Starting to breastfeed for any period of time can be exhilarating, challenging, frustrating, and a slew of other emotions and expectations. What woman doesn't want to ask their own mom (assuming that's possible and/or that woman's mother isn't toxic) what her breastfeeding experiences were? When a woman is choosing or attempting to start a journey that can be as difficult as it is wonderful, there are things every breastfeeding woman should hear from her mom to help her feel supported and validated and, well, ready.
For me, I started my breastfeeding experience with, well, a lot of trepidation. I knew my own mom had problems breastfeeding me way back when, and had given up on the entire experience just six weeks in, when it appeared she wasn't producing enough milk. She went to her doctor for advice, but I guess lactation consultants weren't as prevalent back then as they are now. The doctor immediately gave her formula to feed me, I appeared to settle down, and that was that.
I encountered my own (and multiple) problems breastfeeding, and while my mom didn't have a lot of advice to offer me, what she did offer was unconditional support. She told me she was proud of how hard I was trying to make breastfeeding work, she marveled at my perseverance, and she offered help whenever she could. In short, she continued to be a loving, supportive mother, just as I was coming into motherhood myself. She was able to offer the type of support that a partner can't, just because she had been through it herself, and I know how lucky I am to have experienced all that support and encouragement, especially in the early days.
So, with that in mind and in the hopes that every breastfeeding mother is getting the love and support and encouragement that she needs and deserves, here are 10 things every breastfeeding woman needs to hear from her mom.