Lactivist
The aptly-named Lactivist web site
reminds us that "nursing provides the most perfect
nutrition available in the world," and that "babies
who have their needs met early and often and continue to have
them met throughout childhood are more independent,
self-assured, self-reliant, compassionate and mentally
healthy."
This well-designed site, maintained by Wendi Jones, is
organized into five main sections: How-to's, Solutions, Issues,
Resources, and Community.
The "How-to's" section includes these categories:
- Getting Started
- Proper Latch
- Nursing Frequency
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- Nurse-In
- Early Nursing
- Later Nursing
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- Natural Nursing
- Nutrition
- Breastfeeding Father
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All of the categories include useful tips, links, and clearly
written, insightful essays. "Nurse-in" is an
especially helpful method to use for many nursing problems. Be
sure to follow the link to "extra set of hands" from
the page on "Proper Latch". This is an excellent
discussion on the importance of finding a support network.
The handy "Solutions" section covers these topics:
- The Myth of Low Supply
- Nurse-In
- Sleepy Baby
- Screaming at the Breast
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- Thrush
- Plugged Ducts
- Mastitis
- Overactive Letdown
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- Getting Sleep
- Fussy Baby
- Evening Cluster Feeds
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The "Myth of Low Supply" is an especially helpful and
important discussion, offering both reassurance and specific
suggestions.
The "Issues" section includes these topics:
- Nursing in Public
- Responding to Criticism
- Nursing a Preemie
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- Nursing a Toddler
- Nursing Your Adopted Baby
- Dangers of Formula
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- Innocenti Declaration
- WHO/Unicef Code
- Lactivist
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"Responding to Criticism" concludes with the assurance
that "we are designed to feed our babies from our breasts
and babies thrive there. It really doesn't matter what others
think so long as you follow your instincts and do what is best
for your child and yourself."
The breastfeeding resources and Community links are
well-selected. The Lactivist Community Board accepts
"up-to-date breastfeeding information, links, web sites,
conference dates or anything relating to breastfeeding an
infant". There is also a very useful list of
"breastfeeding friends" organized by location and
special situation, a link to the Radical Breastfeeding email
list, and a section of "original works by breastfeeding
mothers" which accepts submissions.
Recognizing that "informed choice... is impossible if
the truth continues to be hidden", the Lactivist site
provides information and links that make clear not only the
advantages of breastfeeding, but also the dangers of artificial
breastmilk substitutes. The site presents information on such
critical issues as the marketing of artificial breastmilk
substitutes, and provides resources for educating ourselves as
breastfeeding advocates for babies everywhere. As the opening
statement reminds us, "breastfeeding can change the
world".
With persuasive arguments respectfully written, this
relatively new site offers an exceptional resource to families
seeking support in the decision to meet their baby's emotional
and physical needs through breastfeeding.
www.lactivist.com
