Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My take on breast feeding


Just like how I wanted to normal delivery for my 1st born, I wanted the same to be able to breast feed her exclusively. However things took a different twist and I had an unplanned c-section and failed at breast feeding...yup...bubbles was fed with formula since she was at the hospital nurses and PMC being a hardcore breast feeding hospital caveman had to sign a consent paper to allow the nurses to give our hungry baby milk.

I did try...I think I tried very hard but it was not happening for me there was no milk but I still continued to give her my breast alternating with the bottle at every feed until she was 4 months when I surrender and she was exclusively on formula. Those 4 months when anyone asked me what is bubbles on...I would cringe and tell them she is on both formulas and breast then I would get the follow up questions...like ohh why are u giving her formula...u takde susu ke...etc..The worst was...u have big boobs im surprise u don’t have enough milk… urgggghhh when I think of it now...it’s kinda funny but back then it was very depressing, yes naturally a mother should be able to feed her babies naturally but there are some that aren’t so lucky but I was lucky I had a mother that was very understanding and supported me. Thanks ma!

This time around...I did have a normal delivery with the help of the epidural...yes I have totally under estimated normal delivery and yes it was very painful...after 4 hrs of pain I surrendered to the pain reliever...so Salut! to all the mothers that goes thru it without any help :D u are all champions!!!!. After the delivery, I was anxious to put my boobs to the test again, I didn’t put I hopes to high as I knew what happen the last time. This time, I didn’t put lulu on the breast until after  6 hrs after delivery and when I finally get to feed her the pressure was on...Alhamdulillah she seems to like my boobs more the her sister and I got  some help from the nurses at the hospital who constantly comes and check on the breast feeding...I was feeling more comfortable and relaxed...the 3rd day I was ecstatic when I saw milk dots coming out woohooo!!!...I had a good feeling about this....

now 2 weeks after the delivery, still not a latching pro yet,im glad that I have been able to breast feed lulu and she seems quite happy. Although my production is not as big as  big as others and I have to give her more feed to keep her full im grateful on how things are going so far and I hope it will continue to free flow..and I have found a few helping aid to help me pass the time while nursing...watch Grey's Anatomy...ANTM season 12 and listening to the Quran recital on caveman iPhone ( the iPhone is useful after all )  like they say kill to birds with one stone...:D.

 

So yeah…breast feeding is not easy ,everyday when i have to wake up at 3 am…and again at 5 am…and my nipples hurts like hell….times like this I get  very tempted to just give her the bottle…temptations ..temptations  temptations   

 

12 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a process that must be learned by both mother and child. Here are some tips that will help make nursing work for you and your baby:

Breastfeeding is Best

With rare exceptions, breastfeeding is the ideal method of feeding all infants and should continue through the first year of life or longer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding include:

• lower rates of gastrointestinal disturbances

• fewer inner-ear infections

• fewer respiratory infections

• fewer urinary tract infections

• lower incidence of chronic childhood diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
1. Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, preferably within an hour. The substance emitted from a mom’s breasts during the first few days following birth (colostrum) is rich in protein and other substances that help fight infection.

2. Try different positions when breastfeeding. Avoid leaning over the baby. Instead, sit back and bring the baby up to breast level. Use pillows for support.

3. Have your baby suckle on as much of the areola as possible.

4. Alternate the breast your baby begins with each time to reduce some of the soreness you may feel.

5. Seek an evaluation of your breastfeeding technique by a trained professional during the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.

6. Feed your baby whenever she shows signs of hunger. It is crucial that infants be fed on demand.

7. Nurse until your baby is satisfied. The fat content of breast milk increases during the suckling session. Let your baby finish the first breast (about 10 to 15 minutes) before offering the second.

8. Burp your baby once or twice during and after each feeding.

9. Avoid pacifiers until breastfeeding has been well established.

10. If possible, breastfeed exclusively during the first six months. Breastfeeding is ideal for your baby’s growth and development.

11. Do not give supplements (water, glucose water, formula, etc.) to your breastfed newborn unless a clear medical reason exists.

12. Your diet plays a crucial role in the success of breastfeeding. A diet based on the four basic food groups is recommended.

6 comments:

Sista said...

love the posted pic.

1) breast pump helps.

2) get rid of the formula in the house, keep it out of your mind that if boob got no milk, there's formula downstairs.

3) a good confinement lady knows how to booby massage to help milk flow.

4) once you got it, you got it.

5) don't give up.

a yummy mummy handbook said...

I luv it too..:) and thanks for the tips

little miss kechik said...

oh man.. i hate that "u got big boobs but no milk" part.. what do they of it? udder??

my sis in law breastfed my nephews until he was 2 years old. and he's very different from the other 2 nephews who were on formula.. lulu must be luvin it la.. hehe!

i read surah hujurat helps to menambahkan susu lemak manis anda itu.. insyaAllah..

a yummy mummy handbook said...

surah hujarat??..i shall check it on the iphone..ahahahha thanks

theadams said...

Reena, apart from those keys to succecful BF, u kena always 'pekak' kan telinga. Just dont bother about what other people say...BF as long as both of u long for....and remember that doesnt mean forever...

I was always have a very low milk supply but dont mind that,they'll be fine. Usually banana smothies works for me to increase the supply.

First four week till lepas pantang are the hardest but Once u master it...you can do it almost anywhere at any time.

And you can see how Tisha still miss it till now! And the bonding is..priceless!!

Btw, Reena after pantang dont forget to teach her to drink your breastmilk from the bottle as well, preparation-nanti u nak gi kerja..

Dian said...

Good luck Reena.. I know how hard it is to fight the temptation, but keep fighting :) Give baby Lulu 6 months exclusive breastfeeding.