Breastfeeding Makes You a Mama Bear!

Are you a Mama Bear? Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Photo courtesy of Harrynl at Flickr

New research shows that exclusively breastfeeding mothers are more likely to be protective of their infants than mothers who formula-feed or non-mothers. And, while defending themselves and their babes, these exclusively breastfeeding mothers keep their blood pressure down to boot. Here are two links about the study that I like:

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/like-mama-bears-nursing-mothers-213692.aspx

http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/9-2-2011-lactating-moms-react-with-more-aggression/

Let me say, I am not surprised. Breastfeeding moms are biologically different from formula-feeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers respond to their infants with their whole body - a nursing mother has a strong instinct to respond to her infant's cue and cries by picking him up and nursing her baby at her breast. She doesn't need to think about this - unless culture gets in the way. The old "You'll spoil your baby" routine. Nursing mothers have good, strong instincts - let's encourage this. Protecting your baby and looking out for his survival is a good thing. Biological connection is essential for infant well-being.

These articles also make me think about how these specific hormonal changes that make mothers more aggressive could also contribute to mothers possibly feeling more empowered. I know this was my experience with mothering through breastfeeding. I believe that successful breastfeeding contributes to a strong sense of self for many women. Mothers gain confidence as they learn to respond to their baby and trust in their body's ability to nourish him physically, emotionally and mentally. The mother is all the baby really needs and wants. She is the essential one. She is irreplaceable. Formula makes it seem like the mother can be replaced. That someone else can substitute. No, they can't. Really. How can you not feel confident if you know that you are the only one who can meet your baby's needs the way you can by breastfeeding? It's incredible.

This is why it is so crucial to make sure women are given the support they need to successfully nurse their infants. We have a lot of work to do to make sure this can happen as a society. Formula-feeding mothers can be loving and protective mothers, of course - it's just a lot harder. No biology working for them. They've got to think about it because there are not built-in mechanisms that foster bonding and a protective attitude. Mothering is hard enough as it is - let's not make it any harder.

Baby Steps

Photo courtesy of Lulu at Flickr

I love babies. Their little hands and feet. Their chubby folds. Their sweet smell and soft skin. Their deep, penetrating gaze. Their intricate dependancy. And as they grow, their exuberance over each new accomplishment. I look back on my daughters' infancies and I feel so damn lucky that I was there for it all. I feel grateful. I feel a sense of accomplishment. Most of all, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride.

Mothering changed me. Giving birth naturally, breastfeeding my daughters and meeting my daughters' needs empowered me as a woman in ways I could never have thought possible before these experiences. This empowerment unfolded from the way I birthed (and before you get up in arms - believe me, my births weren't perfect - will post about them another time!), from breastfeeding (yes, read extended breastfeeding here) and from wholly giving myself to my daughters' needs.

I know women feel worried that they will lose themselves in motherhood. Fear that it will take over their lives. Well, it does take over your life, that's for sure. But, the amazing thing I discovered is that I really found myself during this process. That by completely and willingly giving of myself, I received this beautiful gift of self-confidence, pride and empowerment. This would have been possible no other way.

Mothering has changed me. I think about life in a different way. This blog is my exploration of delving deeper in the issues surrounding mothering, being a woman and family life.  I am amazed that such a profound role and relationship is given so very little credit or support and, yet, a lot of lip service in our society. Frankly, this fact astounds me, for mothering affects everyone. We are all born from mothers. Designed to be nourished from and connected to our mothers. Designed to be loved and cherished. I think the world would be a much better place if women were truly honored for being the life-bearers that they are. Mothers are sacred.

So begins this journey for me. A journey of investigation, discovery, sharing and creative expression. This is new for me. The computer world is not my world. But it seems like an interesting place to explore and share in. First steps. First key strokes. First words. I did it! My first determined steps into a new world. Mommy's growing up.