Parenting Inspiration

All I Really Need To Know About Parenting,
I Learned From Breastfeeding

(with thanks to Robert Fulghum for inspiring the format)

   As a first-time mother, I tried to prepare for our new baby by reading all of the experts' books and arming myself with the latest baby gadgets.  Little did I know those quiet moments over the years spent breastfeeding would teach me all I really needed to know about being a mother, as well as some other universal truths.
    Eat when you are hungry.  Stop when you are full.  Take naps between courses.
    Touch.  Everyone loves skin-to-skin contact.
    Listen to your child.
    Trust your own instincts.
    Surround yourselves with supportive friends.  Ignore the naysayers, especially if they are related.
    Let the telephone answering machine do its job.
    Be confident.  Be proud.
    Cuddle.  Snuggle.  Snooze.
    Read out loud to your baby.  It doesn't matter if it's the "New York Times" or "Winnie the Pooh."
    Take care of yourself.
    Wear comfortable clothes.
    Children are portable.  Take them with you.
    Sing, even if it's off-key.  If you don't know the words, make up your own.  When in doubt, hum.
    Simplify life.  Throw out the schedules and go with the flow.
    It takes time to learn all new things.   With practice, you get better every day.
    Marvel in the magic of your body.
    Drink lots of water.
    Sit back.  Relax.  Put your feet up.
    Look into your child's eyes.
    Smile.

© Dawn Lamuth-Higgins is a mother, writer, and the owner of Mommy Gear, an online breastfeeding boutique (www.mommygear.com).   This article may be reproduced for educational purposes.