BREASTFEEDING AND BREASTMILK ARE PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
No-thINg compares to Breastmilk.
BREASTFEEDING IS ONTOLOGICAL.
Ontological — as IN, essential to / for Life.
BEfore I proceed, let me leave thIS disclaimer, for I recognize the INflammatory Nature of this conversation.
I Desire to make it abundantly clear that thIS IS not an evaluation of a MotHER’s success and / or failure, for I BElieve that the collective dissolvINg of THE VILLAGE IS responsible for the disablINg of a MotHER’s ability to fully provide for Her own Child IN All of the Ways God designed and DestINed Her to. Traditionally, The (IN tact) Village MotHERed the MotHER and enabled Her to MotHER. The (IN tact) Village provided for the MotHER and enabled Her to provide for Her own young. Spiritually. Socially. Emotionally. Energetically. Physically. Nutritionally.
HavINg said that … let us dive IN, deep.
Last month I saw an IG post that listed off a bunch of “facts about BreastfeedINg,” many of which Were rooted IN Truth … however, there was One particular “fact” that impassioned me and INvited me to share my Voice IN depth, on thiIS topic of conversation.
That “fact” BEINg that: “BreastfeedINg IS a privilege”.
I’ll start off by sayINg that I fervently challenge the notion that BreastfeedINg IS a privilege.
WE can acKnowledge and address that socioECOnomic status, cultural context, and lack of CommUNITY care can disable a Woman’s INnate design to Breastfeed Her Child — WITHOUT makINg the erroneous and unfounded claim that BreastfeedINg (which IS an ontological function) IS a privilege.
The Timeless Truth IS that — BREASTFEEDING IS A BIRTHRIGHT.
I Will take a moment Here to illumINate that WE Live IN an INHERently INverted and reversed World … where a lot of what WE have BEen told IS privilege, IS simply … a Birthright.
ThINgs like: the ability to refuse mandated and forced vaccination, food security, Water security, education, Peace, Prosperity and the ability to Breastfeed and BE Breastfed (to Name a few examples).
Socioeconomic status, cultural context, and lack of CommUNITY care undoubtedly play a significant role IN a MotHER’s BreastfeedINg journey. Access to proper nutrition, upholdINg environments, paid Maternity leave and fINancial support All greatly INfluence a MotHER’s Choice and capacity to Breastfeed. However, it IS crucial to separate these factors from the INHERent and Natural act of BreastfeedINg itSelf. BreastfeedINg IS not a privilege BEstowed upon a select few; it IS a BIOlogical function and a testament to the INtelligent design of the Female Body.
The narrative that BreastfeedINg IS a privilege not only undermINes the Natural capacity of All MotHER’s to Breastfeed but also perpetuates a narrative that hINders efforts to normalize BreastfeedINg through cultural and communal respect and reverence for BreastfeedINg. By characterizINg BreastfeedINg as a privilege, WE INadvertently contribute to disablINg MotHER’s IN BEINg able to do so even more, BEcause it Creates thIS added layer of GUILT for BEINg “able”. The fact that WE Live IN a World wHere Women have BEen made to feel guilt for BEINg able to and ChoosINg to Breastfeed goes to show how DEEP the distortion IS and goes.
Let us remember that throughout History and across ALL cultures, BreastfeedINg has BEen the primary mode of INfant feedINg. It has sustaINed generations upon generations upon generations. BreastfeedINg aligns with the primal INstincts and impulses of the Human species to contINue CREATION, an act that transcends societal constructs of privilege.
BreastfeedINg was never meant to BE optional. It IS QUINTESSENTIAL TO LIFE.
Breastmilk, often referred to as LIQUID GOLD (and rightfully so), IS One of the most medicINal wonders of Nature. BEyond its nourishINg qualities, BreastfeedINg goes far BEyond providINg essential nutrients to a growINg Baby. The bond Created durINg BreastfeedINg IS profound, and the INtricate chemical communication that occurs BEtween the MotHER and Her Baby IS Truly miraculous.
BreastfeedINg IS a BIOlogical masterpiece that surpasses simple sustenance. When a Baby latches onto the MotHER's Breast, a magical connection occurs that transcends the boundaries of physical touch. WithIN this INtimate exchange, a mesmerizINg dance of chemical messages unfolds. As the Baby feeds, the saliva from their mouth enters their MotHER's Body through the nipple. The MotHER's immune system then analyzes their Baby's saliva, detectINg any pathogens or foreign substances Present.
