Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

August 1-8 is World Breastfeeding Week, this year's theme is Breastfeeding in Emergency Situations. When I think about this year's theme I think back to hurricane Katrina and the people who had to take refuge in random places. They had to leave their homes, many in a huge hurry, to flee to safety. Can you imagine what they went through? I certainly can't. I am sure there were moms rationing the baby food and formula they had, praying they could feed their babies for as long as needed. There must have also been moms who didn't have to worry about food for their infant. They knew their body would make the perfect food at the perfect temperature no matter where they ended up. What a relief.

I am so thankful that I have breastfed my children. I nursed A until she was over 3 and B is 7 months and going strong. I am thankful that I have never had to worry about being able to feed my infant. I am thankful I got the special bonding time with my girls. I am thankful that I didn't listen to the nay-sayers and I trusted my mommy instincts. I am thankful that my children will grow up thinking breastfeeding is normal and wonderful and I hope that they will choose to breastfeed their children. I hope that my decision to not apologize for feeding and nurturing my child no matter where I am shows other people that breastfeeding IS normal, it is good for mom and baby, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Here are some great resources for WBW -

The statement from WHO

The statement from Unicef

Podcast with WHO

Check them out, they are great ways to get the word out about WBW and the benefits of breastfeeding.