Breastfeeding: The Security Blanket
September 8, 2009 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under advantages of breastfeeding, mothering
My family just moved from a rental home to a new home we purchased one town away. Out of all my family members, I would say my 13-month-old has handled the move the best. Not only has she survived, she has thrived. She is excited about all the new places to explore and she thinks we’re on a grand adventure.
The beloved security blanket by Barron
I believe that breastfeeding allows her the ability to thrive in this new environment because breastfeeding (and the closeness with me) is a constant. She knows that she is free to explore but she can always come back to the security and safety of snuggle time with Mama. My older children are handling the transition well, but the baby is absolutely loving it. It hasn’t bothered her to change bedrooms or beds. She nurses to sleep and nurses throughout the night and as long as she has that night-time nursing, she’s happy! When she wakes up, she calls out for me and does not cry. It’s been a huge help to me to be nursing during this time. My child does not need a security blanket or a pacifier. She has me and she has breastfeeding.
What about you? Have you found that breastfeeding serves more than nutritional needs? Does breastfeeding help with transitions from one activity to another or one place to another?
We just moved a half hour away, and I purposely kept up nursing my 19-month-old to help him through the transition. It has worked – he has been doing pretty well, and has been sleeping fine, which was my concern. How nice it was to be able to spend that close time with him in a new place! I knew it would be hard for him not being able to articulate things.
My two and a half year old has never had a security object other than me and my breasts. She now only nurses for “comfort”. When she is sick or upset by something she comes up to me and wants to nurse. I am so blessed to be able to provide this for her.