Mommy milk: Who's telling these women they aren't enough?

"I wanted to breastfeed, but it didn't work."
"What happened?"
"I just didn't have enough milk."

I've heard this over and over again when conversing about breastfeeding. My grandmother, a college friend, a new acquaintance at a meeting. Who's telling these women they don't have enough milk?

From my experiences, we women hear from all over the place our inadequacy as moms. How many of us after marathon nursing sessions have seen family members or even strangers in the store and had them tell us, "Oh, looks like he's hungry!"?

The truth is that a very small percentage of women truly have a true insufficient milk supply. The other 34-35% of women who have perceived insufficient supply are biproducts of society, lack of information, and stress.

Things I've learned about breastfeeding:

1) Its a natural process, but it doesn't come naturally! You need to learn and thankfully your baby can still thrive while you are learning!

2) Your mind is your enemy. You have to stop thinking that you are inadequate. It will squash you and your supply.

3) You know your baby. When you are not freaking out about growth and development, you know your baby best.

4) Reading information is good. And bad. It is possible to read too much. Seek help from mommies who have breastfed and from reputable places like La Leche League and kellymom.com. BUT, all babies are different.

5) Your pediatrician most likely is schooled in formula feeding. Respect his/her knowledge in how your baby is doing, but their advice on feeding is limited with regards to breastfeeding.

6) You CAN do it.

7) Once you do it, your next children will be easier. They will be different babies, but YOU will know what you are doing.

8) Stop stressing (especially if you are repeatedly told your baby is gaining weight!). You have to take care of yourself to be able to make milk for baby.

9) With exceptions for physiological problems (like PCOS or thyroid issues), your body knows what it is doing.

10) Pumping is pumping, not the same as nursing. How much you pump is not necessarily how much milk you have.

11) Babies cry. Doesn't mean they hungry. They could have a clean diaper, be well fed and well rested and still cry. You know, they say newborns "eat, poop, sleep" but really it should be "eat, poop, sleep, and cry"

I'm sure there is much more I could say, but I want to encourage you new mommies or future mommies that breastfeeding is possible and its best for your baby. You can do it.
Let's stop telling women their babies are hungry and they don't have enough milk! Instead let's encourage each other.

**I want to say too that if you need to use formula for whatever reason: supply, stress, work, etc. It is NOT bad. Your baby will grow and be healthy and happy in your loving home.**