Evolution and the Responsibilities of the Modern Mom
Let's start with the modern mom, you. Up until the early twentieth century, many mothers took on the task of taking care of the household, raising and attending to the children, and nothing more. Their weeks consisted of very traditional activities which included cooking, cleaning, and some kind of needlework. Though women were allowed to work, they usually stopped working after becoming a mother, seeing their children as their new and most important responsibility.
As society has evolved, the role of the modern mom has changed. Mothers today usually take charge of several aspects of the home or household duties. They take charge of the everyday needs of the children, and are also an integral part of the workforce. Though taking care of their children properly is still seen as the most important responsibility of and by many mothers, modern moms do believe and have proven that they can do more than just that.
They juggle many different hats and have become successful at each one, but because modern mothers are taking on more than the role of child rearing, their time is divided between many other tasks and responsibilities.
The many extra roles taken on by a modern mom and their need to divide their time is a very common reason for why mothers choose to wean their children off breastfeeding early, which may not be beneficial to either child or mother. The duties or responsibilities working mothers have at work can call them away from being with their child for frequent feedings. There are some offices that allow mothers to bring their children in with them during the vital breastfeeding months, however, and mothers are allowed breaks to breastfeed their children. This is one of the ways modern society supports breastfeeding and working mothers.
Mothers, especially working mothers are given a lot of support, usually mandated by the government because of the difficulties they face with being both a mother and a working member of society. Since science has proven the benefits and importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child, exceptions and rules are made to support working mothers. However, at the end of the day and no matter how many hats they wear, a working mother goes home and is still a mother. Her natural instincts for care and protection take over. This is part of the reason why breastfeeding is so important.
Breastfeeding promotes an emotional bond between mother and child. It is a way that a mother can still be physically connected to her child after childbirth, and it is the same for the child as well. The child benefits emotionally by feeling safe and secure, two things that are very important for an infant. Though extremely special, it is this same bond that can make it difficult to wean a child off breastfeeding. Once a child or a mother's breasts become used to the act of breastfeeding, the difficulties that come with weaning arise.
Many doctors prescribe breast milk for babies well past six months or till the time babies begin eating solid foods. Mothers are asked to breastfeed for as long as they or the baby can do so without discomfort. It is quite obvious that breastfeeding is very important, but weaning is as important too. Weaning is a baby's first experience of independence from their mother, which is vital for a child's development. It can be difficult for both mother and child, but it's something that must be done.
Next Article: An Introduction to Weaning
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