By Sanne Storm
As a mother committed to the journey of breastfeeding beyond infancy, I am compelled to share my story, advocating for the vital support and understanding essential for women navigating this sacred path. My journey stands as a testament to the resilience and strength required to challenge societal norms, embracing the profound spiritual connection nurtured through extended breastfeeding.
From the moment my son entered the world, breastfeeding transcended mere physical nourishment; it became a sacred bond between us, allowing divine love and nurturing energy to flow freely. Yet, this journey has been strewn with challenges and obstacles, each serving as a reminder of the necessity for unwavering support and understanding from those around me.
In the early days of motherhood, scepticism and criticism greeted me from healthcare professionals who ought to have been allies in my breastfeeding journey. A lactation consultant, tasked with offering guidance and support, instead subjected me to criticism and judgment, leaving me feeling disconnected from the natural flow of maternal intuition. This experience, coupled with nurses attempting to feed my son formula without consent, underscored the importance of advocating for my choices and asserting my rights as a mother guided by divine wisdom.
In the early days of motherhood, scepticism and criticism greeted me from healthcare professionals who ought to have been allies in my breastfeeding journey.
Seeking solace and guidance, I turned to local breastfeeding support groups, hoping to find camaraderie and understanding among fellow mothers on this sacred path. Instead, I encountered judgment and misinformation, with some suggesting that my son was too small and that my milk supply was inadequate. These encounters only reinforced societal pressures, hindering the spiritual connection between mother and child.
Further complicating my journey was the lack of support from certain family members, including my mother-in-law, who questioned my decision to breastfeed beyond infancy. Their comments and attitudes only served to deepen the spiritual stigma surrounding extended breastfeeding, perpetuating outdated beliefs rooted in fear rather than divine love.
In the face of societal norms and pressures, I’ve faced judgments and criticisms from individuals who may not comprehend the depth of the bond my son and I share through extended breastfeeding. Some may question the necessity or appropriateness of continuing this journey, projecting their own insecurities or regrets onto my path. Yet, I’ve realised that these judgments stem from their own experiences and beliefs, not from a place of understanding or acceptance.
In the face of societal norms and pressures, I’ve faced judgments and criticisms from individuals who may not comprehend the depth of the bond my son and I share through extended breastfeeding.
It’s essential to recognise that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is unique, shaped by personal beliefs, circumstances, and divine guidance. While I respect the choices of other mothers, it’s not my responsibility to make them comfortable with my decision. Just as I honour their paths, I ask for the same respect and understanding in return.
Judgments often arise from a place of discomfort or misunderstanding, reflecting societal norms rather than divine wisdom. Instead of internalising these criticisms, I stand firm in my conviction, guided by the intuitive bond I share with my son and the divine wisdom that guides our journey.
Instead of succumbing to external pressures, I find solace in the unwavering support of those who understand the spiritual significance of extended breastfeeding. Together, we create a sanctuary of acceptance and encouragement, free from judgment and rooted in the divine love that flows through each of us as mothers.
