Wean me gently

I’ve reflected a little in the past week, and in talking to others, about the general lack of societal acceptance and understanding of breastfeeding. I guess as our society got more sales orientated and more convenience orientated and certainly got more sexualised (what are boobs made for anyway!)…somewhere we lost the earthiness of mums feeding bubs.

Anyhow without sparking too much of that debate, I just read this poem below  on kellymom.com which really touched me, and yet I realised how many people won’t understand it. A positive breastfeeding relationship has benefits for the babies that know no end…but it does for the mums too. Let’s not forget the incredible connectedness…have a read…

by Cathy Cardall

I know I look so big to you,

Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.

But no matter how big we get,

We still have needs that are important to us.

I know that our relationship is growing and changing,

But I still need you. I need your warmth and closeness,

Especially at the end of the day

When we snuggle up in bed.

Please don’t get too busy for us to nurse.

I know you think I can be patient,

Or find something to take the place of a nursing;

A book, a glass of something,

But nothing can take your place when I need you.

Sometimes just cuddling with you,

Having you near me is enough.

I guess I am growing and becoming independent,

But please be there.

This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,

Please don’t break it abruptly.

Wean me gently,

Because I am your mother,

And my heart is tender.

~ by Rah on June 4, 2009.