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
