearing, attachment style parented babies. Nothing about that description would appeal to the mamas I see everyday in my practice. Like nearly everyone else, LLL subscribes to the fallacy that they are inclusive, BECAUSE they are White, and White is the dominant culture norm, therefore it includes everyone. This of course is racist thinking at its finest. The fact of the matter is that there are disparities in breastfeeding. African-American women breastfeed at much lower rates and for much shorter intervals than their Caucasian counterparts, and the reasons for this are primarily racially-based. Healthcare providers are much less likely to discuss breastfeeding with their African-American clients prenatally. African-American women are less likely to see a Lactation Consultant in the hospital. Nurses are less likely to assist African-American women with their breastfeeding issues and offer a bottle instead. When African-American women go home from the hospital and seek out community-based support, they are likely to find it only in White neighborhoods and not in their own. Oh, and all those providers I just mentioned are likely to be White so that African-American women never see providers who look like them or share their values. This too is racism at its finest. Second question: “why would women of color have a more difficult time acquiring the required hours needed to sit for the IBCLC exam” Same answer as for question No. 1: RACISM.
You are correct in stating that finding mentors is difficult for everyone. Aspiring LCs of color have the additional burden of having very few LCs that look like them. Mentees of color, much like students of color, don’t get mentors because dominant culture mentors are uncomfortable selecting mentees of color. They want to choose someone they think they have commonalities with, someone of course who looks like them. Doing as you state, “finding a way to have a resource for all candidates would be very helpful in increasing the number of IBCLC’s in general which is always beneficial to everyone.” is not true. It would only benefit White people, because your “everyone” really only means White people, and not the ones who are suffering the disparities, who would be locked out of opportunities intended for ‘everyone’. Think about it, that is what we do now- have opportunities aimed at ‘everyone’. As a result, what percentage of LCs in the US are White? (hint: overwhelming, vast majority). We don’t need resources for ALL candidates, we need resources for underrepresented candidates, because they are being locked out of opportunities in a White dominated profession. Fewer professionals of color mean fewer women of color getting what they need. The ugly legacy of inequities and disparities continue. I know I have written an overly long response to your questions and I thank you in advance for both taking the time to read it and hopefully understanding another point of view. I think your questions are important ones, because so many Caucasian Americans are oblivious to the racial norming that keeps everyone else locked out. I believe many people believe as you do, that normative culture is every culture, but sadly this is not so. I hope that you will turn a more critical eye to your own social constructs surrounding lactation support and take the initiative to find out what you don’t know. In the meantime, I’ll keep fighting on the front lines for African-American women to get what they need to ensure breastfeeding success- the same things that normative culture women take for granted.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Breastfeeding Debate? Again? What Is There To Debate?!
Excuse the misspellings, but I just wanted to share with you all my comment to a post regarding the latest article going around about a mother breastfeeding her daughter at the age of 5. I was in the minority with my views. Sadly it's the mindset of majority of people in our society. Damnit ya'll! We have to do better!
"I see nothing wrong at all. Personally would i breastfeed my 5yr old for everyone to see? No. But in the privacy of my home it would be a go. i breast fed my youngest til she was 3 (most of it was comfort nursing by that age and no simply expressing milk into a cup would not do. Sucking at the breast provided a sort of soothing that would calm her fits, restlessness, and sickness)... she weaned herself, but i would have continued if she wanted to. i hate the stigma attached to breastfeeding. Our milk does not lose any nutrition or use when a child hits a certain age. It purposefully changes it's properties to accommodate a growing child. It's neither demented nor sexual. i dedicate my work to encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers of color... a demographic who suffers the lowest rates of breastfeeding. And i know many who wants to breastfeed as long as they can whether the age be 1, 2, 3, or 5, but stops early or don't do it for as long as they could or want because of uninformed backlash. 'They're too old. If they can ask for it they don't need it. If they can chew and swallow the they need to be weaned.' etc. It should be encouraged rather than shunned. Maybe not the same scenario as this person in the pic because her demographic has the highest rates of breastfeeding and support. But that doesn't negate the positive attributes of extended breastfeeding."
Here's the article: http://www.kpho.com/story/25345687/breastfeeding-mom-still-feeds-daughter-at-age-5
Let's stop demonizing and sexualizing a mother and child's choice to continue breastfeeding beyond the societal norm.
