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Breastfeeding Mama!

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July). For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council - Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding - Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!" Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

When I got pregnant, I knew instantly that I would be breastfeeding my baby.  My mom found it odd that I decided to breastfeed - this was because I grew up formula fed.  My twin brother and I were given formula since birth, there was no attempt whatsoever to breastfeed.  In fact my mom recounted that she was given medicine to stop the milk production.  My pedia, Dr. Joy Ty-Sy said that during my mom's time (when she had us) it was the boom of formulas, that it was the trend that time.  I grew up with formula, my cousins drank formula, I fed my baby cousins formula too!  So for my mom and me, it was a new thing.

My closest encounter with breastfeeding was with my sister-in-law.  She decided to breastfeed her baby, my niece - Elle.  I would remember my SIL lugging around a heavy bag with her electric pump wherever she went.  When we had dinners, out of towns and the like, she brought it with her.  She would breastfeed Elle when the baby demanded for it!  She was every ready with a nursing cover or towel.  I saw how natural it was for her to feed Elle, it made me realize that the female body was created for such - and I was honestly amazed at what moms were capable of.  And there, my highest respect for breastfeeding moms rooted from - I saw the difficulties and the benefits.  I remembered one time, my SIL was so mad - it was because she lost a big plastic container (plastic boxes that stacked) filled with frozen breastmilk.

And so, I prepared myself with breastfeeding.  I bought an electric pump, I watched the video on how it was supposed to be used.  I read the manual from cover to cover not once, not twice but THRICE!  I mastered myself with the contraptions of the hands-free pump so that when it was time for pumping, I'll be prepared.  I had all kinds of storage bags, I bought milk trays, I bought extra bottles - I really thought ahead and to say it frankly 'kina-reer ko ang paghahanda sa breastfeeding' I even asked for a lactation massage and asked for tips on how to increase my milk supply.  Kailee didn't have a hard time latching - and so I breastfed without any problems.  I'm also lucky enough to have friends who are very helpful, patient and encouraging when it came to breastfeeding.  My friend Sharon even gave me some of her milk a few days after I gave birth - and this gesture I appreciate so much!  I have to say this, I learned a LOT from their stories, email exchanges and advises.

 Kailee at 4 months

So, I'm a BREASTFEEING MAMA!  I say that with my chin up high and with the biggest smile on my face!  I've also tried nursing in public!  This is something I never thought I'd do - and when I did, I got a lot of stares from strangers - but who cares!  My Kailee now is four months old, and I am proud to say that she's taking breastmilk exclusively!  My mom used to tell me to supplement with water - but I refused and told her that breastmilk is the only supplement that the baby needs. And now that we're four months - my mom says she can see the difference already.  Kailee is healthier and stronger!  I honestly never thought that I will last this long, but here I am!  I plan to give Kailee breastmilk for as long as I can.  I have a freezer full of breastmilk that I can give her when the need arises. 

I can't explain why but I feel so empowered by my choice and now, to pay it forward, I encourage pregnant friends to breastfeed, I even offer to give them breastmilk - I cheer on friends who are already breastfeeding and I congratulate moms who breastfed their children.  Breastfeeding is not easy - but then again, what is easy?  Everything we do needs a lot of work, and breastfeeding is one of them.  I have to be honest, I lack sleep - I haven't slept straight since I gave birth but at the end of the day, when I see my Kailee happy and healthy - I know I made the right decision to give her breastmilk.

So to all the pregnant moms out there - Ask and be informed, I know its not easy but I promise you, you'll see the difference with your babies!  You just need a little push and encouragement - and if you need one, I'm here - my all out support is behind you!


The Low-Milk-Supply Mommy Did It! by The Odyssey of Dinna 
Milk Mama Diaries 3 by MimmaBenz (@benzcorana)
More Breastfeeding Promotion Plus a Guest Post by Chronicles of a Nursing Mom (@mamababylove).  Guest post by Shaps Lim(@cromartielove)


Comments

  1. i agree with you! breastfeeding is not easy - it certainly wasn't in my case. but the right attitude, supportive environment can really make a difference. and as breastfeeding moms who succeeded, the best way we can promote is indeed to pay it forward by helping and supporting our pregnant friends who are interested to breastfeed! :D

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  2. hah! i know, right?! breastfeeding may seem so natural, but it's not that easy.. especially with upping one's supply! magastos nga din (breast pump, various accessories, etc), sa totoong buhay lang. :D but then, i'm not complaining! it gives the most rewarding feeling, so who am i to complain? :D

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  3. Hi Jenny and Dinna!
    Thanks for dropping by! Your comments mean a LOT, THANK YOU!! :) I feel so empowered! Hehehe..

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  4. Great Job, mommy Didi! Kailee is looking really good. pretty soon she'll be crawling then walking :) May you continue to have a smooth breastfeeding journey with her :)

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  5. Come to think of it, my SIL breastfed my niece too and we had just gotten married then. She was the biggest influence that I had - but she was a silent one because she never told me to breastfeed. It was just by seeing her and seeing how good it was for my niece that got me to deciding on breastfeeding as well :)

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  6. Hi Nats! Thanks! :) Hope to bump into you soon!

    Hiya Pittipat! I actually never thought that it was through her that I decided to breastfeed! I just realized that recently! She really helped me a LOT.. Thanks for dropping by!!

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  7. i think you feel so empowered because it was a conscious choice you made, one you preared yourself for, one you invested in...

    and it is one of breastfeeding issues that is so hard to go about with: how do help more moms know what they're saying YES or No to when they breastfeed/formula feed?

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  8. Congrats Didi! I'm such a mediocre when it comes to breastfeeding, we mixed-feed. But I'm still glad that I still have milk and is able to nurse at night. I love our breastfeeding moments at night, a special time with my baby.

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  9. I salute you and all breastfeeding moms. My best friend still breast feeds her 5 yr old son. Yep, you read that right, 5 yrs old. I don't know how she does it but it sure made their mother-son bond a lot stronger. You keep going!!! God Bless always.. :)

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  10. Breastfeeding creates a special magical bond between mother and the baby. One of the saddest things observed in pregnant women is that they intend to bottle feed their kid as they have been warned about the shapelessness of their breasts. for more info visit at https://www.momycenter.com/stop-worrying-shapeless-boobs-breastfeeding/

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  15. Your heartfelt words and personal experiences shed light on the joys and challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of support and empowerment for all mothers. Any idea about how much money to give for college graduation gift 2023.

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  16. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences and spreading awareness about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding. Your blog serves as a valuable resource for mothers seeking advice, encouragement, and a sense of community. do teachers get paid in the summer its consider the individual's needs and interests.

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