At the Breast: A Child's Perspective

The womb is a calm and sacred space

I feel loved and secure in this peaceful place

But something tells me it's time to leave

My next destination, I have to believe

Will be just as safe as this place was for me

It won't be long now and I'll be able to see

I open my eyes; the world looks so bleary

After such a long journey, my body feels weary

This place is so strange, so bright and cold

Then I feel arms around me, securely take hold

There it is; that familiar voice! That smell!

My mother! At last, I know all will be well

She gently lays my head upon her soft breast

A comfortable landing; a place I can rest

Then something familiar I can feel and hear

Just a little more faint and a little less clear;

The smooth, steady rhythm of the fast-beating heart

Of my mother's strong body, which I was just a part

From my warm, safe landing, I look up at mom's face

I have not a doubt I belong in this place

There is something my body was born to expect

Her warm arms around me and to suckle at her breast

***

As I grow bigger and stronger, with each passing day

I like to explore and wiggle and play

Everything is so new and I often get sleepy

I get overwhelmed and then I get weepy

So mom offers her breast and suddenly I'm home

My stress melts away and I don't feel so alone

I look up at her and study her face for a while

Then break my latch so I can give her a smile

I feel her love, so tender and warm

And revel in this moment, sheltered from the storm

***

Now that I'm bigger, I don't nurse as much

I'm always busy running and playing and such

But at times that I'm sad or hurt or unsure

The breast is where I go to feel secure

Of the comfort and milk of mom's breast I've grown fond

But greatest of all is our heartwarming bond

One day I will not need mom's breast any longer

All the love in that milk has made me much stronger

I will grow up to be so healthy and clever

This sweet gift mom gave me will last me forever

~Lori Fletcher

Last photo credit: Jen McDougall, McBaby Photos, Prince Albert