Lactavist in the Making

Yesterday was filled with all things lactating, and it was awesome! I'll start with how it ended and work my way backwards.

Last night I got to meet an incredible IBCLC that I've admired for years. Alyssa Schnell who wrote the book "Breastfeeding without Birthing" and co-hosts the amazing Podcast "Breastfeeding Outside of the Box" of which I've been a guest. Her book was instrumental in my inducing lactation journey and when my LLL leader told me she was going to be in Maryland for a Lactation Professional's seminar I knew I HAD to at least meet her in person finally. I emailed Alyssa asking her if I could meet her before or after the seminar, and she replied asking if I would be interested in sharing my story with the group.  I was elated! 

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Although I've read her book several times,  her presentation was very helpful and insightful. It was also amazing to be in such great company. A room full of women that love breastfeeding as much as, or even more than I do! It was very recharging for me.  I asked a table mate to take a picture of me speaking and was surprised to find out afterwards she took video!

This was my first time focusing on my inducing lactation story not just my infertility/surrogacy/MRKH story. And I loved talking about it since it was/is such an amazing and HEALING journey for me. Several ladies approached me thanking me for telling my story and asking if I was going to become a La Leche League Leader....which I plan to talk to my current leader about what all that entails... stay tuned ;-)

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Earlier in the day I agreed to be the host of the DC event for the National Nurse-In being held at the various state capitols throughout the US on Friday, April 28th. This is my first true step to become a full fledged "Lactivist."

This is the 3rd annual event, and this year is particularly important following the executive action to repeal the ACA which provides mothers with time and accommodations to express Breastmilk at work. Mother's may again be dependent on their state laws to provide workplace pumping time and accommodations. 

Unfortunately nearly HALF of our states do not have workplace pumping laws and even fewer have laws that provide adequate protections. This leaves many thousands of working mothers vulnerable!

So, this year we will be hosting a Nurse-In/ Pump-In to bring attention to the need for protections for working moms in addition to public breastfeeding laws.
ALL are welcome! Friends, family, men too, nursing, pumping, donor, SNS, tube, formula. If you support public breastfeeding and workplace pumping, please attend!

SEE THE EVENT PAGE HERE.

*If you're unable to attend in person, be sure to share some brelfies with #NationwideNurseIn2017 and share with as many people as you can! Help us make a real difference!

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I rarely remember my dreams, I assume because as a bedsharing mom to a nursing toddler I rarely get into deep enough sleep for long enough. sigh...
But I think because I was nips deep in all things lactating the past few days I had a milk dream!  In the dream Lee and I opened an ice cream shop called "Milkies" (which is what Bram calls nursing) Not only was it delicious Organic ice cream any crunchy Mom would love to eat and feed her kiddos, We would have lactation boosting milkshakes and snacks too... maybe even #momjuice? aka wine...

And best of all it was a safe spot for moms to exchange donor milk with a dedicate booth to meet up for the exchange. They would even get a discount for doing so. I dreamed of a little corner that sold a different mom owned boutique items each month. And a party room in the back we could rent to breastfeeding support groups, or have Mommy Me classes in. Was a great dream to start this day off with.
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One can dream... maybe one day?

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