"I see nothing wrong at all. Personally would i breastfeed my 5yr old for everyone to see? No. But in the privacy of my home it would be a go. i breast fed my youngest til she was 3 (most of it was comfort nursing by that age and no simply expressing milk into a cup would not do. Sucking at the breast provided a sort of soothing that would calm her fits, restlessness, and sickness)... she weaned herself, but i would have continued if she wanted to. i hate the stigma attached to breastfeeding. Our milk does not lose any nutrition or use when a child hits a certain age. It purposefully changes it's properties to accommodate a growing child. It's neither demented nor sexual. i dedicate my work to encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers of color... a demographic who suffers the lowest rates of breastfeeding. And i know many who wants to breastfeed as long as they can whether the age be 1, 2, 3, or 5, but stops early or don't do it for as long as they could or want because of uninformed backlash. 'They're too old. If they can ask for it they don't need it. If they can chew and swallow the they need to be weaned.' etc. It should be encouraged rather than shunned. Maybe not the same scenario as this person in the pic because her demographic has the highest rates of breastfeeding and support. But that doesn't negate the positive attributes of extended breastfeeding."
Here's the article: http://www.kpho.com/story/25345687/breastfeeding-mom-still-feeds-daughter-at-age-5
Let's stop demonizing and sexualizing a mother and child's choice to continue breastfeeding beyond the societal norm.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Share Your Doula Story!
It's always encouraging to hear from your peers the positive experiences of allowing a doula to be a part of such an intimate journey.
I want to highlight those experiences.
There will also be a prize involved.
All you have to do is submit your story to jcherise1@gmail.com by 3pm tomorrow. The first to submission will receive a prize.
Please don't let the fact that there will only be one recipient deter you from submitting your experiences. I plan to publish all submissions to serve as encouragement for those who have not experienced having one.
I look forward to reading your stories!
I want to highlight those experiences.
There will also be a prize involved.
All you have to do is submit your story to jcherise1@gmail.com by 3pm tomorrow. The first to submission will receive a prize.
Please don't let the fact that there will only be one recipient deter you from submitting your experiences. I plan to publish all submissions to serve as encouragement for those who have not experienced having one.
I look forward to reading your stories!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
World Doula Week
Beginning today until the 28th of March the world will celebrate the hard work and dedication of doulas and birthworkers alike.
In honor of this week I will post "Did You Know" facts, hold a few contests and highlight wonderful doulas doing great things!
Here are the rules to the contests:
*The first person to email me (my email is jcherise1@gmail.com) with the correct answer to the challenge will win a prize.
*Prizes are not revealed but they will be guaranteed useful!
*Those who win will not be eligible to participate in future contests during the week (just want to keep it fair!)
*Upon winning I will communicate with you via email to gather information in order to ship your prize to you in a timely manner. So be sure to check your email!
And don't forget to tell a doula that you appreciate them!
Be back in a few!
In honor of this week I will post "Did You Know" facts, hold a few contests and highlight wonderful doulas doing great things!
Here are the rules to the contests:
*The first person to email me (my email is jcherise1@gmail.com) with the correct answer to the challenge will win a prize.
*Prizes are not revealed but they will be guaranteed useful!
*Those who win will not be eligible to participate in future contests during the week (just want to keep it fair!)
*Upon winning I will communicate with you via email to gather information in order to ship your prize to you in a timely manner. So be sure to check your email!
And don't forget to tell a doula that you appreciate them!
Be back in a few!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
International Women's Day
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!
"Be not ashamed women, … You are the gates of the body, and you are the gates of the soul." -Walt Whitman
I wanted to dedicate this post to the amazing mothers, daughters, nieces, aunts, grandmothers, and all women <3
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Reservations About My Relactation Journey
A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to try to relactate.
Why? Well, I'll dedicate a post going into detail why I've decided to do so.
In the meantime I wanted to let you all know about my experiences so far.
I've been continuously producing milk since I've weaned my now 3 year old. I can only express by hand a few drops, but that's enough to let me know that I still have the ability to make milk. Now, my youngest child wasn't aware of my decision (she still isn't), but on the same day that I decided to begin my relactation journey she attempted to nurse. She cuddled up next to me. I thought she was on her way to sleep until I felt her tugging on my shirt. Although she's weaned herself almost a year ago, I do realize how much of a comfort it's been for her in the past. I wasn't going to turn her down. Just as soon as I thought she was going to nurse, she pulled my shirt back up, turned her head, and went to sleep.
