Jenni, I feel strongly that one thing we can do is help young mothers understand about the "seasons of life." I sometimes ask a mother to think about the brief time period in her life when she will have infants/toddlers as a special season unlike any other. It is a very busy season, but it is a time to draw back from other commitments. I remind her that in just a few short years, that precious infant in her arms will be a school-aged little boy or girl. I tell her that shortly, her infant will be walking, exploring and beginning to become an independant little person. On a personal level I can relate strongly to the mother who feels tied down by motherhood, so maybe that helps a bit in my counseling. As a young mother of 28 I left my enjoyable and challenging career of teaching high school English to the cream of the crop kids in an Advanced Placement program to "just be a mommy." I felt very tied down. But it helps for a young mother to understand that the very fact of BEING a mother will take her life in new, meaningful directions. I wonder how many of us are in this challenging profession BECAUSE we are mothers? Many times, once a mother knows she can honestly confide her frustrations and mixed feelings about motherhood in you, she will begin to resolve the issues herself. I hope this helps, and I will look forward to further discussion on this issue. Warmly Glenni Lorick, BSE, IBCLC Lima Peru [log in to unmask] I