Contemplating World Breastfeeding Week…

World Breastfeeding Week is a contemplative one for me.

I was an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant for 5 years. I chose not to renew my certification because; despite my passion for supporting women/parents to successfully nourish their babies in this heathy way- Ultimately, it was more important for me to support their baby feeding journey in whatever way allowed for real emotional balance, nervous system regulation, and healthy bonding with their baby.

In my daily postpartum coaching and doula practice I am with women/parents feeling so much guilt and shame around baby feeding, it breaks my heart.

There are many factors that play crucial roles in raising healthy kiddos. Anchoring your decisions with self-compassion is the best way to honor your child.

I wish I had been more tender with myself in the early postpartum days... Breastfeeding my twins was an intense rollercoaster of physical, chemical, and emotional experiences- to say the least! There were pleasurable times when I truly felt triumphant, and there were times when I felt quite lonely and depleted...

Wherever your baby feeding journey is leading you, be kind to yourself and keep in mind that truly nourishing your child - body and mind- is not only about milk.