Why is Direct Latching an Important Aspect of Breastfeeding?

Assalamualaikum/Greetings.
Its been a while since I've written an entry and I am pleased to do so tonight while my three angels are fast asleep. I have been having this entry in my mind for a while but really haven't had the time nor energy to write up. Thank God for tonight :-)

The reason for this post is recently there has been quite a number of mummies who texted me mentioning they have breastfeeding problems (mostly latching issues). Sadly, some have opted to give up direct latching and continue to exclusively pump without further attempting to consult a lactation counselor to correct the latch.

Really, why is direct breastfeeding important? Nowadays there are so many high technology quality breastpumps around, we can get away with exclusive pumping, can we?

Well the answer is, I am afraid that NOT ALWAYS can we get away with exclusive pumping.

That being said, I do understand when some mothers have to opt for exclusive pumping. I had the "privilege" to experience relactation for my 2nd daughter. We had all the issues with us, starting from premature (weak baby) & drowsy mother (from anti-hypertensive and painkillers) at birth..then baby having a posterior tongue tie (which was difficult to detect), leading to latching issues, nipple injuries, which then led to inefficient breastmilk emptying, fussy baby, and ended up with low milk supply & a very depressed ME. I gave up with breastfeeding when my daughter was 6 weeks old and started relactating when she was 3 months old. During that period, she was bottle fed with formula milk. As I started to relactate, I attempted using the SNS for her, but she furiously refused after multiple attempts, it really broke my heart to force her to latch so I opted for exclusive pumping for the sanity of me to ensure I was happy & baby got the breastmilk she needed.
With God's will, I managed to establish my milk supply when baby was 6 months old and believe it or not, she is now 3 years 11 months and still drinking expressed breastmilk :-)

Needless to say, I DO UNDERSTAND why sometimes Exclusive Pumping happens.

But, I would also love to educate mothers on why direct latching should be the norm and should be attempted first before you actually decide to exclusive pump (if you wish).

This post would be extremely long if I were to write the ALL the benefits of direct latching. Hence, I will just pick on the bits and pieces of imporant facts on why direct latching is so important.

1. Direct Latching allows Skin to Skin Contact which Promotes Bonding, Releases Oxytocin and Endorphins(Love & Happy Hormones).

Just sitting down or lying down, it really feels good to be able to hold your baby in your arms, eye to eye, talking to him or her..it really releases the stresses of life & you get to REST despite how busy the life surrounding you is. Really, it is such a blessing in disguise.!
You just have to sit or lie down and do nothing for that moment while breastfeeding. Just you, your baby and that lovely bonding moment.
It really will promote healthy emotional growth for your infant & ensure you get that boost of love and happy hormones which is good for your emotional health as well! (protects you againts developing post partum depression).
This is why Skin to Skin & Rooming in with baby is precious and much promoted afterbirth!

Human babies and mammals are born with an inbuilt pre-programming to search for and stay closely orally attached to the mother's biological nipple. 

Babies thumb-suck and dummy-suck when they are deprived of the mother's biological nipple.....If a newborn baby cannot have access to it's mother's nipple to love and for enjoyment, comfort and safety, then it is going to find the next best thing to 'love' and this is usually a thumb or a dummy.

Elsie Mobbs RN RM Bsc MStud Psychol PhD

2. Direct Latching Eases your Logistics with Baby :-)

Really mothers, I know how it feels to be stuck to a breastpump 8 times a day. Really its no fun. Especially the part where you have to wash the pump parts so many times a day.
Then imagine outings with your baby. You have to bring along baby, baby stuff (diapers, clothes change etc) and breastpump! Like really, Imagine having to have a pump break, with having to care for baby and then having to feed baby breastmilk using bottle then wash the pump and bottles! Trust me, it is a hassle (despite being such a BLESSING, that you still get to provide breastmilk for your child).

What about night feedings? Think of having to warm up EBM while you are half asleep with a hungry baby crying, then having to wash the bottle afterwards, then pump milk in the middle of the night, and then wash the breastpump parts afterwards. It is indeed challenging and tiring.
I truly admire exclusive pumping mothers for their patience and determination. I have been there and done that, and when I look back, I realize that I only was able to do that with God's will.

