My Breastfeeding Journey: The First Latch

(This is the first part of my breastfeeding journey. There are other parts that will discuss my challenges and tips based on my personal experience as a breastfeeding mom. I hope that through these series of posts, I would get to encourage young moms as well as first time moms to choose breastfeeding for their baby.) 

When I was still pregnant, there were a lot of people that influenced my decision to breastfeed my baby. I was very blessed to have a mom who's pro breastfeeding since I myself was a breastfed baby up to 3 years old.

LA at 2 days old

I also had a support group that encourages me to go for breastfeeding.

So there I was, very sure that I am going to breastfeed my son. 

Then, he was born.

I wasn't able to experience the "unang yakap" since I became unconscious after he came out. The resident doctor and nurses told me to breastfeed my baby, and so I did. Unfortunately, no milk came out of my breasts!!I was so sad but I didn't gave up. We tried to latch him again and again but he cries even louder.

Luckily, his pediatrician came and checked us. She taught me how to properly latch my baby. She even encouraged me to continue on breastfeeding because eventually, the milk will come.

We went home and everytime LA's hungry, we'll breastfeed. The first week was very challenging. I almost gave up because we are not latching properly and it hurts.

After 3 days, we went back to our pediatrician for LA's check-up. While waiting for our turn, we tried breastfeeding LA. My husband was holding him while I breastfeed. To our surprise, LA had milk falling from the side of his mouth!! At last, my milk came out and it was abundant!

From that moment on, I was determined to breastfeed LA whatever trials we'll go through. As long as LA wants my milk, I'm willing to give him everything I have.

Simple tips for new breastfeeding moms:

* Always make sure that your baby's mouth is wide open. (it's part of their reflex to open their mouth when you offer your breast)

* Offer a big portion of your areola to your baby and not just the nipple. (the reason why some moms are scared to breastfeed because of the thought that "it's painful". It is easy for babies to suck the nipple alone that's why it hurts. When your baby learns to latch properly with the areola, your breastfeeding experience will be a whole lot better)

* Your baby's lips should be in a "fish-mouth" position. (to know if you're baby is latching properly, he/she should have lips that are turned out)

*RELAX! - like your baby, you should also be relaxed. do not think of breastfeeding as a "job". Think of it as your own personal way of showing your baby how much you love them. Take time to caress your baby and sing him/her lullabies. This is your best form of bonding that no one can take.

HAPPY BREASTFEEDING!

Smart Parenting Breastfeeding Video

I, together with LA and my husband, went to a home store, IDeas for Living, at 2100 Chino Roces Ext., Makati City for a video shoot.



LA and I became a part of Smart Parenting's Breastfeeding video which aims to encourage future moms to choose breast feeding for their baby.

There were three other breastfeeding moms with us during the shoot. I had the opportunity to mingle with other moms and LA had his time to "talk" to other babies.

Everything went well, I had a great time because I learned a lot about breastfeeding.




Here are some of the knowledge that I learned from Ms. Nona (Nanay Nona):

1. Most of the time, moms forget that breastfeeding is NOT only good for their babies. It's also good for themselves. As a breastfeeding mom, I am less prone to breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis!!!

2. The reason why my baby is always sweating, is because I eat a lot of food rich in seasonings.oops! my fault!

3. Breastfeeding moms should be aware of their food intake. We are advised to eat at least 8 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

4. Our breast milk has antibodies that is very essential for our kid's health. Each teaspoon of breast milk has millions antibodies! It's like having a drugstore right in front of you!haha

5. Breast milk is like the best ointment for your baby's insect bites! It's actually effective even for adult's itchiness. Try it!

6. When feeding, make sure you have a glass of water, a bowl of soup, or a piece of fruit beside you. Breastfeeding can make you really hungry and thirsty.

7. Do not tolerate any pain during breast feeding. A minor pain can lead to something worse. Try changing the position or the latch.

8. Breastfeed up to 4 years of age. This will make your child loyal to you.:)..I hope I can do this...

9. Your breast milk becomes thicker in consistency during feeding. This makes a signal to your baby that it's time to stop drinking milk. (cool huh?)

10. Breast fed baby girls are also less prone to breast cancer. (Yey! I was breastfed too)


There are a lot more things that she shared to us. You can add her on Facebook if you have any questions about breastfeeding.

