Breastfeeding Hawai'i | Grant Recipient of Women's Fund of Hawai'i

In 2011, the United States Breastfeeding Committee officially declared August as National Breastfeeding Month (NBM), an observance dedicated to improving the nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

Our 'Tatas' Tee design, while super fun and cute, was inspired by a more serious conversation topic. So many of my girlfriends, including my older sister, recently gave birth to beautiful healthy babies and it was incredible to listen to them share their journeys of motherhood after giving birth.  God willing, I myself hope to become a mother one day... my husband and I recently got married so we've been talking about it now more than ever. And I'm so grateful for the community of mothers who share their stories with me because it's not only eye-opening, but SO informative. There are so many layers to breastfeeding that I never even know existed but are important for mothers to know going into nursing. TRUTH, I had no idea what pumping was until my sister had her first baby and did it in front of me... I was honestly like "WHAT is even going on?!" lol. Not to mention, the many ways breastfeeding transforms a woman's body (hence the super fun 'tatas' tee that pokes fun at all boobs shapes and sizes, and hopefully inspires us to 'love our wahines' no matter what stage they are in!). On a more serious note though, it's also overwhelming to realize just how much you need to know about nursing, especially for first time mothers.

Today, I'm so excited to spotlight Breastfeeding Hawai'i, a 2018 grant recipient of Women's Fund of Hawai'i doing amazing work on behalf of mothers and expecting mothers statewide. This non-profit is a great resource for mothers of all journeys, from first time mamas looking to learn more about breastfeeding, to mothers who are in short supply of breastmilk because their bodies aren't producing enough. Breastfeeding Hawai'i not only supplies breastmilk to mothers in need aka "milk depots", but also provides education material for mothers to use in hopes of producing more milk. 

As as coalition member of USBC, local non-profit Breastfeeding Hawai'i works to protect, promote and support breastfeeding through the education of and collaboration with professionals involved in maternal-child health. This amazing organization serves as a community breastfeeding advocate in the State of Hawai'i and in 2018, became a grant recipient of Women's Fund of Hawai'i.

 If there's one thing I've learned from conversations with my sister and girlfriends who are mamas, it's that a woman's body is an incredible force of nature that adapts to allow us to bring life into this world and nourish that new life. It can be a scary journey, especially for first time mothers, or women who have a harder time producing milk. But with beautiful organizations like Breastfeeding Hawai'i, mothers statewide can feel supported with resources to confidently nourish their keiki. Mahalo Breastfeeding Hawai'i for all that you do for mothers of Hawai'i!

For more information about Breastfeeding Hawai'i including their upcoming events, how to donate or qualify to receive breastmilk, or to get involved, please visit their website HERE.

When you donate to Women's Fund of Hawai'i, you aren't just supporting one non-profit, you're supporting 100's of organizations statewide, like Breastfeeding Hawai'i, who work to improve the lives of women and girls statewide. For a full list of current and past WFH grantees, visit their website HERE.

Xx, Shaiyanne