Joanna Gershoni
We all know that having children means experiencing a wide range of emotions, pushing and pulling us into unchartered waters, encouraging us to grow and change. Breastfeeding amplifies this connection and process. I am so grateful for the time and opportunity I have had to bond with my children through nursing them on demand, riding the waves of their own daily and monthly cycles, shaped by my own. Many have said to me "I don't know how you do it." My reply is, "I wish you could feel how rewarding it is...I don't know how other's don't!" The truth is, I do. Our society is fast moving with many pressures and expectations and is not accommodating to families or children, much less breastfeeding.
Imagine a marathon runner crossing the finish line, exhausted, a bit disoriented, elated, yet a bit bewildered by what her body is feeling. She takes in fresh water and is reconnected, rejuvenated and coming back to earth. A newly birthed baby must have similar feelings as this, and then mother and child reconnect with baby's first taste of mother's milk, baby's first assurance that he is in familiar territory after all, and that he is safe and will be nourished. What a miracle it all is! And the baby knows just what to do, though us mothers often need a little help!
There are so many advantages to finding a way to give yourself and your child the gift of time and breastfeeding. My first child and I had only two months in a breastfeeding relationship before she was on formula and I was off to finish high school. My next two are still nursing at ages 4 and 20 mos. Throughout this time I have learned many wonderful reasons for encouraging such a connection. Bonding emotionally, physically, psychically and spiritually are all results of holding your baby close and nursing on demand (whenever the baby shows signs of wanting it, like turning it's head, rooting for the breast, a certain cry). When you are used to this moment to moment type of response, you are acting as a living monitor for your baby, more effective and more than any machine! As a mother, you are able to detect your baby's signals and quickly assess an appropriate response, leaving less room for problems to escalate.
Through my belief and confidence in the mother/child connection and much research, I decided not to have my children immunized. My two youngest children have never taken antibiotics either. This is a radical move in today's society, yet for me, it has felt natural and comfortable, largely due to our breastfeeding connection. I believe in our body's natural ability to deal with assaults such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins, IF we nourish it in a way that supports the immune system's natural course of healing and restoring balance in the body. It has been said that disease is a form of "dis-ease" in the body that starts at an energetic, spiritual level, moving through our mental, emotional and finally into our physical bodies, leaving us more vulnerable to disease manifested as physical symptoms. I have found that breastfeeding consists not only of feeding my children milk rich with my own antibodies and immunities, but also of the transfer of my energy in the form of love and protection to them. When they have been sick, I hold them close and nurse them as much as they want. I repeat affirmations to myself and to them that they are strong and will be restored to health. I am also conscious of the food I eat and how it affects them. Yes, this is an awesome responsibility, but what I feel is necessary for moving toward true health and wellness, and happiness.
This is a multidimensional and holistic perspective that is very empowering when put into practice. Of course this is easier said than done in our current American society. There are many single parents who must work to support themselves, and even couples find it hard to get by on only one income. The good news is that there are alternatives to giving up breastfeeding completely, such as pumping and storing breast milk, taking breaks from work to be with your baby or even bringing baby to work. Many companies are becoming more aware of this issue and are taking steps or considering implementing new policies for nursing mothers.
Putting it into perspective, a few months, a year, or even 3 years is a small amount of time in the course of an entire lifetime to give to someone so precious as your baby, and to yourself! It may also be helpful to reassess the material needs in our lives that may not be as necessary as we previously thought, and to hone in on our budgeting skills in order to balance the money/time connection so that we can be more available for our children. Every person and situation is different and we all have choices and the time we need to learn on our own if we believe we do. I encourage mothers and fathers to do your own research and soul searching for your own family. Even small changes can be infinitely rewarding for you all. Happy breastfeeding!