Thank God I fought for breast feeding. I almost gave up, but learning how great breast milk, I am encouraged to continue breastfeeding until I can and until LA wants to.

Some photos from today's shoot.:)..can't wait to see the video!!

LA's playing inside the crib

change location. LA's too young for the shot:))

After the shoot, we had a little token for participating. I got a book from Smart Parenting! "150+ fun and creative activities for kids" by Ciara Lazatin Mapa.

I can't wait to use these activities with LA. But for now, It'll be of great help when I teach pre-schoolers!

Latch A Babe Nursing and Maternity Wear Giveaway

It has been almost 3 months since I started breast feeding LA. I am really proud of myself because it's such a great blessing to be able to give my son the best gift in the world, mother's milk!

It wasn't much of a problem since I'm currently a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) and I am directly feeding him. But of course, there are times that we have to leave the house and go to public places such as malls. I will never forget the first time we went to the mall and LA got hungry. Since I'm a first time mom, I didn't see it coming. I haven't tracked his feeding routine yet because he was just 3 weeks old that time. He cried and cried and I couldn't feed him on the spot because I didn't have any nursing cover so we hurried and looked for the nearest breast feeding station and that's where I fed baby LA.

It's right there and then that I realized how important it is to have nursing wears on hand. I'm still in search for nursing wears and tops that could help me breast feed LA with ease.

Latch A Babe Nursing and Maternity wear is just one of the many shops that offers clothing that is suitable for breastfeeding. It was very timely that they are having a pre-Christmas giveaway together with TheLazyMama!


There are actually 3 prizes that Latch A Babe is giving away to three (3) Lazy Mama readers:

1 Latch A Babe nursing top of your choice

2 Discount Coupons worth 20% OFF  quoted price from Latch A Babe

This Giveaway runs until November 30,2011

If you want to join, just follow the instructions in The Lazy Mama blog post.

CLICK HERE to join!

♥young mommy, Lolly

Sunshine Babies Boutique Giveaway

Greetings to all young moms out there!


From October 28, 2011 to November 11, 2011, Sunshine Babies Boutique is hosting a giveaway!!


Sunshine Babies Boutique's owner, Em, recently got accredited as a LATCH peer counselor and because of that, she will be sharing her blessings by giving away a Nursing Mom gift set which includes 1 BabyBond and 1 MilkBand to 1 lucky mom!


What is a BabyBond?


> It is a unique cover as it covers the mom and not the baby.  Mom is able to maintain her modesty while baby remains uncovered and benefits from the opportunity to make eye contact, interact and communicate. 

Three (3) types of BabyBond

BabyBond Original™

It is worn-like a sash, functioning like a nursing top.  Nurse from the top of your shirt.  Separate the layers of fabric to achieve latch on.  Double panel keeps breast covered above & below.  Belly and back remain covered with your own shirt. 

BabyBond Flex™

It is worn with shirts that are accessible to nurse from the top and has a removable burp cloth and matching pouch storage pouch.

BabyBond Couture™

It is an adjustable nursing cover creating custom fit as your body changes after baby arrives. It is a hybrid between nursing top and belly band. It can be worn to nurse from the top or the bottom of your shirt so it works with your entire wardrobe. When worn like a sash, it functions like a nursing top. When worn like a belt, it functions like a belly band. It rolls up into a self-storing pouch.

What is a MilkBand?

Milk Bands™ are a uniquely designed nursing bracelet that enables the mother to quickly and conveniently identify which breast she last used to feed her baby by simply turning the bracelet inside-out!

Milk Bands™ breastfeeding bracelets have time measuring sliders that can be used for multiple purposes such as tracking how long your baby fed or what time!

Milk Bands™ work regardless of which wrist they are worn on and are so easy to use it only takes one hand! Our breastfeeding bracelet works in the dark and can be worn during any and all activities!

When the time comes, Milk Bands™ can be used to help you wean your baby!

Let Milk Bands™ keep track of the basics so you can worry about more important things!

Both products are available at Sunshine Babies Boutique online store.  

If you want to win the gift set, Visit Chronicles of a Nursing Mom and follow the instructions to have multiple chances of winning.

Click here to join now! 

Sources:

http://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/2011/10/sunshine-babies-giveaway.html

http://www.sunshinebabiesboutique.com/category/for-moms/breastfeeding