Michigan Breastfeeding Awareness Month Communicat ions Toolki t for Tr ibal Communit ies

August 2015

Prepared by the Asabike Coalition of the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan

Healthy Start Programs.

Michigan Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Communications Toolkit for Tribal Communities

August 2015

This document was prepared using input from nurses, social workers, lactation

consultants, and health educators from the Asabike Coalition of the Inter-Tribal Council

of Michigan Healthy Start Programs. This document solely represents the views of the

Asabike Coalition members and lead coordinator, Ms. Raeanne Madison, and was

supported by the Health Resources Services Administration grant number H49MC00131.

The contents do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the

Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan or the Health Resources Services Administration. For

more information on this toolkit, please contact Ms. Raeanne Madison, by email at

rmadison@itcmi.org or by phone at (906) 632-6896.

Breastfed babies make Native American communities strong and healthy.

Michigan Breastfeeding Awareness Month is celebrated every August as proclaimed by

Governor Rick Snyder in 2013. This year, several Michigan Native American tribes have

decided to celebrate this month in their own unique way. Breastfeeding has special cultural

significance to Native American people, as traditional teachings say that breastmilk is a gift

that mothers give to their children. Breastmilk is the healthiest, first traditional food that

creates a strong and healthy community.

There was a dramatic drop in breastfeeding rates in Native American communities due to

complicated social and environmental factors which stemmed, in part, from cultural loss and

historical trauma. However, there has been a positive increase in breastfeeding initiation

among Native American families. Because breastfeeding is so healthy and good for the next

generations, many communities have called for the continued revitalization of this traditional

practice. Across entire communities, a call is needed to educate, inform, and empower Native

people to support breastfeeding in all areas of life.

The Communications Toolkit for Tribal Communities was developed to help guide tribal

efforts to celebrate Michigan Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The toolkit contains sample

messages for youth, elders, tribal leaders, fathers, and mothers; these can be used in tribal

small media campaigns to increase community-wide support for breastfeeding.

Purpose: The sample messages in this toolkit were intended for use during

Michigan Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is August 2015. However, there

are many reasons why breastfeeding should be promoted all year round, and for

multiple sectors of health, including: cancer prevention, diabetes prevention, and

dental health promotion. Therefore, the sample messages may be reproduced in

part or in whole, or may be modified to adapt to the needs of the community.

For use by: This toolkit can be used by anyone who will be creating campaigns or

health education materials for breastfeeding promotion. This may include health

staff at tribal clinics, program managers and coordinators, youth advisors, event

organizers, or communications staff.

Intended audience: The sample messages in this toolkit are intended to reach

Native American youth, elders, tribal leaders, fathers, and mothers.

Native American Youth It’s never too early to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding. Youth are naturally

curious and love to learn, especially about culture and tradition.

To develop successful messages about breastfeeding that are appropriate for youth, an

important first step will be to determine what age range you are hoping to connect with. Once

you have narrowed down the age range, you can then develop age-appropriate messages and

methods for disseminating the messages that resonate with the intended audience.

Another step to successful communication with youth is conduct a focus group to ask youth

what their ideas and wishes are for breastfeeding education. Some sample focus group

questions may include:

What do you wish for in a breastfeed-

ing awareness campaign designed for

youth?

What do youth need to know about

breastfeeding?

How can youth help their communities

promote breastfeeding?

Youth of all ages enjoy storytelling as a

method of disseminating health and

cultural messages. Storytelling can be

done at community gatherings such as

Powwows and Baby Celebrations. Youth

may also use social media such as

Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram, and YouTube.

Some people may ask, “If I provide breastfeeding education to youth, will I be promoting teen

pregnancy?” No. There is no evidence that breastfeeding education causes or is linked to teen

pregnancy.

TIP:

Use humor and pride in culture to connect with Native American youth!

Sample Message:

“Someday I want to be proud to breastfeed, like my grandma did.”

Native American Elders

Sample Messages:

“She needed you when she was a baby. Now, she still needs you to help care for her baby.

Tell your daughter breast is best.”

“No one cares about a baby’s health more than grandparents…

That’s why grandparents know breast is best.”

For Native American elders, family is most important. Elders provide wisdom to the next

generations. Some Native American elders in this generation did not breastfeed their children

because of historical trauma like boarding school or relocation to urban areas. They might be

learning about breastfeeding for the first time, just like their daughters and sons who are now

raising children. Therefore, approach breastfeeding as a positive step to healing the community

and returning to tradition. Keep messages to elders very positive and respect the wisdom they

have to offer.

Elders may access a variety of media platforms that can be used to disseminate breastfeeding

messages, including tribal newsletter articles, social media—especially Facebook—and posters

in community areas such as a tribal health clinic or elders center.

