Breastfeeding may not seem to have anything to do with Earth Day.  However, I beg to differ.  On this occasion, I am emboldened to declare that  it protects our global environment by reducing the demands  on it which are intrinsic to the production of artificial baby milk; when mothers directly breastfeed, sources of waste and pollution are eliminated.

Breastmilk is the bio-available, species-specific food which is perfectly crafted for human babies.  It is delivered by the elegant and  nurturing act of breastfeeding.  Literally organic, it is made by the mother’s body, and delivered to her baby via her breasts.  In contrast to artificial baby milk,  human milk is a raw food that does not require processing and distribution. It does not use valuable resources nor does it pollute the environment .

Breastfeeding is a feeding practice that is almost completely self-contained; the supply depends upon maintaining a synergistic connection between the baby and the breast. The baby, breast and hormones released by the pituitary gland of the mother set up the milk supply after birth. Supply adjusts to removal of milk by the  baby over time.

Unfortunately, the modern practice of pumping and bottle feeding human milk does exert an impact on the environment in terms of use of electricity, cleaning products, bottles and other gadgets that will eventually become waste in a landfill or elsewhere.  However, relative to the elements that go into the production of formula, it is far less of an ecological burden.

Conscious breastfeeding  mothers make a positive contribution to the ecology and environment in which they are raising their children  by actually breastfeeding whenever possible.  A shift in emphasis away from an over-reliance on pumping will reduce their carbon footprint.

On this Earth Day, and everyday, we need to create a world in which breastfeeding is the norm rather than the exception.

It is fitting that we begin this journey of contemplating the Way of Conscious Breastfeeding on Earth Day 2008. 

I am here to help you learn more about how Conscious Breastfeeding fits into modern life and can foster positive connections with your baby, family and greater community.

Breastfeeding is literally organic… the original Green Food.  The intentional nature of the Conscious Breastfeeding lifestyle lends itself to being quite eco-friendly.  

All the experts agree that we have no hope of salvaging our planet without each one of us taking incremental steps, at the very least, to stop adding to the problem of excessive waste accumulation which is polluting and destroying our beautiful earth.

We are what we eat and how we live.   Conscious Breastfeeding raises this vibration and empowers us to make decisions that honor our bodies, our babies and our world.  Thus, the greening of our world view truly begins at home.

These topics were discussed at length today on The Breastfeeding Salon Show. 

As Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world”

Join in the conversation and find out how Conscious Breastfeeding can connect us all in so many meaningful ways!