#HERstory with Milk & Cradle
Our next #HERstory is with Tikara Cannon, MPH, CBS, PPD, MiLC, local mom and owner of Milk & Cradle LLC, a lactation and postpartum support service based in the Charlottesville, VA area. Tikara shares her journey in becoming a lactation specialist, the important history of black women in this field and the challenges she has faced. Unfortunately, the rate of breastfeeding for black mothers has historically been significantly lower than the national average. However, Tikara joins a growing number of black women and breastfeeding advocates in helping to improve breastfeeding outcomes for all, and especially for mothers of color.
How did becoming a mom shape your journey as a postpartum doula and lactation counselor?
There are various memories in my experience of being a NICU mom of twins, born prematurely, which influence my work. Prior to becoming a mom, I was very far removed from breastfeeding. It wasn’t until I held my tiny, vulnerable infants that I knew I needed to provide them with what they needed to thrive. My own lactation experience gave me the passion for this field. In hindsight, I realize that if I had individualized support and care, my story could have been much different.
What are some misconceptions about both becoming a first-time parent and breastfeeding that you come across with moms and/or the media and wish you could help clear up?
And on a related note, you mention on your website that sometimes family and friends "tell expecting and new parents not to breastfeed or intimidate them with myths," and that you have seen this especially prevalent in black and brown communities. Can you share more about what you have observed and experienced?
One of the most common misconceptions that I believe influence moms the most is that the newborn period is blissful and sweet at all times. Expectant moms, especially first-time moms, are not exposed to the hard days such as obtaining comfortable latches after birth, breastfeeding positioning and sleepless nights. When moms go into the 4th trimester with unrealistic expectations, they may have a hard time adjusting. Maternal mental health is important. For every birth, expectant moms should have a plan of physical, mental and infant care support.
Family and friends are great support members, however, professional support should also be available to families in the early postpartum period. I’ve seen many new moms receive advice that may negatively impact their physical health, breastfeeding goals and more. Providing culturally competent care and support helps those within the black and brown communities to connect culturally and feel recognized. When working with black and brown families, I can truly sense how relaxed they become as soon as they see that I am also a person of color. Common myths that I hear in the black and brown communities are:
Formula feeding is easier
Your baby needs more than breastmilk to be full
Breastfeeding is painful
You can’t work and breastfeed
Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag
You’re not going to be able to breastfeed
Your milk supply is low, you should give formula
Without individualized support and care from a lactation specialist, these statements can truly make or break an expectant or new mom.
How can we as a community better support these new moms?
As a community, I believe that it is important to normalize the hard days of the postpartum transition. Normalize the need for professional support, normalize maternal mental health support and provide moms more spaces to comfortably talk about the hard days. I commonly come across moms that feel isolated and unsure of what to do with a new baby. Accessible options for care and support will be key to normalizing those feelings.
What are words of support you can provide to someone who is struggling with new parenthood and/or breastfeeding?
For anyone struggling with new parenthood and/or breastfeeding, I encourage them to keep going and never give up on a bad day. There is support available to anyone who needs it, the key is seeking individualized support. Professional support may be the piece of their puzzle that can help to make each day more manageable.
Anything else you would like to say or share?
I encourage expectant moms to invest in preparing for the postpartum transition just as much as they invest in preparing for birth during pregnancy. Compare it to being a senior in college, taking multiple final exams at once. Yes, it's overwhelming and so much to take in, however, birth is a very short period of time compared to the time you will experience taking care of a new baby and establishing a new normal. I offer a prenatal postpartum planning service where we can discuss individual needs, provide various community resources to reference and form a written plan for the 4th trimester. Using a strong and conscious mind to plan prenatally is much easier than after the baby arrives. Coming this Spring to Milk & Cradle is a prenatal support group for those that are pregnant and looking to find their village of support!
