World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7

http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

Watching new mother and cover model Jessica Hebert breastfeed her baby
girl, Luna, born this May, during our cover shoot, was absolutely
breathtaking.
The ease and the confidence she exuded while striking a pose
was incredible. You
would never have thought that, like most new mothers in
America, she originally
knew very little about breastfeeding.

Jessica and her partner Marcus set out to get educated before Luna’s
birth. “Neither Marcus nor I were breastfed as babies. But he was 100% for
breastfeeding and I am so grateful to him for doing a lot of research in
advance. We both watched baby shows and read a ton about breastfeeding while I
was pregnant. Marcus’ support was and continues to be invaluable.”

Jessica was also smart to spend a lot of time with her best friend who was
nursing. “It was great to have ‘hands-on’ experience and to learn from her.” By
the time Luna was born, Jessica knew to put her immediately on her bare chest
for her first feeding. The two began what has turned into an awesome
breastfeeding relationship. “We have had no problems, I still can’t believe
nothing has gone wrong. I breastfeed anywhere and everywhere.” Jessica
breastfeeds Luna on Luna’s cues, not according to a schedule, and “Luna is such
a happy baby, and rarely cries. We have also taught her to self-soothe by
encouraging her to suck on her fist or thumb because we read that pacifiers can
lead to more ear infections.” On the subject of sleeping, Jessica finds that
co-sleeping safely with Luna in bed “gives everyone a better night’s sleep.”
And, she adds, “it is so, so sweet.” Jessica’s story is a clear example of
how well breastfeeding can go. All too often vulnerable new mothers only hear
horror stories about breastfeeding.

In Jessica’s own words: “Ohhh, it has been the most wonderful thing for
us…when she looks up and stares into my eyes. It’s the most heart-warming and
comfortable thing for me.

Read the whole article here