[Editor's Note: So much truth rings true in the words Heather at Sit a Spell wrote about the things she has learned while helping new moms learn to breastfeed. My jaw dropped and I nodded and I felt both guilty and encouraged. Heather is starting a new path with the knowledge she has gleaned over the years, and I can't wait to see what else she learns. -Jenna]
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I've made many mistakes while learning to support women. Especially in my younger years. Immaturity often means we're unable to value the beliefs and methods of others. We're quick to judge. We're unloving and aloof when someone doesn't think the same way we do or mother according to our convictions. We forget we don't all carry the same memories, upbringing, and values in our suitcases. We think we can live different lives and all come out the same shape. We are quick to decide who "gets it" and who doesn't. We love putting people into piles. We major on the differences and forget how similar we all are. I've been guilty of hurting women in this way. Twelve years of invitations into the homes of new moms has trained me to look for common ground. Thankfully, there's a whole lot of it to be found.
I've learned that supporting women means loving them right where they are and trusting them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. It means listening, offering suggestions, ideas, but always reminding each woman that she has choices, these are her decisions, she has a voice, and she should use it.
Photo Credit: daquellamanera.
