School official refuses to dismantle white supremacist breastfeeding curriculum

Think back to last year and the 'white breastfeeding policy.' Do you recall when I enrolled in the PEBL (Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation) course, in order to obtain a Certified Lactation Educator Certificate (CLE)? Do you recall how excited I was before class began, an enthusiasm that quickly diminished on the first day, when it became clear this would be a experience to learn more ways to cater to white women -- and produce more maternal-infant mammies -- only learning ways to focus on white women's birthing and breastfeeding outcomes? My frustrations with the course material were so intense that I approached the director of the school about this concern, and she suggested we get together to 'discuss it' when I had time? She said they had been looking for ways to de-center whiteness? I never scheduled that meeting. I ended up being super busy, but aside from that, I decided it was not my job to volunteer my time to educate this institution on ways to make their curriculum less exclusive and be the 'bridge' for Communities of Color.

About a week ago, someone posted a flyer in a birthing group page on facebook. This flyer stated that it was time for professionals to begin discussing the 'social determinants of health' -- that there are outside influences that determine women's birthing outcomes, based on race, class. Ya think? An interesting conversation erupted in the comment section of this one. I weighed in, of course, and simply said that this move was "LONG overdue!!" A few other folks chimed in, too, and one of them was the director of the school where I received my CLE. She ensured that the school she directed will now begin implementing discussions on these social determinants of health in their upcoming intro doula courses -- something like that. Of course she received those many fallacious 'Likes' that people give so freely on facebook, but I thought this was a good opportunity to ask her about her breastfeeding course. I asked if the school would be implementing ways to address the overrepresentation of white women. I told her that at it stands now (which I'm sure she knows) the curriculum makes the entire breastfeeding experience (including the complications) central to the white body -- this is dehumanizing to communities of color. I told her that this change was also long over due. Well, guess what her response was.... NOTHING! That's right she ignored me and didn't responded to my question. AT ALL! 

I was actually surprised she ignored me. I really didn't expect it. If anything, I would have figured she would at least try and skirt around the question -- maybe pat me on the back and fill the atmosphere with false hopes. Isn't that the way most folks do things, especially when they're confronted with issues of exclusion? But that didn't happen. I'm disappointed. Not surprised. I'm not the only one who felt this way about the course curriculum, but I'm probably the only one to speak out about it in such a public forum, where hundreds of other people could see. I also know this is a much larger problem than simply one institution's refusal to move beyond the scope of whiteness. But this, like any other experience -- I'm going to own and call it how I see it where I see it, whether on a large or small scale.

I would like to suggest to the Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, that you are benefitting no one by your refusal to address the racism and xenophobia infused in your breastfeeding curriculum. In addition, this avoidance only makes you in direct compliance with the many health and social disparities rampant in this society and on a larger scale, in which everyone (yes even white people), suffer. The students at your institution, who believe they are signed up to provide health and medical services to those in need only continue to receive a direct lesson in white supremacy, which only contributes to their physical, moral, mental, and spiritual deterioration. Additionally, they simply remain ignorant in assisting a certain percentage of the population, and this fortifies the rampant maternal-infant mortality our country faces, especially among Black, Brown and other NON-white populations. And more, People of Color who enroll in your courses never even learn how to serve our own communities. Think she knows that Black women have the lowest breastfeeding initiation and duration rates of any group in the country, and that breastmilk is literally the difference between life and death for some of our babies? 

I hope you can see, Ms. Kennedy, that this only perpetuates the cycle of racism and the myth of white supremacy in your school and beyond. And I hope you can also recognize, too, that by continuing to ignore this even in an environment that is supposed to contribute to the health of people by teaching birthing, breastfeeding and other so-called holistic practices, you are only doing more harm than good.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Acquanda + Women's History Month + Wombanist Views Radio

If you missed the Wombanist Views Radio Show today, I've embedded it below. How awesome it was to be invited to be a guest during Women's History Month, to discuss the "efforts in breastfeeding advocacy and the cultural implications and why it is an important health concern." Whenever I'm involved in any type of public speaking on breastfeeding, I always hope to at least convey a few critical issues about community engagement and participation. Hopefully this was able to raise some awareness around these important issues. Of course there's also a zillion and one other things I would have liked to discuss, but of course one can only get so much in in 30 minutes.

You'll have to forgive my bit of nervousness -- which, is the reason I kept saying 'absolutely' and also flubbed a couple other times :OI. Also, I'm still getting over a cold, so excuse the grogginess. But other than that, let's talk about it.

