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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all mothers breast-feed exclusively for a baby’s first six months. That’s because breast milk has long-lasting health benefits for both babies and mothers. Numbers are scarce, but one 2012 study reveals fewer than six out of ten Native American and Alaska Native mothers start breast-feeding. Most of those stop before the six month mark. Breast-feeding advocates say Native women face a number of barriers, including lack of education and poor access to work environments that support nursing mothers.
Guests:
Amanda Singer (Diné) – Navajo Nation Breastfeeding Coalitions coordinator
Camie Goldhammer (Sisseton Wahpeton) – clinical social worker and lactation consultant, founder and chair of the Native American Breast-feeding Coalition of Washington
Break music: Strongheart (song) Sissy Goodhouse (artist) The Third Circle (album)
