culture | Spiritual Birth

Breastfeeding July 15, 2010March 19, 2022 by Marianne Littlejohn

Breastfeeding: The Bigger Picture

The significance of breastfeeding reaches far beyond its biological function; in fact there is nothing ‘natural’ about breastfeeding itself. On the contrary, attitudes and practices appear to be socially determined, and breastfeeding has to be seen as an essential element in the cultural construction of sexually defined gender roles.

Women need to prepare for natural birth in every aspect of their lives, including the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical areas of their being. A woman deserves the right to choose her companions as well as where and how she will give birth to her child.

Pregnancy and birth are normal life events for most women. To this end, interventions should be kept to a minimum wherever possible. A baby who is born gently and welcomed by warm, caring parents receives the best possible start in life.

Women who are well prepared in their minds, bodies and spirits can experience birth as a profoundly moving and empowering event.