What’s your superpower?

So I asked a group of moms what they wish they had known about breastfeeding before they had their babies. I was hoping to capture important points that maybe I miss in my teaching or advocacy work. I was expecting lists of things such as, “I didn’t know it might hurt” or “I didn’t realize how often I would have to feed him” or “I didn’t know how tired I would be” etc. I wanted wisdom from recently experienced moms that would help me to prepare other moms.

What I got was not what I anticipated, but even more amazing.

Yes, there were some technical facts listed- it never runs out, you can pump right after nursing, no bottles to wash, hard in the beginning, it gets easier and other such comments. But the majority of the feedback I received was about the intangible benefits, the emotional aspects, the wonderfulness of the experience of the relationship of breastfeeding.

As I read the posts, it brought me back to when I was nursing my youngest child…the inspiration for my lactation advocacy…feelings that launched my career, but that somehow got lost along the way.

I have permission to share these quotes…enjoy!

More than one mom expressed loving the fact that she was the only one who could feed her baby. This was gratifying to hear, because we read over and over again how using artificial milk and bottles is so much easier than nursing. Many propagandists claim that moms don’t want to be tied to the baby. Well, at least in my little social network, this is not the case at all!

“I love that I can sneak away at a party, into a quiet room, making the excuse that I need to feed my baby, just to spend some quiet time with her.” “Nursing is a special time when nothing else matters in the world.” “It forces you to slow down and treasure every second.” Sentiments such as these were shared repeatedly.

Breastfeeding was referred to as  “liberating” especially once you get the hang of nursing in public places.  One first time mom in the group stated that she felt that breastfeeding helped prevent full-on post partum depression. No! wait-  Isn’t breastfeeding hard for moms who are having trouble adjusting? Doesn’t it put too much pressure on a mom? Isn’t it too demanding? Not for the moms I know.

One woman told a story of how breastfeeding saved her life. Before the baby, she drank too much, dabbled with drugs, and couldn’t keep a steady job. Breastfeeding turned her life around so much so that it inspired a career choice. She now spends her days helping other moms learn to breastfeed.

Even moms who had breastfeeding challenges, including those who needed to supplement with other mom’s milk, got joy out of the process and called it a “gift” to moms. “Even though it was hard in the beginning, and I don’t make enough for my baby, I realize how much every drop counts.”

The relationship and interaction part of breastfeeding that was described was inspiring.

“It promotes communication between mom and baby that no words can express.”

“It was a touchpoint in my relationships with my children, teaching me to trust myself and them in so many different life situations.”

“It reinforces the dynamic of listening to your child and knowing exactly what it is that they need.”

“Demand feeding gives babies confidence.”

Moms loved learning to give up timing feedings and stop watching the clock. They said that helped to “listen to babies lead” and communicate with them. Moms relish that it is a tool to soothe baby, whatever the problem is, especially as they get older. Others extolled  the convenient aspect of breastfeeding, the ability to nurse baby in any situation- again, much different than what is heard publicly.

One mom exclaimed “How amazing that every part of my baby is made from nutrients he got from me! I made that and I’m still building it!”

And my favorite response, and one that I think should be shouted from the rooftops:

“I had no idea that it would make me feel so empowered and independent. It’s a superpower!”

How has breastfeeding transformed your life?

Please share below.