This week, I chose to look at breastfeeding. Many of my friends are new moms and are
currently breastfeeding their babies. I
think that breastfeeding is talked about much more now than it was in the past. The openness with which people talk about
nursing their babies has showed me how complicated it is. I never realized that there was so much to
it! With all of these new moms, I’m
hearing all about milk not coming in, trouble breastfeeding, and different
products that they use. I also see how
differently every mom goes about feeding their baby in public. I have some friends who need to nurse in a
completely separate room and others who will carry on a conversation uncovered. I was interested to learn more about views on
breastfeeding in other countries.
When I began to research breastfeeding, I found facts about
its many benefits. Breast milk carries
all the nutrients a baby needs in its first six months and had antibodies that
help fight disease (Unicef, 2005).
Mother and baby create a special bond while breastfeeding. This bond leads to a healthy attachment and
healthy growth later in life.
In the North America and
Western Europe, breastfeeding in public is seen as very taboo. This is because breasts are associated with
sex. “In many other countries, breasts are seen as functional, so
it is not immodest for them to be uncovered” (Attachment Across Cultures, 2002). It was interesting to read that different
cultures had such different views. I
also read that in places like Africa and South Asia, they have a time of postpartum
rest where the family and community members help out to allow time for mom and
baby to form attachments and focus on feeding.
This is generally a 30-40 day period (Attachment Across Cultures, 2002).
Attachment Across Cultures. (2002).
Breastfeeding, Culture, and Attachment.
Retrieved July 13, 2013 from http://www.attachmentacrosscultures.org/beliefs/bfeed_culture.pdf
Unicef. (2005, January). Nutrition: Breastfeeding. Retrieved July 13, 2013 from http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_24824.html
Hello Allison,
ReplyDeleteYes, breastfeeding is an interesting topic. I can say I have tried it with all three births..let me see, 1st birth 6 weeks; 2nd birth 4 weeks, and 3rd birth 2 weeks. I tried, but it hurts so much both manual and pumping. As I stated in my birthing experience, my motherhood tactics have started dwindling not with harmful intent or malice. LOL! I guess, I am just tired.
On the serious note, you provided some very interesting and useful information on the topic. Thanks for your research.
Hi Allison-
ReplyDeleteI like you have not had a personal experience with breastfeeding. My best friend had a baby at the end of May and I did get to expereince breastfeeding through her. She struggled with the whole thing. She did breastfeed for a little then eventually just went to pumping, and after a month she just stopped all together. When talking with her she said it was stresing her out becasue she could not get a lot of milk and she would just get frustrated. As a new mom she was concerned about how people would view her if she did not breastfeed. We had a long discussion about making the right choice for her and her baby, and not to worry about anyone else. I think in the US we tend to stigmatize mothers who do not breastfeed and there is no reason to do that. As long as their baby is happy, healhty, and the doctor is aware of their decision, then so be it.