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Update: I went back and listened to this, and like before would like to add a few extra words, and make sure I clear a few things up:

1. Breastfeeding is not the answer to all of our problems, and hope I did not come off with this belief. Like I've said before: Breastfeeding is not a 'fix-all' button! I believe breastfeeding can and does help avert illness, infant mortality as well as offer many other benefits even on a local and global level, but I am unsure if I came across as suggesting if we just breastfeed then all health and social ills associated with a lack of tradition will simply disappear. I have not, do not, nor will I ever subscribe to this.
2. Every woman in my family has breastfed. But like the rap artist who rhymed about "B-Fing -- The most beautifullest, natruallest and heallthiest thing..  I ain't gonna front like they ain't seen a bottle." I grew up around breastfeeders -- some exclusive, but I ain't gonna front like our babies have never seen a bottle or have never used infant formula. And I'm sorry if I came off with the impression otherwise. 

Oh, and just a small sidenote: I think the Whitney Houston music is awesome! That song is often in the cue and listened to when I'm out taking my walks, because it's upbeat and make me feel good. And it's such a perfect tune for the theme this month!

I'm getting my PhD because I'm a 'minority' and the university needs to fill a quota!

Yep. She said it! But you knew this was coming, right?! This came from the same woman who told me she could care less about MLK Day because it does not impact her. Well, her 'words of wisdom' this time was that the university I'm entering this Fall needed to fill a quota, which is why I was accepted.

Initially, my plan was to put together an extremely long and drawn out angry Black Feminist post about what she said, and criticize this racist ideology. But then I figured why even bother. This isn't anything new; we've all heard it before, and this won't be the last. So to be honest, I don't really know why I'm writing about it now. In my experience, whites have usually conveyed this belief through some stupid display of a laughter, after the fact -"Hey, *insert employment place, educational institution, etc* needed to fill a quota. That's why you're there. Ha Ha!" But that didn't happen this time. And I think that's what sets this scene apart from others. Said white woman genuinely believed she was being encouraging; that I should be thankful for her 'insight' because she honestly believed was cheering me on.

If you look at my educational background before returning to school as an adult, I wasn't exactly the most likely person one would project to enter into a doctoral program -- especially this one that is extremely difficult to get into. I didn't have an ideal academic background, by far, and perhaps it was the lengthy amount of time I quit high school that gave way to this assumption. That that, along with my 'incapable' Black self, if the university needed to do some charity work, then hey, pick me, right?! And maybe what she said may hold some weight. But this all happened before I took myself back to school and showed up to class, and sat on the front seat so I wouldn't be distracted. That statement may also have been valid before I took time to get extra assistance if I needed it, and even took classes in areas I made sure I was completely unfamiliar with, to expand my horizons, and challenge myself. This was before I stayed in my professor's office, asking questions about things I was unsure of and before I made the local Dean's List, the international Dean's List, and then the International Honor Society. This was before graduating with honors, and speaking at conferences, blogging, getting some of my work published, receiving glowing recommendations from my professors who know my work first-hand, leading discussion groups -- and before the zillion of other things universities look for when reviewing applications, including my desire to expand my knowledge as a scholar, have already constructed my own hypothesis around my research focus, want to contribute more information to the field, and have been working with communities for positive social change, before going through this program to continue my work, and becoming a university educator myself, then maybe she may have a point.

Look, I know I didn't get anywhere by myself. I don't have a steadfast belief in meritocracy -- that I (or anyone else) accomplished everything alone. There have been plenty of folks in my corner, cheering me on and extending their hand when I need it, because they believed in me and my endeavor. But this is not about that. And I feel a bit selfish and maybe self-centered focusing on my personal incident with this white woman, as something that was directed at me alone. The issue is by far larger than someone believing the school is dishing out charity work. This is the attitude that remains pervasive in this society, where whites continue to believe they are far superior, and are entitled to the 'cream of the crop,' and part of their white privilege means 'helping' us out a little.

Said white woman left out that wee little part about us living in a society that values white people. And that because of this continued legacy white people dominate institutions, workplaces, universities, and most other areas. That also stemming form this, the belief that People Of Color aren't really worthy of anything - because that legacy has made white people believe they are far more qualified than anyone else and us 'minorities' (I hate that word, btw), don't have the mental capacity to comprehend much, (Sadly, even some POC have subscribed to this). We're looked on as zombie-like creatures, unable to think for ourselves so we need those 'leftover' opportunities 'handed' to us. In this racist society, where a Black person learning to read was once punishable by death, and so many communities of color have been subjected to even losing generations of traditional wisdom, this attitude continues to shape the minds of white people's belief in their supposed inherent superiority. Getting anywhere or anything for no other reason than white skin, is a ratio of 99 to 1, no doubt. I didn't even get in sexism. Or any other ism and phobia, for that matter, that shapes countless experiences and continues to underscore discrimination. Pft.

Qutoas?

For who? To keep white people shuffled through the door, in order to maintain the status quo?

Absolutely!

For 'Others'? 

GTFOH!

Some of us actually have to work!

I'll be laughing all the way through my dissertation.

