Mothering at the Breast

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When meeting with nursing moms, I generally notice two different breastfeeding styles. One focuses on breastfeeding as primarily a source of nourishment. The other view of breastfeeding is that it is a way to both feed and mother a baby.

I am very happy that so many moms are nursing their babies! Today, I would like to share some of the wonderful benefits of the second style mainly because I loved mothering my babies this way!

Mothering at the breast helps babies and toddlers feel more peaceful. It makes fussy times a little easier. It also helps toddlers calm down when they are having tantrums or when they get hurt. Nursing tends to make everything better! It also makes nap time and bedtime nursings easier because the hormone, prolactin, is released during breastfeeding. Prolactin helps both mom and baby relax. If it wasn’t for breastfeeding, I am not sure I could have gotten my babies and toddlers to sleep!

Mothering at the breast enhances the bond between mom and baby. It helps a child learn to trust his mom, because she is a constantly there meeting his needs for not only nourishment but also love and security.

Another benefit of mothering at the breast is having an easy way to both feed and comfort a toddler who is not in their normal environment such as on a trip. When my daughter was 18 months, she went on a special trip with my husband and me. The food was different from what she was used to. She was in a strange place. Nursing her helped her feel safe and protected and my breast milk provided nourishment for her when she didn’t want to try the foods she was not familiar with.

Mothering at the breast also tends to lengthen the mom’s natural amenorrhea due to breastfeeding. The frequent suckling for both nourishment and comfort lets the body know that the baby still needs a lot of mom’s time and energy and thus delays the return of fertility.

Mothering at the breast has helped me become more patient and loving with my children as they grew. I was able to become a more gentler person which is something I had always hoped for. It helped me grow closer to God and to become a better version of myself.

Written by Gina Peterson

How has mothering at the breast helped you in your relationship with your child and/or to become a better person? Please leave a comment!