Did she just "know" or was it simply a coincidence? I can't tell you. What I can tell you is that she was sick that day and I figured maybe it was worked like instinct. Then again she's been sick before, and she's never attempted anything like that before. I also thought that it may have been due to regression because her youngest cousin is currently nursing. I'm not so sold on that idea though. So I'm stumped as to why.
Since then she's been wanting to nurse.... I've said to myself and others over and over again that I'd never refuse her. But I've been contradicting myself by refusing her.
I never thought that the stigma of extended breastfeeding would affect me the way it does now. I never had reservations until now. As much as I've advocated for breastfeeding in both my words and actions, I am now experiencing a sort of fear that I've never felt before. For the first time I am scared!
I've read and heard the perverted arguments of those who believes extended breastfeeding is on par with abuse, rape, and other crude acts against children.
The radical in me can care less about what a person thinks of my child's decision to want her mommy's milk. I am human though. And the thought of no support near me for my relactation journey along with being shunned by an ignorant society is down right scary.
Despite this fear I find the thought of going against societal norms empowering! For those who are not aware... Rates of breastfeeding amongst people of color are just one of the MANY racial disparities that we are subject to. By choosing to NOT continue nursing my daughter as she'd like due to a perverted society, I'd not only be doing a disservice to my child, but to those who may need the support to breastfeed longer than what's socially acceptable. This relactation journey will be emotionally difficult for me. But I hope to serve as not only a healthy option for my child, but as continuous support for those in communities of color... My community.... My people.
Why? Well, I'll dedicate a post going into detail why I've decided to do so.
In the meantime I wanted to let you all know about my experiences so far.
I've been continuously producing milk since I've weaned my now 3 year old. I can only express by hand a few drops, but that's enough to let me know that I still have the ability to make milk. Now, my youngest child wasn't aware of my decision (she still isn't), but on the same day that I decided to begin my relactation journey she attempted to nurse. She cuddled up next to me. I thought she was on her way to sleep until I felt her tugging on my shirt. Although she's weaned herself almost a year ago, I do realize how much of a comfort it's been for her in the past. I wasn't going to turn her down. Just as soon as I thought she was going to nurse, she pulled my shirt back up, turned her head, and went to sleep.
Did she just "know" or was it simply a coincidence? I can't tell you. What I can tell you is that she was sick that day and I figured maybe it was worked like instinct. Then again she's been sick before, and she's never attempted anything like that before. I also thought that it may have been due to regression because her youngest cousin is currently nursing. I'm not so sold on that idea though. So I'm stumped as to why.
Since then she's been wanting to nurse.... I've said to myself and others over and over again that I'd never refuse her. But I've been contradicting myself by refusing her.
I never thought that the stigma of extended breastfeeding would affect me the way it does now. I never had reservations until now. As much as I've advocated for breastfeeding in both my words and actions, I am now experiencing a sort of fear that I've never felt before. For the first time I am scared!
I've read and heard the perverted arguments of those who believes extended breastfeeding is on par with abuse, rape, and other crude acts against children.
The radical in me can care less about what a person thinks of my child's decision to want her mommy's milk. I am human though. And the thought of no support near me for my relactation journey along with being shunned by an ignorant society is down right scary.
Despite this fear I find the thought of going against societal norms empowering! For those who are not aware... Rates of breastfeeding amongst people of color are just one of the MANY racial disparities that we are subject to. By choosing to NOT continue nursing my daughter as she'd like due to a perverted society, I'd not only be doing a disservice to my child, but to those who may need the support to breastfeed longer than what's socially acceptable. This relactation journey will be emotionally difficult for me. But I hope to serve as not only a healthy option for my child, but as continuous support for those in communities of color... My community.... My people.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Sh!t People Say to Breastfeeding Mothers
So I thought this video was hilarious. I experienced every single one of these comments. I can laugh at the ridiculousness. But back while I was nursing my children they annoyed me terribly!
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Lactation Cookies!
I must tell you all! I have a sweet tooth that is out of this world! I try my best to manage it, but there are times where I must have my sweets at all costs.
So imagine the feeling that I had when I came across lactation cookies.