With my 3rd baby, Alhamdulillah I am privileged & blessed to be able to directly latch. So my outings are made to ease with just bringing my extra large handbagto put a few baby stuff and my baby in a carrier or sling. No fuss of bringing EBM, ice bricks, hot water, breastpumps, etc.



3. Maintaining Breastmilk Supply.

I have yet to come accross a study/research stating that direct latching is better to ensure your breastmilk supply is sustained longer compared to exclusive pumping.
That being said, logically, when holding baby in your arms, there is so much oxytocin and feelings of love flowing through the bloodstream right? As we know, oxytocin is the hormone essential for breastmilk excretion to happen. Frequent direct latching & loads of oxytocin boost will surely sustain your breastmilk supply right?
Of course using a good quality breastpump would also assist in maintaining breastmilk supply if we frequently empty our breasts with frequent pumping sessions.That being said, I'd choose to cuddle up with baby than being strapped to a pumping machine if I had the choice to do so!



4. Dental Outcomes of Breastfed Children

Babies who were direct latching has better dental outcomes in future as indicated by various studies, studies quoted below. This is because the oral muscles and jaw movements involved in breastfeeding and bottle feeding is very different.

SUCKING AT THE BREAST
Toungue moves forward.
Tip of nipple at junction of hard & soft palate.
Lips wide and flared open.

SUCKING AT THE BOTTLE
Toungue bunched upwards and backwards.
Nipple does not reach junction of hard & soft palate.
Lips not wide and flared open.

Predominant breastfeeding was associated with a lower prevalence of OB, OJ, and MSM, but pacifier use modified these associations. The same findings were noted between exclusive breastfeeding and OJ and between exclusive breastfeeding and crossbite. A lower prevalence of OB was found among children exposed to exclusive breastfeeding from 3 to 5.9 months (33%) and up to 6 months (44%) of age. Those who were exclusively breastfed from 3 to 5.9 months and up to 6 months of age exhibited 41% and 72% lower prevalence of MSM, respectively, than those who were never breastfed.

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Risk of Dental Malocclusion
Karen Glazer Peres et al.

Pediatrics, Volume 136, number 1, July 2015

The acts of breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking demonstrate opposite effects on oral development. 

Anterior open bite is significantly associated with reduced breastfeeding duration:

• Prevalence of malocclusion was 31.9% in the non-breastfeeding group, 26% for breastfeeding less than 6 months, yet only 6.2% for 3-6 year old who had breastfed for longer than 12 months. 2
• A strong association between any type of non-nutritive sucking habits (on pacifier or thumb/finger) and the development of either anterior open bite, posterior cross-bite or overjet was found in children at average age of 5.9 years.
• Non-nutritive sucking activity, rather than the type of feeding in the first months of life, is the main risk factor for development of altered occlusion and open bite in deciduous dentition. However, children with non-nutritive sucking activity and artificially-fed had more than double the risk of posterior cross-bite. Breastfeeding has a protective effect against development of posterior cross-bite in deciduous dentition. 

1. # Romero CC et al. (2011) Breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking patterns related to the prevalence of anterior open bite in primary dentition.
2. # Luzzi V et al. (2011) Malocclusions and non-nutritive sucking habits: a preliminary study.
3. # Viggiano D et al. (2004) Breast feeding, bottle feeding, and non-nutritive sucking; effects on occlusion in deciduous dentition

Dental caries

Bottle-feeding or failure to cease use of pacifier before teeth eruption disturbs teeth development. The development of dental caries has the following strong associations:

• pacifier use at 18 months
• prolonged bottle-feeding  and night time bottle-feeding 
• the use of bottle-fed sweet milk drinks and the use of pacifiers.Strep mutan and other caries-related micro-organisms are found in the mouths of children who use pacifiers and prolonged use of feeding bottles with sweetened milk.

