While reading the comments of children spurred by the Time Magazine 
cover story, I remembered a survey that came through Lactnet in 2005.

In May of 2005 a Lactnetter, Janell Robisch, was recruiting  adults 
who had breastfed for more that 3 years to complete a survey on their 
experience and its long-term effect on their lives.  She was 
preparing to write an article or book on the subject.

My daughter, who weaned at 3 1/2 years, and who clearly remembered 
the experience of "nursing" was breastfeeding adopted twins at the 
time and I asked if she'd like to participate in the survey.  She did 
and found it enjoyable to reflect and to assess her current feelings. 
She was 37 at the time.

I don't know if Janell did write a book.  I found her on Google as 
"Freelance Writer and Copyeditor at Robisch Editorial Services. 
"  Some of you may know her and can let us know how she used her 
survey results.

Lia, my daughter, sent me a copy of the questionnaire and her 
answers.  It is delightful to read.  It is long so I won't post it 
here, but if any of you would like to read it let me know privately 
and I will "proudly" send it to you.

A sampling:

4. How do you feel the nursing relationship affected the relationship you
have with your mother (or both parents)?

I could always go to my mom to nurse and be welcome, and from then on I
could always go to her with any problem, fear, grief, anger or joy and that
would be welcome, too.  The two of us have never been able to hide much
from each other, and this started with our nursing relationship.  My
openness with her was especially helpful during my teen years, when I knew
I could talk to her about anything.


5. Has nursing affected the way you interact or your relationship with
other children and/or adults? Please describe.

I tend to expect to be welcome in most groups, and I seem to develop a
sense of community quickly.  In a new group situation I soon find myself in
warm mutually caring relationships with others.  To me, this feels related
to the sense of being always welcome at the breast.

The breastfeeding relationship caused me to set a high standard for
relationships.  I invest a lot of energy into developing and maintaining
healthy, good-quality relationships with family, friends, lover,
co-workers, and now my own children.

Pat Gima






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