Upon analyzINg the Baby's saliva, the MotHER's immune system works like an alchemist, formulatINg a specific medicINal chemical blend tailored to the Baby's BIOINdividual needs. ThIS blend contains antibodies and other immune-enhancINg substances designed to protect the Baby agaINst any potential threats they may have encountered. It's almost as if the MotHER's Body whispers to the Baby's immune system, "I see you, and I AM here to protect and preServe you."
The wondrous process contINues as the MotHER's immune system sends the medicINal chemical blend back to the Breast tissue, wHere it IS INcorporated and INfused INto the Breastmilk. With each subsequent feedINg session, the Baby receives thIS customized immune-boostINg elixir, actINg as an INvisible shield against illnesses and INfections. Breastmilk effectively BEcomes and IS a personalized medicINe, crafted specifically for each Baby's unique health requirements.
Breastmilk OVERALL plays a pivotal role IN shapINg the Baby's gut microbiome, layINg the foundation for a healthy digestive system and immune system.
I vehemently disagree that “fed IS BEst.”
The “fed IS BEst” narrative IS an example of BreastfeedINg denialism.
BreastfeedINg denialism, often stemmINg from difficult personal experiences, INvolves dismissINg the BEnefits of BreastfeedINg and promotINg the idea that formula feeding IS equivalent or even superior to BreastfeedINg and Breastmilk (which IS simply not the reality).
The "fed IS BEst" message Creates a false equivalence BEtween BreastfeedINg and formula feedINg, suggestINg that both options are equally effective and that both options equally support and promote health, WELLBEINg, WELLness, WELLth and vitality. However, this sentiment oversimplifies a Highly nuanced topic of conversation and fails to acKnowledge the myriad BEnefits that BreastfeedINg offers for both MotHER and Baby (for the two are effectively One). What BEnefits One Will always BEnefit the other.
BreastfeedINg, as WE All Know, IS a Natural and miraculous TECHNOLOGY that sets a Faithful foundation for Future Fruitfulness.
Breastmilk IS uniquely tailored to meet a Baby's nutritional, physiological, immunological needs, providINg a Perfect balance of nutrients and immune-boostINg components that cannot BE replicated by formula. It contains antibodies that protect the Baby against INfections and dis-ease, contributINg to a more resilient and adaptive immune system.
BreastfeedINg also supports the MotHER's physical and emotional recovery after ChildBirth. It helps shrINk the uterus back to its "normal" size (I use the Word normal for lack of a BEtter term), reduces postpartum BleedINg and promotes relaxation and tHerefore restoration and regeneration IN the Body. The release of oxytocIN that IS abundant durINg BreastfeedINg also supports and promotes a MotHERs emotional WELLBEINg, which INevitably reduces the potential of postpartum depression and anxiety.
It IS essential to recognize that the "fed IS BEst" narrative IS entirely profit-driven, and ultimately Serves no One except those who own said formula company's.
I Pray that All of the money that’s INvested INto the formula INdustry and that funds the endorsINg of formula IS redistributed INto CreatINg and cultivatINg conducive cultural and communal conditions for a Woman’s INnate ability to Breastfeed to come onlINe.
THere IS no need to shame Women who Choose not to Breastfeed — AND WE shouldn't BE required to downplay or devalue the Organic MEDICINE that IS Breastmilk / BreastfeedINg IN order for them to avoid feelINg shame / ashamed. At the end of the day, when people feel shame, it's often BEcause they have "SINned" as IN, gone agaINst God and TRUTH. Hence why many / most Women who Choose not to Breastfeed do feel shame — BEcause they Know IN their Blood, IN their Bones, IN their Body, that it IS not equivalent or ENOUGH to promote their Baby's INHERent state of WELLth, WELLness and WELLBEINg.
The Timeless Truth IS that — BREAST IS BEST.
Whenever Women are strugglINg to Breastfeed and provide for their Children IN this way, the only Way they are "emPowered" (aka disemPowered) IS by BEINg given the "only option" of formula (which has BEen endowed with this stamp of superiority through the domINant ethos). No Pure and True soulutions are ever offered — that IS, soulutions that acKnowledge and Presence the Root cause of the severance and separation that IS disablINg that MotHER's Natural ability and capacity to provide for Her Baby IN thIS Way. Every Woman and every Child IS destINed and designed to experience their GOD-GIVEN, Birth RIGHT to nourish and BE nourished IN this Way.
IN my Truth system, tHere IS alWays a Way to reconcile whatever IS disablINg a Woman’s Organic ability and design as a MotHER to Breastfeed and provide for Her Child IN thIS Way.
It’s so important to get CURIOUS about and evaluate / examINe the root cause of low milk supply and what’s INhibitINg / disablINg this Organic ability and design, IN order to get clear on what the process of Harmonization looks like.
The RESTORATION of a Woman’s Organic ability and design as a MotHER to provide for Her young (IN every Way) IS a communal and collective effort.
The RESTORATION of a Woman’s Organic ability and design as a MotHER to provide for Her young (IN every Way) requires communal and collective participation, INvolvement and INvestment.
The sayINg "it takes a Village” has BEen around for centuries and IS often used to describe the idea that raisINg a Child IS not just the responsibility of the Parents, but of the entire CommUNITY. This old adage has BEcome a symbol of CommUNITY support and the idea that it takes a collective effort to raise a Child that goes WELL BEYOND the capacity of both the MotHER and FatHER.
ORGANIC SOCIETY'S / CULTURES WEre the epitome of generational WELLthcare BEcause multiple generations Lived IN the same Home / on the same property / land, effectively functionINg as A VILLAGE. Where there was CONSTANT support for new MotHERs and FatHERs as they INtegrated their new roles, functions and responsibility's as Parents. You can visualize on-goINg collaborative shifts of people brINgINg Home-cooked food, comINg to clean, and so on.
IN a World where modernization and INdividualism have taken centre stage, the significance of The traditional Village IN supportINg Families, especially durINg ChildBirth and early Child-rearINg, has BEen undeniably lost. It IS of HIGH importance that The Village IS restored, as it always has BEen and always Will BE an essential foundation for nurturINg, carINg, and ensurINg the WELLBEINg of the MotherBABY dyad.
Globalization has also undoubtedly had a profound impact on the Family unit, and it has led to the displacement of Families and disrupted the traditional close commUNION that once existed withIN extended kINship networks. As a result, the resilience and support systems that Historically emanated from LivINg IN close proximity to Family members have BEen destabilized and disabled.
IN many traditional / Organic societies, LivINg IN close proximity to extended Family members meant having access to a built-IN support system. GrandParents, aunts, uncles, and cousins played crucial roles IN helping to raise Children, sharINg responsibilities, and offerINg emotional and practical support to Parents. The Wisdom passed down through generations elevated and enriched Family Life, and the collective experience provided a safety net during changINg and challengINg times.
IN Organic and traditional society’s the Birth of a Child was a HIGHLY celebrated time for it reflected the overAll contINuation of a Family / BloodlINe and by extension — CommUNITY.
For thIS reason it was a ceremonialized event and every member of the Family and CommUNITY played an ACTIVE role IN nurturINg the newBorn Baby to ensure its survival and THRIVAL.
However, as Families disperse across the globe, thIS support network INevitably, breaks down. Parents often may fINd themSelves isolated, havINg to rely on limited external support, or even navigatINg Parenthood entirely on their own which leads to malnourished Parenthood and tHerefore Childhood. And thIS IS what often leads to Parents goINg against themSelves and their CORE values when it comes to ParentINg — BEcause they quite literally crack on the pressure.
The consequence(s) of thIS dismantlINg of The Village IS evident IN the rise of Maternal and tHerefore Childhood and therefore collective trauma.
As Rachelle Seliga of INnate Traditions puts it so Perfectly: “LIVING CULTURE Rests Upon a Foundation of Postpartum Care.”
That IS, IN order for (High quality) Life to BE affirmed, it IS vital that THE MOTHER IS MOTHERED.
When a Mother IS cared for and tended to, Her Children are cared for and tended to. When Her Children are cared for and tended to, THE FUTURE IS cared for and tended to. IN a way that affirms the most Faithful and Fruitful Life.
So how do WE move toward this INterconnected and INtegrated / INtegrative model?
