The Definition of Breast NurturingBreast Nurturing means positioning the baby so his or her face remains near the mother’s breasts frequently throughout the day (and ideally also at night) without any pressure for the baby to latch, so they can connect and bond. In many cases, Breast Nurturing helps trigger the baby’s natural instincts to nurse, at his or her pace. If breastfeeding is not possible for the mother or baby, for whatever reason, Breast Nurturing is still beneficial for both mother and baby. What behaviors may be included in Breast Nurturing?
How is Breast Nurturing different from “skin to skin”?
What are the benefits of Breast Nurturing?
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If you’ve ever traveled by car, then you’ve probably seen the sign: Start Seeing Motorcycles. I have never driven a motorcycle, but I’m pretty sure the reason that sign exists is because more than one biker has heard a car driver exclaim, “I didn’t even see it!” after a crash. Awareness saves lives.
All mothers benefit from the extra love and patience that breastfeeding nurtures in us. Mothers who have considered abortion need every possible help to bond with their babies once born, including breastfeeding, if possible. Do we shy away from sharing breastfeeding with mothers who may have considered abortion because we think it will be “too hard” or “too difficult” when she goes back to school or work? Every breastfeeding mother faces challenges at some point. Of course, some situations make it easier, but I doubt any breastfeeding mother can say she never had a difficult day. Do we simply underestimate mothers who considered abortion? Shouldn’t our message be one of encouragement that she is capable of breastfeeding, just as we believed that she was capable of carrying and birthing her child? She was capable of carrying and birthing her child. How much of our failure to trust in her ability to breastfeed might stem from our own difficulties with breastfeeding -- or those of people near and dear to us? Perhaps no one was there for you in your own struggles, and perhaps you decided in desperation that you just couldn’t do it -- or do it anymore. This was a loss and it’s OK to grieve. Part of this grieving is allowing ourselves to trust that others might not have the same difficulties we did and giving them the freedom to try, unencumbered by the pain of our own experiences. A strong mother-baby bond is something we pro-lifers must care about. We must not only want babies to survive through birth, we must also want to see them thrive after birth. A baby’s own mother’s milk is normally the best nutrition for that baby ... and it comes in the softest packages. (What breastfeeding mother doesn’t take joy in seeing her little one fall asleep against her breast after a feeding?) While there are many benefits to the baby of his mother’s breastmilk, this post isn’t the place for a list. (If you need one, this webpage and its links should satisfy that need!) Instead, let’s think a little more broadly. We want babies to survive and thrive, so we need to promote breastfeeding. For almost all babies, it is the very best food possible.
In fact, our advocates and counselors make great additions to the team at local pregnancy help centers. If you aren't located near one of our breastfeeding specialists -- have one of your staff or volunteers train with us! Our training is all-online, affordable, and can be completed at your own pace. So I encourage all who consider yourselves “pro-life” -- and even if you don’t! -- to Start Seeing Breastfeeding. Encourage mothers to breastfeed; encourage the breastfeeding mothers in your life; and thank the mothers who breastfed. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it. In the case of breastfeeding, awareness not only saves lives (because it does), it also enhances lives -- and has the potential to make them beautiful. |
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BfNewsBfN BloggerWelcome to Breastfeed {Naturally}'s BfNews! Blogged {naturally} by BfN Co-Founder, Christelle J. K. Hagen, BfNA, BfNE, BfNC, HCHD. Archives
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