This last week, August 1-7, was World Breastfeeding Week. Since becoming a mommy, I have become quite the advocate and become involved in organizations that support breastfeeding. Having had such a struggle with Eli while nursing, I sought out a lot of education and support and would not have made it through more than a month had it not been for the support I received from breastfeeding support group and La Leche League. I delivered both Eli & Anna at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence and was lucky enough to start attending their breastfeeding support group from it's inception. Centerpoint had only opened 3 months prior to Eli's birth, so we were the first mamas to start the group. I am SO glad I made the decision to attend group as I am still close friends with the mamas I met 3 years ago through that group. In fact many of us have now had our 2nd child and cherish our group of supportive mommies. Along with the supportive mommies, the group is run by 2 wonderful lactation consultants, Sharon & Mary Ann, whose knowledge and supportive nature kept us each attending every week to weigh our babies, learn from their knowledge, and chat with other women experiencing the journey of breastfeeding and parenthood. Thank you Sharon & MaryAnn and thank you mommies for keeping me on the track of breastfeeding my baby. I am proud to say I have been a breastfeeding mommy for 3 years and will be for probably another 1-2 years! Wow!!
In recognition of this week, a close mommy friend from our group, Cheryl, came up with the idea to honor the support group and the lactation consultants. She sent out an email asking the other mommies if anyone would be interested in organizing a potluck and maybe putting together a special gift for the LC's. Well, after some phone calls to the hospital staff and hard work from many mommies, not only was a potluck held, but a 2 hour event was sponsored by the hospital today to educate the community about breastfeeding. It was awesome to be a part of this and I cannot thank Cheryl enough for the idea and for keeping everything on track. The event today included a talk by a pediatrician about the importance of breastfeeding, a panel of moms (yes, from our group :) talking about their experiences with breastfeeding, a breastpump demonstration, and several vendors and giveaways. It felt really good to be a part of this and I was once again reminded how blessed I am to have found this group of mommies!
The potluck was held on Monday and the LC's were presented with flowers, a picture of our kiddos put together very creatively by Tiffany, a gift basket, and a picture quilt. The room was FULL of breastfeeding mommies and I know Sharon & Mary Ann felt very honored. Here are some pictures from the evening:
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
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