If one could draw a straight line between neurotransmitters and human 
behavior, then an assertion about "better mothering" might be possible. 
But isn't the human brain way too complex an organ to look at in this way? 
If a mother is seriously conflicted, for whatever reason, about 
breastfeeding, wouldn't the neurochemical resposnses due to that conflict 
play a role in her mothering? The brain is in constant flux, juggling 
information coming in from all fields, and how this plays out is what 
makes us so extraordinary. I don't doubt that there are hormonal 
influences designed to keep us breastfeeding. But things do not always 
play out as nature planned them. Feedback systems fail. I felt that lovely 
warm rush of love and milk as my children latched on, but not everyone 
does or if they do, there may be other things that override it. Not to 
mention the gay dads, adoptive moms, cancer survivors etc. who are 
parenting with just as much love and skill as I. Am I to deliver a message 
that says, but if only you could breastfeed you would do a better job?
Kathy Lilleskov RN IBCLC

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