"A baby nursing at a mother's breast... is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." - David Suzuki
When I think about it, I feel really lucky that I was given the choice to breastfeed. It may come as a surprise that many Mommies don't have the option, and many choose not to. And when it was my turn, I chose to exclusively nurse my little baby. It's been five months now, and apart from some of the normal hurdles of motherhood, it's been a relatively easy and natural journey for me. My little boy could latch on and suckle from day one, and it's been so fulfilling in many ways!
Of course, I've had my bad days, where I feel little more than a food factory and then there are the days when it hurt and I was sore, and just didn't understand what was happening. Looking back, the first month was the hardest, when I actually had to use nipple balm! But after that it got easier and I'm incredibly thankful to have gotten through that phase. I'm not sure if any of you felt this way - every time I nursed my baby during the first month, I felt the urge to cry!! It probably sounds silly now, but it's true - I guess I'll blame my hormones!!
But one thing I figured out during that trying time was that this process, this sweet, sweet process would only last for a short while, and soon my little baby, who gazes up at me with wonder and love, would no longer require me on such a basic level. My lap wouldn't be his seat; he'd have a high chair, and I wouldn't be able to stare down at him and see my reflection in him several times a day. He wouldn't grab my arms or my gown or playfully chat with me while feeding. And just like that, all my discomfort and pain melted away and all I wanted to do was to wake him from his slumber and feed him - all day, every day! Till he let me, or nature did. So in my quiet time, when I think about my breastfeeding journey, I'm just incredibly thankful that I could relish every bit of this amazing process, and here are a few reasons why I think that breast is best.
1. It's the perfect time to bond with my baby
The stillness, the forced peaceful state are just some parts of those lovely moments where it's just my baby and me. We create our own temporary world, full of love, safety and complete trust.
2. I can feel his trust in the way he looks at me
There's something heart-wrenching about those big brown eyes, which look up at you and straight into your soul. They are so open and trusting, and you feel the urge to protect him forever. That eye lock seals the unwritten contract between mother and child, that this is his safety, comfort zone for the rest of his life.
3. I am his go-to pacifier
I love that no matter what the problem, I am the only one who can comfort him at this stage. Whether he's sleepy, hungry (obviously), afraid or whether he's in a new environment or waking up from a bad dream - breastfeeding has the magic touch to soothe him, almost instantly.
4. I keep him safe
There's a reason why experts say that 'breast is best' - it builds immunity and keeps my baby safe from all kinds of illnesses. So even if all the above reasons weren't true, this reason alone would seal the deal. My liquid gold provides my little bundle with all the vitamins, strength and nourishment required to be healthy and grow well!
5. It's a limited time offer
My baby won't stay a baby for long; soon he'll be walking and running and chasing after his little and big dreams, and I'll be back to eating Chinese and drinking wine freely. I won't be his sole source of comfort anymore, which makes this few months that much more precious.
Author
Chandni Bhagat is a new Mommy and a Child Psychologist who runs a popular day care chain, 'Jumping Genius' in Bombay. Her blog covers her take on mommy hood and her life between two cities - Bombay and Dubai. She's an enthusiastic, avid reader and loves spending time with the two main men in her life!
Lots of Love,