Decoded Doula

"Why is there a Black Breastfeeding Week?", I saw a caucasian mother ask once, years ago. "We can all breastfeed... why do they get their own week?" At the time... I didnt know the answer myself. Then researched and found out, because... this! A lot of African American mothers still negatively associate breastfeeding with their historical role as 'wet nurses' during slavery. Slave owners used and purchased Black women as wet nurses for their children and would force these moms to stop nursing their own babies to care for "their master's" baby. AND since breastfeeding reduces fertility, slave owners would often force Black women to stop breastfeeding earlier than normal, so that they could continue breeding and making more slave children. Because of these pieces of history, Black women had a short & difficult mothering experience. Currently in America, Black children die at twice the rate of White children before their first birthday. This is mostly because African American babies are statistically more likely to be born too small, too sick or too soon, including the fact that vaccines harm them at a rate 3x higher than their caucasian peers (research CDC Whistleblower, Dr. Thompson's peer reviewed study). In these times, their mother’s milk is the baby's chance for surviving! However, for 30+ years, African American women have consistently had the lowest breastfeeding rates and though the rates have increased in recent years, (yay!) Black moms still have the lowest breastfeeding rates of ALL ethnicities. Even that *gold standard* of infant nutrition, "six months of exclusive breastfeeding", among African Americans the rate is only 20% compared to 40% among caucasians. On top of all this, black communities have been targeted by aggressive formula marketing campaigns. So! The next time you feel your privileged self (which in this context, is all cultures), asking "why is there a black breastfeeding week?", now you'll know why and how important it is! Instead of asking why, ask how you can help support Ebony babies to get God's gift of sacred milk! HAPPY BLACK BREASTFEEDING WEEK TO ALL OF MY BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE COVERED SISTERS! If theres any way I can ever su

Happy Black Brrastfeeding week!

VERNIX CASEOSA.... Vernix is a thick creamy waxy substance that covers the body of the newborn (reminds me of cocoa butter!). It's seen more in babies born a co...uple of weeks prior to the 'due date' as it reduces towards the end of pregnancy. It is made up of water, fats and proteins. The vernix protects and nourishes the baby's soft skin, has antimicrobial properties and acts as a barrier in the uterus to stop the amniotic fluid macerating the skin in the womb. Can you imagine how your skin would look after 9 months in the bath! . Vernix is thought to help with an easier transition through the birth canal and it thought to aid temperature regulation at birth. . When a baby is born, the newborn skin undergoes a number of changes and adaptions to the outside world in terms of PH and hydration. Vernix helps to regulate these changes so its worthwhile not bathing baby to soon. Think of vernix as a moisturiser and rub it in rather than wipe it off! . It is recommended by WHO to wait at least 24 hours before bathing a newborn (I would even say 2/3 days) as it has its benefits including reduced risk of infection, better temperature regulation, more skin to skin time leading to better breastfeeding outcomes and blood sugar regulation. If your baby has a little dried blood in their hair and it bothers you, you can always wipe the hair gently with a cloth and warm water. Informative repost by @midwifemarley Pic: @sagemamadoula VIA @placentar_energia_vitalidade

Colostrum IS breastmilk! Using the phrase waiting on your milk to come in is a way the medical system incites fear in new and vulnerable mothers and pushes formula use. Stop saying that shit.Colostrum IS breastmilk! Using the phrase waiting on your milk to come in is a way the medical system incites fear in new and vulnerable mothers and pushes formula use. Stop saying that shit.

Community-based doulas can be an essential part of your birthing team and play a vital role in reducing a number of concerns expectant mothers face. The America...n Pregnancy Association reports the following -50% reduction in cesareans -25% reduction in length of labor -60% less request for epidural because doulas often use massage to reduce stress and pain during labor #WBW20 #WORLDBREASTFEEDINGWEEK #COMMUNITYDOULAS #SUPPORTDOULAS #BMBFA2020 #DOULA