Contributing author Lacey Parr.
Breastfeeding is one of my passions. My personal experiences through pregnancy, birth and lactation have empowered me and helped me feel real love for my body and for the procreative powers given me. I have increasingly felt connections to ancestors and other women around me through these shared privileges that have been experienced across the ages. While contemplating the nature of our female procreative powers related to breastfeeding, I am reminded of the psychological effect of an abundant mindset.
Abundance Theory is the simple idea behind positivity and often, growth: there is plenty to go around and when we give, we receive in turn.
As any breastfeeding mother knows, those tug-tug-tugs at the breast as baby feeds tell the mother’s body to make milk for baby. The more baby is at the breast, the more milk the mother makes. In other words, the more the mother gives, the more she creates and is able to give. This is abundance theory in action. Research tells us that the more cumulative amount of time (months or years) that a mother spends breastfeeding each child collectively benefits her longterm health. The more the mother gives, the more she is given.
Breastfeeding is also a wonderful start to a beautiful bond between mother and child. As the mother gives of herself and her time to feed her child, the child receives physical and emotional nourishment. Abundance applies here too as the mother and child both benefit from a strong and healthy attachment. This effect is generational. The attachment a child feels for his or her parents is carried into their parenthood and so on.
We need more mothers and children with strong, healthy attachments. As more women are supported in their motherhood and breastfeeding relationships, we create a nurturing culture. When we nurture a mother, we nurture a family, a community, a generation. How are you nurturing your family and other mothers in your community today?
Actionable ways to create a nurturing culture:
-Watch a mother’s older children during her prenatal check-ups
-Donate to a food or diaper bank
-Donate money (or breast milk!) to a human milk bank
-Help a mother carry and load her groceries at the store
-Encourage mothers to breastfeed wherever they need to
-Bring prepared meals and snacks to an expecting or new mother
-Volunteer to teach new skills to young mothers (and offer childcare)
