Ain't No Hood like Motherhood
To say I am an accidental breastfeeding advocate would be entirely accurate. Like most of my peers, I began this journey with the mentality of, its best for baby so we’ll keep at it as long as we are both happy. Well fast forward 13 months and she isn’t showing any signs of wanting to stop. I feel fortunate that we’ve had such a positive and rewarding experience, but I know that isn’t the case for all women.
Over the course of this year, I attended a few La Leche League meetings in my area, if only for the adult conversation at first. Through this community, I was introduced to the World Breastfeeding Week mission. This is fascinating to me as I now count myself as part of a global community of mothers, past and present. World Breastfeeding Week 2017 connects Global Sustainable Development Goals to breastfeeding. Suddenly, you realize the work you’re doing isn’t just benefiting your baby in a positive way, it is integral to the welfare of our planet. Beyond that, the voices of breastfeeding mothers can galvanize policymakers into creating more equitable opportunities for women worldwide.
This work (because it is work!) isn’t without challenges, real and perceived. For many women, these challenges are barriers to continuing on. And without the right support, I don’t blame them. I’ve often heard women exclaim, I didn’t know something so natural could feel so difficult and unnatural, when describing breastfeeding. I wholeheartedly agree. Fortunately, I had the support of nurses and Lactation Consultants in the hospital where I delivered, and I had a few more on speed dial, ready to hire privately as well. I owe one LC in particular a huge thanks for finding Fin’s tongue tie right away and referring us to a pediatric dentist who specializes in this procedure. We were even more fortunate to have generous benefits coverage to take care of the bill for this procedure at only a few days old. I am thankful that the LC was able to determine I had small, flat nipples, requiring a shield until both of us grew accustomed to this new job. Would we have continued breastfeeding if these stars hadn’t aligned? Honestly, I’m not sure.
The obstacles I faced were minor compared to those of other women. I had the support of my husband and family, the luxury of time off of work to figure this out, the benefit of an easy delivery and little postpartum pain, the financial security of health benefits to cover any Lactation Consultants and procedures, and thanks to a diet of oatmeal and water, an overabundant supply. There are so many options available, but breastfeeding was by far the best option for us and our lifestyle.
What I didn’t always have was the confidence and appropriate wardrobe to feed my baby in public. Dressing myself to suit the range of weather in Canada, while also being able to access my breasts, and maintain some modesty while I got everything situated, was often a challenge. This challenge felt so minor in the grand scheme of things, but it did factor into our lifestyle and how we prepared for the day. Some days I felt so limited and held back, but how dare I complain about something so superficial? And yes, I am aware that there is clothing designed for breastfeeding, but I found it didn’t always suit my needs. It was either too expensive, too frumpy, or too complicated. Short of wearing leggings and a nursing tank everyday, I didn't feel like myself. Pre-baby Britt always wears a dress, Britt the mom wants to too!
Since I’m an action –oriented individual, who also had a great deal of idea-generating down time while breastfeeding, I began to plan, sketch, revise, manifest. Then I began sharing this idea, closely at first, then far and wide. And to my great surprise, hands shot up everywhere offering help in myriad ways.
So here I am, on the brink of launching something awesome. Something to make life simpler, more liberated and more stylish for breastfeeding moms. Stay tuned, cool shit is coming. All becasue I joined a millenia old tribe of moms.
