Introducing...Andrea Joiner Oliver
Profession: Secretary/Treasurer of Joiner Fire SprinklerCo., Inc.
Child(ren) & Age(s): Daryl Jr. "DJ" & John Robert "JR" 2 years / Aidan & Averi 11months
How long did/are you breastfeed(ing)? I
breastfed DJ & JR for 1 year and Aidan & Averi are still breastfeeding.
How did you know to breastfeed? I was
told by doctors and friends that it was best for my kids.
Please explain to us your overall breastfeeding experience. My
overall experience with breastfeeding has been great. I enjoyed the process and knowing I was
giving my children the very best of me.
How are you inspired by your breastfeeding experience? I am
inspired because I know I am doing what is best for my children. I have asthma and allergies and know by
breastfeeding my children it reduces the risk of them having those same
ailments.
Were there any obstacles you had to overcome during
your breastfeeding experience? With DJ and JR I was disappointed because I
had to supplement formula with breastfeeding.
That made me feel like a bad mom since I did not produce enough
milk. With Averi and Aidan I have not
had to supplement and that has made me really happy knowing I am giving them
the very best at all times. It allowed
me to see that I can produce enough milk and supply my children’s needs.
How do you think being a Mother of Color effects your
breastfeeding experience? It really hasn’t affected my
experience. It moreso amazes me how
breastfeeding is not as popular with women of color. Breastfeeding should be encouraged more to
women of color so its popularity increases and women know to give the very
best to their children.
What are some of the ways you inspire other mothers to
breastfeed and get the word of encouragement out in the community? I
encourage mothers to breastfeed and share with them, if I can breastfeed twins
twice, I know they can too.
Andrea Joiner Oliver,
a graduate of Hampton University and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., is a proud wife and mother. She has been married to Daryl L. Oliver
since June 2, 2007. They are the proud parents of two sets of twins. The
oldest set, Daryl Jr. "DJ" and John Robert "JR", are 2
years old and the youngest set, Aidan and Averi, are 11 months old. The
Olivers currently reside in Alabaster, Alabama.
