I feel so overwhelmingly thankful and blessed that up to now that my little one is ten months old, still I am able to breastfeed him round the clock, whenever he wants to day and night. Thanks be to God!
Look at those six pearly white teeth (At around ten months)
Just want to share this page to those who are about to be moms, those who are planning to breastfeed, those who were already on breastfeeding and especially to those who were planning to give up breastfeeding due to stress, thinking that they're not producing enough milk.
With my experiences last 2009, really it took me only around a week or two to breastfeed as really it's so hard at first especially that I had caesarian operation. Those few days were really tough for me to breastfeed as I can't position my baby well, not feeling comfortable with my wound. This situation led my first to be introduced earlier into formula and was fed with it more often while I'm still adjusting with my operation. I felt so sad as the soonest time came that I was ready to focus on breastfeeding, I've noticed my breast milk supply had decreased. It was really a very stressing moment, baby won't latch on properly as she was more into bottle feeding already and might not be getting ample amount of milk. Tried to pump but really I got so little and that maybe I might not also be doing it the right way.
For some breastfeeding moms, it will not always be successful especially if it's your first time just like me, but then on with experience, we learn from it and there will always be a second time around to make it better and to do your best. I was given this chance when I gave birth to my second child last November 2013.
With my first wayback 2009, I was put into general anesthesia so I was sleeping for some hours before I was able to hold my baby. She was handed down to me like after two days so I wasn't able to breastfeed her right away. I think that's how they handle it for caesarian operation cases, maybe for recovery purposes. Breastfeeding was not suggested nor has been promoted to me by my private OB-Gyne.
So I can say that one factor that also helps was how you were informed about the importance of breastfeeding, how you get started. With my second in another hospital, the staff were really encouraging us mommies to breastfeed and that they were really promoting it. Just before I had that day of my scheduled operation, I was asked if how I would like my baby to be fed and I happily told them by breastfeeding. :) They placed him beside me the soonest I got some rest for his feedings.
The moment I held my baby and breastfed him was such a wonderful feeling. No amount of words can describe it. The nurses were very accommodating, they helped me out on how to position him properly so he can latch well. I was even invited to watch a breastfeeding demo together with other moms who had chose to breastfeed, too. We spent around 45 minutes on watching then afterwards we're brought to a pumping station room where they taught us how to use or pump breast milk ourselves.
Baby was just around for some hours as afterwards, he was brought to a pediatric ward for observation as they found out some infection which they say was just normal for newborn babies. While he was there, I was pumping milk then handed them over to the pediatric staff for his feedings. To share, I was using there by the way the Medela Professional Symphony Breastfeeding Pump, bigger with those normal ones we usually see. There's a rhythm and timing with every pump it makes, slow to fast levels to choose from, has a stimulation/let-down phase, it's very gentle.
So I can say that one factor that also helps was how you were informed about the importance of breastfeeding, how you get started. With my second in another hospital, the staff were really encouraging us mommies to breastfeed and that they were really promoting it. Just before I had that day of my scheduled operation, I was asked if how I would like my baby to be fed and I happily told them by breastfeeding. :) They placed him beside me the soonest I got some rest for his feedings.
The moment I held my baby and breastfed him was such a wonderful feeling. No amount of words can describe it. The nurses were very accommodating, they helped me out on how to position him properly so he can latch well. I was even invited to watch a breastfeeding demo together with other moms who had chose to breastfeed, too. We spent around 45 minutes on watching then afterwards we're brought to a pumping station room where they taught us how to use or pump breast milk ourselves.
Baby was just around for some hours as afterwards, he was brought to a pediatric ward for observation as they found out some infection which they say was just normal for newborn babies. While he was there, I was pumping milk then handed them over to the pediatric staff for his feedings. To share, I was using there by the way the Medela Professional Symphony Breastfeeding Pump, bigger with those normal ones we usually see. There's a rhythm and timing with every pump it makes, slow to fast levels to choose from, has a stimulation/let-down phase, it's very gentle.
My very first pumped breastmilk
My precious milk, the golden "colostrum"! :)
Feeding him with my pumped breast milk while he was at the pediatric ward
Wow, almost finished... Good boy! :)
These bonding moments were really a very rewarding start for me. Of course, with the help of God first. The feeling is indescribable, very overwhelming as a mom.
When I checked out from the hospital, my baby had to stay more as he needs another week for him to complete his antibiotics. At home, have been pumping time to time, then his Dad brings the pumped breast milks at the hospital for his feedings. At home, I have been using this Medela Harmony Manual Pump. Just like Symphony, it works great with too, so easy to use and very light. As time goes by, for each regular pumping, I had achieved a successful milk supply.
My pumped breast milk at home
Pumping every 2-3 hours
Feeding time again
Loves his precious milk <3
Also, whenever I have time, I always read about breastfeeding tips and ideas on the internet for added inputs. For every question I had in mind, I google it. :) Also, I am writing down notes from the experiences of other breastfeeding moms, it really do counts.
