© 1981 by Oxford University Press
research-article |
Extraordinary Breast Feeding: Relactation/Induced Lactation*
Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha N.C. 68182
Relactation is more difficult and more susceptible to environmental stresses than is normal lactation. It is, however, an appropriate alternative to cessation of breast feeding for those infants who have low birth weights, who must be separated from their mothers temporarily due to hospitalization, or who have had an untimely weaning. Furthermore, nursing the adopted infant is possible and is being practised by increasing numbers of women around the world. It is possible to return the infant to the breast or to introduce feedings at the breast if the mother is committed to nursing her infant and if she is willing to forsake other demands during the period when she must devote herself to (re)establishing a milk supply. The baby's willingness cannot be overlooked; techniques for interim feedings that exclude the confusing ‘super’ -stimulation of a rubber bottle nipple will greatly enhance the process of relactation/induced lactation. Ample opportunity for maternal-infant interaction exclusive of actual nursing time also is desirable. The end result is then a happy nursing mother and her physically and psychologically thriving baby.
It is not possible to say how many women relactate or induce lactation. We were, however, able to communicate with 606 women in a single year. The ease with which such contacts were made, and the network of support for the activity evident in the women's own awarenesses of the presence of others suggests that extraordinary breast feeding is engaged in by more women each year. Such an increase is undoubtedly related to the increase in breast feeding in many technologically advanced countries. With more women nursing under normal situations, it follows that the desire to nurse under extraordinary situations also is increasing. It is possible that as smaller families become the norm throughout the Western world, breast feeding, that most intimate of relationships between a parent and her child, may become a more valued behaviour. Whether a couple chooses to give birth to an infant or to adopt, breast feeding the new baby may be part of the decision regarding nurturing.16
Whatever the reason for choosing to relactate/induce lactation, the result for many is a nursing relationship indistinguishable from that enjoyed by multitudes of women throughout the world. That the infant enjoys nutritionally superior food and protection against the common microbes in his environment is important. That the mother enjoys a physiologically and psychologically pleasurable experience in response to nurturing the young of her species is important. What is of overriding importance, however, is the degree to which each person in the family group considers the relactation/induced lactation experience to be one that enhances family interaction patterns.