Sister Faith X: mother of two, 6 months postpartum
I choose to breastfeed because The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said that “A SICK mother’s milk is better for her baby than a healthy cow’s milk or any animal’s milk.” That was all the confirmation I needed—to know that something that’s natural, which comes from me is the best thing for my child.
How To Eat To Live, Book 2
As a first time parent, I expected for it to be smooth sailing. I didn’t know my nipples would get as sore as they did. Looking back, I wish I would’ve known that coconut oil helps with the soreness.
I wish I would’ve known that it doesn’t get easier the second time. This time around, it’s more challenging, especially when you don’t fully know the depths of certain personal pains. Why didn’t I know about postpartum depression, how long it lasts, and how to properly deal with it? I wish someone told me how to deal with past traumas and not to push them aside, but to deal with them. Because there will always come a time where you are forced to deal with you. And I’ve learned if you don’t deal with it on your own, your children can bring it out of you when you’re not ready.
What I have learned about myself from breastfeeding is that I have more discipline than I give myself credit for. While in the hospital, my baby was in the NICU (newborn/neonatal intensive care unit). I had to walk to feed her because the “transportation” took way too long (maybe an hour plus). I didn’t wait. I walked over to feed her every two hours for two days. I didn’t even think about the pain—The only thing that was on my mind was feeding my baby. I thank Allah (God) for that. I was in pain, but I was more focused on sustaining her life because I knew that that was and is my job, until she is able to do it for herself (and even beyond) *smiles*.
I pray that one day she will be able to take our story and use it for herself when she needs to pull on her inner strength. She knows where she comes from. And she knows when and how to be strong when she needs to be. That is the legacy that I want carried throughout our generations. As women, we carry three generations with us—Grandmother, mother, self. I am looking forward to being a grandmother. I’m a first generation Muslim and I pray that Allah (God) permits my children to follow Islam and carry it for as long as He permits. Inshallah, I will be that grandmother that “started it all”.
Despite the obstacles I face on a day-to-day basis, it has been rewarding to see my daughter grow and know that my body has been producing the necessary nutrients to sustain her life, with Allah’s (God’s) permission. I thank Allah for COVID, I’m in the house and I’m able to nurse laying down. It’s convenient because I’m able to multi-task (by getting some work done on my phone).
Nursing two children, I have learned that it’s a serious responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There should be a time in life where we prepare our bodies for pregnancy and postpartum.
I want to tell all mothers and expecting mothers: It’s ok. Don’t worry because although you are unique, your story isn’t so bad that it shouldn’t be shared. Right now, within the black diaspora, we’re starting to rise. Apart of our resurrection comes from sharing; us sharing our stories and healing together. So, don’t feel ashamed. Don’t feel alone. There’s a whole world of us fighting to be better and give our children what we didn’t have. So, you got this. We got this.
What are some ways in which you take care of your physical and mental health while taking care of your baby and breastfeeding?
- I take “puremom” breastfeeding supplements twice a week. I took them while in the hospital and noticed when I took them daily, my milk production seemed to decrease. So I take them twice a week for balance.
- I strive to cook everyday and I have been doing extremely well with that. Following How To Eat To Live by The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad is imperative to staying as physically fit as I can. I stretch in the morning with my son. Now, I do want to incorporate more hard core work outs because taking care of my body is a big thing to me now. I didn’t “bounce back” like I did with my son. Also, having a c-section has inspired me even more to take care of myself.
- Mentally, I spend my free time learning Spanish. That is and will be my focus until I can converse well with others.
- I do have desires to eventually do yoga, meditate, be diligent and consistent in making all of my prayers. So, I’m taking it one day at a time and I have learned to give praise for ALL of my daily accomplishments. No matter how small.
