Reading Valerie and Leanne's post reminded me of my nursing days when I
used to tell people that the only thing my kids needed to be happy,
sleep etc. was...ME!  My children didn't need their crib, a paci, a
stuffed toy or blanket or anything else.  We spent a lot of time in
other homes when my children were small since we lived in a different
state than either their father's or my families.  So, at holidays or
other occasions when we got together with family, we had to spend the
night/week/weekend etc.  They would always go to sleep if I was there.
They were always happy if I was there.  Dr. Nils Bergman calls that
"niche" for a baby.  Each infant mammal has a niche -an environment they
were designed to be in, that explains the behaviors and unique features
of the species.  Human babies were intended to be, not just close to
their mothers, but *on* them.  We all know this, but this thread just
accentuates the truth of this for me.  It may seem to some -even many-
these days that this is too much responsibility for one person, too
restricting for one woman.  However, I'm betting there are women in SFL
today who wish they could provide this for their babies, because there
are no other resources.  To bottle feed is to be dependent on the
society to supply food for an infant (access to bottles, formula, water
etc.)  To breastfeed is the ultimate liberation, as a mother is capable
of providing *all* that her baby needs with minimal resources from
society (except of course, food for mom!) Natural disasters such as this
hurricane highlight the importance of the work we do.  It isn't just
"nice", it is vital!

Marsha, who wishes Gloria many wonderful experiences in her new country!
(I was just thinking of you the other day since my dd and sil are on
their way to Hawaii where he will be stationed for the next 2-5 years.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Marsha Glass RN, BSN, IBCLC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mothers have as powerful an influence over the welfare of future
generations as all other earthly causes combined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~John S. C. Abbot~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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