Black people and breastfeeding disparities: How we stand in our OWN way of a healthier community

First, I want to tell you that I am not writing in my normal MO. I am simply free-typing (free styling), which I never do -- I was born in the mid-70s, so pencil and paper before uploading is how I roll, and is how I can best get my thoughts clearly expressed. This usually is not my usual blogging day either, but I have something to say and am hoping my point comes across. I'm am not apologizing for any of the content, but if it sounds a bit choppy, then you'll understand. I'm hoping more than focusing on my grammatical errors and such, this will create a much-needed dialogue.

This is a painful post for me to write. Not only because it forces me to look at an area where I know sooner or later will make me sad about the state of affairs, but it draws upon some of my personal life experiences and forces me to visit these areas, which often I'd rather not. But before you read on, go watch the video by Jaylove47, entitled Blacks Hate Each Other, and then come back. Make sure you don't read ahead before you watch it.

A couple of weeks ago, someone got mad at me because I called her a Black Feminist. Actually, I didn't call her a Black Feminist, per se, but instead alluded to it. I told her from the viewpoints she was displaying in her YouTube video that I watched, I believed she was on her way to becoming a Black Feminist. Needless to say she ardently disagreed. Later, I found out that she was so against the ideas of Black Feminism because like so many others she believed that it excluded Black men. I was recently preparing to write a post about how Black Feminism, at very least, is not about hating Black men, and that as breastfeeding advocates we must be more inclusive of them in our advocacy. Of course I still believe this. I mention this because even though that post is going to have to wait -- it fits in what I have to say now, because it was only when I adopted a Black Feminist consciousness is when I began to understand and make sense of it all.

The other day I was out visiting the university I was recently admitted to, and whose offer I already accepted -- heck, I already sent my official transcripts. I was as excited as humanly possible that I was actually going to this place to talk to all of the anthropology professors, who will offer me guidance on a topic that has become such a force within my scope of advocacy and activism -- which manifested itself in my complete lack of sleep the night before. While I was there, I was reminded by the video which basically states that Black people are our own worst enemies. Or, that we just hate each other. While I was on campus, I sat back and watched while Black men completely dissed a Black woman on two separate occasions. Now you may say "Big deal." But I look at this completely different. No. this is nothing new, and the insecurity these men have that they projected outwards reminded me of the many other instances that I have witnessed this. And also of times that I have been the subject of this internal violence within the Black community. When I was 15 and in 10th grade, I was in PE class, and remember being asked by a white classmate why Black people talk so badly about each other all the time. You can say this is nothing more than some high-school drama, and I know there's definitely a level of truth to that, but I think it goes much deeper. I know it does. And I knew this was the truth, since even back then I had seen it countless times. It was no secret. More and more now I am seeing this with the blatant disregard for others in this community, and what it has come down to, for me at least, is why do I do the work that I do and if I will continue, and why?

This internalized self-hatred that we project onto others, doesn't only happen in these spaces. I've seen it on the bus, projected at a really dark-skinned brotha, who I believe was from Sudan. I've seen a Black woman get picked out of a crowd of about 100 white people and stigmatized by another Black person. I was once at a breastfeeding meeting -- the same one where I landed a seat next to the xenophobic white woman who said she can't see herself using 'Black' breastfeeding literature for her white clients -- and had shade thrown at me by other Black women -- you know, because that type of hate is so productive being in that atmosphere where we were there because we wanted to save Black life and all, right?! There have been many times that when I have met a (usually a young, Black person), and I can tell this has been their experience with other Blacks just by the vibe they give off. I know many of you who read this post also know what I'm talking about. My resistance to this legacy of intra-racial mental violence is to strike up a conversation with the young person to ease their tension. Yet, this is only a minuscule example of countless others that are woven into the fabric of our community. Don't you think this affects each of us mentally? Physically? Our breastfeeding rates? Our overall health?

If you go to YouTube, you will find endless episodes of Black men figuratively ripping the life out of Black women -- over our dating choices, our jobs, our skin tone, hair -- anything. Although this perspective -- Black men vs Black women makes up the majority of it, I believe, this not only happens from that angle, but vice versa. Black women also do the same to other Black women. For me, I view this like math problems when you're looking for a common denominator -- through a process, you eliminate to get to what you want. From what I have seen people have looked far beyond anyone else to scope each other out to look for their kind for this. Make sense? That Black people seem to scout out other Blacks to do this. We will bypass anyone around and pick each other out of a crowed to do this. I haven't even touched on physical violence and Black on Black crime.

My feelings continue to get hurt from all of this, and it pisses me off so much, that I really have been questioning if I am going to continue this work. And, why I bother in the first place. If others don't care, why the hell should I?

