Breastfeeding has become a passion of mine. It's the number 1 *best* nutrition you can give your child, and it has rockstar health benefits for mom too. While I realize that there are many women in the U.S. who can't breastfeed for medical reasons, there are also a whole LOT of women who don't breastfeed, or don't breastfeed for very long, because of lack of education (it's not as intuitive as you'd think, and there are tons of misconceptions) and most importantly, support. I was talking with a friend recently about the subject, and she told me her story:
"You know what bothers me the most is that it wasn't like I chose to be less informed you know? I was 18 and yes that was my fault and I was also broke as a joke, also my fault. However WIC and Medicaid should have better resources for educating women on breast feeding. They handed me my WIC vouchers and were like, "Here's your stuff for formula." They ask if you plan to breast feed because then you get more food for longer as opposed to getting formula. But pumps are not cheap especially for people who are on WIC and/or Medicaid. I didn't even know I could rent one from the hospital and even that's not cheap. You would think Medicaid would cover that or that WIC could help but they don't...... I didn't have internet back when I was pregnant so not so much on the research.... The resources are on the internet but if you are broke like I was that isn't an option. It's disappointing that WIC or Medicaid doesn't help women who are like I was."
And I couldn't help but wonder how many other women are in that exact same situation, or one very similar. And suddenly I realized what I want to do with my life. Yes, at nearly 31 years old, I think I've finally figured it out (other than being a Mom).
My friends gave me a lot of support with my questions, and now I love helping friends with breastfeeding questions; if I don't know the answer I'll ask a teacher or look it up. I happily gifted a class to another friend recently. I'm not ashamed to admit I've turned into a lactivist. Breastfed babies means healthier babies and healthier moms. The more parents that choose to breastfeed in the U.S. the healthier we will become as a nation. No, it won't happen overnight. But nothing ever does. Change takes time.
So will following this dream of mine. My ultimate goal is to become a board certified Lactation Consultant (IBLCE). That will require university level courses in several subjects, including human anatomy, nutrition, infant and child growth and development, etc. as well as many other requirements. I frankly don't have the money to go back to school right now, or the time, so this will be a long term goal for me. Even becoming a Lactation Specialist or a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) requires extensive study and in-field experience, though I may decide to use those levels as stepping stones or they may even become my final goal rather than IBLCE.
In the meantime, I plan to start attending La Leche League meetings and may eventually become a LLL Leader. I'll start where I can. Volunteer? Yes, please. Meetings once a month? Yes, please. I'm not in a hurry to do everything at once. I'll get my feet wet first and see where this takes me. But one thing is for certain; I want to help women have the confidence and the knowledge to successfully breastfeed their babies. Healthier Americans? Yes, please.
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