What if my mother-in-law disapproves of my breastfeeding? What do I tell her?

Q: What if my mother-in-law disapproves of my breastfeeding? What do I tell her?
 
A: Family support is very important in the success of breastfeeding, especially if they live with mommy and baby. It is quite common to have minor differences between daughters-in-law and mothers-in law. And breastfeeding is not excluded. Count the fact that the current generation of mothers these days were formula fed, almost all (it was in the 1970s when there was an influx of formula brands and it was believed to be superior to breast milk at the time).

Believe it or not, the disapproval does not come from a personal issue between you and your mother-in-law. They are coming from love and trying to give the best to their apo too.  Also, try to understand that the information that they know compared to what you have, now, about breastfeeding and child rearing are from opposite sides of the spectrum. Thus, you will naturally have differences.

Never disagree with your mother-in-law's opinion. Gently share with her the information that you now know. You may leave some printed materials, let her eavesdrop on a conversation with a friend or your lactation counselor, invite her to breastfeeding classes and support groups. Try to follow one or two pieces of advice she has told you and tell her why it doesn't work out for you.

Remember that her advice always come from love. So that's where you should come from too.