Since starting to breastfeed, I’ve learned and discovered more about my breasts than I ever thought I could. What they’re capable of; what they’re designed for; what it’s like to have someone else hungry for them at three in the morning. Who better to connect with about these topics than the person who breastfed me three decades ago, right? If anything, in my experience, breastfeeding can make your relationship with your own mom stronger. My mother and I can talk about it in gross detail and we can share stories and we can lament without someone judging or assuming we absolutely hate breastfeeding. She’s (now) seen more of my breasts than she ever had before, so there’s that special bond, too, which I share with pretty much everyone in my immediate family (and people who happened to walk by when my baby was hungry during errands).
While it’s true that becoming a mom can bring you a whole new perspective on your own mom (regardless of the kind of relationship you may or may not have with her), breastfeeding is one specific act that has a number of extra layers to consider. I know that not every breastfeeding mother is able or wants to reach out to their own mother for support or guidance or support, but my own breastfeeding experience included my mom's help and support, so I want to make sure moms who share that know they're not alone, too.
Honestly, it's just another example of how the act of breastfeeding can bond you with more people than just your baby. You can feel closer to your partner if you choose to breastfeed; you can feel closer to other breastfeeding women who may share your experience; you most certainly can feel closer to your own mother. Here are just a few reasons why: