Nourishing the Body,
Mind and Soul

5 Steps to Breastfeeding Magic

By Shel Franco

Breastfeeding magic isn't "a given," but at the same time, it's not as elusive as you think. You might find it hard to believe, but breastfeeding magic is more about a state of mind than it is about having the techniques "down pat." These five steps will help you prepare to embrace the magic of breastfeeding.

It's a lot harder to experience the magic if you are always rushing through a feeding or passing off Baby so you can clean the house or run some errands. If something other than breastfeeding becomes your priority, you will find yourself spending nursing sessions trying to figure out ways to get Baby to take a bottle or nurse quicker or accept a pacifier.

When you find your thoughts wandering to all the things you could be doing other than breastfeeding, try to practice mindfulness. Feel Baby in your arms, how her head fits perfectly in the crook. Is her hair damp with sweat where she cuddles against you? And her feet, where are her precious feet? Are they pushed into the newfound softness of your belly? Become mindful of every swallow. What does nursing sound like? Listen. What does nursing smell like? Soon, instead of frustration, these sessions will become a time for meditation on motherhood at its finest.

A lot more goes into breastfeeding than simply filling your little one's tummy. Breastfeeding is about nourishing the body, the mind and the soul. No other means of feeding an infant even comes close to doing all three. Nursing is more than feeding; it is a way of mothering, too. Moms who breastfeed under the influence of "magic" put Baby to breast for absolutely everything.

Want to see more?

• Straight Talk About Real Babies: Defining New-Mom Expectations
• Magic: The Difference Between Loving and Tolerating Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding in Bed: What You Need to Know About Co-sleeping
• Talk about it!