1. Yonezu T et al. (2008) Longitudinal study on influence of prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits on dental caries in Japanese children from 1.5 to 3 years of age.
2. # Qadri G et al. (2012) Early childhood caries and feeding practices in kindergarten children.
3. # Mohebbi SZ et al. (2008) Feeding habits as determinants of early childhood caries in a population where prolonged breastfeeding is the norm.
4. # Tyagi R (2008) The prevalence of nursing caries in Davangere preschool children and its relationship with feeding practices and socioeconomic status of the family.
5. # Ersin NK et al. (2006) Association of maternal-child characteristics as a factor in early childhood caries and salivary bacterial counts

Mothers, I truly would suggest that we try our level best to direct latch, seek help if needed and obtain all the support we can before resorting to exclusively pumping.
Needless to say, I know how it feels to be in a situation where I had to exclusively pump. So if you decide to exclusively pump, do it so with pride and CONSISTENCY to ensure that your baby gets the breastmilk he/she deserves :-)

Lots of Love.

Birth Plan

Assalamualaikum/Greetings Lovelies!

It's my pleasure to be writing this entry.

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a document that tells your health-care provider, your birth team/companion (eg husband, spouse, doula etc) and the hospital staff what kind of childbirth you would like and how you would like your baby cared for after he/she is born. 

Imagine going for labour like going for a marathon. Oh yes, it is indeed hard work preparing for labour. BUT you have approximately 40 weeks or so to prepare for it. And what happens if you don't prepare for it? Just imagine going for a marathon without preparation. What are the worst scenarios that could happen? Fatigue, Muscle Crapms, Injuries, Giving Up Halfway etc...

Same goes to birthing.

When should you start drafting a Birth Plan?

If you ask me, personally my answer would be as soon as you plan to conceive @ at pre-conception stage itself. No such term as "too early" to prepare for birthing! It’s also a good idea to discuss the plan with your partner and your family if they are going to be involved in some way. However, it is your body, and your family needs to understand that you are the only one who can make some of the more personal decisions.

What should be included in a Birth Plan?

When writing a birth plan, consider the list of things you want during:

• Labour (Consider things like pain relief methods, freedom of movement, allowing labour to progress naturally, how you want the room to be set eg music, aromatherapy, how many companions you want & who are they, do you consent to any invasive or surgical procedures, and if yes; under what circumstances)
• After Childbirth (Consider Natural Placental Expulsion, Delayed Cord Clamping, Skin to Skin, Immediate Initiation of Breastfeeding etc)
• Method of Care to the Newborn (Consinder whether or not you want vaccination for the baby, consider delayed bathing etc)
• 
  

Below is an example of my birth plan. As you can see, after prior discussion with my healthcare provider, and after mutual agreement of what I request and what she agrees to carry out for me, we put all in writing and signed the birth plan. Two copies, one for me to keep and another for the hospital record.

NOTE: THIS IS MY PERSONAL BIRTH PLAN. EACH BIRTH PLAN SHOULD BE CUSTOMIZED TO SUIT EACH INDIVIDUAL'S NEEDS.

Tips for writing a birth plan:

1. Keep it short & focused in point forms.

2. Do not cut and paste from someone's else's birth plan. This should be unique to you. But that doesn't mean you can't look at other people's birth plans  to get some ideas.

3. Avoid a list of "don't wants". Instead, mention what you want. This would not only make the birth plan a positive note to read, it may sound a bit more friendlier to the health care provider.

4. Be precise on what you want and avoid vague words like "minimal" or "only if necessarry". Your definition of "only if necessary" or "minimal" might defer from others.

5. Know what you want and be assertive about it. Use wordings like "It's really important that..." or "I humbly request your support ...." INSTEAD OF "I prefer..." .

What if my health-care provider refuses to co-operate with my Birth Plan?

Use your birth plan as a catalyst for your own research. Attend birth classes (trusted resources) & read up as much information as you can from evidence-based articles & journals.

 When you present your birth plan to your healthcare provider, pay attention to his or her reactions and listen to their feedback and consider their suggestions. Every individual & each case is not similar, hence your healthcare providers suggestions do play an important role in ensuring your well-being & safety. However, the point is for your healthcare provider to respectfully look into your birth plan, then discuss with you if there are any issues regarding it & educate you with all the necessary knowledge so that both parties can come to a mutual decision. Vice versa, if you find your healthcare provider acting in a demeaning manner to your birth plan & rejecting it without prior justification, hence my take is you should shop for other healthcare providers!

