Breastfeeding Has No Boundaries

As of 2018 Breastfeeding in Public was legalized in all 50 States. Since 2018, and in celebration of August being recognized as National Breastfeeding Month, Liliya Dikin, a Riverwoods mom of three kids, has been gathering breastfeeding moms for an annual photoshoot to help strengthen the message of normalizing breastfeeding and to reduce the stigma surrounding the subject matter.

The theme of the annual photoshoot is “Breastfeeding has no Boundaries” to highlight that despite the differences in parenting styles, ethnic and religious backgrounds, financial status and political views, mothers are unified in the many beautiful and challenging journeys of breastfeeding.

According to the latest data reported by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 84.1% of infants born in 2017 started out breastfeeding, but only 23.9% were exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age. The benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond providing a child with its first meal. Breastfeeding aids in healthy brain development, protects the baby from a long list of illnesses and allergies, reduces risk of obesity, lowers the baby's risk of SIDS, reduces the mother’s stress level and risk of postpartum depression and reduces the mother’s risk of certain types of cancer

This year over a hundred local moms had signed up to participate in the photoshoot that took place on August 24 at Spring Lake Park in Lincolnshire, IL. But with 90F weather, high humidity, differences in sleeping and eating schedules, only about a dozen moms showed up to pose for the photo, and coordinating everyone to strike a “latching pose” was definitely a fun experience :).

“All three of my kids were born during the peak of my corporate career, and I will never forget the days when I had to choose between excelling at work or being able to do something for my newborn children, that is as natural as it gets - (breast)FEED them. The multiple struggles, tears, the feeling of being an underachiever and the challenges many breastfeeding moms face often go unnoticed, even by those who are closest to them. So next time you see a mom breastfeeding her child, don’t stare awkwardly or look away in disgust! Instead, ask if she may need help pushing her shopping cart or pick up a fallen toy…. Smile and give her a “thumbs up” to show your support. It will mean the world to her!”

To help breastfeeding moms navigate through their breastfeeding journeys, in 2018 Dikin had founded The Milky Wave, manufacturing all-natural lactation boosting products to help breastfeeding moms make more milk for their little ones. So, breastfeeding moms, please don’t feel alone in your journeys. There is an army of breastfeeding warriors that will stand together to support your rights. To learn more about The Milky Wave, visit www.themilkywave.etsy.com