Welcome to My World

Today, August 1, marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week. Groups the world over are celebrating the beauty of breastfeeding this week through all sorts of activities.

I'm becoming more involved in a local La Leche League after having been a member for approx. seven years. I love the organization and its message of supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families is exceptional and close to home. I would not be where I am breastfeeding today without the support of the leaders and other mothers, nor would I be the mother I am.

I have learned so much from the leaders and other mothers over the years. I've learned so many other parenting and mothering concepts that I had never really even considered. I'm not perfect by any means, but I hope I'm at least better than I had been.

For some more information on international activities in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, you can visit World Breastfeeding Week.

So my closest La Leche group is doing their annual celebration at a local children's farm in September. A bit past the formal timeframe, however, it can be cooler -- to be sure. I am involved in another group and we've planned our celebration for Sunday. We're having a picnic at a local fire station from 11-2 with food, music, and a cool silent auction. Personally, I hope to score some new cloth diapers. My moose is too big for even some large diaper covers! Maybe her rise is too long?

This is an inaugural event for the Eldersberg group and should be lots of fun. J&J have put in a lot of time and effort to have a successful event. It's the single-largest fundraiser of the year. The local newspaper is planning to do an article on the event. Gotta love small-town newspapers :) The reporter covering the story wanted to interview a member of the group and somehow I was chosen.

I spoke with the reporter today and hopefully answered the questions in a manner that sounds intelligent. She sounded really nice so I hope my words don't get twisted to sound judgemental or fanatical. I dodn't they they will. She asked about how I became involved in La Leche, how long I've been a member, my breastfeeding experience, breastfeeding in public and the like. I can't wait to read the article and see what it says. Maybe if it's good I'll post a link LOL!

I'm really passionate about breastfeeding. Not only are there myriad of benefits for mom and baby (both physical and emotional) but also for the environment and society as a whole. That statisics for moms breastfeeding when their babies are born is increasing, but so much more needs to be done to increase the numbers of moms breastfeeding 6+ months down the road. A key to successful breastfeeding is support and I truly look forward to continuing to support and help breastfeeding moms and their families.

So, check out the World Breastfeeding Week website or the La Leche website to see how you can get involved in supporting breastfeeding families or attending an event.