The Melanated Milkyway Breastfeeding Guidebook

By Shaquanna Thomas

A systemic issue in the United States contributes to Black/Indigenous women having the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country. These low rates have a negative effect on infant and maternal health outcomes over a lifetime. Misinformation and cultural biases create ongoing cycles that perpetuate the myth that breastfeeding is not normal or necessary. 

This written guide will break those cycles for our daughters and mothers on their breastfeeding journey. After ten years and six kids, Shaquanna Thomas has learned much about the breastfeeding relationship and the practical applications of the research behind it. She offers answers to questions that come up daily in mom groups and online communities in this comprehensive, yet easily digestible guide, with evidence-based research and the following key features: 

•    Glossary
•    Up-to-date and evidence-based research
•    A resource for moms returning to work or school
•    Discussions about the golden hour, diaper output, nutrition, and self-care
•    Troubleshooting for breastfeeding concerns 
•    Debunking breastfeeding myths
•    Answering taboo questions

The Melanated Milkyway arms you with the facts you need to combat misinformation, even if it comes from the pediatrician. You will be confident in your ability to breastfeed, with a guide at your fingertips for easy referencing. One of Shaquanna's greatest accomplishments was nursing her premature twins during a thirty-day NICU stay until their second birthday. With this book, you can create your own success story. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Only Black Stars in the Sky
• Release date: Sep 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393763468

Book preview

THE MELANATED MILKYWAY BREASTFEEDING GUIDEBOOK

The author has provided this material for the readers’ information.

It is not intended to substitute the medical expertise and

advice of a healthcare provider. Readers are encouraged to

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with a licensed

healthcare provider. The mention of any product, service, or

therapy is not an endorsement by the author or publisher.

THE MELANATED MILKYWAY BREASTFEEDING GUIDEBOOK

Copyright © 2020 Shaquanna Thomas

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced

in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means

including information storage and retrieval systems without

permission in written form from the publisher, except by

a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0-578-73634-1

Only Black Stars in the Sky

Thomasville, NC

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition September 2020

Cover Design: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Design: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Editing: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 Breastfeeding Rules

Chapter 2 The Golden Hour

Chapter 3 Well-Fed Babies and Diaper Output

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Breastfeeding Worries

Chapter 5 Myths, Negative Associations, and Generational Trauma

Chapter 6 Preemies, Ties, Multiples, and Tandem

Chapter 7 Pumping Resource and FAQs

Chapter 8 Travel, Shipping, Donations, and Medication

Chapter 9 Nutrition and Self-Care

Chapter 10 Taboo Topics and Questions

Chapter 11 Breastfeeding Stories

Final Thoughts

Bibliography

Glossary

Acknowledgements

I would like to give a million thanks to the women who inspire me every day, from my kindred to my social media associates. The network of support, both physical and virtual, has been a reliable lifeline for me through the years.

Thank you to all the birth workers and educators who support melanated families on their transition into parenthood. You are valuable.

I extend much gratitude to my husband, who is my number one supporter. You were my alpha reader and reviewer and continue to be an amazing team leader. Your dynamic presence in my life contributes greatly to me reaching my breastfeeding goals and striving for all of my dreams.

Introduction

I’ve heard it all: Some women just can’t breastfeed. I’ve tried to breastfeed, but my milk never came in. My baby was jaundice, so I had to supplement with formula. All of these statements, and more, are common, but for the vast majority of women, these words are simply untrue. These are myths perpetuated by formula companies and spread through fear-based tactics. Telling a mom her child will starve if she doesn’t supplement with formula is a good way to keep a loyal customer. Fear is primal, but so is breastfeeding. By centering education as the primary resource for breastfeeding mothers, my goal is to remove the fear and replace it with awareness.

The fact is, both mom and baby are at an increased risk of illnesses when the breastfeeding relationship is severed or not initiated. The myths associated with breastfeeding cause more harm among the Black/Indigenous communities because of our complex history of miseducation from doctors, wet nursing, and the blatant push of artificial foods/formulas over breastmilk. Our mothers lack the community and professional and generational support to sustain breastfeeding throughout the first year of their babies’ lives. The lack of support often results in moms quitting before they’ve reached their intended goal, with the most common complaints being painful latching, returning to work, and low milk supply. These are multi-faceted variables and intersectional issues, which must be handled accordingly, by someone who is culturally competent. That is why I wrote this guidebook.

In this book, you will learn the basics of breastfeeding, how to recognize a potential problem, and when to seek professional help for your issues. Having a fundamental understanding of breastfeeding will create an atmosphere of confidence and security for families pursuing the journey. When I first became a mother, I was only able to breastfeed my child for four months. It broke my heart to not have the support or education to reach my one-year goal. After many years of research, I was able to develop the skills I needed to successfully breastfeed premature twins until their second birthday. I never once had to use formula as a supplement, even when they were in the hospital being fed via feeding tubes.

If you or someone you love has a desire to breastfeed, The Melanated Milkyway is a useful gift to receive or give. I wrote this book as a peer-to-peer resource, with no judgement. This is a conversation between two moms—you and me—on how to navigate the concerns that come up when breastfeeding. This breastfeeding guidebook is perfectly structured to be both a manual and a tool. It will guide you on your journey while also providing you with the resources you need to meet your breastfeeding goals. This book, however, is not a replacement for a lactation professional like an IBCLC or CLC. Lactation professionals are still an important part of breastfeeding education and were integral in my own success, which is why I began studying to become one.

Breastfeeding is natural, but natural does not mean easy. Here, you have a partner, and you’ll find everything you need to know so you may breastfeed with confidence.

Chapter 1

Breastfeeding Rules

Some of these may seem obvious—others, not so much. These rules are in keeping with breastfeeding best practices based on relevant research.

1.No pumping in the first six weeks. Hand-expressing is a better option. In the first

Reviews for The Melanated Milkyway Breastfeeding Guidebook

[Teresa McCullen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Easy to read, follow and the advice and information is sound and encouraging! I am a experienced, licensed IBCLC and think every mother should have this book to help light the way!

[Icreate Blessings · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible book I am a father and have a better understanding of the breast feeding process for My wife thank you so much #iblessheads #Ontheblessings#showemnottellem ????????????