Staying Consistent and Keeping a Routine: The Key to Successful Potty Training
Mar 15, 2025By Tanvi Munjal
Picture this: A new mom sits in a dimly lit nursery at 2 AM, tears streaming down her face as her newborn struggles to latch for the third hour straight. She's exhausted, her nipples are sore, and she's wondering if she's doing something wrong or if breastfeeding is supposed to be this hard. This scene plays out in countless homes around the world every night.
Despite what we often see in heartwarming commercials – where breastfeeding looks effortless and blissful – the reality is that for many women, breastfeeding comes with a significant learning curve. It's a natural process, yes, but that doesn't mean it's always intuitive or easy. Like many worthwhile endeavors in life, successful breastfeeding often depends not just on determination but on having the right support system in place.
Think of breastfeeding as learning to dance with a partner who doesn't know the steps yet and can't communicate except through cries and wiggles. Both mom and baby are figuring it out together, and that beautiful rhythm takes time, patience, and, often, guidance from those who've danced this dance before. This is why a strong support system isn't just helpful—it's absolutely essential for breastfeeding success.
The Need for Support
Breastfeeding can be tough in those early days and weeks. A new mom might be dealing with:
- Physical discomfort or pain
- Uncertainty about proper latch and positioning
- Concerns about milk supply
- Exhaustion from round-the-clock feedings
- Emotional ups and downs from hormonal changes
- Anxiety about whether the baby is getting enough milk
Without support, these challenges can feel overwhelming, leading many women to give up breastfeeding earlier than they had planned. In fact, while many mothers intend to breastfeed, the numbers drop significantly in the weeks and months after birth, often due to a lack of adequate support.
Why Support Makes All the Difference?
Support systems don't just provide practical help – they create an environment where a breastfeeding mom can feel confident, capable, and understood. Here's why this matters so much:
- Practical knowledge transfer: Many new moms haven't grown up seeing breastfeeding regularly. Having someone who can show proper positioning, explain what a good latch looks like, or demonstrate how to use a breast pump can make all the difference.
- Emotional reinforcement: When breastfeeding gets tough, having someone say, "You're doing great" or "This is normal" can provide the emotional boost needed to keep going.
- Problem-solving assistance: From engorgement to blocked ducts to thrush, various challenges can arise. Support people can help solve them or know when to suggest professional help.
- Physical relief: Breastfeeding can be physically demanding. Having someone bring water, prepare meals, or take the baby for a burping break gives mom essential moments to rest and recover.
- Perspective and encouragement: When a mom is exhausted at 3 AM, questioning if she can continue, a supportive voice can remind her why she started and that things will get easier.
How Can Everyone Help?
Breastfeeding success truly takes a village. Here's how different people can contribute:
Partners
As the person closest to the breastfeeding mom, partners have a special role:
- Learn about breastfeeding alongside the mom
- Bring water, snacks, and anything else she needs during feeding sessions
- Take over diaper changes and burping
- Handle household responsibilities so mom can focus on feeding and rest
- Offer sincere encouragement and reassurance
- Be an advocate when well-meaning relatives or friends give outdated advice
Family Members
Extended family can provide invaluable support:
- Prepare meals or organize meal trains
- Help with household chores
- Care for older children
- Respect the breastfeeding mom's decisions and boundaries
- Offer encouragement rather than judgment
Friends
Friends can step up in meaningful ways:
- Check-in regularly but respect privacy
- Share resources if they've breastfed before, but only if asked
- Organize practical help like grocery deliveries
- Listen without judgment when mom needs to vent
Healthcare Providers
Professional support is crucial:
- Doctors and midwives should provide accurate breastfeeding information
- Lactation consultants can offer specialized help for specific problems
- Pediatricians should be supportive of breastfeeding goals and provide growth reassurance
Community Resources
The broader community can help, too:
- Breastfeeding support groups provide peer connection
- Online communities offer 24/7 support and information
- Workplace policies that accommodate pumping needs
- Public spaces that welcome breastfeeding mothers
Conclusion
When a mother has comprehensive support, she's more likely to reach her breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be. The early challenges often give way to a rewarding experience that both mother and baby can benefit from.
Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique. Some moms will breastfeed for years, others for months, and some may combine breastfeeding with formula. The goal isn't perfection – it's a healthy, happy mother and baby.
If you're a breastfeeding mom, don't hesitate to ask for the support you need. And if you're part of someone's support system, know that your encouragement and practical help aren't just nice – they're making a profound difference in that breastfeeding journey.
