Not only are our breasts contorted every which way while breastfeeding an active child but we are sacrificing a part of ourselves for the sake of our child’s health and wellness… I view this as a type of Karma Yoga.
Sitting in one spot has never been easy for me, during my yoga teacher training we did meditation for about 20 min, 2 times a day. Each session brought different challenges but after spending a day of asana practice, karma yoga, philosophy classes, anatomy etc… sitting quietly to reflect on that day and my life felt wonderful. Being in an ashram is a great experience, i found that being able to detach from the stresses of life going on outside and just deal with the duties I had in the ashram was very relaxing and fruitful.
Fast forward to over 3 years later, when I had my son. Although i loved to snuggle with him, the first couple of days, weeks and months sitting in one chair with your babe in hand, breastfeeding pillow in lap and boobs out didn’t feel very relaxing. In the first week especially, I was doing something I had never done before and although a latch shouldn’t feel painful it’s not comfortable at first. Initially, Babe can take almost an hour at the breast but friends assured me he would get more efficient and he did. I am a mover; always considering what needs to be done next; cleaning the bathroom, throwing a load of laundry in, cooking… Without Swamiji in front of me and the energy of my meditating classmates surrounding me, I felt very restless…
I had a friend mention something about meditation when she was breastfeeding and immediately i felt the idea was strange, the yoga snob inside me said that it was not proper meditation. Like almost every child, my son didn’t sleep when I wanted him to and always wanted to breastfeed at times that weren’t convenient for me. I found that if I consciously connected with my breath; took a deep inhalation for about 4 counts and exhaled equally, it not only calmed my mind but either put my son to sleep if he needed it or seemed to calm him down. Therefore, It was meditative I could either close my eyes or focus on him. It’s regular, it feels spiritual, positive and I realize my purpose in that place at that time; to feed and love my child.
My son is almost 2.5 and I am proud to say I still breastfeed. I know it’s not something every mother is able or willing to do and that’s okay, it doesn’t mean you love your child less or more. Honestly, i had hoped to go for 2 years as recommended by a naturopath, I wouldn’t be against stoping now but my son won’t have it at the moment so I continue because I know it is still beneficial for both of us. Maybe you think I am a crazy hippie but if so, ask yourself why you think that and/or if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of extended breastfeeding, why?
In my experience people scoff at the idea of extended breast feeding because they don’t understand it. For some reason it is more logical in our culture to let our toddlers drink sugary juice and soda rather than let them continue to breast feed if they choose… does that seem healthy? Education about breast feeding is not widely distributed; parents, relatives and even some peers don’t have the proper info. Don’t worry grandparents, your grandchild will not want to breast feed through college or become unnaturally attached to mommy. A breast feeding mom and child needs to feel SUPPORTED by family and friends!
Here are some things you may not know about breastfeeding:
1) Breast milk is unique to each baby and it changes! When a baby is less than a week old the breast contains colostrum (before the milk comes in), it’s a thick yellowish fluid that is high in protein and contains antibodies, protecting baby from disease. If the weather is hot a mothers breast milk will change to have more water to quench babies thirst. If the weather is cold the breast milk will often be more fatty and so on. Human breast milk is beneficial to all human babies so this doesn’t mean that if a mother is unable to breastfeed she can’t use a close relative or friends extra milk or get it from a milk bank.
2) Breast milk is complex and protective; because it is always changing it is difficult to study exactly what the levels of nutrients are but there are studies currently researching how colostrum and breast milk protect and heal the lining of of babies intestines (1). The nutrients in breast milk are also very bioavailable to baby. If mama has a healthy diet and is overall healthy the nutrients are very available and useable for baby, yes that even includes iron! Obviously, breast milk continues to contain bacteria that is beneficial for babes gut and therefore digestive system.
3) Breast milk has a unique scent; when my son was born at home with the assistance of registered midwives, they recommended that both baby and I wait at least a couple of days to shower. They explained, one reason for this is that the scent of the amniotic fluid still covering baby helps him to recognize and sniff out breast milk. My son can find my breast in the dark with his eyes closed, he will now latch on perfectly without any visual cue.
4) Breast milk is a cure all; diaper rash, cuts, baby acne, ear infections, babes stuffy nose, tummy troubles, nipple irritation etc… squeeze a bit of breast milk in the effected area and it’s the best healer possible, with properties that work like an antibiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic.
5) Breast milk poop doesn’t stink; self explanatory…
6) Breast milk fights cancer; here’s one of the reasons i can (sort of) convince my family that extended breastfeeding is a good idea. It reduces my chances (mothers) of Breast and Uterine cancer, i can attest to this first hand! Prior to having my son I had tested for mild pre cancerous cells in my uterus. My past 2 years of breastfeeding I have been completely clear of them!!! (I had to get tested every 6 months)
7) BREAST MILK is MAGIC! For all the reasons stated and much more.
Therefore, breast feeding is natural and effective. It is not always easy and unfortunately not always possible, although there is not a high percentage of women who can’t actually breast feed and it is very dependant on baby’s birth process and support given. If the labor and delivery are natural and normal baby should be skin to skin ASAP! Feeding should begin soon after if there are no complications. As a Birth Doula I usually always see baby initiate feeding within the first hour by moving their little tongue and lips. If it’s not possible for skin to skin or to breast feed soon after birth manual expression within the first hour (see the Marmet Technique) gathered by a syringe and fed to baby is also a good way to establish milk and feed baby . It’s supply and demand so the more a baby is nursed the more milk is produced. Needless to say, I am not personally a fan of timing out babies feeding (ie. every 2 hours) each baby is different just like us, they should eat when they are hungry, DON’T LOOK AT THE CLOCK LOOK AT YOUR BABY.
ALSO, BABIES NURSE FOR MANY REASONS OTHER THAN HUNGER! baby loves the feeling of security, the sound of Mama’s heartbeat and the bonding that comes with this experience. Imagine yourself being introduced into a whole different universe and having a close reliable body that you know as opposed to a rocking chair to bounce in no matter how soft it feels. Kangaroo care (skin to skin/ or carrier/slings) establishes babies heart rate, breathing cycles, keeps them naturally warm and properly fed.
In my Yoga Teacher training manual it notes, ‘Karma Yoga can be practiced at all times, under all conditions, anywhere there is a desire to do a selfless service‘…. As can Breastfeeding! This is an awesome poem with that idea in mind:)
We have many misconceptions about breastfeeding and even your family doctor may not be aware of recent research and how to solve breast feeding issues. Mothers are often convinced that a little suplimentation (ie. commerical formula) is a good idea even if you breast feed full time, why not right? We want our babies to have the best and most nutrients. BUT, formula is a product, and often if you check the label includes the same ingredients you may find in a package of hair color. If needed, it can be used as medicine but I don’t recommend stocking up prior to baby being born just in case. Babies who are formula feed are more susceptible to gas and bloating and therefore have a harder times sleeping and feeling comfortable. One can also find some great recipes for formula (DIY) in Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditions.
There are some pretty awesome resources to help with breastfeeding, here are a few:
http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/
ABC Breastfeeding support (calgary)
Sources
January 2010, La Leche League International: Establishing your milk
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 7th edition; La leche league international
http://www.normalfeed.com; Feeding the baby
Skin to Skin and Kangaroo Mother Care; Studies by Dr. Nils Bergman and Agneta Jurisoo (Midwife)
Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Manual
moksha mama 