“Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (August). For this month, we write about the World Breastfeeding Week 2014 – Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life and share how breastfeeding can help the Philippines achieve the 8 Millennium Development Goals development by the government and the United Nations. Participants will share their thoughts, experiences, hopes and suggestions on the topic. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”

Breastfeeding is a journey. It has its ups and downs but knowing the facts versus what are just plain misconceptions will greatly help in a successful journey. Here are my top 2 myths related to poverty that affects most moms.

Breastfeeding is Expensive

Some people have the notion that breastfeeding is expensive because you need special clothing, equipment and consultations to lactation experts.

With all the breastfeeding accessories out in the market, like nursing pillows, foot stools, clothes, covers, pumps, and consultations that costs an arm and a leg, it is not hard to think that way.

While these items, help the mom breastfeed in convenience, breastfeeding require just the mother and the baby. The body was created perfectly to do this nurturing act. Being knowledgeable will enable thebe mom the right choices to influence her successful journey. There are volunteer breastfeeding counselors and groups in the community who offer free support and classes to help moms optimize the benefits. .

Malnourished Woman Should Not Breastfeed

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies, especially those impoverished ones. The malnourished mother will still produce sufficient supply of good quality milk for their babies. Moderate malnutrition has little or no effect on milk production.

When there are available supplies of food or vitamin supplements are available it is best to give them to the mother rather than the child. This will improve the mother’s health and well-being, rebuild their own nutrient stores, and protect the infant from the risks of artificial feeding.

As for me, breastfeeding was the most natural way to provide the nourishment for my baby. I used breastfeeding accessories to make the 2-year journey easier. But as I would always say, there’s no need to spend on things you cannot afford. If there’s a will, there will always be a way to make things work…successfully.

Here are many thoughts and reasons why we should all advocate for mothers to breastfeed for the first 1,000 days of life #BF1st1000days

My entries for this Milk Mama Diaries Carnival: breastfeeding as the best choice for the environment as well and breastfeeding myths and poverty

Jenny shares experiencing the One Asia Breastfeeding Forum

Mec insists to do the Math and breastfeed!

Ams, The Passionate Mom says Breastfeed for a Better Future

Pat says breastfeeding saves money and the planet

Cheryl, the Multi-Tasking Mama, tackles maternal health as addressed by breastfeeding

2011 CNN Hero Ibu Robin highlights gentle births and breasfeeding, even in disaster zones

Felyn stresses that Healthy Moms = Healthy Babies

Monique reminds us that there are second chances in breastfeeding

Normi relates how breastfeeding gave her strength and purpose

Nats thanks Dr. Jack Newman for showing how breastfeeding can be a win-win situation

Em believes breastfeeding is a solution to societal problems

Marge shares what breastfeeding has taught them

Kaity was empowered financially and as a woman through breastfeeding

Madel relates her breastfeeding saga

Jen of Next9 reminds us to do our research and share what we know

Celerhina Aubrey vows to work on one mother at a time

Grace wants to put an end to stories of toasted coffee and similar stuff over breast milk

Diane shares how she prevailed when things did not go according to plan

Hazel appreciates mommy support groups

Roan combines two passions, breastfeeding and architecture

Rosa shares how the picture she thought of was realized

Sally believes breastfeeding benefits mankind and our planet Earth

Floraine reminds us that breastfeeding helps combat diseases

Crislyn was happy to realize that she improved her own health by breastfeeding

Armi reminds us how breastfeeding during emergencies is crucial

Arvi tells us how breastfeeding made her look at her body a different way

Clarice elaborates on how breastfeeding saves lives and the planet

Giane reminds us that women empowerment can begin by seeing breastfeeding as more than a feeding issue

Liza thought she was only breastfeeding for her child