Like any other expecting mom, my mother had to decide
how she was going to feed me once I was born.
She told me that it was an extremely difficult decision to make because she
worked full-time and didn’t know how she was going to balance everything. However,
her provider explained that breastfeeding was not only a bonding experience but
also the perfect balance of nutrients that her body would make specifically for
me, her baby.
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| Nature's Way Baby Cafe (R) |
into our breastfeeding journey, I proved to be a very fussy baby. My mother recalled how frustrating it sometimes was to have to reposition every time I was feeding or how expressing milk was difficult without a pump. Through all the hurdles she faced, she continued to breastfeed until I was 18 months old. And let me tell you, she would do it all again if she could.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, odds are you have
found yourself in similar situations to what my mother had to face. With access to the internet and an increasing
number of community
resources it is easier to search for information.
But, sometimes you still cannot find what you are looking for and don’t know
where to ask for help. That is where the Clinton County Breastfeeding Coalition
comes in!
The Clinton
County Breastfeeding Coalition is comprised of community organizations and
local moms and meets once a month to promote and advocate for breastfeeding in
our area. The coalition created and maintains the Clinton
County Breastfeeding Referral Guide which is
your one stop shop for evidenced based breastfeeding related help. They are
also spearheading a social media campaign aimed to normalize breastfeeding
while highlighting the ‘realness’ because, let’s be honest, it isn’t always
rainbows and butterflies. You can expect to see one post per month on CCHD’s social media
platforms from June through November 2021.
You will be able to interact by posting pictures of you and your nursling(s)
with #ThisIsHowWeNurse.
Example of the Clinton County Breastfeeding Coalition's Social Media Campaign
Chances are, at some point each of us will know a mom
who wants to breastfeed. Just like my mom’s doctor and my father did, I am
challenging each of you to support and encourage that mom to reach her goals.
Sharing this campaign on your social media is one small way you can contribute
to a cultural shift in which we all view breastfeeding as normal, accepted and
welcomed.
Alexandra Mesick
Public Health Educator
Division
of Health Planning and Promotion
