My Breastfeeding Journey

I'm glad to announce that I have successfully breastfed Jensen for 4 months 1 week & 6 days now. My target is 6 months. I have brain washed myself before I was pregnant that I HAVE to bf my baby this time. I have failed miserably in breastfeeding (bf) Ethan. I bf Ethan for slightly more than a month and that was mixed with formula. It took me more than 9 months to set the target of 6 months. Now, I'm thinking maybe, MAYBE....I can bf up to 1 year.

It was tough at first, really tough. I knew it will not be easy but still, the thought of giving up is always there. Luckily, I have the support of colleagues and friends, who are also bf. Every time I feel like giving up, I will talk to them and then I will find the courage to carry on.

The first few days were critical. First, the tiredness/trauma after child birth. Secondly, the sore nipple. Thirdly, waiting for the milk flow. Finally, the infamous quote "You don't have enough milk, the baby is hungry". I went through the first 3 hurdles without much problem but almost lose the battle because of the 4th one.

My milk flow was slow for the first 4 days. The baby was fine with it as newborn does not require much milk but as his appetite grew, my milk flow didn't catch up with it. So, he was crying all the time on the 2nd night. Hubby didn't say anything against bf, so I took that as a supportive action but when baby cried non-stop on the 2nd night he did said "I think he's hungry or he doesn't get enough milk". That was the first blow. Then, the confinement lady came the next day and upon learning that I bf and hearing baby cried, she too said "He doesn't get enough milk". My mum too said I have to mix with formula after I told her that I slept less than 3 hours in total at night. My sis too said something similar.

I don't blame them and I know they meant well BUT I need their support to make bf a success this time. I gave in after hearing all the remarks and asked hubby to buy formula. I didn't prepare any formula at home because I don't want to be tempted. Jensen was fed with 2 oz of formula on the 3rd day and 1 oz on the 4th day. Luckily my milk came on the 5th day and I only fed Jensen a total of 3 oz of formula.

That was the first round of challenge during confinement. Then, the 2nd round of challenge is when I returned to work. The issue of taking time off to pump, finding a suitable place to pump and even storing create some minor headaches. I hate it when my breast engorge and the milk leaks. It was so painful and uncomfortable. Luckily, after the routine of pumping is set, the engorgement and leaky issue were only short term. Another headache is when I need to go out for meetings or attend seminars. I have resorted to pumping in the car, with the windows all covered of course and on top of that I had a nursing cover on. The other time, I had to ask the organiser to use their secretariat room and luckily, they allowed me.

I can say by now, I'm getting quite comfortable with bf, be it at home, at work or at the malls. I'm amazed to see my baby grows with my breast milk only. Sometimes, I was like I can't believe that the milk coming from me can make my baby grow so beautifully and healthily. The feeling is really wonderful. There's no regret at all and I'm glad I made the right decision.

My stocks by the 2nd month. At the highest, I have more than
80 bottles/packs (5-8 oz each).