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​Today’s feature is Carmen, a mother of two girls ages 6 and 4. 

What are your breastfeeding goals? 
I’m all done, but I breastfed until 1yr (1st baby) and 10mo with (2nd baby) 
 
What's your fondest memory of breastfeeding? 
The closeness with my babies-feeling connected, feeling a sense of love and pride to be able to nourish them. 
 
Who has been your biggest supporter on your breastfeeding journey? 
I was my own cheerleader in a way....not many ppl in my family or friends had done it.  
 
What advice would you give to new breastfeeding families? 
Give yourself time. Allow your baby to show you what they need. We feel uncertainty, pressure and a mix of emotions the first time. Try to reduce outside noise and listen to yourself, your body and your baby. 
 
Is there anything else you'd like to share with breastfeeding families? 
There’s no right or wrong amount of time to breastfeed your baby. Give yourself time to learn about it, try it out and go from there (for me, it took a few weeks or more to learn and feel comfortable. I would have breastfed longer than a year if I could go back. There are lots of resources now, compared to 6 years ago. Build a tribe for connection and support!)

This series is sponsored by ​DommiesBlessed​. In celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are collecting stories from expecting families hoping to breastfeed, those who are currently breastfeeding, or families who have breastfed in the past. If you or someone you know would like to contribute,​ ​click here, we’d love to have you​.

Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25th - 31st) ​is around the corner and this year’s theme is Revive, Restore, Reclaim. As part of our 2020 celebration, ​we are collecting stories from local families like yours​. Today we are honored to feature Danielle, a Boston wife, and mother of four, as she gives us a sneak peek into her breastfeeding journey. 
 
What are your breastfeeding goals? 
I would like to breastfeed for 12 months. 
 
If this is your first time breastfeeding, what have you learned? 
I breastfed my other children. The longest was 10 months. 
 
If you've breastfed before, what's different about this experience? 
I have had some difficulty keeping up with the demand for this little one. 
 
What's your fondest memory of breastfeeding? 
Looking into my baby’s eyes while he’s breastfeeding and seeing that he knows he is comfortable, safe, and loved. 
 
Who has been your biggest supporter on your breastfeeding journey? 
My husband. 
 
What advice would you give to new breastfeeding families? 
Don’t give up! It can be time consuming to pump and breastfeed - especially if you have other little ones, but it is the best and most rewarding experience. Not only are you providing your child with the “liquid gold” but you are also building a bond like none other. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with breastfeeding families? 
Remember to take your prenatals while breastfeeding (1 year postpartum). 

This series is in partnership with ​DommiesBlessed​. If you’re interested in contributing your breastfeeding past, present or future,​ ​click here, we’d love to have you​.  
 
Are you expecting? Do you know a family who has recently delivered? In order to continue supporting families during COVID-19, the ​Boston Breastfeeding Coalition​ now offers ​virtual breastfeeding support groups​ and a ​Breastfeeding Support Warm-line​ ​(857) 301-8259.