Pamela, Rachel, all:  Yes, *very* interesting!!

How do these observations about protection and grieving and support jibe with my sense (at least) that even in the "natural" course of breastfeeding and weaning, a mother grieves when the breastfeeding portion of her relationship with baby ends.  Just the same way, I suppose, that one can easily find oneself grieving deeply about the death of a 90 year old grandparent.  It's about change and sometimes regret and loss -- change can be sad, and breastfeeding represents as deep and emotional a tie as can be, from conception and birth and parturition and nurturance -- growing an infant is qualitatively different from nurturing an "older" child, whatever that is specifically.  Breastfeeding is something of a surrogate for that early process.  Its cessation is the clear demarcation of when it has ended.

I think it's hard for all, often, even those that have had trouble-free breastfeeding relationships.  And then of course it only gets worse from there when there are internal, sometimes suppressed feelings of sadness, shame, regret etc, etc, etc.  I have no doubt whatsoever that counseling expertise is vital in our line of work!  Oh to spend one's life in school.... ;)

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