If an electrical storm wiped out the internet (perhaps forever), this, about my passion, in 300 words or less, is what I would tell you.
First. Breastfeed. Even if you think you won’t like it, even if you think you won’t be able to do it. Try it. Even if it’s only for three days. Your colostrum is the most important gift, other than life, and other than love, that you could ever give your child. So give it. Because you have it. And for whatever it is worth, I believe that you can do it.
Second. Find a friend. Find someone who will support you when things go wrong. Who will love you no matter what a crappy day you had or how many times you yelled. Who will help you remember your core self when you really need reminding. La Leche League meetings are a wonderful place to meet other breastfeeding moms in your community. It is also a free life line to breastfeeding success. If you don’t like it, that’s okay. Just find someone to lean on. It’s important.
Third. Consider child-led weaning. Be open to the possibility of breastfeeding long term. You can’t know in the beginning how long you will nurse because you will never understand the value of breastfeeding past x months or years until you get there. Be open to continuing. Know that even working moms have made it work. You can too.
Last. Be an advocate for other breastfeeding moms. Smile at them. Support one another. Pass on breastfeeding wisdom you have gained. Breastfeed in public. Help make breastfeeding the normal, natural practice of feeding and comforting a child that it is by helping to make it visible.
Breastfeeding moms unite!
This post is for Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ’10 contest.
Related posts:
Bravo, Melodie! I love this post. Good luck in the contest!
Amber´s last blog ..Passion, Interrupted
I met my best friend at LLL in 1986.
Great post! If the Internet was going to disappear, I’d be too busy frantically printing things off and sending facebook requests for phone numbers/physical addresses of all my friends to post anything myself! But I love what you had to say. So many people don’t even give breastfeeding a fighting chance- it would be awesome if more moms did, and if the rest of us by supporting them could help make it happen
Maman A Droit´s last blog ..How do Mommies Make Friends?
Awesome! Good luck!
sage advice & good luck!
the Grumbles´s last blog ..in defense of ‘mommyblogging’
What true and awesome advice!! Go you!!
Upstatemomof3´s last blog ..Something To Be Proud Of
I love this! Very succinct yet covers my philosophy perfectly. I desperately hope that I’ll be part of the generation that creates a permanent change in how our society views breastfeeding!
@Rebecca – I think anyone who’s nursing now is a part of the breastfeeding revolution. All you have to do is make a difference in how one person views breastfeeding and you’ve helped create a chain reaction