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Home › Articles › Breastfeeding Basics › A Touchy Subject

A Touchy Subject

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

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Hargis-Ramirez exclusively breastfed her sons for the first five months. Her second son still nurses during sicknesses, at night and in the mornings. "He gets mad if I don't let him touch the free [breast] while he nurses on the other. I am comfortable with him considering my breasts his own. Once he is weaned, they will be off limits, returning to being Mommy's breasts. They will become a sexual part of me again when he is weaned," she explains.

Expanding the Touch
Parents need to teach children other ways to communicate affection through touch. Teaching this skill depends upon the child and will determine their need and want for touch in the future. "Children grow into independence at their own rate, and it will vary considerably from child to child," Vickers says. "Children who are raised in a secure environment can be taught to touch Mom in other ways than on the breast. And if we as mothers are lucky, they never outgrow the need to check in with Mom for a hug, pat on the back or kiss on the cheek."

Touch is normal. Humans express themselves through touch. It is up to parents to ensure this response is kept pure and innocent. "Don't turn a non-issue into an issue," Vickers warns. "Understand why baby wants to touch you and gently teach him ways to connect with you that fit within your comfort levels. Don't allow society to turn something that is totally innocent into something that is 'dirty' and shameful. Touch is beautiful!"

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