Hilary, huge difference!

Breastfeeding refers to the relationship.  Separating
the breast from the feeding (whether by hyphen or
space) allows easy comparison of the commodity of
breast milk with the commodity of artificial milk. It
also isolates and highlights the "breast," which for
many carries sexual connotations.  Two products, one
delivered erotically.  How subtle is that?

A breastfeeding mother makes milk by actively engaging
her baby; her baby makes milk by actively engaging his
mother.  The symbiotic relationship between a mother
and her nursing child impacts milk supply and
composition.  In no way should this extraordinary
biological dance be compared with scooping powder out
of a can.

When nursing mothers talk about the difference
breastfeeding has made in their mothering, they speak
to the relationship.  This is particularly poignant
for mothers who may not make all of their babies’ milk
but who nurture at the breast (adoptive moms, mothers
who relactate or struggle with supply issues).  Some
mothers provide milk for babies who do not go to the
breast.  There has been interesting discussion on this
list, not only of the language but of the context of
variations.  Check the archives.

If you’re asking the question, you obviously recognize
the difference.  Some who don’t share your commitment
may scoff at your deliberation but the differences are
real.  Your language absolutely markets your message.



Susan Johnson  MFA, IBCLC
Salt Lake City, USA


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