I'm not saying I'm looking for these utopian ideas among Black people or anyone for that matter -- even though I know we as people are capable of changing things in society and the planet, but I know for myself that I constantly work at challenging racism in every aspect of work that I do but it seems that many of the instigators are not just around us -- they are us! 

I have lost countless people in my life who cannot accept my politics, and especially my racial politics, and have even cried myself to sleep before by being castigated for criticizing a dominating system that continues to harbor racist sentiments against Blacks. But from what I see, as Black people we are harboring ill sentiments against ourselves. You know, the things we do where instead of looking at what we're doing we always place the blame on racism. White supremacy. Class issues. The devil.

Look, I am not at all saying these things do not play a tremendous role in social inequity and a baby's access to the breast or whatever other area. I know they do. And I know there is a historical legacy that shapes today. But I also see that there is the role we play in our own demise. I have to be honest with you that when I look at several issues in breastfeeding, where the way I see it is connected to every other area of society on a local and global scale, I tend to look at a larger picture to see where the origins of disparities come from. I have constantly challenged anti-Black racism and other issues of whiteness and such. But I'm starting to look at things a bit differently now. And I promise you that if indeed I do continue onwards with my education looking at breastfeeding among Black women, and spend at least five years of my life researching this area, you best know that a segment of my research will focus on the ways we ourselves by the way we hate on each other, create and maintain our own disconnect and disparities. Believe that.

:: My 2013 Reading Pledge

"I will read all of the various books I received from publishers [and some I didn't], and post their reviews on my blog by the end of August!"

I took my kids to one of my most favoritest places in the whole wide world to take them. The Public Library! On this trip, I taught them each how to use the fancy library printers, which are all connected to a central location. I showed them how to begin by printing from their computer screen then using their library card number to find their project on the print monitor, and next inserting their money into the machine. I think they truly valued that lesson. But before that, as we entered, we noticed a poster full of yellow stickies from many other folks who had made reading pledges. The library uses this to get people to 'pledge' to read during the gloomy Winter months, since they can be a time when folks are less motivated than others; it can be undeniably dreary around here. The genre for this year's 'Resolve To Read' is Mystery, but it seemed like folks didn't mind changing things up a bit. And since the season is almost over, we extended the timeframe also, and made pledges of our own. My 12 year old said she will read one book per month for the rest of her life! I told her how awesome she is. My nine year old pledged to read all of the books she can, and my seven year old told me not to read his stickie. I only imagine what it said. Lucky for them they all inherited the love of reading and can be found engaged in a book, most often.

Of course there's nothing like diving in to new material and even revisiting and re exploring 'old' stuff, but -- well, I'm a just a little behind on my reading and -- definitely the reviewing part. Here are a few examples: Even though The Doula Guide To Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know, (which is not from a publisher), is one I've long ago finished and have formed my opinion yet I have had a half-written review sitting as a draft post for maybe one month now -- but probably longer. I read this text as part of  'make-up' work from a missed assignment during doula training, and since I need book reviews/reports towards certification, I decided on that one. But it would help if I actually posted the report. This is almost the same for The Human Drama of Abortion, and The Vegetarian Myth. 

Since I'm going back to school and won't have a split second of extra time to spare on anything other than assigned material, the pledge I made is to get through my stash and read, write and post all of their reviews by the end of August. 

Here are the titles you can expect to see: 
I'll mark them off as soon as they're complete, and you can search the table of contents or the blog's labels for them.

The Human Drama of Abortion: A Global Search For Consensus
The Inspired Vegan: Seasonal Ingredients, Creative Recipes, Mouthwatering Menus
The Vegetarian Myth: food, justice, and sustainability
Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom
belonging: a culture of place
Reproducing Race: An Ethnography of Pregnancy as a Site of Racialization
Family Secrets: Risking Reproduction in Central Mozambique
The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible
The Beginner's Guide to Edible Herbs
The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse
Songs in Black and Lavender: Race, Sexual Politics, and Women's Music
Mandela: The Authorized Portrait
The Archaeology of Mothering: An African American Midwife's Tale
Writing Beyond Race: Living Theory and Practice
Midwives' Tales: Stories of Traditional and Professional Birthing in Samoa
Granny Midwives and Black Women Writers: Double-Dutched Readings
The Doula Guide To Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

Working with this timeframe -- now through the end of August to complete these reviews, will give me just enough of a breather before I find myself in the academic abyss (which I'm actually looking forward to, btw). School begins the last week of September.

Have you read any of these? If you created a reading pledge, what would it say?

