All I Really Need To Know About Parenting, I Learned From Breastfeeding By Dawn Lamuth-Higgins
 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 yourself 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.
This article may be reproduced for educational purposes.
(from "Keeping Abreast" October/December 1999 issue)