The Beauty of Ecological Breastfeeding: the Mother Child Bond

(La Brun et Sa Fille)

This is the first in a series of posts on the beauty of ecological breastfeeding. Today I want to share some thoughts about the mother child bond. This is actually the perfect time to post this since the topic of our online meeting this week is Mother Child Togetherness. 

Ecological breastfeeding was really the foundation of mothering for me when my children were little. It helped me learn about my children - what they needed, what comforted them, what made them happy. It helped me become more self-giving which is what Christ calls all of us to be. By learning my baby’s cues and nursing on demand, my nursling grew to trust me and found comfort in my arms. This also continued during the night, because we co-slept. My nursling could hear my breathing, feel my warmth in the darkness, and nurse when he or she needed. By spending so much time together - day and night - my children and I developed a special closeness.

This bond has continued as my children have grown older. My two kids still at home and I have a very good relationship. We enjoy each other’s company and help each other out as needed. My adult children call me often to tell me about their day or to share some exciting news. When we were on our family vacation this year, one of my adult sons tried to take care of me - just like I have taken care of him over the years. 

That special bond that begins with ecological breastfeeding continues even after your child weans. What a beautiful gift!

If you would like to learn more about ecological breastfeeding, this post is a good place to start.

Written by Gina Peterson