Wait... So you mean to tell me that helping my milk supply was just as easy as eating cookies?!?!?! Why didn't my midwife share this with me?
Never fear mommies! I'm here to share with a recipe to not only sate your sweet tooth, but also keep your milk going.
What you'll need:
*Preheat oven to 375
1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons Brewer's Yeast
3 cups rolled oats (WHOLE, NATURAL oats NOT quick oats)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (optional)
Now before I continue I want to emphasize that it's best to buy organic if you're able to. If not, don't let it keep you from enjoying this recipe.
The most important ingredients to insure a boost in milk supply are oatmeal, flax seed and brewer's yeast. There are many variations of this recipe, but the constant in all of them are those 3 ingredients. So be sure not to leave them out!
(OH one more thing! I'm really weird about texture. I don't care for the texture of oatmeal in my cookies so what I like to do is grind them close to powder consistency using either a food processor or high powered blender.)
Now on to the rest of the recipe :)
*Soak flax seeds while you combine the dry ingredients. This allows for them to soften a bit.
*Mix all of your dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
*In a separate mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar.
*Combine the eggs, drained flax seeds, and vanilla with butter/sugar mixture.
*When evenly mixed, add to the dry mixture.
You can either line your pan with parchment paper or grease your pan with butter. I opt for butter, but use whatever suits you.
*Drop mixture on the sheet by the spoonful
*Bake for 8-12 minutes
*(And my favorite part of the recipe) Enjoy!
There are variations of this recipe and I will post others for those with dietary restrictions.
So imagine the feeling that I had when I came across lactation cookies.
Wait... So you mean to tell me that helping my milk supply was just as easy as eating cookies?!?!?! Why didn't my midwife share this with me?
Never fear mommies! I'm here to share with a recipe to not only sate your sweet tooth, but also keep your milk going.
What you'll need:
*Preheat oven to 375
1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons Brewer's Yeast
3 cups rolled oats (WHOLE, NATURAL oats NOT quick oats)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (optional)
Now before I continue I want to emphasize that it's best to buy organic if you're able to. If not, don't let it keep you from enjoying this recipe.
The most important ingredients to insure a boost in milk supply are oatmeal, flax seed and brewer's yeast. There are many variations of this recipe, but the constant in all of them are those 3 ingredients. So be sure not to leave them out!
(OH one more thing! I'm really weird about texture. I don't care for the texture of oatmeal in my cookies so what I like to do is grind them close to powder consistency using either a food processor or high powered blender.)
Now on to the rest of the recipe :)
*Soak flax seeds while you combine the dry ingredients. This allows for them to soften a bit.
*Mix all of your dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
*In a separate mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar.
*Combine the eggs, drained flax seeds, and vanilla with butter/sugar mixture.
*When evenly mixed, add to the dry mixture.
You can either line your pan with parchment paper or grease your pan with butter. I opt for butter, but use whatever suits you.
*Drop mixture on the sheet by the spoonful
*Bake for 8-12 minutes
*(And my favorite part of the recipe) Enjoy!
There are variations of this recipe and I will post others for those with dietary restrictions.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Giver of Life
I thought this picture was amazing. So amazing in fact that I just had to share it with you all! I got this pic from the Facebook page titled Birth Nerds!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
World Aids Day 2013. Know your status
It is especially important for mothers and mothers to be get tested for aids. Don't let stigma keep you from knowing your status and taking control of your health.
Down below is a link to a free pdf download with really helpful information about the risk of transmission of HIV from mother to baby. Even more interesting is that the rate of HIV transmission from a breastfeeding, HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative infant was a lot lower than I expected it to be.
So please, click the link and download and read at your leisure!
http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/9789241596596/en/index.html
I've also posted below a link to various HIV/AIDS awareness events. Most, I'm sure, will be offering free testing.
http://www.worldaidsday.org/events/
Down below is a link to a free pdf download with really helpful information about the risk of transmission of HIV from mother to baby. Even more interesting is that the rate of HIV transmission from a breastfeeding, HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative infant was a lot lower than I expected it to be.