The White Ribbon Alliance has advocated for Respectful Maternity Care, so you have the rights to plan your birth & be attended respectfully by Healthcare Proffesionals!

Certainly, to write up your own birth plan, you have to be sure what you want first!!

Therefore, knowledge is important to be able for you to know what you want in the first place.
Learn, unlearn & relearn! For the best of you & baby!

Right-Left Breastmilk Imbalance

Dear Mummies,
Remember 4 days ago, I posted in my Facebook Page about Right-Left Milk Imbalance? Sorry this Mummy of Three kids has been busy so the follow up post is delayed. 

Anyways, you can see from the photo, on 4th of March my right side is way more than left side. And the photo below is today (8th of March), my Left side is way more than my right side.  How did this happen? 

TOP: 4th March 2015
BOTTOM: 8th March 2015

My personal experience aside, let's go through the CAUSES of Right-Left Breastmilk Imbalance:

• Typical Anatomic Differences. It’s very common for mothers to have different number of milk ducts on both breasts. This can lead to variations in breastmilk supply and breast appearance.
• Forceful or Weak Letdown. It’s also possible that you may have one breast with a more or less forceful letdown than the other. A forceful letdown could be overwhelming to your little one, causing them to pull away from the breast and prefer the other side. Likewise, a less forceful letdown could be frustrating to a hungry belly. To help your little one nurse on the less forceful side, do breast compressions to increase the flow while feeding.
• Baby’s Preference. Some babies may, quite simply, just prefer one breast over the other. It may be more comfortable to them, or just easier for them to latch. If your baby refuses one breast, ask your doctor to do a thorough physical exam to check for birth injuries or an ear infection. This discomfort could cause your little one to reject certain nursing positions or breasts.
• Mother’s Preference. Many moms may unknowingly prefer feeding from one breast and spend significantly more time with baby latched on that side. Some moms may prefer holding their little one with their dominant arm or having that arm free to do other things.
• Breast Injury or Surgery. If you’ve ever had breast surgery or an injury to your breast tissue, your supply and milk flow could be affected. If you think this is the case, consider reaching out to a Lactation Consultant to help you and your baby nurse comfortably from that side.

How do I work towards getting almost the same amount of both sides?

Restoring Balance:

• Begin feedings on the less productive side. Babies tend to nurse more vigorously at the beginning of a feeding, so start with the less productive smaller side to help increase milk production.
• Nurse on the "less productive" side more often during each feeding. Nursing frequently is key to increasing and maintaining supply, so start pumping from your less productive smaller side more often. However, be sure not to neglect the "more productive" breast. Decreasing the time you spend nursing on that side could lead to engorgement, plugged ducts or mastitis.
• Pump on the less productive side after feedings. At the end of your normal feedings, continue to pump for a few additional minutes, and store that milk for later use.
• Pump in between feedings. If you can, try to add  a few extra pumping sessions throughout the day, in between your normal feedings. Consider using a hands-free breastpump so you can multi-task while pumping.
• Use new tactics to encourage feeding on the less preferred breast. There are ways to begin to change your baby’s preferences. Start by trying new nursing positions on the less productive breast, because a new position could bring added comfort to feeding on that side. Also, try offering the less preferred breast when your baby is drowsy. They may be less aware and more willing to feed on that side.

Most moms will begin to notice changes in 3 to 5 days, but remember to be patient. Adjusting any behavior can take some time, so praise your little one when he or she nurses well and keep trying.

My Personal Experience

With both my elder daughters, I had right-left imbalance all the way with the right side being dominant or in other words "more productive". However, with my 3rd child, things are a bit different because I seem to have a balanced milk supply on both sides.

