In case you didn’t get the memo, August 1 – 7 is World Breastfeeding Week — a time to educate women on breastfeeding and encourage a more breastfeeding-friendly culture. (Which does not include the ridiculous assertion that opting out of breastfeeding should be illegal, Giselle.)

Being a (semi) long-term breastfeeder myself (I’m up to 18 months and counting), I’m right on board with spreading the lactation love, but I think World Breastfeeding Week is also a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude to our wives, partners, mothers and daughters who nurse (or nursed) their children.

I know you might think that breastfeeding gets enough pomp and circumstance as it is (what with the absurd assumption that good mommy = breastfeeder, bad mommy = bottle-feeder), but there is a level of sacrifice required when you dedicate your body to your baby. From the determination and perseverance in early around-the-clock nursing, to the hours spent pumping at work, to the precious bonding memories once it’s over, breastfeeding is a monumental event. It’s something that should be recognized and appreciated — at least once a year. And mothers can have a lifelong memento with these gift ideas:

Bags are a staple of motherhood, and I love this hand-painted one from the Etsy shop lafan. At first glance it appears to be a giant tree (symbolic of life and rebirth), yet look closer and see the silhouettes of two breastfeeding mothers sitting back-to-back.

“We Add Up” is a global campaign that raises awareness for social and environmental causes by selling cotton T-shirts that literally count you into the effort. To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, $3 from the sale of each shirt is donated to Best for Babes, the organization that educates women on breaking down “the cultural and institutional barriers that prevent moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.” They believe all moms need to be encouraged and celebrated, whether they breastfeed for two days, two years or not at all.

Nursing necklaces are popular with women tired of their jewelry, hair, glasses and skin getting pulled and played with during feeding sessions. They’re designed to be resistant to tugging hands and safe for chewing, but they don’t exactly have the reputation of being attractive. Yet this Honey Jade nursing necklace from Natural Kids and Toys is made from a semi-precious stone (which they claim releases energy and joy) and cotton cord to provide a multisensory experience for babies and a pretty accessory for mommies.

This necklace from Moon Dog Farm is a beautiful alternative to the traditional hoop-like nursing necklaces. Yet this all-natural pendant and break-resistant cotton cord is safe for pulling and swatting.

And to preserve the emotions and memories of nursing (and motherhood in general), KmBerggren captures the most intimate moments in her paintings and prints that would touch any mother.

For 10 Steps to Breasfeeding Success, read our Being Pregnant blog.

Also check out my post last week on how to look stylish while breasfeeding without wasting any money on short-lived, expensive nursing clothes.

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