RestorINg The Village requires a collective effort, responsibility and collaboration.
WE contINue to restore The Village through:
+RestorINg Organic gender roles (to enable nourished Family systems)
+ CommUNITY education, emPowerment and emBodiment
+ ReconnectINg with and Re-WEavINg ancestral conception, pregnancy, Birth and MotHERhood Traditions and Wisdom INto the Here & Now (even if it looks a little different)
+ PromotINg and supportINg Family’s IN co-sleepINg
+ INvitINg and INspirINg collective cultural shifts by ChoosINg INdividual cultural shifts (INner restoration —> outer restoration)
+ LeadINg by example / goINg first
+ Advocacy (BEINg a Voice & trail-blazer)
+ CommUNITY Care and Missional Service (BEINg that companion to Family's IN your CommUNITY)
An INvitation for illumINation and INtegration —
IN what Ways can I show up IN and with more Devotion to THE (literal and metaphorical) VILLAGE? That IS, how can I BE a more active participant and more INtimately INvolved IN THE VILLAGE mySelf?
IN what Ways have I rejected / do I reject the support and Service of THE VILLAGE?
IN what Ways have I withheld my own Presence from THE VILLAGE?
These are POTENT access points to alchemize what REPELS you from allowINg THE VILLAGE INto your HeART — and Home.
To restore THE VILLAGE externally, WE must first BEcome and BE aware of our own BEliefs and values regarding CommUNITY, support and Service. These questions Will support you IN identifyINg any INternalized INdividualistic tendencies and recognizINg the importance of reconcilINg these fragmentations. By acKnowledging your own ROLE withIN CommUNITY, you can BEgin to value and ask for the support and Service that comes from THE VILLAGE.
RestorINg THE VILLAGE, like All GOOD THINGS, BEgins as an INside-out process, One that starts withIN ourSelves and ripples outwards, shapINg a more compassionate, carINg, and supportive society for everyOne!
Somatically / energetically / emotionally / Spiritually speakINg if a Woman IS strugglINg with low milk supply, I would INvite Her to —
1) Dearmor Her HeART (for our Breasts are the antlers of the HeART) and by extension Her Sacral and Throat (The Holy TrINity).
A simple, yet potent way to dearmour your HeART IS through the practise of Breast massage. To fINd out more about the medicINe of Breast massage, tap IN Here: https://theheavenlyheritage.substack.com/p/breast-massage-as-medicine
I have come to Know that One of the CORE FemININE wounds / traumas (OF THE HEART) that Creates a distortion, reversal and INversion IN Organic FemININity / Womanhood / MotHERhood IS feelINg abandoned, BEtrayed and / or withheld from by God. Which directly impacts and imprINts the HEART.
When a Woman has (mis)perceived (to whatever degree) that She IS not FULLY provided for IN this Life — I BElieve thIS quite literally INhibits and disables Her ability to fully provide Life to Her Child (through Her Breastmilk).
ClearINg, PurifyINg and clarifyINg your HeART of thIS core wound Will allow you to fully perceive and tHerefore experience Life’s provision, and tHerefore to fully provide Life.
2) Tend to THE TRAUMA OF SEPARATION.
The trauma of separation IS the trauma of BEINg abruptly separated from your own MotHER upon Birth … and furthermore, the trauma of your own Child BEINg abruptly separated from you upon Birth (if thIS IS the case). The trauma of separation severs the bond BEtween a Woman and Her Baby, which disables Her INnate ability to provide for Her Child and which disables Her Child’s INnate ability to recieve Her provision.
When a Woman and Child have gone through an INterventional and medicalized Birth IN a hospital, rather than a PHYSIOLOGICAL Birth at Home, the separation policies put IN place has detrimental effects on bondINg and tHerefore BreastfeedINg. It IS standard practice IN a hospital settINg, particularly among Western cultures, to separate MotHERs and their newBorns. Humans are the only mammals who practice such maternal-neonate separation … and Truthfully tHere IS no added BEnefit for the MotHERBaby dyad and tHerefore for the LivINg World to do so. Very simply … separation causes stress and stress causes dis-ease. Fundamentally, skIN-to-skIN contact with MotHER removes any and All contradictions. The attachment bond BEtween a MotHER and Her Child IS first formed IN utero (IN the Womb), wHere Fetuses have BEen found to develop preferential responses to Maternal scents and sounds that Organically persist after Birth, with the ontological Purpose of keepINg the Child close to it’s MotHER.
