“My experience with A More Excellent Way has been phenomenal. I was pregnant with my 5th child and referred by a friend to participate in a beautiful calendar for breastfeeding mothers (years 2010-2012). I had no idea that such a wonderful organization existed, that not only provided education but gave hands-on support to breastfeeding mothers. I was so blessed by the services, I, in turn, became a breastfeeding peer counselor to give back to other mothers who needed that same support and encouragement.
After breastfeeding all of my children, you’d think I had it down. I still learned so much about my anatomy, hormone changes, bonding hormones and breast care, self-care and how different stressors can affect milk production. There were issues that I would later have with my last child that I didn't experience with my other children like latching on and failure to thrive.
Learning of the disparities surrounding breastfeeding amongst women of African descent was mind-blowing. The fact that during the times of slavery, slaves were forced to serve as wet nurses feeding their slave master’s children from their breast before their own, was a sad truth. But the history of us as a people who knew intuitively that breast is best made me proud.
Some may argue and or choose to formula feed for many reasons and each person’s decision is theirs to make, which I fully respect. But from where I stand, I can't see a perfectly divine resource crafted in the mind of the Master Creator going to waste. Look at nature. All other mammals feed their young from their own bodies. What better clue? Again, although I had made my personal choice because it just felt natural to me, I became more of an advocate after the education I received through A More Excellent Way!
I have also had the opportunity to experience the annual community baby shower as a volunteer. The baby shower is for new and expectant mothers and their families get to come experience education from health and nutrition to intimacy and self-care. There's also the food, fun, and essentials like clothing, strollers, car seats, and more that are given away to help families get a great start.
Others have made great efforts to replicate the baby showers in their communities and have done well. But the work being done by founder/visionary Monique Sims through A More Excellent Way is very unique and this mother is forever changed for the better because of it. Thank you and may you be blessed to continue this wonderful work in every way.”
– Shyla J.
