Breastfeeding Tip: Find Your Tribe

Breastfeeding is not only best for baby and Mom's health. It's also fun, empowering and enjoyable if you approach it the right way. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages Moms to breastfeed their babies for at least one year or as long as mutually desired. Sadly, many Moms quit before that one year mark because challenges come up and they don't know how to access good support and information.

Here's a very important tip that will help you have a happy nursing relationship:

Build a support network

During your pregnancy, attend ongoing breastfeeding classes or La Leche League meetings. Ask your Doctor or Midwife for suggestions if you aren't aware of any groups in your area. Or search at La Leche League International's website to find a local group.

Find women who have or are nursing their babies and talk with them about their experiences. You might meet these Moms at your local Mom's group, where you worship, storytime at the library, or anywhere else Moms hang out.

In our society, it's rare to see women openly nursing their babies and that's one of the reasons that new Moms have challenges. Breastfeeding is an art, not a science, and it helps to have women who have "been there, done that" to support you.

Keep the phone numbers of one or two of these women, and a local La Leche League leader, with you when you go in to the hospital to have your baby. Not all labor and delivery nurses are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and may nactually discourage you.

After I had my first baby, one of the nurses told me not to nurse my baby for more than 5 minutes or "you'll get sore". If I had listened, there is probably no way I would have been able to bring in a milk supply adequate for my son's needs.

If you want to breastfeed your baby and enjoy it too, go find your tribe.