3) Dissolve the TRANCE OF DEFICIENCY.
Many Women have a very real Lived fear of not havINg enough Breastmilk. ThIS IS a product of the culture WE All Live IN. It IS manufactured through the collective conversation and (un)consciousness regardINg BreastfeedINg. Where WE have actually BEen taught to EXPECT that WE Will INevitably lack milk supply. ThIS fear IS rooted IN the overAll trance of our deficiency. The trance that WE are Born faulty — rather than Whole and Perfect — and EQUIPPED for success, thrival, Peace and Prosperity IN every sINgle Way.
Nutritionally speakINg — eatINg ancestral, Whole and nutrient-dense foods IS quintessential to ensure adequate nutrition to produce Breastmilk. if a Woman IS strugglINg with low milk supply it’s important for Her to ensure She has sufficient amounts of folate, iodine, cholINe, vitamIN A, vitamIN E, vitamIN B12, vitamIN K, magnesium, zINc, iron, protein, fats, carbs, calories (ENERGY) and Water.
Additionally, galactogogues are also Known to assist INitiation, maintenance, and / or augmentation of Maternal milk supply.
The Word “galactagogues” comes from the Greek “galacta,” meanINg milk.
Perceived or actual low milk supply IS One of the most common reasons given for discontinuing BeeastfeedINg — therefore a soulution to address this IS educatINg and emPowerINg Women about and through Herbal medicINe.
A list of Powerful galactogogues to INcorporate to support and promote healthy and WELLthy mik supply:
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Fennel Seeds
- Garlic
- MorINga (the Leaves and Flowers)
- Caraway Seeds
- Holy Basil (also Known as Tulsi)
- Papaya
- CumIN Seeds
- Banana Flower
- GINger
- Sesame Seeds and / or tahini
- Nettle
- Milk Thistle
- Dark leafy greens (Dandelion Greens, SpINach, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens)
- Dates
- Cherries
- Bone broth
Did you Know that BreastfeedING MotHERs show a greater level of braIN responses to Her Baby’s cry, compared to formula-feedINg MotHERs?
BraIN responses which fundamentally INspire and INitiate physiologic Maternal care technologies.
INtuitively, I gather thIS IS due to the INHERent bondINg action that IS BreastfeedINg and how much coherence and resonance the action Creates and cultivates BEtween a MotHER and Her Child. BreastfeedINg INvites contINual attunement BEtween a MotHER and Her Child — which makes a MotHER fundamentally MUCH more aware of Her Child’s physiologic needs.
When I Breathe INto a a World of SOLELY Breastfed Baby's it makes me soooooooo emotional BEcause I recognize, respect and revere the Creative and (re)generative Power and POTENTIAL of Breastmilk.
BreastfeedINg and Breastmilk stand as the very ORIGINs of WELLness, WELLBEINg and WELLth.
BreastfeedINg and Breastmilk play a core function IN the genesis of INfant WELLness, WELLBEINg and WELLth — and to provide your Child with thIS like God Intended, IS to INvest IN (Future) COLLECTIVE WELLness, WELLBEINg and WELLth.
Breastmilk ISn't just nourishment Here and Now; it's One of the Highest forms of preventive medicINe for the entirety of that BEINg’s Life. It IS a foundational Source of WELLness, WELLBEINg and WELLth that resonates far BEyond INfancy. By supportINg and enablINg MotHER’s to Breastfeed WE contribute to and participate IN a cycle and circle of WELLness, WELLBEINg and WELLth that transcends THE INDIVIDUAL.
Breastfed Children lay down the fertile Soil for healthy generations, imbued with resilience, contINuity, Faith, nourishment and the potential to AFFIRM Life.
AMEN.
Each note I share IS but a sINgle thread IN thIS INtricate tapestry WE're WEavINg together. While my HeART fINds solace IN expressINg, it leaps with anticipation at the prospect of recievINg your resonant expression, Voice and note, which IS vital for the Harmony of the collective Choir of Creation. I INvite and INspire you to share yourSelf IN the comments, so that WE may co-Create a contINual SYMPHONY OF SYNARCHY.
God Bless you, BELoved.
Anja
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