Breastfeeding Journal ~ Angela & Calleigh

A Bond of a Lifetime – Angela  & Calleigh

I have nursed all four of my girls for varying lengths of time.  The twins nursed for 4 ½ months, my third daughter for 3 ½ years and Calleigh who is two, is currently nursing.

I love the bond that nursing has given me with my girls.  I don’t think you don’t have a bond if you don’t nurse, I just think it enhances the bonding.   I am always sad when someone  who wanted to breastfeed, tells me they couldn’t for whatever reason. I am definitely a Lactivist J.  The older girls often tease Calleigh about sharing boob and she always gets so upset but it makes me happy that they know they once had that special bond.

 

All mothers bond with their babies in some way.  However, breastfeeding develops a skin-on-skin body connection experience between Mom and baby that is unique.  It is a time for both of them to just be in the moment, one on one, relaxing into the shared experience.  Breast feeding not only nourishes the baby but helps in his/her development through this very natural and fulfilling connection.  In her book, The Baby Bond: The New Science Behind What’s Really Important When Caring for Your Baby,  Dr. Linda Palmer lists the following benefits that go beyond nourishment:

Lest you think this “nursing” your baby sounds sweet but offers intangible rewards, look again at all the benefits of holding your baby and allowing her to suck at will.

• nourishment
• comfort
• easing of pain and discomfort
• protection during illness
• building of bonding and attachment with parents
• social development
• inducing sleep
• building of trust in parents
• visual development
• development of communication skills
• building brain organization toward positive stress handling throughout life
• reduced heart disease risk factors
• lowered risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)