Name Maria Galvan-Briseno
Profession Certified Breastfeeding Counselor at Chicago Family Health Center
Children Emmanuel 16, Pedro 9,
and Daniel 7
How long did you breastfeed?
With Emmanuel, I pumped my
milk for a year. With Pedro, I nursed at the breast for sixteen months and Daniel I breastfed him for thirty-two months.
How did you know to breastfeed?
I didn't know about breastfeeding. My mother made me
do it. I was upset at her for making me but as time went on I learned how
convenient it was.
Please explain to us your overall
breastfeeding experience.
I was eighteen when Emmanuel was born. The hospital
staff did not support me nor educated me on breastfeeding. Emmanuel was jaundice and stayed in the hospital for two weeks. I was clueless about jaundice. I did not know what to do. During our visits at the hospital the nurses did not mention breastfeeding to
me. I started pumping my milk for him. He never latched on and it made me cry knowing my baby did not want
my breast. Thankfully, my mother educated me and my husband about breastfeeding. My middle son, Pedro, nursed for sixteen months, even during my
pregnancy with my third. Pedro was on strike for a while since my milk
transitioned to colostrum. My youngest son, Daniel, was the perfect nurser.
How are you inspired by your
breastfeeding experience?
Breastfeeding has taught me to
listen to my children and respect their individuality. Each of my sons have their own unique personality, special in their own way.
Were there any obstacles you had to overcome during
your breastfeeding experience?
When Pedro was born my husband was on sick leave due to angina. I was running around to Doctor visits and the hospital. My stress level was decreasing my supply. Luckily, I had support to help me continue to nurse.
When Pedro was born my husband was on sick leave due to angina. I was running around to Doctor visits and the hospital. My stress level was decreasing my supply. Luckily, I had support to help me continue to nurse.
How do you think being a Mother of Color effects your
breastfeeding experience?
Sadly, growing up I did not see any breastfeeding mothers, just my mother. Hispanic women come to America wanting to be the American woman so they think formula is being American. It would have been nice to see Hispanic women breastfeed in my community.
Sadly, growing up I did not see any breastfeeding mothers, just my mother. Hispanic women come to America wanting to be the American woman so they think formula is being American. It would have been nice to see Hispanic women breastfeed in my community.
What are some of the ways you
inspire other mothers to breastfeed and get the word of encouragement out in
the community?
I always ask pregnant women, "Are you breastfeeding?" If I get, "No, I have not thought about it." I give them a basic breastfeeding class right there.
I always ask pregnant women, "Are you breastfeeding?" If I get, "No, I have not thought about it." I give them a basic breastfeeding class right there.
Feel free to share anything else about your breastfeeding experience and maternal story of growth.
Breastfeeding gave me the
knowledge to be good mother. Reading books was helpful but I quickly learned
that my sons had a story to teach me. I listen to them everyday and I'm still learning from them.
Maria Galvan-Briseno is the oldest of six children and the only girl. She is a Certified Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at Federally Qualified Health Center and hospital on the South Side of Chicago. She lives in Northwest Indiana with her loving husband and three boys who keep her very busy. She is a lactivist who enjoys sharing her knowledge of breastfeeding to as many women as possible in the Latino and Black Communities.
