"Not now, I'm feeding."
A word about feeding. When Phoebe was born and put to the breast our doula said "I think you've given birth to a leech." She has a very strong suck and loves to eat. She regards feeding something of a private affair and often puts a hand over her mouth so that no-one, me included, can watch her feed. She is very serious and passionate about her meals and once she is done enjoys the most luxurious stretch you can imagine while screwing her red, milk-drunk face into a squished shape. Nowadays she launches herself at the breast with a wide mouth and doesn't need any help latching on. In the last few days she has figured out while sitting on my knee that the milk is behind her, so she has learnt to fling herself backwards whilst turning her head, thus getting herself into feeding position at any time she likes.
When she was a newborn I used to try to stroke and cuddle her while she was feeding - she always indignantly shrugged me off, as if to say, "Not now, I'm feeding!"
I read somewhere that for young babies, the way in which they feed is their first means of communication. I certainly feel that the determination, tenacity and enthusiasm with which she approaches her meal times says something of her character...at least I hope so.
Either way, I am eternally grateful that she loves to feed.
2 comments:
When she's a stroppy teen, Phoebe will hold it against you for publishing this photo (which I think is lovely).
Oh, you know it. She'll absolutely die if it's still around when her friends or (good God!) romantic interests could see it!
---Uncle Kevin
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