TIP:

Don’t be afraid to use social media to connect with elders!

Native American Tribal Leaders Native American tribes are usually governed by sovereign governments called Tribal Council.

Tribal Councils lead and make decisions for the health and economic well-being of tribes, and

often set the agenda for the tribe’s priorities.

Other important groups of tribal leaders include:

Health Board

Health Directors

Elders Council

Community Advisory Council

Tribal leaders are often very busy, especially those on Tribal Council. If possible, try to meet

face-to-face with tribal leaders and prepare handouts such as brochures or fact-sheets to raise

awareness of the importance of breastfeeding. You may also mail or deliver brochures and fact-

sheets to the tribal council offices. Email is generally not the best way to deliver brochures or

fact-sheets.

Tribal leaders often think in terms of the financial and cultural benefits to the community, so

present breastfeeding as a way to help the community save money and connect with traditions.

Breastfeeding is known to reduce illness in children and adults, and can therefore help reduce

medical costs and time lost to illness. Breastfeeding is the first traditional food, and can help

families connect to their ancestral knowledge.

TIP:

Meet with tribal leaders face-to-face for the most impactful

conversations!

Sample Messages:

“Breastfeeding is traditional.”

“Breastfeeding is better for the health of the community.”

“Breastfeeding is financially sound.”

“Breastfeeding protects moms and babies from diseases like

cancer and diabetes.”

Native American Fathers Fathers and partners play an important role in breastfeeding success. Traditional teachings say

that Native American fathers live in service to their families. They provide protection, love,

and support as they guide their families through the stages of life. Pregnancy, and

breastfeeding, are very important stages of life for fathers and partners to protect.

Fathers may want to know how they can help with breastfeeding, since a common myth about

breastfeeding is that dads will not have anything to do. It’s true that babies need to be with

their moms for breastfeeding frequently after birth, but fathers can always hold, play with, and

smile at their baby as they grow. Dads can help keep their partners healthy during breastfeed-

ing by offering water and snacks for mom to drink.

Fathers may use a variety of media platforms to access messages, such as social media, bill-

boards, and posters in the community.

TIP:

Many communities have had success reaching men through fun events that celebrate

Fatherhood—such as fishing derbies, harvest/hunting feasts, and Drum Circles!

Sample messages:

“I’m a breast man. I support breastfeeding—the first traditional Native food with

SUPER powers.”

“As a strong Native man, I support breastfeeding.”

“By supporting my partner while she breastfeeds our baby, I keep the sacred circle strong.”

Native American Mothers Women are sacred to Native American communities. A healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding

are two important gifts that a mom can give to her baby. Many people believe that breastmilk

can heal and protect an entire generation. Breastfeeding is good for baby—but very healthy for

mom, too. Breastfeeding has been shown to protect against certain types of cancers, diabetes,

and heart disease in women.

Reach out to women before and during pregnancy to provide education about the many

benefits of breastfeeding. Messages about breastfeeding should be positive and uplifting while

encouraging women to be informed and empowered. Messages about breastfeeding can also

include information about local resources to support new moms—such as WIC clinics, home

visiting services, and breastfeeding support groups.

Social media, billboards, posters in the community, brochures, and mom-to-mom storytelling

are great ways to reach Native American mothers.

TIP:

Babies need love, but moms need love, too. Don’t forget about mom once the baby is

born—keep providing positive messages to support new moms!

Sample messages:

“Breastfeeding is a gift for yourself, your child, and the earth.”

“Cherish this moment, as it will be gone in the blink of an eye.”

“Breastfeeding is a labor of love. Giving your baby breastmilk is the best way to show love.”

“Breastmilk is the first traditional food. You are providing your baby with the best start to a

healthy life.”

“You are such an awesome mommy!”

“Nutritional value is all in your natural milk. Every drop is worth it.”

Anishinaabemowin Word List Here is a list of Anishinaabemowin words and phrases related to breastfeeding, for those who

wish to incorporate the native language of the Anishinaabe people into their breastfeeding

communications.

Doodooshabo

Breastmilk

Nooni’

To breastfeed

Noozh

To nurse a baby

Noonawaso

She breastfeeds a baby

Binooji

A baby or young child

Waabinong

The Eastern direction, the place where babies are represented and breast milk is made

Mashkiki

Medicine, breastmilk is good medicine

Mashkiwzi aki

Strength from the earth

Ganawendan

To take care of or protect

It takes the love and support of a whole community to raise healthy, strong babies.

Miigwetch to our ancestors for the wisdom

and gift of breastfeeding—the first traditional food!