mation to follow my instincts and nurse this weet, empathetic girl into her toddlerhood. KENNON GUERRY San Francisco, California THE COSLEEPERS’ CONNECTION Before baby, I had been known to sleep for 12 hours straight. With the arrival of our son, Bodhi, my deep-sleep feats drastically shifted as my husband, Jamie, and I chose to cosleep. My awareness blanketed all of us as we drifted through the night in a synchronized dance of sleeping, waking, and feeding. Our choices felt right from the cores of our beings. Only later did we learn the benefits of cosleeping and breastfeeding (see “The Science of Sharing Sleep,” January–February 2009). Now that Bodhi is older and has transitioned into a crib in his room down the hall, our bodies till share a deep connection. I often wake dur-
ing the night when I hear him quietly stirring. I
can feel a part of myself travel down the hall to
check in on him, even though I have not physi-
cally left our bed. Bodhi also wakes up asking
to “Nurse Mama!” when he hears me roll over
for the first time in the early morning. I wish the

researchers and health professionals who are against bedsharing could experience what we have. Then they might know for themselves, from a place of body awareness, the emotional, spiritual, health, and safety advantages.

MEGHAN MCCHESNEY GILROY

Marblehead, Massachusetts

TANDEM AMPHIBIAN NURSING

This is a photograph of my daughter, Emeline, at 18 months, giving “na nees” to frogs, to comfort them after they fell into the tub. Thank you, Mothering, for giving me the support and affir-

BREASTFEEDING TRIUMPH

When my daughter was two months old, we moved to Hong Kong, where breastfeeding past the newborn stage still seems to be somewhat of a radical idea. When even the midwives at the doctor’s office suggested I switch to formula at four months, it was all too easy. Thankfully, I found a local La Leche League chapter and Mothering shortly after quitting breastfeeding. I realized it was possible to reestablish nursing, and found support from people who understand that breastfeeding is about so much more than just food. I began the journey of relactating when my daughter was six months old, and we haven’t looked back.

BROOKE DEMPSEY