DR. STANFORD IS (not so far from being) IN THE HOUSE! Final Education Score: Master’s, 2, PhD, 1 #JustCallMeProfessorHIJKLMNOP

“Last July, I walked on stage in front of a large audience. I was an invited speaker, asked to share my perspective at a summit at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere), a grassroots coalition founded to raise awareness of breastfeeding among Black and African American women. My objective that day was to give a 30-minute presentation on ways to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among this group, who statistically continue to rank lowest of any demographic in our nation, and whose increase could effectively help thwart the staggering infant mortality rate that plagues this community. As I stood behind the podium and looked onto the crowd, which consisted of lay and professional healthcare advocates, community activists and many other officials from local and nationwide, including the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, I told them that in order to eradicate the lengthy list of health disparities linked to these low breastfeeding rates we must cease focusing on Black women who breastfeed. Instead, look past these protagonists, and recognize the unique and complex history of Black women in this country and enlist the help of anyone interested in challenging socio-political inequity, structural violence and cultural insularity, all which are situated at the center, and all hinder an infant’s access to its mother’s breast. This was a significant shift in the way breastfeeding advocacy and promotion has been viewed as a tradition.”

Remember a little while back when I said I was busier than life and I’d let on to what was going on around here soon enough? Well, I was engaged in what felt like an unyielding application of school and fellowship applications, (the first paragraph of my Statement of Purpose is above, because I just thought I’d share. I used my experience speaking at ROSE Breastfeeding Summit, to set the tone. And I’m sure the fact that the Surgeon General was in the audience didn’t hurt with the decision). But without further ado…..

I GOT IN!

Just the other day I received notification that I was accepted into the renowned Sociocultural Anthropology PhD program, after I opened my email and viewed the fancy schmancy letter – well, here, let me read it to you:

Ahem – *Clears throat*

Dear Acquanda Y. Stanford (that’s me ;)

Dear Acquanda Y. Stanford:

We are pleased to inform you that the Sociocultural Anthropology Graduate Program in the Department of Anthropology has admitted you…. Our faculty, staff and students join me in welcoming you to one of the most prestigious, progressive universities in the United States…. This is a very competitive program and many applicants with impressive backgrounds apply…. Please contact me if you have any further questions…. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Anthropology Department is well-known for its rigorous curriculum, which I am SO thankful for. I love challenging environments, and being worked in school. And not to boast or anything, seriously, but it is an extremely difficult program to get into. But I still think it’s crazy insane I am about to enter a PhD program, since I initially never ever planned on it. When I was in community college I remember my instructor one day said to me (though I don’t really remember the exact subject at hand) “You’ll see when you teach anthropology….” This is the same one who gave me the extra push to actually apply to this program, and the one who previously introduced me to the idea of a concurrent PhD and Master’s of Public Health degree, which I will also be pursing, along with a certificate in Feminist Studies.

I want to teach – to transform – and create a reciprocal learning environment that opens up the doors for radical social change. That’s my goal. And pursuing a doctoral degree will qualify me to do so at the university level, which is my ultimate endeavor. But I also want to continue to engage people in the public sphere. This is also the reason I feel my education is a double-edged sword. In some ways I believe it may hinder my access to the communities I most want to serve. Yet my reasons for even attending school is that I recognized that in order to ‘use the master’s tools to dismantle the master’s house’ I would need to equip myself with what it takes to combat these issues – in various ranks. That’s why I’m here.

What will my research focus on? Bet you’d never guess in a million years, right?! As far as I know I am the only Black woman in this country with an anthropology background who focuses on this area and the Black experience. Using the tools of anthropology, I want to construct the larger framework around Black breastfeeding. Breastfeeding extends far beyond a baby on a breast, and it requires critical attention to areas of gender, race, class, geographic location, history and much, much more. I want to delve deep into the issues of power and dominance, culture and biology, female and community agency, language and our knowledge of the past and present and view this area through various lenses that encompass critical social theories. I believe that “this biological site can serve as a gateway to underpin a new set of theoretical questions that can complicate our thinking and allow for the expansion of knowledge on ideas of community engagement, globalization, global health and disparities, maternal-infant health and various others with research that will evolve and syncretize local, national, and global processes, expanding perspectives not previously explored.” Sorry, that’s just another small clip from my Statement of Purpose. *smile*

I also am ready to continue transforming this discipline. I absolutely believe that an anthropological approach is key to addressing many issues that face our society, and its tools can be used to create radical and revolutionary change and positively transform. But I also know that it has a long and sordid history of participating in colonialism and exclusion and racial and gender exclusivity, but there have been many who have worked effortlessly to challenge this legacy. I'm thrilled to carry the torch.

When all is said and done, where I always urge people to disregard the hierarchy and ensure everyone has a say, and used a string of letters of the alphabet to mock our reliance on formal education, which I believe can too often keep people from truly engaging each other, I really will be Professor HIJKLMNOP. I will have a zillion and one initials behind my name that if you ask me, is actually kinda creepy. But still not so bad for a H.S. dropout, eh?! Thankfully this area is one that allows for academic activism, and using education to lift and liberate because I really do love what I do. And I’m so, so thrilled about what lies ahead.

This image provides an excellent depiction of the type of educator I aspire to be!
#powertothepeople

Certified Lactation Educator, and the White Breastfeeding Policy

Last week, I glanced at a PowerPoint slide and mistook "Write Breastfeeding Policy" for "White Breastfeeding Policy," while sitting through a lecture on the 10 steps towards a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative -- and we were on step one. But when I think of it believe the second title may seem more fitting since not too long after class began -- on the first day, in fact, is when I realized the actuality of the course.

I just completed the required hours for the CLE Credential, so now I am a Certified Lactation Educator! I learned some interesting and practical information from the course -- lots of things I didn't know, which will only make me more effective, and I am definitely ready to share this with the public. Also, taking this course has cleared up any doubt I had on becoming a Lactation Consultant, and has made me realize that I absolutely do not want to do that! I repeat. I have realized that the clinical aspect of breastfeeding is not my passion -- AT ALL! Before, I thought becoming certified through the IBCLE was necessary in order to advocate and help end disparities -- to know as much as I can about the practical aspects in order to help out. And having the highest credential in the field of lactation would give me clout, while working towards the cause. But that's not necessary. At least not for what I want to do. And I'd be cheating myself and the community members I want to serve if I remained on that path, since I now recognize that is not where I feel called, nor is it how I believe I can make the biggest impact. I want to work in the background -- the politics and history, and examine the bio-cultural and socio-political areas -- as an anthropologist! I want to explore cultural ideas on breastfeeding in society, and produce radical theories about the tradition and the role of domination, that complicate our thinking and challenge the many implications behind it -- and change the way we practice and participate -- and get more people involved. I don't want to work in a clinic or in any type of hospital setting, or teach classes on just the hands-on and practical aspects. So sitting through countless slides and looking at all of this information made things crystal clear. And perhaps this epiphany will lessen my anger about the whole thing -- the exclusivity of it all, on paying for a course that cost me more than I have in my savings account.

Apparently, years of experience -- at least three decades in fact, working in breastfeeding and infant care doesn't let on to a 70ish-year-old lady that breastfeeding is not something only white women do. There were hundreds of slides throughout this course, as you can imagine. And though there were a few from the instructors trips to the Philippines and a couple of other countries. There was also a slide or two of a Black woman and a few Asians -- and of course the recent Venezuelan image that everyone has been rightfully raving about. But I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that less than 1% of the images contained someone from a community of color -- and the information didn't even even began to discuss how breastfeeding is experienced in various racial and cultural contexts. The class was centered around white culture, and apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed.

One of the students -- a white neonatal nurse, when we were discussing Hyperbilirubinemia (or, Jaundice), expressed the difficulties she sometimes faces recognizing this in some of her "clients of other ethnicities," and wanted a better understanding of how to do this. The instructor told her to look at all of the features and not just the skin. OK. Good explanation, I guess, but one that came only after the fact since it does not involve us as regular participants. Another white woman expressed much of the information (on work and taking time off postpartum, etc.) was hardly relevant to the populations she serves -- many Black teenagers. And in other cases -- like when it comes to Raynaud's Syndrome for example, we just don't exist at all. At least not when the instructor explained a clear indication of this condition comes from white nipples. I raised my hand because I wanted to ask if Raynaud's is exclusive to white women since I can speak for myself and numerous other Women Of Color who won't have that problem -- and whose nipples only get darker with hormones from pregnancy and childbirth. But there were several hands during that session and I wasn't picked. Too bad.

I couldn't keep my mouth closed. And when I saw the director of the school asked her if she's ever taken the course. She hadn't. But I told her how upsetting this is, and she was very receptive to what I had to say and told me they have been implementing programs and working on finding ways to de-center whiteness at the university, and suggested we schedule a meeting to discuss all of this -- one that I'm going to take her up on as soon as the dust settles around my schedule. And I'm going to fill out the feedback form, too.

I am happy I can now call myself a Certified Lactation Educator. I can rightfully place myself in spaces where I can combine some practical breastfeeding knowledge along with other ways to show resistance to this selected-group type of representation, and be as mindful as I can. I was really looking forward to this course, but in actuality during its sessions I was absolutely infuriated, since that type of setting creates more issues than it seems to address; it not only overlooks the experiences of countless women by portraying the entire breastfeeding experience -- including the complications that come along with it, as something central to the white body, but it breeds a brand new generation of healthcare professionals who remain clueless on the health and well-being of a certain percentage of the population they serve. It normalizes whiteness and dehumanizes us. And even of the two Black women in class -- myself and one other, it doesn't even provide information that would be relevant to our own experiences or the people in our community, which for me is the reason I'm even here. I imagine the other Women Of Color who felt the same -- that's some kind of B.S.! Disparities start in classrooms.

