breastfeeding challenge

I was reading the other day about a woman who did not understand the point of the breastfeeding challenge ( http://www.babyfriendly.ca/challenge/mother.php )...'I breastfed my child. I pumped when I went out. I used a blanket. I had mastitis, cracked and bleeding nipples. I weaned at six months. I felt defensive when asked why I did so and said I wanted my body back.' I felt so sorry for her. She missed the whole point of the challenge.

The breastfeeding challenge is to celebrate the normality of breastfeeding. To find your community resources. To encourage other women on their journey through motherhood. This was my sixth!!!! year at the challenge. I went with DS; DS; DS; DS and DD; DD; and DS and BG. I have always left feeling amazed with the power of women and part of a larger wonderfully supportive community.

When we as mothers get the support and information we need, many common difficulties are avoided. When we can reach out to each other through things like the challenge, LLLC meetings or bosom buddies, we help each other give our children the best nutritional start they can have.