I think there is a huge degree of truth and reality in this post, and in what
many others on this list have been saying; however, I don't think it is whole
truth. I think that there truly are many mothers who do NOT enjoy
breastfeeding and only do so because of what it means for their baby.
And personally, I think we as lactation professionals should exploit this! If
some mothers really DON'T get it, and really do not experience the warm
fuzzies with breastfeeding...so what? Do we really think that is the only thing
that will make them continue to breastfeed?
I don't think so. Maybe if we as LC's or if the Lactation Educators, or if LLLL's
could tap into what, if anything, particularly motives EACH woman, we'd see
more breastfeeding and longer durations.
What I'm saying is, *we* may have breastfed because of what it offered
ourselves as women, as mothers. *We* may have breastfed because we 'got
it' and somehow were blessed with that connection, that spiritual experience,
that intense, emotional bond. *We* may have become lactation professionals
because of our experiences and love of breastfeeding and desire to help
mothers and babies...but...do we really expect that every mother who
breastfeeds must feel as passionate as we do? Do we really expect that
every woman *should* love breastfeeding and desire it? Do we really expect
that it is only the ones who 'get it' who will succeed?
Blessings!
Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC, LLLL
On Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:56:41 -0500, Barbara Berges <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
>Many years ago there was a thread on Lactnet about why LC's had chosen to
>breastfeed their first child. Many women wrote in to share their thoughts,
>ideas, and memories. As I recall, it was decided that most of us chose to
>breastfeed for reasons that had more to do with the "mom" than the "baby".
>We started breastfeeding because it was easier, or we wanted to lose
weight,
>or we wanted bigger breasts, or whatever. Of course, the health benefits
>for the baby were also important. But even we, who would eventually
become
>LC's, chose to breastfeed for ourselves.
>
>Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC
>near Cleveland, Ohio
>
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