Motherhood has a way of igniting passion in you that you didn’t even know was there. Breastfeeding was always my plan even though I wasn’t exposed to it much growing up. I remember my godbrother being breastfed but that was it. Who could’ve known that plan would become a huge part of my life.
Each Journey is Unique
Being new to breastfeeding, I embarked on a journey that ignited a passion to help women who choose to breastfeed. There are so many factors that make each journey unique. Every mother is different, every baby is different, and therefore every breastfeeding journey is different. Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes; some produce more than enough, some just enough, and some less than enough. All breastfeeding mommas need to know that they’re enough and doing their best no matter which category they are in. Providing our babies with nutrients and antibodies designed especially for them is an amazing thing only we can do.
So Much to Learn
I took an online breastfeeding class to prepare due to COVID-19, regardless, it only covered the tip of the iceberg. For example, I didn’t know that you need to replace pump parts regularly or it will impact your supply. I learned about this when I read about durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers that ship monthly supplies in a Facebook group. It was also in a Facebook group that I learned about hands-free pumping options. Through my work, I learned about the barriers that breastfeeding mothers covered by Ohio Medicaid face and it’s appalling.
Experience Ignites Passion
In my position, I work to address the social determinants of health (SDOH) and racial disparities and inequities. I’ve always been dedicated to my work, but motherhood ignited a passion for it that cannot be extinguished. I have experienced struggles on my journey, and I empathize with those who face additional barriers. As a result, I am doing all that I can to advocate for the removal of barriers to mothers’ ability to provide their babies with nutrients and antibodies designed especially for them. If you are in the State of Ohio and would like to advocate for mothers covered by Medicaid, please check out the upcoming opportunities here. You can also email your comments and/or recommendations to MISP@medicaid.ohio.gov by July 7, 2021.
Grateful for your Support
Even though I may not have the same barriers, I have experienced my share of struggles on this journey and I want to support others on their journey. We have surpassed a year on our breastfeeding journey and for that I am grateful. My husband, Willie, definitely supported and pushed me on days that I wanted to give up. Through our ups and downs on this journey, he has definitely honored his vows when I needed him most. Willie—thank you, and Happy 6th Anniversary! I love you!
