My name is Ebony Allen. I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of four. At a young age, I was told by someone that I had a gift with children, like I was a “young baby whisperer.” I loved children and they loved me! I loved how simple life felt when I was having fun and providing care for children. I wanted nothing but to grow up and have many children of my own. My children are my passion and my inspiration.

My first pregnancy inspired me to breastfeed. Breastfeeding was not initially my plan. I knew very little about breastfeeding. Then I learned that breastfeeding could offer a great way for mother and child to bond and that was enough for me. So began my breastfeeding journey! It was six months of trial and error, learning and loving, my child, my body and my breast.

I was determined that my next breastfeeding journey would be better. I was equipped with more knowledge and gained experience from my first breastfeeding journey. I was excited! I was empowered! I was not expecting an aggressive Breast Cancer Diagnosis that not only threatened the possibility of having more children, due to radiation and chemotherapy, but would take away the ability to breastfeed all together.

My second pregnancy inspired me to advocate for myself and my child. Four days after being diagnosed, I discovered I was pregnant. My first question was “Can I receive treatment while pregnant?” I was told that I would have to terminate the pregnancy, in order to battle. It was also advised that I choose to receive a double mastectomy, due to the aggressive nature of my cancer and my family history with breast cancer. I declined every form of treatment that would not allow me to continue my pregnancy or breastfeed. I received a lumpectomy to remove the cancer and even that procedure posed a high risk for a miscarriage. With clean margins and a healthy fetal heart rate, for nine months, I prayed that my surgery was done with such precision to allow me to nurse my child after birth.

Finally the day came, where my miracle baby was born. Baby latched every two hours, for four days, with no visible signs of lactation from me. I could feel the changes in my breast, but could not express colostrum. It was advised that I supplement with formula, as the baby’s weight was continuously dropping with every weigh-in. It was at that point that I was again faced with a decision: I chose to listen to my body. I declined supplementing with formula and continued to latch baby every two hours. Twenty-four hours later, my milk was present and our journey began.

My third pregnancy inspired me to switch life up! I enjoyed being a working mom of three. I had an immaculate routine. I pumped by day and nursed by night. I worked out daily. I meal-prepped. I stayed on top of laundry and weekend activities for the children. Then one day, I decided to leave my job of thirteen years to stay at home with my children and we started homeschooling.

My fourth pregnancy inspired me to become a Doula. This was my first pregnancy that I had a doula to support me through my pregnancy and labor. It was a role that I had already played for so many people, just by being there for other mothers, encouraging them, educating them, advocating for them in their journeys. As a Birth Doula with Birth In Color RVA, I am dedicated to supporting and empowering birthing bodies and families during the childbearing journey.

With my personal breastfeeding journey, I aspire to inspire or help anyone in need of lactation support. Joining with Nurture has offered excellent support and resources. I look forward to how I can help support our local communities with the support of Nurture.

Shakeya Lewis is a mother of two from Chesapeake, VA. She began her path to breastfeeding advocacy in 2012 through her experience as a teen mother who overcame multiple obstacles to successfully breastfeed her daughter. A breastfeeding peer pilot program through #RVAbreastfeeds was the beginning of her education in the lactation field and her work with Nurture. Shakeya has a son, 4, and a daughter, 8, who she breastfed for a total of 4.5 years. In 2018, she obtained her certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor. Shakeya continues her advocacy through lactation support, and working as Nurture’s Resident CLC and social media manager for the Nurture and RVAbreastfeeds social media pages.

Hello! My name is Brittany, I am a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing my Masters in Clinical Social Work; I am also a birth doula and a perinatal mental health advocate. My passion is working with pregnant/postpartum birthing individuals and children age 0-5. During my career I have had the pleasure of working in the fields of public health, birth work, and now social work, learning the importance of support, care and access and its effects on family outcomes. Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding is such an important part of the postpartum journey and I am honored to work alongside such a beautiful team to create this safe, supportive, and informative space for you all. Talk to you soon!