Mothering is a long lesson in the virtue of perseverance. Among the many capabilities of a new mother, breastfeeding takes a huge amount of perseverance, patience and learning. If you are a new mom who is starting down the road of breastfeeding, chances are you may be having a rough ride in the beginning. Don’t worry; it gets better. Even if you feel like you can’t do it anymore, there are many helpful tips, tricks and practices you can imbibe so that you’ll stick with breastfeeding for as long as your child needs it.

Start breastfeeding from birth. When you come home from the hospital with your baby, you instinctively know two things: 1) that your baby needs nourishment (he or she is often hungry) and 2) your baby needs lots of comforting. As a new mom, you fulfill both these needs through breastfeeding!  In order for you to succeed in breastfeeding, you have to commit to it from the very beginning, the moment your child is born. Having the right frame of mind is key to breastfeeding success early on in  your baby’s life.

Create breastfeeding-conducive spaces. Breastfeeding is comforting and calming to your child, but it should be the same for you, too. At home, create a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere. Perhaps you can have a nice chair with a footrest on which you can prop up your feet. Always have a glass of water and healthy snack on hand so that you replenish the fluids and calories you are losing through breastfeeding. Have a stack of books or magazines within an arm’s reach, and perhaps even setup your iPod or music player with some soothing tunes. Having the right atmosphere for breastfeeding helps you enjoy that special bonding moment with your child.

Get through first two weeks of breastfeeding. The first two weeks of breastfeeding are typically the hardest: You’re tired, recovering from the birth; your baby is still learning to latch properly;  your milk supply needs to meet up with your baby’s demand. As a first-time mother, you may sometimes feels confused and scared about breastfeeding. Combat these negative feelings by surrounding yourself with people who can support you. This includes women friends and family who have breastfed well, a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor, even a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding–like anything that is learned–is a process.  Be patient with yourself, be patient with your body, and most importantly, persevere for the sake of your baby.  If you persevere, soon you will both be benefiting from the joy of breastfeeding, which also includes several health benefits for you and your child.