Welcome to The Breastfeeding Sista Circle©, an email group created with a desire to support, educate and empower women of color to breastfeed for as long as baby and mom are comfortable. The BSC believes "Mama's milk is the Original soul food".

Breastfeeding is a natural, fulfilling process however it does not always come "naturally" nor is it widely supported in the African American community. In fact, 83% of AA mothers bottle feed their babies! [In future issues of Breast Beginnings, information on the effects of formula feeding with be provided, however, the goal of the B.S.C. is not to bash the formula fed baby or the moms who choose this option.] The BSC is here to promote the wonderful, long lasting benefits of breastfeeding among all women, especially women of color.

Again, breastfeeding doesn't come as naturally as many new moms think it should. One of the main reasons babies are switched to the bottle very early on is due to lack of knowledge and usage of the proper 'techniques' of nursing. Breastfeeding is an art, something that must be practiced and mastered over time. While it's a wonderful blessing that some babies take to the breast immediately, this is not the reality for most moms & newborns, especially first-time nursing moms. African American moms may give up on breastfeeding after a few difficult days or weeks because they have not received the information, encouragement and support every nursing mom deserves. The BSC is here to provide that support.

Breastmilk is human "liquid gold" and its the only milk designed especially to meet the nutritional needs of your baby. Through monthly email-based newsletter and an official website (coming soon!), The Breastfeeding Sista Circle© will offer the comfort, support and knowledge African American and other moms of color need to nurse successfully, for as long as mom and baby are comfortable.

Remember, choosing to breastfeed is a very personal decision and sometimes it doesn't work out for all of us, no matter how hard we try. Always do what is best for your baby and best for you!

I hope you enjoy this newsletter!

Sista in Soul,
Tawana McNeill