Supportive Friendships

When new moms ask me for advice with establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship, I always stress the importance of support. Support from family, from friends, from the husband/partner. If no one in your family has experience with breastfeeding, look for other areas for support (LLL, mom groups, etc.). Support can make an amazing difference in whether or not a mom succeeds. The importance of this support can apply to parenting in general, especially if you tend to parent outside the mainstream parenting world. Yesterday I got the chance to visit with a friend who shares much of the same views on parenting that I do. We spent the day talking and exchanging advice, venting about various topics, and generally enjoying each other's company. Getting a chance to relax in such a supportive environment definitely refreshed my mind. When I got home I felt like I was getting home from a vacation, I was refreshed, happy, and confident. If any moms out there are feeling like they are "trapped" in their house with the kids; if they are feeling like they are an "odd ball" in the parenting groups that they do belong to; if they are feeling pressured to go against their instincts as parents just because it is what other people do: then join a parenting group that has your interests in mind. If you breastfeed, join La Leche League. If you practice natural or attachment parenting, join an AP group. There are hundreds of such groups to search through on Yahoo groups, and you can also look for postings in your local community paper, on bulletins at the local library, and on Craigs List. What if you are unable to find such a group? Then create one. Chances are, there is another parent in your area who is in the same situation. Creating your own group is a great way to establish friendships with other supportive parents who share your views on parenting. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

Supportive Friendships