All I Really Need To Know About Parenting, I Learned From Breastfeeding

As a first-time mother, I tried to prepare for our new baby by reading all of the experts' books and arming myself with the latest baby gadgets.  Little did I know those quiet moments over the years spent breastfeeding would teach me all I really needed to know about being a mother, as well as some other universal truths.

• Eat when you are hungry.  Stop when you are full.  Take naps between courses.
• Touch.  Everyone loves skin-to-skin contact.
• Listen to your child.
• Trust your own instincts.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends.  Ignore the naysayers, especially if they are related.

• Let the telephone answering machine do its job.
• Be confident.  Be proud.
• Cuddle.  Snuggle.  Snooze.
• Read out loud to your baby.  It doesn't matter if it's the "New York Times" or "Winnie the Pooh."

• Take care of yourself.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Children are portable.  Take them with you.
• Sing, even if it's off-key.  If you don't know the words, make up your own.  When in doubt, hum.

• Simplify life.  Throw out the schedules and go with the flow.
• It takes time to learn all new things.   With practice, you get better every day.
• Marvel in the magic of your body.
• Drink lots of water.
• Sit back.  Relax.  Put your feet up.
• Look into your child's eyes.
• Smile.