Hi folks!
Time really flies, as I recount, this has been my third
breastfeeding journey and it has been an amazing 6 years (and still ongoing) of
bonding time with my three lovely children. Yes! To think my first child is now
nine and she is my first teacher who taught me I could do it! It is a mother’s
instinct. It is also the very task, which I persevered really long, and hard
which has given me the oomph, the belief and faith to continue what I believe
to be good for both mom and child. Not to mention a great thanks to my DH,
without him, I would not be able to carry on thus far.
I remembered when I was pregnant with KY, I read up a lot
about breastfeeding. There are a lot of information right now everywhere which
you can refer from internet, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines and even Facebook
support group or forums.
In summary, Breastmilk is good for both mom and baby
because:
For baby:
1. Builds natural antibodies for the child
2. Reduces risks of baby getting diarrhoea, respiratory
infections, allergy and a lot more
3. Encourages brain development
For mommies:
1. Reduces chances of getting breast cancer
2. Burns calories (up to 600 calories per day) – I was able
to wear my jeans 3 months after delivering my child naturally.
To sum it all up, I would like to share what I called my
Breastfeeding CV below both for my record as well as for all mothers out there
as a reference and fun guide.
Child No.
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
Education/
Reference
|
From books and mommies who have breastfed
|
From Websites, e.g.,
|
From FB Chatgroup and forums
|
Experience /Challanges
|
1.
Being first-time mom and surrounded by people
who did not breastfeed their child or do not understand that this can be done
even after we returned to work makes it tough to “fight” the battle.
2.
After stopping breastfeeding for 6 days due to
taking antibiotic for wisdom tooth removal surgery at 3rd month
after delivery made my breastmilk, supply reduced from 7-8 oz per expression
to 1.5 oz per session.
However, with
perseverance and seeking advice from other more experienced breastfeeding
moms, I managed to regained the supply with plenty of nutritional soup and
drinks.
|
1.
Being born as big baby (at 4.2kg), SE was
placed under observation in NICU for the first 2 days after delivery. I was
only able to latch on the third day. That does not deter me from
breastfeeding my child.
2.
SE had mild lactose intolerance at the
beginning and breastmilk always contains lactose, as does infant formula made
from cow's milk.
Managed to
continue breastfeeding him when stopping briefly for 1-2 days to let his very
bad diaper rash recover.
|
1.
Being third-time mom, I should have the faith,
belief and enough willpower to continue to breastfeed my child. No major
challenges.
2.
I invested in a good double-pump so that I
could store up enough breastmilk supply even after I returned to work. It
really pays well. I even have extras to donate to others.
|
Achievement
|
Fully-breastfed till 6 months old and continue to breastfeed till 1
year old(on top of solid food and soymilk)
|
Fully-breastfed till 6 months old and continue to breastfeed till 3
year old(on top of solid food and soymilk)
|
Fully-breastfed till 2 years and 3 months old and continue to
breastfeed till now (on top of solid food and oatmilk)
|
Lessons Learnt/Benefits gained
|
The first two-week (at least) is not easy), persevere.
Breastfeeding helps me to regain my pre-pregnancy weight in a natural
and healthy manner. I was able to fit in my jeans 3 months after I’ve
delivered KY.
|
Believe in yourself (as a mom), continue to research and learn.
Having followed a healthy and balance diet throughout the previous
breastfeeding journey makes the next pregnancy journey so much better and
also a healthier baby no. 2 too.
|
Breastmilk is so precious, do not waste any single drop, and share it
with others who need it.
|
Taken in year 2009 (with KY and SE) and my CNY nursing shirt
Check out
more of our stories and adventures with baby no. 3 and what this 3rd baby teaches me.
Cheers!
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