Report Broken Link

A breastfeeding journey revisited

Abstract:

Breastfeeding has been described as the most intimate form of communication a woman may have with her child (Kitzinger, 1998). It is an expression of love (Kitzinger, 1998), a precious gift (Spangler, 2000), and an act that nurtures the maternal-infant bond (Lauwers & Shinskie, 2000; Rose-Neil, 1984; Spangler, 2000). Kitzinger (1998) places emphasis on the relationship breastfeeding affords the infant, describing this first relationship as the foundation for all other relationships in life. The La Leche League considers breastfeeding as the optimal way to feed a baby. Benefits to the mother and baby are well documented and include nutritional and immune benefits to the baby, and physical and health benefits to the mother (e.g. Beasley & Trlin, 1998). Both mother and baby profit from the emotionally enriching experience (Kitzinger, 1998; Lauwers & Shinskie, 2000; Mohrbacher & Stock, 1991; Spangler, 2000). This article describes my experience of breastfeeding my first born son, Michael. He was born in 1990, in Bangkok, Thailand. Significant factors such as family, friends, hospital professionals, and the cultural influences that impacted on my breastfeeding experience, are discussed. Factors that contributed to my breastfeeding experience, and to the difficulties I encountered, are identified and explored.

 view online article View Document

decision to breastfeed, influences on breastfeeding, motivation to breastfeed