Back in the day woman learned all they needed to know about nursing and infant care by witnessing their mothers and other women.
Thus the phrase 'it takes a village'.
At some point it became a faux pas to be seen breastfeeding.
Maybe you still grew up in an environment where breastfeeding was an acceptable and honored tradition.
Maybe you grew up where no one talked about this naturally beautiful act.
I grew up never seeing anyone breastfeed.
Any thing I heard about it from others (not my parents per se) always seemed to be along the lines of how 'inappropriate it is to do that in public' or how 'gross' it was.
Despite hearing this as often as I have, it didn't seem to affect my decision to breastfeed my own children.
And yet having never witnessed it in person and little hand me down knowledge I felt like I was going to be starting from scratch.
Fortunately, a friend and new mother (who shared my views on the importance of this bonding experience) purchased and sent me the above book.
This book is wonderfully written to explain the importance and art of breastfeeding.
Despite this being such a natural part of life it isn't something that comes naturally to everyone.
The book takes the time to explain the how to's and the what if's and the if that didn't work try this's.
Later in the book it discusses pumping, bottle feeding, sleeping arrangements, and transitioning to solid foods.
Whether or not you feel 100% about all the methodology in this book, I still highly encourage all mothers-to-be to purchase this book or register for it so friends of mothers-to-be can get it for you.
Find out if your hospital provides a lactation consultant for the moments and days after birth while you are still in the hospital.
Find a local La Leche League for support and additional education.
From the moment we announce that we are pregnant everyone has suggestions and advice on how to be pregnant and how not to be pregnant.
From the moment you have a baby, I've been told, people will tell you how to and how not to parent.
I've been warned that I will be critiqued.
Everything I do will be analyzed by someone.
I know that I'll hear the whispers about how 'inappropriate it is to do that in public' or how 'gross' breastfeeding is.
I don't think there is anything that can prepare you for the bluntness of complete strangers, except being informed and being confident.
Knowledge is power.
So pick up a copy of this book and inform yourself.
I hope you all had a Blessed Saturday
This week's verse to memorize:
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ~Hebrews 12:3
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