“Mother’s milk is, I think, a symbol of compassion. Without mother’s milk we cannot survive, so our first act as a baby together with our mother is sucking milk from our mother, with a feeling of great closeness. At that time, we may not know how to express what love is, what compassion is, but there is a strong feeling of closeness. From the mother’s side also, if there is no strong feeling of closeness toward the baby, her milk may not flow readily. So, mother’s milk is, I think, a symbol of compassion and human affection.”
Dalai Lama
Time Magazine’s cover certainly caught the attention of everyone out there with this “provocative” image of a mother breastfeeding. Although the attention may be negative and has sparked intense controversy, I am happy about the attention it is bringing to attachment parenting in America.
The article actually introduced, to anyone who is unfamiliar, Dr. Bill Sears, the legendary pediatrician who coined the term “attachment parenting” a little over twenty years ago.
I love that a term actually exists to describe the parenting style I was instinctually led to. I do not ascribe labels to define myself or my parenting, but I will attach myself to this for the sake of like-minded parents supporting one another in this type of parenting.
The ignorant comments provoked by this cover only lead to more competition, and more defensiveness in the world of being a mother. I don’t agree with the judgment and comparisons made to prove who is “mom enough” or who is better.
We are mothers. We make different choices. We live different lives. Let’s all let each other do that. Let’s do our best in raising children who will make a difference in this world because of the Love, guidance, and support they receive growing up. Let’s support one another, in spite of our differences.
We are MOM Enough.
♥️ Sandy