I'M GOING TO NURSING SCHOOL

I received an email from the director of Bastyr University yesterday, and it's official; I'm going to nursing school! Of course when I say nursing I really mean nursing -- as in lactation, and not nursing as in sticking someone with a needle. But more specifically, the Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation (PEBL) kind of nursing, which is a course offered this summer. I was awarded a $200.00 scholarship towards the very steep $879.00 tuition for the five day course, so my balance is now $679.00. Actually, my balance is only $229.00, since I mailed $450.00 off yesterday right after I found out about my award.

This course provides the first 37.5 hours necessary for the requirements for the IBCLE exam, but as I've said before, at this point I'm not even sure I want to continue working towards IBCLC, so I'm going to obtain the basic education and add my own spin -- veering off in the direction I think is best for me and the community I want to represent, although I know I'll take additional lactation-specific courses as well.

I talked to someone recently about the course -- a mother of two, who said she also completed this a while ago and was surprised at how much she learned, since she was already very knowledgeable about breastfeeding and human lactation, to begin with.

Once the PEBL course is completed the school provides the Certified Lactation Educator certificate, which, although I think it's pretty cool, I'm more excited about what I'm learning than anything.

PEBL Courses at Bastyr University

The Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations -- formerly Seattle School of Midwifery, offers PEBL (Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation) courses, which are taught by Certified Lactation Consultants, gives you credit towards that same goal -- the first 45 hours, and after the 5-day successful completion of the course a Certified Lactation Educator certificate.

I had been going back and forth with the idea of to whether I really wanted to become an IBCLC or not, and was giving the Certified Lactation Counselor a lot of thought and talked to a couple of people about it and -- one who told me, here on the West Coast, for a reason I have not confirmed or completely understand either, Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) courses are generally offered.

I had the awesome privilege of meeting with the director of the school last week when I went to highlight the positive aspects of the lactation station for the Business Case for Breastfeeding project I've been working on, and she answered some questions I had and told me a bit more about the program. And I can say I am definitely can see myself signing up, but the course is expensive! Which is why I am applying for a scholarship through the school, to help with tuition, one that, if chosen, it will deduct between $100.00 and $400.00 off of the almost 900 dollar tuition yes, yikes-- so please keep your fingers crossed for me. Other than that, I am really excited about the classes, and hope to sign up for the session in June.

Public Health + Anthropology?

Perhaps. I visited a once-teacher of mine from community college a couple of weeks ago -- a cultural anthropologist (PhD), and one I'm happy to have kept in touch with. And I guess I shouldn't say a 'once-teacher,' since I'm definitely still learning from her. I was talking to her about breastfeeding and what I'm doing at the moment, the project I'm working on with the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington, and my plans on becoming an IBCLC. While we spent some time talking about education (as we always do), she suggested a program at the University of Washington that is a concurrent MPH and PhD -- the Doctoral would be in cultural anthropology, of course.

I won't go into detail right now about how I always find myself going back and forth with what I believe is the commodification of formal institutions I often find myself at odds with -- that often interferes with my desire to work towards a doctoral degree. I fear it will widen the space between communities I want to represent, and ironically those communities are the reasons I even went to school. It's a double-edged sword. But I also love what I do! I love working towards a goal of getting more Black women to breastfeed! I love examining ways to use what I have learned studying anthropology to greater represent underrepresented populations, and bridging social and cultural misunderstandings between groups! I love exploring areas that are overlooked! And I love that I am able to give the practices of this discipline a more public view, and get people excited about it. I love my field almost to a fault! But public health?

Maybe this sounds strange considering the reasons I'm even here -- to decrease disparities in the Black community. But I have only ever seen myself doing applied cultural anthropology -- using my 'anthropological expertise to solve contemporary problems' as a Black feminist anthropologist. I have only ever visualized working on the social and cultural aspects to critique and challenge inequality at the foundation and raise radical social and self awareness among our women, men and children through righteous action, participatory action research and critical ethnographies. I've not visualized a biological or even bio-cultural approach. Or, through those avenues mentioned in the image above -- surveillance, monitoring, risk -- at least it has not been on my agenda. But maybe I'm more ignorant about public health than I give myself credit.

I know there are many anthropologists and breastfeeding advocates who earn advanced degrees in Public Health -- but it just never occurred to me I may be one of them. I am definitely going to give this a lot more thought and look into it because it's definitely worth it. And even though my professor told me the sad but true story that a class referencing 'mother's milk' in the title will draw less students than one with something general like 'Environmental Anthropology' (another subject we were talking about),  I can already visualize The Anthropology of Human Lactation as a course offering.

