Love that Baby!

Our babies are very special. They are patient with us while we try to do our best for them and they are very forgiving as we learn our way. With all the added stress and effort of breastfeeding after breast and nipple surgeris, we may not relax enough during our quiet moments with our babies to simply stare at them in joyful wonder, appreciating their every nuance, and learning their special ways of communicating with us. But they are only this little for such a short period of time. Once past, these precious quiet moments are gone forever, unless we've imprinted them on our heart's memory.

Now is the time, even in the middle of all you have to deal with, to immerse yourself in your baby and learn everything you can about his unique little self. In so many ways, he is unlike any other baby that has ever been born. And, as his mother, only you have the ability to see all that is truly wonderful about him.

Becoming a mother is a tremendous adjustment in identity and it is traumatic even for those mothers who are having their babies in the best of circumstances. But many mothers have found that the easiest way through this difficult time is to take comfort from their babies, and to give them comfort in return. Something very miraculous happens when a mother and her baby connect in this way. Suddenly it is as if they inside each other's skin and they can understand and anticipate the other's needs with even the smallest cue.

Being together as much as possible, both during the day and at night, enhances development of this synergistic relationship. Some mothers find that carrying their babies in a baby carrier or sling helps them to keep their babies close, while still having a hand free to do everything else that needs doing. Sleeping next to your baby at night continues that harmonious interaction and may result in more and better sleep for both of you.

You already know your baby better than any one else ever could and your love for each other will grow deeper and deeper and time goes on. By breastfeeding your baby, if only for a short while, you are connecting with him in a unique and intimate way that will always be a special bond between you. Above all, take as much time as you can to love that baby. The love you give him now has more power than it will have at any other time of his life.