That is similar to how it is with breastfeeding. To be successful at breastfeeding you have to add the essential ingredient…the breast! We are finding many mothers cling to advice to feed every 3 to 4 hours and that simply is not enough for the first weeks. It is a ‘good enough’ average for a well established breastfeeding relationship but it is no where near enough. Every woman has milk ducts ready to perform but it takes weeks for the “system” to mature. During those weeks many breastfeeding troubles can be avoided by simply bringing the baby to the breast as often as possible. It is not a sentence..it is practice time! The more you practice…the easier and the better the game!! We know it can be hard and we know it can hurt. We know a baby changes EVERYTHING and sometimes we are less ready for change than we think and that is ok. Just be reminded that there is a recipe for a pain-free, easy-peasy lemon squeezy breastfeeding relationship.  Commit to lots of time at the breast in the first few weeks and trust the pay off is wonderful. Take the “timed” feeding advice and put it somewhere for safekeeping. Try the “I feed my baby as often as I can” approach and then enjoy the benefits of your hard work.

There are lots of obstacles that arise when it comes to breastfeeding. Please do not throw in the towel any sooner than you would like to. Please reach out for help if you would like it.

And what ever you do…if you are to make pasta…add the pasta!!

Lots of love and hope for new breastfeeding moms!