So what actually happened is on the 3rd of March 2015, I had mastitis on the left side which probably had caused some sort of injury to my milk ducts on that side leading to decreased milk supply on the 4th of March 2015. (photo above)

Since that day, I had done all necessary to restore balance on the left side that I think I actually overdid it, hence you can see on the 8th of March 2015, my supply on the left side is more that the right side :-)

Alhamdulillah, So I am actually glad to have had the experience of being unwell & getting to learn something new afterwards, which is the milk imbalance thingy can actually be "altered" or "restored" if we work towards it constantly. Glad to have had the experience and share it with all Mummies :-)

Much Love <3

Kangaroo Mother Care

Dear Mummies,
Thought this would be interesting :-)

I am truly in love with it and wished I tried it with my 2nd newborn since she was considered a mild premature born at 36 weeks POG & weight a mere 2.1kg! She was a hypothermic at birth & we were adviced by paediatrics to avoid any air-conditioners and keep her warm.

I did keep her warm with skin-to-skin contact though. And breastfed her..
But that wasn't what is considered as `Kangaroo Mother Care'.
Want to know the meaning of Kangaroo Mother Care@KMC & more? Read on.. :-)

How it started?
In 1979, Dr. Rey and Martinez started a programme in Bogota, Colombia, in response to shortage of incubators and severe hospital infections.

What is Kangaroo Mother Care?
It is a whole package consisting of:
1. Skin to skin contact
2. Breastfeeding
3. Support for Mother & Baby

(WHO includes `Early Discharge' as one of the criteria of KMC)

~Adapted from www.kangaroomothercare.com

How does Kangaroo Mother Care differ from Kangaroo Care or Skin to Skin Contact?
http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/what-kmc-is.aspx


How to do Kangaroo Mother Care?
http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/how-to-do-kmc.aspx

Benefits of Skin to Skin Contact are summarized as below:

• Better brain development
• Better emotional development
• Less stress
• Less crying
• Less brain bleeds
• More settled sleep
• Babies are more alert when they are awake
• Babies feel less pain from injections
• The heart rate stabilizes
• The oxygen saturation is more stable
• Fewer apnoea attacks
• Better breathing
• The temperature is most stable on the mother 
• Breastfeeding starts more easily
• More breast milk is produced
• Gestation-specific milk is produced.
• Faster weight gain
• Baby can usually go home earlier

I definitely see the differences and benefit in early skin to skin contact with my own child.

My 2nd daughter (the one I practiced skin to skin contact & more of breastfeeding with) did catch up on growth fast, achieved milestones on a faster pace, I breastfed her much longer and she is definitely much more settled when lying on my chest-until now). She's kind of clingy though (which I love!). Still babywearing her at 18 months old!

After all, babies have been in the womb for quite sometime, listening to Mummy's heartbeat and following her around everywhere..Would it be logical to seperate Mummy & Baby at birth?

You can see babies cry out of anxiety due to seperation at nurseries...while babies whom are held in warmth by their mummies are much more calm & settled..
Babies find their way towards breastfeeding naturally with KMC..

Mummies should definitely check out www.kangaroomothercare.com for more info, Lots of Love!!!

The Magic of Skin to Skin

What is "Skin to Skin"?

As soon as newborn is transitted into this world, the newborn should be placed on mother's chest without any clothes/blanket as barrier between baby and mother's chest. Nobody should be pushing the baby to do anything; nobody should be trying to help the baby latch on during this time. The baby may be placed vertically on the mother’s abdomen and chest and be left to find his way to the breast, while mother supports him if necessary. The mother, of course, may make some attempts to help the baby, and this should not be discouraged. This is baby’s first journey in the outside world and the mother and baby should just be left in peace to enjoy each other’s company. (The mother and baby should not be left alone, however, especially if the mother has received medication, and it is important that not only the mother’s partner, but also a nurse, midwife, doula or physician stay with them—occasionally, some babies do need medical help and someone qualified should be there “just in case”).

Can "Skin to Skin" be done after a Caesarian Section?

Immediate skin to skin contact can also be done after cæsarean section, even while the mother is getting stitched up, unless there are medical reasons which prevent it.


What about Premature Babies? Can mothers practice "skin to skin"?

 Studies have shown that even premature babies, as small as 1200 g (2 lb 10 oz) are more stable metabolically (including the level of their blood sugars) and breathe better if they are skin to skin immediately after birth. Skin to skin contact is quite compatible with other measures taken to keep the baby healthy. Of course, if the baby is quite sick, the baby’s health must not be compromised, but any premature baby who is not suffering from respiratory distress syndrome can be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth. Indeed, in the premature baby, as in the full term baby, skin to skin contact may decrease rapid breathing into the normal range.