I have learned that every mom has adequate amount of breast milk to feed his baby, you just really have to work it out. From warm massage to pumping and drinking more water. Supplementing with nursing teas and supplements helps, too. You just really have to do your best. :)
My favorite supplement from my native country, look at that pumped milk! Just waiting to be mix with his morning cereals :)
My breastfeeding assistants :)
By the way, lately I had been using the Medela Swing and it really works perfect, too! ;) Just find the Symphony a bit tiring especially when pumping takes a longer time.
My Medela Swing
And to complete the list, you should always have breast pads with you, it's a must! Same with nursing bras for comfortability during breastfeeding.
My stocks of disposable breast pads which I use only when we're outside
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The Avent washable pads were the ones I have been using ever since
Added inputs, major basis to consider that you're really doing well in breastfeeding is that your baby increases in weight during his monthly check-up. ;) Seeing my baby's weight goes up do really assures me that I am breastfeeding well, and every time the hospital staff tells me that I am doing great on breastfeeding do really makes me happy and glad.
Fell asleep while breastfeeding, priceless! :)
For me breastfeeding is a journey. I think most breastfeeding moms will agree with that based from their experiences. I can say that it's not that easy at first, I myself had undergo a stressing time somehow that there were moments that I wanted to alternatively feed him by formula as every time I breastfeed him, I have been worrying if he's getting enough milk as unlike bottle feeding, you know how much amount your baby consumes.
But considering how my baby gets along with every feeding (satisfied, happy, soundly asleep at night, regular change of nappy), has been my basis that he's getting enough milk from me. Actually thinking and worrying gives you stress and it's a big no-no when it comes to breastfeeding as it will decrease your milk supply as I had read. Rather be inspired, think of happy thoughts instead, surround yourself with good moods and positivities and you're on the right track.
It's a journey of you and your baby. :) More time to bond with your little one and knowing he gets the best feeds from it makes you feel happy and worry free. As compared to formula feeding, with my first, she cries a lot, always had tummy problems and always spits milk even until she passed her toddler stage. With breastfeeding on my second one now, he's such a happy baby, healthy tummy really never had a problem with it, he always had good digestions. For the first six months while on breastfeeding alone, his poo-poos had no smell at all, too. Also, there's so little milk spits, he only had them when he was weeks old. And also from the very start, he sleeps straight through the night from birth up to now. In general, with breastfeeding, every thing is healthier and lighter.
To add, my baby was just introduced with solid foods when he turned six months as what suggested by the clinic since he was on exclusive breastfeeding and that I was also informed it will help to prevent him from allergic reactions to food at an early stage.
Just keep it up mommies! Always give yourself a pat on the back that you are doing great. You will find it really rewarding as time goes by, and especially will surely treasure each bonding moment every time you breastfeed.
And for those who finds it stressful, don't give up. Yes at first, most will experience sore nipples, just take it easy, take a deep breath and relax. There are many ways to sooth them out like creams though I haven't use one for myself as I had no issue about this with my little fella, as he had been so gentle. :) Just lately that he have been biting them already with his six teeth, yay! :)
But considering how my baby gets along with every feeding (satisfied, happy, soundly asleep at night, regular change of nappy), has been my basis that he's getting enough milk from me. Actually thinking and worrying gives you stress and it's a big no-no when it comes to breastfeeding as it will decrease your milk supply as I had read. Rather be inspired, think of happy thoughts instead, surround yourself with good moods and positivities and you're on the right track.
It's a journey of you and your baby. :) More time to bond with your little one and knowing he gets the best feeds from it makes you feel happy and worry free. As compared to formula feeding, with my first, she cries a lot, always had tummy problems and always spits milk even until she passed her toddler stage. With breastfeeding on my second one now, he's such a happy baby, healthy tummy really never had a problem with it, he always had good digestions. For the first six months while on breastfeeding alone, his poo-poos had no smell at all, too. Also, there's so little milk spits, he only had them when he was weeks old. And also from the very start, he sleeps straight through the night from birth up to now. In general, with breastfeeding, every thing is healthier and lighter.
To add, my baby was just introduced with solid foods when he turned six months as what suggested by the clinic since he was on exclusive breastfeeding and that I was also informed it will help to prevent him from allergic reactions to food at an early stage.
Photo taken when he had his very first solid baby food (just when he turned six months)
And yes, breast milk will always be there! ;)
And for those who finds it stressful, don't give up. Yes at first, most will experience sore nipples, just take it easy, take a deep breath and relax. There are many ways to sooth them out like creams though I haven't use one for myself as I had no issue about this with my little fella, as he had been so gentle. :) Just lately that he have been biting them already with his six teeth, yay! :)
With my "Mini Me" :)
Truly, I am blessed and thankful to be given the chance. Thanks be to God for such wonderful moment that my baby and I will treasure for a lifetime.
"While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby." ~ Amy Spangler
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