Breastfeeding also benefits the environment. The earth which sustains the Afrikan family must be protected.  Mothers especially must do their part to protect the mother called earth.

So, why are so many women using formula? In 1867, Henri Nestle put a mixture of flour and condensed milk onto the market. In 1872 his business sold five million cartons of this "formula" around the world.11 Today billions of dollars are made each year by the formula industry. The campaigns used are very aggressive. Formula is marketed as being like breast milk.  Parents are given free breast milk samples before leaving the hospital. When you add the media and society's negative opinions about breastfeeding, formula becomes the ideal choice for some mothers.

Breastfeeding is done for more than just nutritional health benefits. Mothers pass on their love, history, and essence. The child no longer lives in the womb and the umbilical cord is cut. But the mother still has the physical and spiritual tie of the breast. The Dogon of Mali have a proverb, "The breast is second only to god." Babies are receiving not only nourishment, but divine nourishment. The placenta sustained the baby's life, now the breast is a life giver. Some women do not breastfeed because they think there is something sexual about the act. In many Afrikan tribes women freely walk around bare breasted. The breasts are not taboo or looked at as sexual objects.  The Afrikan woman in America has been affected by Eurocentric perversions. Breasts are a symbol of fertility and womanhood. They are the connection to the Ra, the life force. Afrikans have let today's society dictate who the creator is. The Afrikan woman is the creator. Her feet walked on the earthly plane first in Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Her breast gave life to Afrika. Mothers can give their babies Afrika through their breast milk. Nursing mothers must not only eat well, just as they did when pregnant, but also feed their mental being with healthy foods. Emotions and thoughts are also passed through breast milk. Peaceful foods and thoughts must be consumed. The breast must be loved and honored. Oil and massage them daily. Keep them healthy for the baby. If salves or oils are used, make sure these are not harmful to the baby.

It is important that mothers breastfeed their newborns as soon as possible after birth. The longer they wait, the harder it is for the baby to latch on. The more natural the birth with minimal medicalization, the easier breastfeeding is for mother and baby. Pacifiers and bottles must be avoided for mothers who plan to breastfeed.  Even if the milk takes 3 - 5 days to come in, avoid bottles. The colostrum is sufficient and full of nutrients. Colostrum also provides antibodies to protect the baby from illness.

Some mothers experience pain while breastfeeding. If the baby's latch is painful, the mouth may not be open wide over the areola. The baby's lips are not supposed to be only latched onto the nipple. Mothers with severe issues breastfeeding should contact a lactation consultant, doula, or even a sista friend before giving up. Many pediatricians are not knowledgeable about breastfeeding, consult a lactation consultant first. Nursing mothers do not nurse on a schedule like those bottle feeding. Nursing is done on demand. This supplies the baby with the nutrients needed and keeps the mother's milk supply up.

Returning to work does not have to deter mothers from breast feeding. While the mother is at home she can nurse her baby on one side and pump on the other. The pumped milk is then stored in the refrigerator. The best pumps for mothers pumping half-time are the double electric pumps. I used the Medela Pump In Style©. It is great for mothers who are pumping regularly such as during the day, while at work. Many mothers feel that their employers will not let them pump at work. Mothers in the workplace have rights. Before returning to work or accepting a new job, mothers can explain to their employers that they will be nursing their child. Many employers will set up a lactation room or allow mothers to use a vacant office. If all else fails she may have to pump in the bathroom or in the car.  Mothers should breastfeed their babies before leaving for work in the morning. Baby - sitters or daycare providers should be advised to hold off on feeding the baby close to the time the mother will arrive for pick up. This allows the baby to breast feed upon the mother returning. Bottles should be avoided for night and weekend feedings. This will keep the milk supply up.

Some moms experience low milk supply. This is not a reason to throw in the towel. Herbs called galactagogues are frequently used, they increase milk supply. Galactagogues such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa can be used. They can be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule. Most mothers take fenugreek in capsule form. I sometimes would make a tea consisting of fenugreek, alfalfa and red raspberry. Red Raspberry makes the breast milk high in nutrients. Nettle and oat straw are also great herbs to help enhance breast milk.