Welcome! My breast intentions are to share breastfeeding knowledge, experience and support.
I have helped over 1,000 women and babies.
Here are my Top 5 Breast Intentions:
#1) Every baby has the right to breastfeed.
Well what does that mean, exactly? It means that science has proven over and over again that breastmilk is nutritionally superior to all other artificial feeding methods. The act of transferring breastmilk from mother to babe not only promotes good health, immunity to diseases, and life-long protection against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer; The way in which women and babies breastfeed stimulates nurturing, bonding, loving-attachment and an astute sense of awareness. Every baby has the right to receive these biological benefits.
Well what does that mean, exactly? It means that science has proven over and over again that breastmilk is nutritionally superior to all other artificial feeding methods. The act of transferring breastmilk from mother to babe not only promotes good health, immunity to diseases, and life-long protection against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer; The way in which women and babies breastfeed stimulates nurturing, bonding, loving-attachment and an astute sense of awareness. Every baby has the right to receive these biological benefits.
#2) Every mother has the right to access scientifically-based lactation information and support.
It's simple, really -- if you don't know, you can't do. We hear it over and over again: The reason women don't breastfeed is because it's "a cultural thing." Well, new research says "Bullhonky" to that theory. Based on studies, the most common reason women do not successfully initiate and maintain an exclusive breastfeeding relationship is because They Have No Idea What To Expect. Apparently, the popular series of books that addresses that subject has done a poor job. The way to encourage and support women to breastfeed, is to give them a realistic picture of what a breastfeeding relationship looks like. It is also crucial to help new mothers anticipate infant behaviors (none of which are unique to breastfed babies) such as: sleeping eratically, eating continuously, and the innate need to be close to mama.
It's simple, really -- if you don't know, you can't do. We hear it over and over again: The reason women don't breastfeed is because it's "a cultural thing." Well, new research says "Bullhonky" to that theory. Based on studies, the most common reason women do not successfully initiate and maintain an exclusive breastfeeding relationship is because They Have No Idea What To Expect. Apparently, the popular series of books that addresses that subject has done a poor job. The way to encourage and support women to breastfeed, is to give them a realistic picture of what a breastfeeding relationship looks like. It is also crucial to help new mothers anticipate infant behaviors (none of which are unique to breastfed babies) such as: sleeping eratically, eating continuously, and the innate need to be close to mama.
#3) Doctors, hospitals and institutions who exercise authority over mothers and children must be held accountable for giving evidence-based breastfeeding information.
When I meet with a mama and baby and explain the basics of breastfeeding, it is quite common for them to exclaim, "Really? My doctor never told me that." or "Well, my doctor told me one thing, but the hospital pediatrician said something totally different - who is right?" Great question - all too often, the answer is "Neither of them is correct." Although women have been breastfeeding since the dawn of humanity, there is a gross inconsistency of lactation information distributed by pediatricians, nurses and other health care providers. This needs to be changed. A great way to encourage change is to enforce consequences. When a mother receives inaccurate or unsupportive information about breastfeeding, she can report the incident to an administrator or supervisor. Keep on going up the ladder of authority until you find someone who takes you seriously and promises to change policy and/or hold the perpetrator accountable for their malpractice. Let's not kid ourselves - inaccurate information about breastfeeding and the encouragement of formula supplementation without a disclaimer of all the potential health risks that formula can cause - is medical malpractice and detrimental to the well-being of our children.
When I meet with a mama and baby and explain the basics of breastfeeding, it is quite common for them to exclaim, "Really? My doctor never told me that." or "Well, my doctor told me one thing, but the hospital pediatrician said something totally different - who is right?" Great question - all too often, the answer is "Neither of them is correct." Although women have been breastfeeding since the dawn of humanity, there is a gross inconsistency of lactation information distributed by pediatricians, nurses and other health care providers. This needs to be changed. A great way to encourage change is to enforce consequences. When a mother receives inaccurate or unsupportive information about breastfeeding, she can report the incident to an administrator or supervisor. Keep on going up the ladder of authority until you find someone who takes you seriously and promises to change policy and/or hold the perpetrator accountable for their malpractice. Let's not kid ourselves - inaccurate information about breastfeeding and the encouragement of formula supplementation without a disclaimer of all the potential health risks that formula can cause - is medical malpractice and detrimental to the well-being of our children.
#4) Breastfeeding is normal.
It is so tempting to compare breastfeeding with formula feeding. We use phrases like "Breastmilk makes babies healthier." "It lowers the risk for obesity." "Breast is better." Every time we employ language that compares breastmilk with formula, we actually undercut our mission of making breastfeeding the cultural norm. Breastfeeding is the biological and natural way to feed your child. What could be more normal that using our bodies the way they were intended? Let's start talking about breastmilk as an absolute. Instead of timidly asking our pregnant friend if she is planning on breast or bottle, cheerfully give her a hug and say, "Let me know if you have any questions about breastfeeding! I am here if you need anything." Assume everyone is breastfeeding, just like you. 'Cause that's what is normal.
It is so tempting to compare breastfeeding with formula feeding. We use phrases like "Breastmilk makes babies healthier." "It lowers the risk for obesity." "Breast is better." Every time we employ language that compares breastmilk with formula, we actually undercut our mission of making breastfeeding the cultural norm. Breastfeeding is the biological and natural way to feed your child. What could be more normal that using our bodies the way they were intended? Let's start talking about breastmilk as an absolute. Instead of timidly asking our pregnant friend if she is planning on breast or bottle, cheerfully give her a hug and say, "Let me know if you have any questions about breastfeeding! I am here if you need anything." Assume everyone is breastfeeding, just like you. 'Cause that's what is normal.
#5) Breastfeeding creates a lifetime of love.
There's no doubt about it - breastfeeding establishes a bonding, sense of intimacy and closeness that lasts a lifetime. The knowledge that you have literally given yourself to your child - that he needed no one but you to satisfy his every need, help him grow, nuture his being - is a gift beyond measure. For an infant, breastfeeding is his lifeblood - he could not survive without you. For a toddler, breastfeeding is his anchor - his world is expanding, yet he is not ready for independence. For an older child, breastfeeding is his comfort - Mama can still hold him in her arms and chase the world away with sweet nourishing milk. The bond of breastfeeding is forever. Family is special, but mother is sacred.
There's no doubt about it - breastfeeding establishes a bonding, sense of intimacy and closeness that lasts a lifetime. The knowledge that you have literally given yourself to your child - that he needed no one but you to satisfy his every need, help him grow, nuture his being - is a gift beyond measure. For an infant, breastfeeding is his lifeblood - he could not survive without you. For a toddler, breastfeeding is his anchor - his world is expanding, yet he is not ready for independence. For an older child, breastfeeding is his comfort - Mama can still hold him in her arms and chase the world away with sweet nourishing milk. The bond of breastfeeding is forever. Family is special, but mother is sacred.
