“Breastfeeding...more than just good nutrition.”



I’ve been an advocate for breastfeeding for several years. I’ve became an advocate when I had an experience with a breastfeeding mom at my former job as a WIC Nutritionist. I learned that breastfeeding is the best you can give your baby, it has all the nutrients, babies are less likely to suffer for colds, flu, ear infections, and may help the mom return to normal weight. Also, I had a client that was physically disabled and obese to breastfed her baby for 12 months without formula supplement and lost 30lbs. I was so inspired to encourage all of the moms to breastfeed.
In Singapore, infants are breastfeed for at least 6 months for their life. Working mothers in Singapore nevertheless continue to breastfeed even though they are still working. Singapore is working towards make their work environment more breastfeeding friendly for the mother. This is a challenge that the US continue to make places breastfeeding friendly. I will continue to be in the family services field where I will promote breastfeeding because of the tremendous benefits. My motto is, “Breastfeeding...more than just good nutrition.”

Childbirth.....

I was a part of older sister birth of my nephew Myles. From her pregnancy, I was apart by taking my sister to the doctor and going to birthing classes with her. I would watch TV shows about the birthing process but, I still didn’t know what to expect. On August 13, 2000 my sister water broke at home, and I remember going to the hospital that morning ready to help. My sister was schedule for a vaginal birth, but due do to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck a C-section had to be performed. Along with my brother-in-law we became a support team for my sister. I tried to make her comfortable and keep her calm. Since it was her first baby, she was a little stress and scared. Overall, the delivery went well and a health boy was born. I believe I served as Doula to my sister giving that support to her. I choice this example because being a part of my first nephew’s birth 11years ago has left an impression on me, I wanted to be there for my sister. The birth of a child has such an impact on a child’s development because the bonding starts at the beginning. For example, my nephew was surrounding with plenty of love and support, which the child’s development is influenced by the family.

In the India, their culture performs ceremonies to ensure the health of the baby and mother. For example, at birth before the umbilical cord is severed the father may touch the baby’s lips with a gold spoon or ring dipped in honey, curds, ghee. This is a ritual to ensure a long life. This is different from the U.S., but we have similarity ritual. For example, once the baby was born in my culture we pray over the infant for health and prosperity. From this comparison, I’ve learned we are very similar.


Religion in India: Hindu Rituals - Agnosticism / Atheism ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://atheism.about.com/od/hindusandhinduism/a/IndiaRituals.htm

Thank YOU!

I WISH EVERYONE LUCK ON YOUR  ENDEAVORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!