Breastfeeding Drinking and Sucking with Edith Kernerman

Shows baby drinking from the breast. Edith Kernerman is explaining the pause in the chin - which is a mouth full of milk. This clip shows an adoptive baby getting breastmilk and supplement from a lactation aid.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Breastfeeding
• Drinking
• Sucking
• Mouthful
• Milk
• Enough
• Edith
• Kernerman

[BloodyBay]

So the tube going into the baby's mouth is feeding the baby some type of vitamin or mineral?  I've never seen this before. My understanding is that the mother's breast milk contains all the nutrients that an infant needs (which is why it's preferable to feeding a baby formula). Does this baby suffer from an unusual vitamin deficiency, perhaps?

[thebirthden]

@BloodyBay Actually, this baby is adopted and drinking donated breastmilk from the birth mother. With the help of medication the adoptive mother is able to produce some breastmilk but not enough for the baby to thrive. By feeding the baby this way, the baby and mother both still get the essential experience of breastfeeding. This method is also useful for other mothers that have supply issues and are producing some milk but need a bit of help with breastmilk substitutes.

[aaronscrewme]

@thebirthden Why is the baby adopted when she's giving him breast milk? I don't get it.

[thebirthden]

@aaronscrewme There are MANY reasons to breastfeed and it's not all about breastmilk (although that is the greatest for both mom & baby). This adoptive mother is producing breastmilk and using breastmilk from the birth mother to give to the baby through the tube you see. There are physical (eye, jaw development etc) and emotional (attachment etc.) reasons for breastfeeding. Also, it just tends to be more convenient and less expensive, even when using a SNS like this!

[aaronscrewme]

@thebirthden Thank you for the reply. What I meant was if the birth mother is able to provide milk, then why is another lady breast feeding the baby? Why did the mother give the baby up for adoption when she providing it milk?

[thebirthden]

@aaronscrewme I don't know the particulars of the situation and it is a very personal question. I think the focus needs to be on the fact that although the birth mother gave the baby up for adoption, she was willing to express breastmilk for the baby because she knew it was important. Unfortunately pumping is basically a singular action and a baby suckling is actually 5 actions. This means pumping just isn't as effective and most mother's milk supply will eventually decrease/disappear.

[bluebutterfly761]

Beautiful video!! Thanks for sharing it.

[doomsdaymonster7]

I'm not a mom (not even pregs, hopefully for a long time lol), but this is spectacular. Amazeming. It's something I've known all my life about but I JUST realized how weirdly mysterious and passive and bonding and positive this activity is. If I have a baby, I'll feed him for at least 1 yr. It looks "weird" b/c I'm not used to the sight but I'm so curious now. Must be amazing to share an activity like this with an infant...who doesn't have many activities otherwise lol

[rauldwalker]

Sweet loving mother

[mig189189189]

Awesome video. Keep on with that good work!