Back in January many of us signed the Motherwear Pledge - a list of things which we can do to support breastfeeding. Roughly 1,000 of you signed up to do three of the ten things below, and I've been keeping track through a poll (may take a few seconds to load).
I know that many of you have done three of the things below, and some have done more. Many of you came up with your own ideas for supporting breastfeeding, too. So I thought I'd check up on how it's going and also record my progress so far. Tell us what you've done in the comment section!
Say something supportive to a woman you see nursing in public. I got this one done in January at a restaurant (see the comments section of this post for the story).
Thank someone who is/was an important source of support to you during breastfeeding. Haven't done this lately.
Check that your pediatrician is using the new growth charts which use breastfed babies' growth as the norm. I did this once but I don't think that I got the right answer. Will check again next week at flu shot appointment.
Help a woman who is having breastfeeding difficulty. Did this one many times at breastfeeding clinics and support groups.
Make a donation of any size to an organization that promotes breastfeeding. We donated to my local breastfeeding coalition.
Print out the International Symbol of Breastfeeding and post it somewhere public. We'll be posting stickers with the symbol at local businesses soon.
Talk to at least one pregnant woman, or a woman who hasn't had children yet, about the benefits of breastfeeding. Have done this one many times at breastfeeding classes.
Learn what your state's laws have to say about breastfeeding in public, pumping at work, and breastfeeding and jury duty. Unfortunately that one's easy for me; they say nada. We're trying to change that.
It you have breastfed, take about 1% of the money you saved by not buying formula (about $15 per child) and buy or do something for yourself to celebrate your success. Oh yeah.
Sign an e-petition or send an email or letter to your representatives on an issue related to breastfeeding or maternal/child health. I've sent several emails and letters on nursing in public legislation in my state.
So even though it's the holidays and things are crazy, take a few seconds to see if you've done any of these things. You may be surprised at how much you've accomplished!
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