In 33 more years, ten billion people will have walked this earth. Women are having babies at a rapid rate all over the world. According to The World Counts, the global birth rate is around 18 births per 1,000 citizens. Of course, every country is different. The United States recorded around twelve births per 1,000 birth rates in 2023.The birth rates have around .09 percent increase from the previous year since 2019. In Africa, there are over 40 births for every 1000 people in a year, according to The World Counts. With the latest formula crisis lasting for more than a year. It has caused female caretakers to think differently. Mothers have always used their own resources through skin-to-skin feeding., also known as breast feeding.

Today’s generation has elevated the way the process is done with electric and hand pumps. Not everyone will be lucky enough to be able to produce milk supply. Sometimes health conditions or other challenges can make this feeding method impractical.

Human milk provides several benefits for both the mother and the baby such as vitamins, minerals, and weight loss. Considered in the “rapid” category, birth rates are not as high as they used to be. Still, women are striving every day to make a successful household work by working from home, becoming entrepreneurs, and now legally able to pump in a workplace for those who chose the 9-5 life.

Black breastfeeding week
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and a group of nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates has declared August 25-31st as Black Breastfeeding Week. The particular week is set aside to honor and encourage all black mothers around the world. Celebrating black life by hosting community events, live interactive webcasts, and several social media campaigns.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is known to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma, obesity, and cognitive development. Along with the bond that is created from the nurturing of the child by the mother it is known to provide protection against infections.  The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development reports that it gives the baby a better chance to survive during the first year, including a lower risk of SIDS.

Tips When Breastfeeding

Mothers should consume between 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day depending on how active they are while breastfeeding. It is recommended for infants to be fed breast milk “exclusively” for the first 6 months after birth. The NICHD says exclusive breastfeeding means the infant does not receive any additional foods except for Vitamin D unless the doctor says so.

Infants should be fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months after birth. Continuing to breastfeed until 12 months you should introduce your child to solids at 6 months. Don’t give up if you aren’t producing what you feel is enough milk. Every mother is different. A baby that is not eating enough may show signs of low amounts of poops and pees, no swallowing, and not meeting health growth checkmarks.

Working with a pump?

When pumping your breast either by electric or manual pump you have to be sure that you remove milk during the times that you would normally feed your infant. The process of removing milk from your breast is called ‘expressing’ the milk.Expressing milk will help you to continue making milk. Always make sure you clean your hands before pumping. There is no need to wash your breast or nipple prior before.

• Hand expression: Use your hand to manually massage and compress your breast to remove milk. 
• Manual pump: Use your hand and wrist to operate a hand-held pumping device that removes milk from your breast. 
• Electric breast pump: An electric breast pump runs on a battery or through an outlet plug. It can pump milk from one breast or from both breasts at the same time.

Every pump works differently read the manual to find what works for your body.

Breast milk can be stored in breast milk-sealed bags, clean glass bottles, or hard, BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. After pumping, refrigerate or freeze milk immediately. Frozen milk is good for 3 to 6 months. After thawing, use the milk within 24 hours and do not refreeze it because of the risk of contamination

Milk should be stored in small batches of up to four ounces depending on the amount that you normally feed your infant during a single period of feeding time. For refrigeration, storage for as long as 5 to 8 days is acceptable only for very clean expressed milk.

Video: How to Breastfeed

Preparing to breastfeed

Before having your baby you should choose a breast pump. You may even want to invest in a lactation counselor. Some lactation counselors may be able to give you advice over the phone or on a video call. Talk to your Ob-Gyn to make sure you don’t have any health conditions that could make breastfeeding harder. Plan skin-to-skin right after delivery creating that bond with your baby is very important and It’s also one of the first signals to your body to start making milk.

There are certain foods that can increase your milk supply. Your daily diet is important for you and your baby. If you’re having trouble with your milk supply talk with your doctor and try some of these new foods listed below. Studies have shown these particular foods contain vital compounds and minerals that help stimulate milk production.

Foods that increase the milk supply:
Lactation cookies, Whole Grains, Oats, Lean Meat, Garlic, Apricots, chickpeas, Herbs, Seeds, Water, and Greens.

What to avoid while breastfeeding:
Fish High in Mercury, Alcohol, Peppermint, Tabacco, Caffeine 

How long has a wet nurse existed?

A woman breast feeding another child has been around since 2000 BC. It became a profession that quickly declined to extinction with contracts and laws to regulate this practice.

Video: History of Breastfeeding