Claretta - My mother didn't breastfeed and my grandmother didn't either. The first time I saw someone breastfeeding, I thought it was because she couldn't afford formula. No one told me that, of course, but it was what they didn't say about breastfeeding that led me to those types of stereotypes. When I got pregnant with my oldest, I was determined to breastfeed once I learned how good it is for a baby. I learned that breastfeeding is good for mom: it reduces my risk of certain types of cancer. I learned that breastfeeding is good for my baby: it can reduce risks of obesity, diabetes, and even SIDs. It could save my baby’s life!

Learning to breastfeed wasn't hard for me. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I'm stubborn. What was hard was my friends and family's reactions. That is nasty, they told me. You know you still need formula too. You are going to spoil her. Do you have to do that here? Why don't you just put it in a bottle? But I am stubborn. So I argued and educated my family and friends and breastfed my older 3 kids for at least a year each.  I became really bold in my 30s. My younger two are now toddlers and I still breastfeed them. My milk is magic and no one can tell me different. I have 5 strong babies to prove it.

Some advice I have for new moms is this: Your milk is magic too. Be strong and do what you feel is best for your baby.

To read more about the health benefits of breastmilk, click HERE or HERE.