Hello everyone! Today, we have a very special interview with Ayana, the eldest of the family, who kindly agreed to share her thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding and her relationship with her little sister, Léni.
1. What do you remember about the moment when your mom started breastfeeding your little sister Léni for the first time?
A: I was not even 3 years old so I don't remember very very well but I felt a lot of love and tenderness, and especially I imagined myself in my little sister's place, I thought that I was also so small and in your arms, breastfed like that even if for less time.
2. How did you feel when your mom started breastfeeding Léni compared to when you were a baby?
A: I would have liked to breastfeed for longer, sometimes I would like to still be able to do it, it makes me want to, sometimes I would like to be able to suckle, I just like to think that I was like that too, but I find that this question is a little similar to the previous one.
3. What do you think about the fact that your mom is still breastfeeding Léni at 5 years old?
A: I think it's good but at the same time I think maybe it's time for them to stop. I want to take care of my little sister and sometimes, since I'm not a mom and therefore don't breastfeed her, she asks for mom. But I also think it's great, it gives me a feeling of calm, I feel good when I know my little sister is well (and that's where she is best, or when we laugh together).
4. How do you think the fact that your mom breastfeeds Léni has affected your mother-daughter relationship?
A: I think mom has the same relationship with me and my little sister, of course she spends a lot of time with her, but I had her all to myself for almost 3 years. Sometimes I'm a little jealous but I don't think it's because of breastfeeding but just because of sharing my parents of course. Mom took care of me the same way and we had the same very close relationship even when she gave me the bottle.
5. What do you think about breastfeeding in general? Do you think it's natural or weird?
A: Uh, well it's the most natural thing in the world!
6. Have you ever seen someone else breastfeed their baby? What did you think about it?
A: Of course, I see it all the time, every day, everyone breastfeeds in Barcelona. Well, I think it's too beautiful, I love seeing a child suckling, I know they feel good and it gives me a lot of peace, calmness.
7. How do you think breastfeeding has influenced the family dynamic at home?
A: Of course, mom spends more time with Léni in the evenings to put her to bed, but since she's here, I've been able to spend a lot more time with dad, and that's really great too! Breastfeeding is well accepted by everyone at home and in the family, so no problem from that side, and for mom, breastfeeding seems easy.
8. Is there anything you would like to say to your mom about her decision to breastfeed Léni?
A: It's good, when I have babies I'll breastfeed them too. As soon as Léni is ready to stop, which I think won't be long, that'll be good too, and i’ll be there for them.