January 2012 Breastfeeding Mother of Color of the Month: Andrea Joiner Oliver

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  We are starting 2012 on a super high note with this January Breastfeeding Mother of Color of the Month, Andrea Joiner Oliver.  Andrea is so kind, focused and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.  She should be by now.  She breastfed her first set of twins and is currently breastfeeding her second set of twins.  Yes, two sets of twins!  So, you see why we chose her to start 2012 off on a strong note.  We congratulate you, Andrea, and honor you for all you've done in the name of Motherhood.

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.

Meditate On This!

Just curious, how would you, being a Lactavist, Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding advocate, approach this woman if she was talking to you?


"[Th]is sooo random today. Soooo, while doing pre-registration for Labor & Delivery, I changed my mind (again) about breast-feeding. I'm not gonna do it. The nurse looked at me like she was mad. I almost let the B-word fly...um, are you gonna have a baby hanging off YOUR booby, ma'am? Um, no. Gee to the whiz....that's cool...i also have 3 very active boys and all the stuff they do...they were all formula fed and havent really had major health issues. I agree it's probably better...there are just a lot of dynamics involved that made me choose what i feel is the right thing for my baby. Kudos to those that can & do breastfeed tho :)"

This is an actual quote, by the way, I got from the internet.  It is definitely something to meditate about and think about how you would respond.  Hmmm...

EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT & ENLIGHTENMENT!

Breastfeeding Not Breast Cancer

The other day a distant cousin of mine sent me an e-mail on Facebook talking about a fundraiser for a Breast Cancer foundation.  It was something dealing with a run/walk fundraiser.  I responded to the e-mail with a statement saying the best way to "combat" breast cancer is to breastfeed.

Well, the next morning I received an e-mail from her saying not everyone agrees with my views about breastfeeding and she would prefer that I not respond to her e-mails with my personal opinions.  She ended it with "pretty please with sugar on top".

Of course, I sent her an e-mail letting her know when she sends the breast cancer run/walk support e-mail she was stating her opinion and providing her views about women's health.  Also, I told her breastfeeding is not an opinion!  Breastfeeding is how women are naturally suppose to feed their babies.  You don't walk around telling yourself you don't need to breathe on your own and prefer to use a respirator.  You breathe!  And when you tell someone you rather use your lungs the other person doesn't say that's your opinion.

Breastfeeding is meant for all babies.  Breastfeeding is meant for all moms.  All these other issues, frustrations, conditions get in the way of successful breastfeeding because we allow them to get in the way.  We don't have enough milk banks, enough lactation specialists, enough education nor enough money in this industry.  People go around making ignorant statements about lactation and many don't have any children or any education.  Even men seem to breast block the optimal form of infant nutrition by making uneducated statements.  We have politicians blocking important legislation supporting and protecting our mothers and children.  Why do we even need a lobbying committee?!  I'll tell you why.  It's because we have a country run by corporations which include drug companies that make formula and fill the pockets of politicians, doctors and hospitals.

There will come a time where we will look back on this era and laugh at ourselves.  We will put in history books how disconnected we were from our natural selves.  Our future generations will scratch their heads wondering why we thought putting a concoction of synthetic vitamins, preservatives, dyes and fillers were good to introduce to a tiny human's belly, stretching it to an unhealthy level.

Breastfeeding will become the norm again whether we like it or not because NATURE ALWAYS WINS.