“Old age saying, breastfeeding is a great blessing to any mother.”
“God has created a woman with all patience and care.”
He knew a woman needs great mental strength to bear a child for some months. She has to be very careful during those months, relax, and eat good healthy food for the nourishment of herself and the baby growing in her womb.
In our great-grandmothers’ time, getting married at an early age and giving birth to a child every two years—raising at least six children in a family—was a common feature.
I wonder how they breastfed so many children. Were they happy doing it, or were they forced to?
They were told it was their right to breastfeed the children. It was not a choice.
A mother’s milk has all the nutrients a child needs to grow healthy. Those women never questioned, “Why should I feed the baby and why not give cow’s milk instead?” I do not know if any powdered milk was even available during those years.
A woman usually breastfeeds a child for at least six months before introducing ragi or some other supplementary food. Most of the children grew up healthy, with only one or two exceptions.
When a lady holds her baby in her arms and against her breast to feed, the loving smile on her face while looking at her child’s satisfied face makes her forget all the pain of her delivery. This is the effect of that great connection between a mother and her child. Nobody can truly express these feelings. It is natural.
As the years passed, couples decided on smaller families of two or three children with a gap of three years. There was not much help at home, and they had to manage everything themselves.
Unfortunately, some mothers could not feed their babies due to a lack of milk production. They had to take the help of supplements like cow’s milk (if available) or powdered milk through feeding bottles.
Some women felt it was their choice to breastfeed or not. They did not feel it was their right to feed a child. A few were conscious of their figure, though perhaps very few thought this way.
Some women had health issues and were unable to feed their child. Even though they wanted to, they were helpless.
We must never pass a comment on any woman without knowing the exact reason for her not breastfeeding her baby. You do not know the mental torture she may already be going through, and adding to her grief is nothing less than an offence.
Forcing a woman to breastfeed her child is not right. Leave it to her. Let her decide whether she takes it as a ‘right’ or as a ‘choice’.
She has given birth to her child, and she knows what is good for her baby.
Image Courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@wendywei/
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– Poornima Sivaraman
About the Writer:
Poornima Sivaraman, a vibrant 75-year-young retired teacher, embodies a love for life and creativity. With a passion for connecting with people of all ages, she channels her energy into writing across various platforms, contributing to anthologies, and sharing her unique perspectives with readers.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Poornima enjoys singing and has recorded numerous songs on Star Maker, showcasing her melodious voice. A culinary enthusiast, she finds joy in cooking and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. Dedicated to helping others whenever possible, Poornima is a true advocate of kindness and positivity.
