Breastfeeding in Haiti- one mother's life post earthquake
Many mothers climb great heights to make breastfeeding work. I see it everyday; oftentimes against the doubt and negativity of those around them. When breastfeeding gets off to a great start, even in the worst conditions, it can continue effortlessly.
Lane Hartill wrote a lovely article about a woman named Exeline living in Haiti. Wait until you see the picture of her 4 month old breastfeeding baby Christine! This cheerful young mother is living in dire conditions, but that hasn't interfered with her breastfeeding relationship with her baby. How fortunate for mother and baby that they are breastfeeding. With water being extremely scare and living conditions far from clean, making an uncontaminated bottle of formula is very difficult. How wonderfully comforting for Christine to connect with her mother intimately every time she eats and drinks.
We are only on the cusp of understanding the complex emotional connection between a mother and her breastfeeding baby. Scientists know that the baby's brain drives the composition of the milk, but now they are beginning to look at how the mother's milk may program the baby's behavior and temperament. I'll talk about that tomorrow.
Pat yourself on the back; applaud your fortitude; continue in your perseverance to mother your baby from your breast. Breastfeeding is amazing indeed.
Our Mothers are Amazing and Our Babies are Awesome and Breastfeeding is Phenomenal!