How often is "Skin to Skin" recommended?

Skin to skin contact immediately after birth, which lasts for at least an hour (and should continue for as many hours as possible throughout the day and night for the first number of weeks).

Is "Skin to Skin" limited to mothers to practice only?

Of course not! :-) Daddies can play a role too!

What are the benefits of "Skin to Skin"?

 The baby: 

• Is more likely to latch on
• Is more likely to latch on well
• Maintains his body temperature normal better even than in an incubator
• Maintains his heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure normal
• Has higher blood sugar
• Is less likely to cry
• Is more likely to breastfeed exclusively and breastfeed longer
• Will indicate to his mother when he is ready to feed 
•  Allows the baby to be colonized by the same bacteria as the mother. This, plus breastfeeding, are thought to be important in the prevention of allergic diseases. When a baby is put into an incubator, his skin and gut are often colonized by bacteria different from his mother’s.

Another interesting benefit of practicing "Skin to Skin" is the "Breastcrawl".
"Breastcrawl" is somewhat rather a phenomenon of the newborn finding it's way to the breast by him/herself.
Watch this heartwarming video by clicking the link below :-)

 Breast Crawl Video


Hope this was Helpful!

Happy Nursing Mummies! 


Sources (for information):

The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact, 2009©
Written and revised (under other names) by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC, 1995-2005©
Revised by Jack Newman MD, FRCPC and Edith Kernerman, IBCLC, 2008, 2009©

National Lactation Centre (Malaysia) 

Oxytocin: The Love Hormone

Dear All,

Have you ever heard that there is a hormone called Oxytocin, which is given the nickname "Love Hormone"?

Yes, it is true! It is a Love Hormone indeed..

Oxytocin is a mammalian neurohypophysial hormone (secreted by the posterior pituitary gland) that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain.

When/How is this hormone released ?

Mainly, Oxytocin is released during:

1. Sexual Intercourse
2. Childbirth
3. Breastfeeding

So..that explains why it is the Love Hormone, doesn't it? :-)

 The simple illustration below explains briefly how oxytocin is released during childbirth..

Since God Almighty's creation is so unique and competent..

The hormone oxytocin doesn't just help expel the fetus from the uterus..

When the fetus is safely expelled from the uterus (born into this world), Oxytocin is still essential to contract the uterus to keep the mother from bleeding excessive bleeding after childbirth.

And mummies/future mummies, do remember to keep the baby skin to skin after birth as much as you can to maintain Oxytocin in the stream..

You may click on the link http://eveloveofficial.blogspot.com/2013/09/skin-to-skin-after-birth.html to read about skin to skin after birth.

Why do you need oxytocin after Childbirth..

First is to keep in contracting your uterus to avoid post partum hemorrhage (Excessive blood loss after Childbirth)..You uterus should be back to it's normal size soon after childbirth (few days or so)..

Secondly..You need Oxytocin to establish BREASTFEEDING !!!

This illustrations explains briefly how Oxytocin influences the physiology of Breastfeeding

Amazing isn't it?
So Natural, yet so Complete.

Much <3

My Lacta-Moments (with my 1st two babies)

First and foremost, I’d love to proclaim that breastfeeding is a gift for mothers from God Almighy. How honoured we (mothers) are to be able to have our children’s food, nutrition, medicine and comfort within us.

            Looking back at my first pregnancy..

            I was in the final year of medical school. Being in that field of studies, of course I was enthusiastic to breastfeed my baby because I was aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Little did I know that there was more to breastfeeding than just theoretical knowledge. 

            Just like other first-time parents, during my 7^th month of pregnancy, we went shopping for our upcoming newborn. There were the cots, the toys, the clothes, and the diapers. Little did we thought of breastpumps, storage bottles and cooler bags. My perception of breastfeeding at that moment was that babies just drink straight from the tap, burp and go back to sleep. No milk supply problems, no cracked nipples, no painful engorgements and no colicky baby.

