Dear Friends of Next Step,

Back in 1940 a speech was given to gathered MPs and staff in the House of Commons, England. The speech though not made live to the public or broadcast has been hailed as one of the most inspiring speeches ever given. In it Sir Winston Churchill expounds upon the duty of all those in the British Empire to fight, to never flag, to stand firm, to defend their island and all its people, principles, hopes, and visions until the end, the very end, “whatever the cost may be”.

Churchill’s words struck me as particularly fitting as we inch closer and closer to the Election for Commander in Chief (among other positions and amendments) for our great nation. As well as the appointment of a new Justice in our highest court.

The last year (give or take) has taken on an almost surreal quality in its barrage of hate, anger, lies, violence, oppression, injustice, media blackouts, and suppression.

All in all the country stands poised to either retain her freedoms of religion, of speech, of the press, and of the right to peaceably gather as well as the right to all those living (born and unborn) to the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – or to surrender those things which were “endowed by their Creator”.

As a Pro-Life clinic Next Step Pregnancy stands to have our mission protected, celebrated, and most importantly moved forward to a time when the slaughter of the unborn is not just rare but indefensible. Or – to face overwhelming opposition against our purpose. That is how much the next few weeks will affect our cause.

This is not a “get out the vote” connection. But a plea for courage, discernment, and action. Much like the Prime Minister during the Second World War declared from the House on June 4^th, 1940 following the evacuation of Dunkirk – “whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender,”.

We can not be the silent majority any more than we can let others decide our outcomes. We need to live bravely. We cannot surrender. The future of our unborn children is dependent on you.

 “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” – Art Williams

Since the beginning of time mothers have breastfed their young.  It is as natural and organic as breathing. In every aspect of the world and every species on the planet it is there. The connection between mother and young during this simple act is one of the most profound in the human experience and there is no comparison.

The grace that flows naturally from a woman is a unique strength. Not only has she the power to sustain a life within her own body but even after birth her body still brings life and nourishment to her child.

One of the many beautiful superpowers a woman possesses.

Breastfeeding is not always easy and is not always a beautiful experience. I can recall my own obstacles with my oldest child even years later. The late nights, the fatigue, the frustration of both mom and baby at not being able to latch on properly. But once again I was not alone. There were other women who had been there and knew. They understood. The resources I was given, the patience, the encouragement was yet another testament to the capabilities and communion between women.

Despite working hard to maintain breastfeeding and pumping milk daily my daughter decided that she had had enough at about 6 months old. I remember feeling tender about it and even a bit rejected. This was natural I realized. As soon as you become a mother they begin separating from you. Your child is her own unique person, unlike any other.

I would not change those times for anything, the quiet of the night, the curve of my baby’s head in my arms as she nestled. There is nothing that compares.

My second child was a bit different in every sense of the word. Due to health concerns sadly, I was unable to breastfeed for very long and had to turn towards formula for my child. Formula is not horrible. It contains the nutrients your baby needs without a doubt. I will not proclaim to say it is worse or better. Like many mothers who are unable to breastfeed I found bottle feeding still a treasured moment with my child. A fleeting time for sure, but a gift just the same.

There are a multitude of benefits to breastfeeding not the least of which is the possibility of losing pregnancy weight! There is also a myriad of breastfeeding resources in the community –

La Leche League – llli.org

PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) – peps.org

WIC – wicbreastfeeding.fns.usada.gov

And for more help or questions – there’s Next Step! (425)329-4569