Angie and her husband Ronald have been married for 10 years. They reside in Niagara Falls, NY. They have 5 children. In addition to being an author, free-lance writer, teacher, and motivational speaker, Angie & her husband host their own local televsion show titled, "The Marriage Cafe".


While nursing may seem like the most natural thing in the world to some, others tend to view their experience as being one of cataclysmic proportions. On one side, you have “Nancy Nurser” who can eat a 3-course meal with one hand, while discretely breastfeeding a baby on the other, all the while carrying on an intelligent conversation, and never missing a beat. Then, on the other end of the spectrum we have “Frantic Franny” just trying to latch her crying baby on, as milk squirts out in four different directions like a sprinkler ready to soak anyone in its path. Do some women just have a knack for nursing, or is there more to it than that?

After nursing all five of my children, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about breastfeeding. While I’m not the in your face type of proponent you may have had an unpleasant encounter with, I definitely support and encourage nursing. The benefits far outweigh any of the negative aspects, which may or may not occur. Yes, it is true ladies that you will receive the best implant you could ever hope for; and better yet not only is it all natural, but it’s free too! Hold on a minute, before you lose your senses, I must add that when the milk’s gone-so are the implants. At times, especially at the beginning there will be soreness, and engorgement. And, it is a fact that when your baby gets teeth, they may choose to take an unwelcomed nibble in an unwanted place. But, these things are temporal, and are certainly not a guarantee. To me, all of these sticky situations are mild and minimal when compared to all of the undisputable benefits that nursing provides for both baby and mother.

Though nursing tends to come more naturally for some “seemingly
superwomen”, the truth is that almost all women can breastfeed with little or no difficulty. Nursing does take commitment & some amount of patience, but isn’t your child worth it? In no way do I condemn or look down upon any woman who chooses not to breastfeed. However, I do want to dispel some of the negative mindsets attached to it, that could keep some mothers at bay:

- With exception of the first few weeks, it usually does not hurt.

- It does not take up too much time. It takes less time to latch your baby on , than it does to prepare formula.

- Your baby will not become too attached, if there can even be such a thing for a fragile infant, fresh out of your womb. My children had no problem making the transition from the breast to a bottle of pumped milk, when the time came for me to leave them with someone. They did it with ease.

- You do not have to expose yourself. While a small handful of women actually go out of their way to do this, (for what reason, is unknown to me), the truth is you can successfully feed your baby in a discrete and inconspicuous way with the public being none the wiser. Most people thought my children were sleeping, whenever I nursed. Many clothing items are also available to aid you in this process.

So, whether you are natural “Nancy Nurser” or “Frantic Franny”, nursing your child doesn’t have to be as uncomfortable as an alien encounter. Instead, if you are a new mom considering nursing, get in contact with other women who have done it, and done it well. If you don’t know of anybody in your personal circle of friends, your hospital has information for La Leche Leagues, which can be a positive and rewarding resource. Just remember to relax, and enjoy the experience while it lasts. This can prove to be the best opportunity for you and your child to bond. Most moms miss those times once their children have grown. Needless to say, if things don’t go smoothly at first, hang in there. Remind yourself, that this too shall pass. Before long, you and your baby will be well on your way to happier, healthier times of bliss.

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