Sources of our Becoming
Letters on breastfeeding

Our thoughts are not born in isolation. They are shaped by the stories we hear, the norms we inherit, and the silences we are taught to accept. In the realm of infant feeding, few topics are as emotionally charged and socially complex as breastfeeding. The way we think about it — as natural, as optional, as burdensome, as empowering — is deeply influenced by cultural narratives, medical discourse, marketing strategies, and generational beliefs. Breastfeeding activism challenges us to examine these sources critically. It asks: Who benefits from the way we think about breastfeeding? Whose voices are amplified, and whose are dismissed? By tracing the origins of our thoughts, we begin to reclaim them — and in doing so, we create space for informed, compassionate, and justice-driven conversations about infant nourishment and maternal autonomy. 


These letters are written by An Eerdekens, neonatologist and IBCLC lactation consultant, Melanie Miller, IBCLC lactation consultant, and Inge van Nistelrooij, care ethicist. They are an invitation to the reader: to walk alongside us, to discuss, to reflect, and to deepen. It is a call to plant seeds — seeds that highlight the significance of this ingenious piece of biology within our society. Breastfeeding is not merely about feeding a child; it is about the emergence of relationality, a defining trait of our humanity. It touches upon ecology, philosophy, women’s rights, and human rights. Through this exploration, we hope to shed light on its broader meaning and impact.

We wish the reader an enriching journey through these reflections, and we look forward to your response.




Email: gloedacademy@gmail.com

[continued]
28th of May, 2025 
Letter by An
... Confronted with her art, I began reflecting on how crucial our bodies are, yet how often we abstract them. Our skin, such a large organ, is used by a baby to form the first social contact of their life. The mother’s skin becomes the baby’s next living room after leaving the womb. One of her works, an image of a vulva and vagina, is titled With Tender Skin. It moved me. Female genitalia are rarely approached in such a way, even though this part of the body is the gateway to new life. The embodiment of relationality, as Inge also discusses in her book.

(https://www.hauserwirth.com/hauser-wirth-exhibitions/5155-berlinde-de-bruyckere-met-tere-huid-of-tender-skin/)


It made me think about how society views the female body. How much shame surrounds it. And that brings me to my scientific area of interest: breastfeeding. The organ responsible for milk production—the breasts—also carries an aura of shame. Breasts are often viewed through a sexualized lens. At the same time, there are garments on the market with deep necklines to enhance sexual appeal, while special breastfeeding clothing is available to cover the breasts during nursing. The biological function of this organ, which defines us as mammals, must thus be hidden. It’s absurd when you consider that breast milk is so much more than just nutrients. It is the primary site where a newborn experiences early socialization. The hormonally regulated openness and alertness to the environment that occur in the first hour of life—the so-called “golden hour”—are powerful tools that support the shaping of relationality.




With these experiences and thoughts, I boarded a plane to Poznań, Poland, on Monday. Together with two colleagues, I provided training to 80 neonatologists and neonatal nurses on FINE. This acronym stands for Family and Infant Neurodevelopmental Education and is the foundational training upon which the Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program (NIDCAP) is based. The training focuses on attachment, feeding, and creating a safe environment for vulnerable preterm and/or ill newborns. It was an intense week. The enthusiastic feedback from participants was encouraging. The realization that through education we can create opportunities to offer more and more vulnerable babies personalized, human-centered care gave me great satisfaction.

I flew back home and spent the weekend in nature with my partner. Waking up in a tent to birdsong, living in sync with nature’s rhythm—it was very relaxing and soothing.




After a few days of work at the hospital, I boarded another plane—this time to Tallinn for the European Association of Breastfeeding Medicine conference. On the first day, I attended an insightful workshop on the implementation of the Ethical Code of Conduct regarding the marketing of breast milk substitutes. The tone was set from the very first lecture. It addressed how we, as humans and mammals, are all part of a neoliberal system where human interests are subordinate to a profit-driven, consumption-oriented model. A key insight became clear to me: how formula feeding is viewed positively within this neoliberal system because it contributes to the gross national product. Yet, as a society, we collectively bear the side effects. The lack of protection against breast and ovarian cancer because women are not supported in breastfeeding, the health risks of consuming ultra-processed foods—such as obesity and other non-communicable diseases—these burdens on the healthcare system are borne by all. Meanwhile, the economic benefits of investing in and supporting long-term breastfeeding are not accounted for. A vital core of the female body is excluded, and we collectively pay a high price for it.

How can we raise awareness around this? Language plays a crucial role. How do we find the words to express that breastfeeding is not just about feeding a baby, but also about socialization, bonding, cancer prevention, neurological development, and health? Another aspect is the power of the individual. You can look away and go with the flow, or you can gather the courage to try to make a difference in one-on-one interactions with patients, colleagues, and others. Just think of what the “Me Too” movement has set in motion—that is a hopeful sign.

Voilà, these are the thoughts I wanted to share with you. I’m convinced that your perspectives would add great value, and perhaps this is a seed from which we can continue to work together with passion and a broad outlook.

Warm regards,
An




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Sources of our Thoughts - Letters on the Golden Hour