Assertive Kids’ “Breastfeed If You Can! Challenge” Program
The Assertive Kids Foundation is introducing a new program in 2022 to help encourage new lactating parents to breastfeed.
This shall be accomplished by educating new parents via info sheets, as well as providing care kits to families.
A woman is sufficient unto herself to breastfeed without the aid of any special foods or creams. Even so, many women find that there are products that can help.
Our care kits include a feeding bra, nipple or belly cream, lactation cookies, and an information packet with links to important information for new parents about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as general information on breastfeeding.
This program is open to pregnant and postnatal women residing on Staten Island, in Northern New Jersey, or in Philadelphia.
This program is funded by Mountainside Partners, with generous product donation from Mrs. Patel’s Cookies, and Motherlove brands.
Breastfeed If You Can! Challenge™ Encourages Breast Feeding
When possible, new parents should breastfeed/chestfeed their babies. There are so many proven advantages to the baby’s and mom’s health that to do otherwise would be a great disservice to both.
There’s nothing to fear, and it’s a process as natural as sleeping. Keep in mind, however, that natural does not mean automatic.
Many new Moms think, “I can’t!” just because they are encountering difficulties. But there IS hope!
Few Woman Cannot Provide Milk
When is it truly not possible to breastfeed? There are instances for some women in the postpartum phase that make breastfeeding impossible, due to serious health issues, contraindicated medications, physical differences, or past surgeries. But for the vast majority of women, breastfeeding IS possible!
New Moms may be concerned because of the pain. Really, though, with a proper latch and good positioning, breastfeeding should not hurt, even for a minute!
New Moms might also be concerned because their “milk isn’t coming in,” or worry that they won’t ever produce sufficient milk because their own mother and/or sisters did not breastfeed due to “insufficient milk.”
However, neither of these reasons really mean they cannot provide milk. A registered Lactation Consultant or peer counselor can help with milk production issues, and most are covered by insurance plans, and can even be found providing free services at WIC centers.
Breastfeeding: A Worthwhile Challenge
When it’s not impossible, but rather just a matter of receiving qualified help to assist with issues, new Moms should always opt to breastfeed. It doesn’t matter if the new parent is terribly stressed, eating an imperfect diet, or even smoking. The mother’s milk will be infinitely more helpful to the growing baby than infant formula ever could be, even in those cases.
Choosing not to breastfeed, when it’s simply a challenge, and NOT actually impossible, is probably not the best choice for mother and baby, in most instances. If it’s not working so well, a new parent can be comforted that many new Moms have difficulties. However, for most women, it’s just a matter of getting the hang of it.
Breastfeeding is a skill set that must be learned; it’s not instinct for us humans. Therefore, there’s a lot to know. This knowledge was handed down through generations. And, in the modern era, a good deal of research has been conducted on breastfeeding, by groups like the Healthy Children Project, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, and others.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides a plethora of benefits to both nursing parent and baby! There are tons of scientific studies proving this; it’s not just an assertion based on opinion. Whether it’s milk from a new Mom, her wife, or even someone no longer identifying as a woman, it’s all good! And, hand expressed, or pumped, human milk is still incredible.
For instance, did you know that mothers who breastfeed have lower incidence of certain cancers? Or, that milk has special oligosaccharides that encourage the growth of a beneficial microbiome in the intestines? The benefits are real, and the research is there backing this all up.