Breastmilk in the Bank
Breastfeeding is a subject close to my heart. I loved nursing my daughter. While pregnancy was an amazing experience, it was sort of an invisible process. Sure, I got as big as a house growing my 9 pounder but I couldn't see her change from day to day – only my rounding body was visible. However, once she was out, I watched her grow, change, and thrive before my very eyes while nourished on nothing but the milk from my breasts. The invisible magic became visible. Some of the most wonderful memories in my mind are her adoring eyes looking up at me while she was nourished and comforted.
Lucky for me, I had some strong role models in friends, family, and Mothering Magazine to tell me I was doing the right thing. But many women not only don't have that support, they are in fact discouraged from nursing, given outdated advice by medical professionals, undermined by free samples of formula, and stigmatized by a society that continues to consider the breast a sex symbol instead of an infant's best source of food delivery. (Don't forget the ongoing Hey Facebook, Breastfeeding is not Obscene campaign.)
It riles me that more women and babies don't get to experience the pleasure and good benefits of breastfeeding, because it is good for both – mothers also have lasting health benefits from nursing. And it is the rare instance where nursing doesn't really work. It is more often a choice arrived at by poor information, or economic and social situations that don't support children and mothers. The first week of August was World Breastfeeding Week and the organization of the same name has lots of great info. There are breastmilk banks (this link is about the one in Portland) where moms with extra milk (yes, most women do have extra) can donate to babies in need. And the La Leche League is a great support organization for women who are having difficulties with the process. I got some great advice from them when my daughter began to try out her sharp little teeth. The photo above is my baby about 18 years ago. Oh, how time does fly!
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September 1st, 2009 at 9:30 am
the pictures are so adorable!
November 25th, 2010 at 11:54 am
I agree that it is best to breastfeed. I breastfed my first one for four months. I wish I had stuck it out longer but life got in the way.
My second was only breastfed for only two weeks. Life was a lot busier and I was back to work in two weeks. That stressed me out and I was not able to continue breastfeeding.
I regret not breastfeeding my children longer but I didn’t have enough support to continue.
November 27th, 2010 at 8:10 am
yes goddess bless. i am nursing my third daughter. i nursed my other children from 04 to 09. i nursed thru a pregnancy. i was told to go in to the bathroom and nurse while nursing at the mall. i was stalked by a security guide at my ex mil’s building because i was in the car and was told to stop nursing. i didnt. i love when this happens because i love standing up to the “man”. lol. im a sag so im a fiery little thing! i’ve nursed thru ppd and domestic violence. my sil just stopped nursing when she went back to work. my niece is only 3 months old. woman who stop and dont want to and are not supported, makes me so mad..breast feeding is worth it! im thrilled for the ability!
August 1st, 2011 at 7:17 pm
This is a wonderful article, breastfeeding does leave it’s own memories. On the other hand, we need to also mention that it might not always be possible and keep women from feeling bad for not being able to. I tried to breastfeed my daughter, but she was unable to due to an extremely weak sucking reflex that she didn’t grow out of until she was almost 2 months old. So yes, breastfeeding is the way to go if you can, but for those of us who can’t stop telling us that we’re wrong for not being able to for medical reasons.