So please, click the link and download and read at your leisure!
http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/9789241596596/en/index.html
I've also posted below a link to various HIV/AIDS awareness events. Most, I'm sure, will be offering free testing.
http://www.worldaidsday.org/events/
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Disparities In The Quality of Pre-natal Care
I wanted to share with you all an interview that I came across while searching for a new topic to blog about. This is an interview OB/GYN Dr. Michael Lu. The excerpt that I am posting focuses on the racial, ethnic, and economic disparities as it pertains to prenatal care. It stresses how private insurance and medicaid does a disservice to women by voiding them of proper and essential childbirth education.
http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/preconception-and-womens-healthcare-an-interview-with-dr-michael-lu-part-five/#comments
In the introduction of this 5th installment of Dr. Lu's interview there is a link directing you to the last four parts. They are just as insightful!
http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/preconception-and-womens-healthcare-an-interview-with-dr-michael-lu-part-five/#comments
In the introduction of this 5th installment of Dr. Lu's interview there is a link directing you to the last four parts. They are just as insightful!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A Few Words of Encouragement for Those Nursing Past Age 1
Hello everyone!
I've been on almost a year long hiatus from this blog. Why? Life. Things are so hectic with a 1st grader, preschooler, and toddler. I barely sleep! But I'm back and ready to pick up where I left off.
My youngest child is now almost 19 months. And YES I am STILL breastfeeding her! I don't know if it's because I am dreading the awful engorging that comes after brestfeeding is over. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss the closeness. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss that mandatory break time that I have to set aside no matter what to insure that I do breastfeed. But what I do know is that I enjoy it and my daughter does too so I'm not going to stop right now!
Now people may look at me and say, "That is so gross. That child is almost 2 years old and she's still nursing!" It's not what people think though. She's very independent. She's not clawing at my shirt to nurse whenever she's thirsty. She can drink out of a sippy cup, a straw, and a regular cup (with assistance). And she does that throughout the day unless she needs some consolation or it's bedtime. Her pediatrician commended me on continuing because at the end of the day mom's milk is best. Not cow's milk. Not soy milk. But mom's milk.
***I don't want to turn this into a rant :)
Back to the purpose of this entry. I think that it's a beautiful thing to see a mother nurse her child even past their infancy. It takes a lot although it doesn't seem like it. A lot of effort in eliminating and adding things to and from your diet that you normally wouldn't. It takes a whole lot of patience. And I want all of you moms out there who are nursing your child past the age of 1 or have thought about it to not listen to what others say. It will not "damage your child", it won't confuse them, or mess them up. Only you and your baby can indicate what's best for you and your baby :)
I've been told numerous times by various people, strangers and relatives, that I need to stop. But I won't until I feel that it's the right time.
Society likes to dictate what only mother nature can decide. So I encourage you, again, to do what's right for you and your baby. I know that I am! :)
I've been on almost a year long hiatus from this blog. Why? Life. Things are so hectic with a 1st grader, preschooler, and toddler. I barely sleep! But I'm back and ready to pick up where I left off.
My youngest child is now almost 19 months. And YES I am STILL breastfeeding her! I don't know if it's because I am dreading the awful engorging that comes after brestfeeding is over. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss the closeness. I don't know if it's because I'm going to miss that mandatory break time that I have to set aside no matter what to insure that I do breastfeed. But what I do know is that I enjoy it and my daughter does too so I'm not going to stop right now!
Now people may look at me and say, "That is so gross. That child is almost 2 years old and she's still nursing!" It's not what people think though. She's very independent. She's not clawing at my shirt to nurse whenever she's thirsty. She can drink out of a sippy cup, a straw, and a regular cup (with assistance). And she does that throughout the day unless she needs some consolation or it's bedtime. Her pediatrician commended me on continuing because at the end of the day mom's milk is best. Not cow's milk. Not soy milk. But mom's milk.
***I don't want to turn this into a rant :)
Back to the purpose of this entry. I think that it's a beautiful thing to see a mother nurse her child even past their infancy. It takes a lot although it doesn't seem like it. A lot of effort in eliminating and adding things to and from your diet that you normally wouldn't. It takes a whole lot of patience. And I want all of you moms out there who are nursing your child past the age of 1 or have thought about it to not listen to what others say. It will not "damage your child", it won't confuse them, or mess them up. Only you and your baby can indicate what's best for you and your baby :)
I've been told numerous times by various people, strangers and relatives, that I need to stop. But I won't until I feel that it's the right time.
Society likes to dictate what only mother nature can decide. So I encourage you, again, to do what's right for you and your baby. I know that I am! :)
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