In
addition to meeting the basic physiological need of nourishment, feeding serves
an important function in a child’s emotional development. When a child is fed, not
only does instinctual gratification occur but the foundations of love,
nurturance, trust, and a secure attachment are made.
The way
a caregiver is typically able to tell whether or not babies need something is by
their crying. Infants express frustration, sadness, upset, etc. through crying
and usually become settled once their needs are met. When a baby’s need to be
fed is met, he or she develops a sense that life and the experiences around him
or her can be gratifying and satisfying. Consistent, loving, and predictable
nurturance through feeding (or nursing, which is a word that truly embodies the
connection between feeding and being cared for) teaches babies that they are
valuable and that the important others in their lives are dependable. A positive
sense of self emerges and they develop what developmental theorist Erik Erikson
termed “basic trust.” The development of healthy senses of selves and secure
attachments are key elements for children’s future relationships and overall
life satisfaction.
Breastfeeding
is considered the ideal form of feeding. Not only is breastfeeding good for
health reasons but it demonstrates to babies the mothers’ active participation
in their nourishment and satisfaction and they receive comfort in the warmth of
the physical connection they derive from her. Of course, circumstances exist where
breastfeeding is not possible or recommended for a caregiver, and a bottle is
used as a substitute. Using bottles can have the same positive bonding effect
as the breast, if utilized properly. The bottle should mimic, not replace, the
physical and emotional exchange that takes place during the feeding process. Nursing
a baby should include physical touch, eye gazing, soft and calm talking, etc.
This can be done when feeding by breast or bottle. Because feeding is an
important part of establishing a secure sense of self and building positive
attachments, bottle propping is not advisable. Caregivers should hold and stay
present with their babies when using a bottle. Other caregivers can even create
these same boding experiences for infants by offering soothing touches, gazes,
and words either while the infant is being breastfed or by bottle feeding the
infant themselves.
Feeding
infants should serve as a connecting experience between a child and a caregiver.
Whether feeding takes place with a breast or a bottle, the child should feel
the presence of the caregiver during this process. Nursing is about attending
to the physical and emotional needs of the child and strengthening
relationships. Feedings that are routinely distracted (e.g., being on phone or
computer, etc.) may begin to lose some of the depth of the bonding experience. The
bonding experience promotes children’s development of positive attachments with
their parents and caretakers. Positive attachments and, thus, a strong, solid
sense of self serve a child well throughout his or her lifetime.
Posted
by Asya Brodsky, LSW, CADC
Source:
Colarusso,
C. A. (1995). Child an Adult Development:
A Psychoanalytic Introduction for Clinicians. New York: Plenum Press.
