It's Black Breastfeeding Week!
Hey Innate Express Passengers,
It's Black Breastfeeding Week Aug 25-31st! While scrolling through social media this week I saw in the comments of one post this glaring question, "it's breastfeeding month why do THEY need a whole week of awareness?" Instead of getting angry, I figured I would dedicate a blog post to it instead.
One of the main reasons why there is a Black Breastfeeding Week is due to high rates of black infant mortality. During breastfeeding, babies gain vital nutrients that enable their ability to thrive well past their first year of life.
Another reason, this week is of the utmost importance is due to the lack of breastfeeding resources for black mothers. Due to the prevalence of institutional racism, black moms are far more likely to be given government assistance for formula than for resources to aid in breastfeeding. Doulas are also another essential component to providing resources for breastfeeding.
One of the ways a doula can aid in helping moms with breastfeeding is by providing hands-on support soon after birth. A doula can also recommend the best lactation consultants in your area as well as community groups for peer support.
In addition to seeking help from a lactation consultant one of the number one ways a mama can ensure a healthy latch with baby is to have baby checked by a pediatric chiropractor. This way restrictions in baby's neck can be released and allow for an easier breastfeeding experience for mom and baby.
If you're experiencing mastitis or baby's diapers are not matching the amount you are breastfeeding, we highly recommend reaching out to us so we can help you find a pediatric chiropractor in your area. Visit our resources page or send us a message below or on social media!
This latest post features one of our favorite influencers, Triena Deniese Smith (IG @trienadeniese)! We definitely admire her style and we're even more inspired by her advocacy for breastfeeding. Here are a couple moments of Triena bonding with her son, Brave.
Yours in Innate Expression,
Patience
I’m Just The Dad or Partner, I Don’t Really Have A Role
Hey Innate Express Passengers!
Traditionally, the involvement of dads and partners in birth has been low to almost non-existent. However, I am now seeing many dads and partners rise up and act on their innate ability to be one of the best forms of support for mama. In this role, you have the opportunity to set the tone for the birthing environment and in some instances you may be verbalizing directives from the birthing plan, if mama is unable to do so. Many partners are able to assist in the comfort measures provided to mom. Most importantly, they can help make sure their partner feels safe.
On a hormonal level, the greater connection between dad/partner and mom, the more oxytocin is produced. This hormone is vital during the birthing process and subsequently through postpartum. I will elaborate on the role of hormones in another post. So back to dads and partners. I am willing to bet that the beautiful being who is carrying your child would love for you to be more than just support. She wants you to play an active role during her pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services is committed to empowering families to work together to create the optimum experience for the entire family. We have sessions built into our packages to help ensure that this is taking place. I am committed to empowering partners and dads so they feel prepared to step into that active role.
A few months ago, I viewed a series called Doula Dads by Black Love Doc. I was amazed by the intentionality shown by the dads, uncles, and partners in this series. I’m an avid This is Us watcher, and when I saw Sterling K. Brown was featured in the series; I had to watch it. So if you missed it, I’m going to embed his episode below. I also invite you to watch the other episodes in the series. After you watch, leave a comment that lets me know your thoughts on it. If you’re an expectant mom tell me how you hope your partner will show up for you during this time. If you’re an expectant dad or partner tell me what are some of the challenges you’re experiencing during this new season. Also tell me how you hope to show up for your child’s mom. Until next time . . .
Yours in Innate Expression,
Patience
Welcome to the Innate Express!
A blog written by @xpressin8doula for families who are interested in all things birth support related.
Hello Friends and Family,
This is officially Innate Expressions Holistic Doula Services first blog post! I am so excited to be providing yet another avenue of getting information out to you all, our community partners, and anyone interested in the beautiful professions surrounding perinatal support. I look forward to you following our journey aboard the Innate Express blog series.
First, a little bit about me and how this business even started. I’m Patience Canty, a holistic childbirth/postpartum doula and soon to be chiropractor. The vision for Innate Expressions grew from a desire to serve a segment of our population that is often underserved and over-looked, MOMS. More specifically black moms, who are experiencing oppression in the worst way. The maternal mortality rate for black moms is 3-4x higher than their counterparts of other races. The health disparities plaguing black women are even more egregious in the Greater Atlanta Area. I have spoken to many mothers from various, diverse backgrounds regarding their experiences during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their stories, some filled with joy and others with regrets have fueled me to create services and an experience that will not only protect them from medical negligence, but empower them to step into their innate expression of advocacy and birthing wisdom.
The logo for Innate Expressions includes a palmetto tree for the following reasons. It is the state tree of South Carolina, where I was raised. One of my core values is family and so I wanted our logo to reflect that core value for me. Palmetto Trees are extremely durable as the trunks are made of a spongy wood that can withstand hurricane force winds. To me this represents the adaptability and fortitude that moms possess. It is my hope that moms who come to Innate Expressions are reminded they have these innate qualities within themselves to adapt to the challenges that come with bringing life into this world. The logo has a mom supporting her belly, with a heart signifying the new life that is growing inside of her. At Innate Expressions, we not only support mom as she supports new life, we also support the new dreams, hopes, and visions that mom wants to create for the well-being of her family and more importantly, for her own personal well-being.
Second, this will be a space for you all to engage as well, so after reading a post feel free to leave any questions or comments so we can turn each post into a conversation! Look forward to content that may challenge your existing understanding on pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I consider you all my friends and family and want us all to growth in knowledge surrounding these topics. Share these posts with your friends and family so they can become aware of the new things you’re learning. Until next time!
Yours in Innate Expression,
Patience
