{QUOTE}I would add that breastfeeding is about much more than infant nutrition. It
is not an infant feeding system, best accomplished nipple to mouth. It is a
relationship. Part of the beauty of breastfeeding is that it helps mothers
to love and nurture their babies, capitalizing on instinctive behaviors,
hormones, senses, etc.
Mary Wagner-Davis, MS, MFT, IBCLC, LLLL
Roseville, CA {/QUOTE}
As a breastfeeding advocate, I would agree with this statement, but I think that using the "bonding" argument for breastfeeding is where we run into the most trouble. A mom who wants to breastfeeding but who cannot do so would feel the most guilt over this line of thought. Whereas, a mother who chooses not to breastfeed will yell the loudest that they are just as good mothers, just as bonded with their children, and just as nurturing. Breastfeeding does not guarantee that the child will not be abused at some point in their life, or even that they will be fed organic, natural food for the next 18 years. Not breastfeeding does not mean the child has been abandoned, or that the child will be fed McDonalds five times a week.
I think we need a new line of thought for promoting breastfeeding that does not imply "good" or "bad" motherhood on any level.
Tina Carlson, PPD, CLC
CT-USA
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