Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Beyonce Sets a New Bar




I was not interested in the hoopla concerning the size of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s nursery for little Blue  Ivy and the Bjorn leopard print baby carrier was nice but when I heard that she breastfeed Blue  Ivy in public I was impressed. Advocates have been trying to reach young African American women with the benefits of breastfeeding their babies. Benefits are both for mother and child yet the message has gone unheeded. The percentage of Black mothers breastfeeding is still below other ethnic groups.  Hopefully, Beyonce has created a buzz that will reach and convince young mothers that breastfeeding is good.
Recently, American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed their position that mothers should exclusively breastfeed for six months, and that nursing should be considered a public heath issue rather than a lifestyle choice. Why is breastfeeding important in the African American community? Breast milk is custom made for little human babies and moms that breastfeed heal and get in shape faster.  Breast milk is also cheaper and more portable than formula.  On top of that breastfeeding is very important in bonding and building a relationship with the newborn. Now Beyonce has sent a message that breastfeeding is fashionable. I know Blue Ivy appreciates her Mom's decision.


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