Lactivist

It is a sad commentary on our society that we need to have promotion and advocacy of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has allowed our species to not only survive but thrive enough to cover the world. We are called mammals because of our mammary glands and our ability to nourish our young with them. Why is it that we must convince women that this is the right thing to do? I am not sure of the answers, but I know there is a desperate need to get more babies fed with breastmilk. Babies all over the world are dying because of the unavailability of breastmilk. This is happening even though every mother has the ability to produce breastmilk. I think it is imperative that we each do our part to help stop this trend.

Informing ourselves about the benefits of breastmilk isn't enough. We also need to be well aware of the dangers of artificial substitutes for breastmilk. Infant formula is not an adequate replacement. There need to be breastfeeding mothers, wet nurses, and affordable milk banks so that all infants receive breastmilk even if their own mother doesn't provide it. Until all babies are fed with breastmilk, being a lactivist is necessary.

For me personally, being a lactivist is a calling. I feel that it is a service I can provide to the world. Every baby that receives breastmilk at his mother's breast is getting his birthright. To me, this is way more than a personal choice about infant feeding methods; it is about all babies being fed in the most natural and life sustaining method possible. I have never spoken to a mother who regrets breastfeeding but have heard many regrets from formula feeding mothers. There is a belief in our society that we need to avoid talking of the truth about breastfeeding and formula to spare the feelings of formula feeding mothers. Most mothers don't feel guilt when they discover the truth but instead anger that they were unable to make an informed choice.

I feel that every mother should have the ability to make an informed choice about her infant's health, but that is impossible if the truth continues to be hidden. It is my hope to shine a little light on the subject of formula vs. breastmilk.

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lactivist@lactivist.com

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