Carole Jernigan wrote: "While we are discussing terms, can we get away from
DEMAND FEEDING (distasteful, making Baby sound like a
little dictator!). I prefer "cue feeding" or "feeding
on cue" (whatever!), since it puts infants in a more
positive light, giving them credit for their innate
intelligence about their bodies. Such a little change
in phrasing, but little changes can lead to big ones!>>
I agree that our common usage of the term "demand feeding" is
problematic--though the phrase "supply and demand" can help some mothers
understand the responsiveness of the breast to the baby's suckling.
"Timing" is one of the cultural dimensions of breastfeeding. The Western
approach to timing (i.e., focusing on the future, and hence scheduling, and
hence scheduling breastfeeding) is not well-matched to the biology of
breastfeeding. The general Western discomfort with non-scheduled approaches
to time (and breastfeeding)--as well as perceptions about human nature (and
the nature of nurslings)--is reflected in the wording and popularity of the
term "demand feeding."
"Mothers can breastfeed on a schedule (imposing limits to the frequency and
length of feedings and on the duration of breastfeeding), on the baby's
cue, or at the mother's opportunity. Cue feeding is also called "demand
feeding," reflecting Western perceptions of the nature of nurslings.
"Opportunity feeding" occurs in some groups (Oomen & Malcolm 1958; Jelliffe
1962), as mothers weave breastfeeding into daily life. A mother who is
frustrated that her baby is "still" breastfeeding or breastfeeds
irregularly, with high frequency, or for long periods may hold beliefs
about time that focus on the future and emphasize scheduling."
Reference: Good Mojab, C. The Cultural Art of Breastfeeding. Leaven, Vol.
36 No. 5, October-November 2000, pp. 87-91; full-text:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov00p87.html
Cynthia
Cynthia Good Mojab, MS Clinical Psychology
Ammawell
(Breastfeeding mother, advocate, independent [cross-cultural] researcher
and author; freelance writer; LLL Leader and Research Associate in the LLLI
Publications Department; and former psychotherapist currently busy
nurturing her own little one.)
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web site: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/SupportSt/ammawell
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