Source - The Star Online dd August 3rd, 2004

Strengthening ties

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7)

WE OFTEN view breastfeeding as something practised by mothers in underdeveloped countries. Due to this distorted perception, one of the most beautiful means of mother and baby bonding has not been given the recognition it deserves.

It is time for everyone to look at this nurturing act in a new light. Breastfeeding opens up a whole new world that many of us have not explored. It is not about breasts or a hungry baby: it is about building a relationship and taking stock of the meaning of parenthood.

Most urban children may not have witnessed a mother lovingly nurturing her baby.

Some do not even know that humans can produce milk. What they have seen are probably a litter of puppies, kittens or other wild animals fighting for their mothers’ milk on the cartoon or documentary channels. Has anyone ever seen a Hollywood blockbuster or any of those family series featuring a mother breastfeeding her baby? No!

We have been brought up to think that milk comes from the udder of cows which dot the vast, green meadows.

We would expect the older generation – grandmothers and grandfathers – to be more aware of the importance of breastfeeding. But sadly, many of them grew up in a generation sold on the idea that imported goods are best. It was a status symbol in the 1960s and 1970s to be able to afford not to breastfeed.

However, let us look at the developed nations. Research has shown that developed nations have the highest rate of breastfeeding. These mothers are from the higher-income and higher education group. This clearly proves that breastfeeding is the smart choice of smart families.

With all the medically proven research to show that breastfeeding is beneficial to the health of mothers and babies, we must seriously look at how we can take advantage of this wonderful gift from nature. How can we ignore all the health benefits and magical bonding that breastfeeding offers?

There is no better protection and security for baby than in the mother’s warm embrace, lovingly nurtured with her precious milk.