Among the plethora of benefits from breastfeeding, my personal favorite is the bonding time. Sure, I’m happy about providing nutrition and all, but for me, nothing compares to the emotional connection provided during a nursing session. I think this is one reason I’m not looking forward to weaning. Is it selfish? Maybe a little, but Rissa seems to find comfort in it too.
I can be having a crummy day or baby girl is extra fussy, but we both feel better after a nursing session. It calms us both (unless she’s refusing the breast or bites or pinches…) and we get some cuddle time.
I love looking into her big brown eyes and feeling so much love for her. Sometimes I sing to her and she smiles. She’ll reach for my face or hair. I might pretend to nom her hands or feet. It’s a time we can be playful.
She wiggles around a lot more now though, so I feel like the bonding sessions are slipping away. Sure, we have other bonding moments, but mothering at the breast has meant more to me than I ever thought it could.
My absolute favorite? Is when she places her little hand over my heart while she’s breastfeeding.
I wish I could elaborate more or share words of wisdom, but I can’t seem to convey the warmth our sessions hold. I can say the bonding piece is private. While I can nurse her just about anywhere (including the zoo) we don’t necessarily “bond” at every session.
Is the beauty of mother and child joined – bonded – what makes people uncomfortable? I’ve heard some say the sound of baby swallowing at the breast is disgusting.
I say it’s music to my ears.
What say you?
Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.
Janine @ Alternative Housewife
Friday 15th of July 2011
I have to say that some of the best bonding happens out in public. It is a nice way to duck away from a busy scene and reconnect. Morning nursies are probably my favorite though.
Zene
Friday 15th of July 2011
Sooo sweet! I need to get a picture. I really regret not taking any yet. That nursing face is just too sweet not to capture. Oh the bites! Mine unfortunately will KEEP biting just to be ornery! Little stinker! He was just doing it while dozing off, he wanted his bink so it was his really unkind way of letting me know ;) I love the hilarious nursing times too. The other day I had my guy in the bath with me and he thought that was gonna be a great time to play AND snack. Hehehe! Sit up and splash, lay down take a little sip, sit up and splash, switch to leaning over, take a little sip. I had to have hubs get him out cause the hilarity would have gone on all morning!
April G
Thursday 14th of July 2011
I love those special moments too...the playful times, the looking into his brown eyes while he's so calm and comforted....the moments he puts his hand on my heart...so special! Thanks for sharing!
Darcy
Thursday 14th of July 2011
All these little moments are so special! My MIL loved how Rissa would hold her thumb or finger while she gave her a bottle the first night we went out. She loves to play with my fingers while nursing. So sweet! (til she gums down! lol)
Becky
Thursday 14th of July 2011
I love how you put it "the beauty of mother and child joined". Breastfeeding is far from disgusting, and I love to hear successes like yours. :)
Darcy
Thursday 14th of July 2011
I admit I felt awkward seeing it before but I was never disgusted. Now I think its absolutely beautiful! (Thanks for stopping by!)
Bridget
Thursday 14th of July 2011
Yes, I never thought I would feel this much attachment to breastfeeding. My daughter is over a year now and I don't seem to see an end in sight-there will be one, just not anytime soon:)
Darcy
Thursday 14th of July 2011
I'm hoping baby #2 can be timed so there isn't much of a break in nursing one to the other...