Ten Essential Traits of Breastfeeding Mothers
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
Before anyone hollers at me that bottle-feeding mothers need all of these traits too, let me say right off the bat that bottle-feeding mothers can “nurse”–cuddle and coo and attend to their babies’ needs–just as breastfeeding mothers can. This post is intended to celebrate nursing mothers.
1. Informed. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both baby and mother. It helps if a mother reads books about breastfeeding, attends a breastfeeding support group, and keeps up-to-date on the latest recommendations such as when to start solid foods.
2. Determined. With artificial baby milk samples being given out all too freely, it can be tempting to offer artificial milk in a moment of frustration. A successful breastfeeding mother commits with determination to breastfeed and resists temptation.
3. Patient. A nursing mother needs to be patient not only with her nursling but also with herself, particularly in the months right after giving birth. It’s okay not to have a spotless house and to let the laundry pile up occasionally.
4. Loving. Nursing mothers use their creativity to come up with gentle, loving sleep solutions.
5. Giving. Breastfeeding mothers give their babies one of the best gifts of all.
6. Resourceful. A nursing mother knows how to harness the power of breast milk.
7. Flexible. All mothers must adapt to the changing needs of their growing children. Time goes by all too quickly.
8. Funny. A nursing mother needs to have a good sense of humor.
9. Lazy. Okay, I’m joking with this one (with the help of a Lactivist t-shirt design) but there is a grain of truth to it. Breastfeeding truly is easier than bottle-feeding once a good nursing relationship has been established. No bottles to prepare in the middle of the night, no packing artificial milk in ice in a huge diaper bag.
10. Lucky. It’s the lucky mother (me included) who gets to bond with her child through breastfeeding.
Tags: breastfeeding, lactation, motheringRelated Stories
POSTED IN: breastfeeding, mothering
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