Here's a very important tip that will help you have a happy nursing relationship:

Build a support network of fellow nursing Moms

During your pregnancy, attend ongoing breastfeeding classes or La Leche League meetings. La Leche League, pronounced LA LAY-chay (Spanish for “the milk”) League, they are an international non- profit organization dedicated to breastfeeding. LLL is considered the world’s foremost authority on breastfeeding and has thousands of groups worldwide that meet monthly to help women learn to nurse their babies.

Ask your Doctor or Midwife for suggestions if you aren't aware of any groups in your area. Or search at La Leche League International's website to find a local group.

Note what a Mom named Kathy had to say: “LLL isn't only there for people who have problems. It can be a great place to make friends. As a teen mom, I know if I had known that I could go to a meeting without a need for problem fixing, then I might have made some friends who would have been a great influence on mine and my daughter’s lives. I regret not getting in touch with more likeminded mamas back then.”

Find women who have or are nursing their babies and talk with them about their experiences. You might meet these Moms at your local Mom's group, where you worship, story time at the library, or anywhere else Moms hang out.

In our society, it's rare to see women openly nursing their babies and that's one of the reasons that new Moms have challenges. Breastfeeding is an art, not a science, and it helps to have women who have "been there, done that" to support you.

Keep the phone numbers of one or two of these women, and a local La Leche League leader, with you when you go in to the hospital to have your baby. Not all labor and delivery nurses are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and may actually discourage you.

After I had my first baby, one of the labor and delivery nurses told me not to nurse my baby for more than 5 minutes or "you'll get sore". If I had listened, there is probably no way I would have been able to bring in a milk supply adequate for my son's needs.

If you want to breastfeed your baby and enjoy it too, go find your tribe.

Helpful Resources:

Holistic Moms Network is a non profit organization with chapters that meet monthly. For more information visit their website at: http://www.HolisticMoms.org

La Leche League is an international breastfeeding organization. For free breastfeeding information and to find a group that meets in your area visit: http://www.LaLecheLeague.org