The IBCLC Road Is Longer Than Expected

Well it looks like it's going to take a bit longer to get through nursing school than I thought. No, not that kind of nursing, breastfeeding school! I haven't started any classes yet. The bottom line is these courses have turned out to be much more costly than I expected so I'm working in that area. I looked into federal funding (more student loans, eek) but not sure I'd even want to go that route.

I am still on the right track with gathering information and using what resources I have to move me in the right direction -- marinating, so I am not that worried. But like I said before will be going through and finishing graduate school, so as long as I have the classes done within a specific amount of time I'm good, and I can do that. I am still looking into volunteering and in about a week or so, will be meeting with the manager of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington, and I continue to blog since it keeps me active and alert. Yes I would like all of this to happen like NOW, since I'm still that excited about it, but the way I look at it is slow and steady wins, and I am talking to people and learning a ton of stuff -- hopefully teaching a few things, and making a difference along the way. This is all part of it. After all, this is a lactation journey, not a destination.

Consultant Courses: Medical Terminology and Abbreviations = Done! + Winner

I took the Medical Terminology and Abbreviations course online on Sunday. Go me! So  that means one general education course is completed! Yeah! The course is offered online by the University of North Carolina Center for Public Health and it's free!

I have to be honest that hearing all of the medical terms and the descriptions of some of the ailments kinda grossed me out. My stomach is so weak and I tend to get woozy now that I'm older, but nevertheless I traversed!

There's a pre-test on the site, and I thought I was doing something wrong thinking of this test before the lesson began (I know, dork). I guess they want to gauge how well you did before and then when you take another short test after they will know if you actually sat through the presentation (something like that, I'm sure). 

Five more Continuing Ed courses to go, and of course, the regular courses, which I'm already so excited about. I can't wait until school starts!

The winner of 

Tainted Milk: breastmilk, feminisms, and the politics of environmental degradation  is. . . 

 Terry Jo Curtis!

Congratulations!

Your name was selected at random via random.org. Please respond within three days or another winner will be selected. Click on the wibiya information bar on the bottom of the screen and select 'Contact Us' to send your shipping information.Thank you all for participating!

UPDATE July 16
New winner: Robynthemama

Your name was selected at random since I received no response from

the initial winner within the specified time frame!

Congratulations!

Help Wanted. ISO More Black Certified Lactation Consultants

Below is a letter I recently sent to organizations as a fundraiser, explaining the significanct lack of and significant need for more Black Certified Lactation Consultants. 

The cost of courses surprised me and after all calculations, turned out to be quite a bit more than I initially expected -- and that was even before I realized I have to take additional lactation-specific courses, which added up to almost $2,000 dollars alone. I felt this is a step that I had to make, since I cannot stop this venture since learning of all of the disparities.

And even though I have never done anything like, I really believe this is considered an emergency, and believe in the help of my community and a way for others to become involved -- those who I believe would be receptive. I also asked myself the question: "If I received a letter showing the importance of Black women as CLCs and had a chance to support an endeavor with a proven ability to get more Black women breastfeeding, reach breastfeeding goals, and help end innumerable disparities, would I respond positively?" So I stamped the letters and mailed them. 

Consultant Courses

According to the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant's (IBCLC) website, here are the requirements for Pathway 1, which is the route I have decided to take, and apparently the path most others take as well. I chose this because I am able to complete courses from anywhere in order to meet the requirements and don't have to sign up at any one specific shool. For example, though I don't really care for online courses, I figure I can take the continuing ed courses online, then take CPR at the hospital for $15.00, and the college courses on campus. For me, pathway 2 seems too confining right now and pathway 3 -- just seems too complicated. So pathway 1 it is!

I have already taken some of these classes such as Biology and Cultural Anth, but since all must be completed within five years of the exam and it will be past that time for me, there goes that! *sigh* Good thing I love school! :O)

Continuing Education Courses:

• Basic Life Support
• Medical Domumentation
• Medical Terminology
• Occupational Saftety, including securtity for health professionals
• Professional Ethics for health professionals (code of ethics)
• Infection Control

Regular College Courses:

• Biology
• Cultural Anthropology (hope I'll be able to pass this one)
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Infant Growth & Child Development
• Nutrition
• Psychology or Counseling or Communication Skills
• Introduction to Research

I am also required to volunteer 1,000 hours in a hospital-like setting! This will be the challenging part -- that's a whole lotta hours!

I called around a bit and talked to a few places and really didn't get anywhere. La Leche League doesn't allow non-nursing mothers to volunteer and the WIC office in my area has no funding, so I'm looking for birthing centers and other midwife practices. Wish me luck!

I figure I will have all of this completed by the end of 2012 and take the certification exam in the summer of 2013!

Update: I just realized I also have to take 90 hours of lactation-specific education courses!! OK, now I can search for where I will take those as well! As long as I at least have all of the courses done before July of next year, I'll be good!! I can still volunteer after that, but must have courses completed.