            I delivered my baby girl via spontaneous vertex delivery after 12 gruesome (yet blissful) hours of labour. Alhamdulillah, mother and baby had no complications. I was drowsy after delivery because of the painkillers and wasn’t ready to hold my baby until about 3 hours after delivery. After I was conscious, I asked for my baby to breastfeed her. The first time holding her in my arms was so heart warming. I melted and broke down in tears. She was so beautiful. She was silently staring at me with those round, wide eyes. Those tiny eyelashes curled, just like my husband’s. After about an hour of staring at each other silently, she began to nudge and wiggle. She seemed uncomfortable. That’s when I thought it was a feeding cue, and attempted to breastfeed her.

My 1st Daughter as a newborn

            Of course, my first attempt wasn’t as fruitful as I thought it would be. She latched on for a while and went to sleep. When I unlatched her, she cried. Then when I latched her again, she only latched for few seconds and went to sleep again. The cycle continued for 2 hours until I gave up when I saw blood oozing instead for milk. I became frightened. The nurse comforted me saying it was normal for new mothers to experience that. Hence, my spirit was still high, and I was still optimistic.

            Since we were discharged the next day, there was me and my husband to take care of the baby on our first night at home. We were given a small tin of formula milk sample from the hospital upon discharge. That tin of formula milk became my saviour at that moment. My baby was always crying, never satisfied at the breast and only became calm after formula feeding. So what I understood at that moment is that I might not be producing enough milk  to meet my baby’s needs. I slowly gave up direct feeding because I really felt that I was going insane with the baby shouting and me being in pain.

            I then opted for expressing milk. Someone gave a low-grade electric breastpump as a gift upon my delivery. I tried using it but no milk came out, so I decided hand expression works better. I only manage to get an ounce or so after half an hour of expressing. In total, my baby only gets about 3 ounces of expressed breastmilk a day.That too, the quantity became less and less each day, until finally, my baby was just comfort nursing.

            Yes, that was the sad reality of my first breastfeeding experience. Alhamdulillah, my baby got a taste of breastmilk. Any amount of breastmilk is better that none, I am sure of that. 

            Moving on to my second pregnancy..

8 weeks POG

16 weeks POG

 

My 2nd Daughter as a newborn

            We were more mature this time. I decided to try breastfeeding again. I bought a branded single electric breastpump, because it wasn’t as pricy as a double breastpump but the MAIN REASON deep inside, I am still unsure that I can do it, so I wasn’t keen on splurging on a breastpump,  just in case I fail again. I lost confidence from my first experience!!

            My baby came four weeks earlier than expected. I informed the labour room staff that I wish to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible and to avoid formula milk feeding. Being hypertensive during my pregnancy this time, I was told to rest upon delivery and only held my baby about 5 hours post-partum. Of course she was already given formula. Best part is, the nursery nurse proudly exclaimed ` She feeds well, she drinks 2 ounces at one go’. Can you imagine how my heart broke hearing that? A newborn’s stomach is so small that only 7ml of milk per feeding would be sufficient for them. 

            I didn’t think twice and demanded that my baby be given to me for every feeding, even at night. This time around, I stayed for about 2 days post-partum because the doctor insisted to monitor my blood pressure. I attempted breastfeeding at all my baby’s feeding time, but history seems to repeat itself. She was never satisfied at the breast, and kept clinging on until blood started oozing again.

            The same scenario continued at home, and desperate for some sanity, I resorted to formula milk. To add to my despair, some gave remarks such as `Don’t torture you baby, you are not producing milk so just give her formula.’ 

            Desperate to make it work this time around, I tried expressing milk using my pump. It was more fruitful this time around. I manage to get a total of 10 to 12 ounces a day. It was enough for my baby the first two weeks, but as she approached the first month, my supply dwindled and her demand increased. I became discouraged. I was very weary. I had two children to think of this time around. After much struggle, and after my supply sank to an ounce a day, I gave up. Believe it or not, I gave up.

            Days pass by, and my baby was about 3 months old. She was overweight and put on a lot of weight after being fully on formula. As pleasing as it was to see a chubby baby, she was always colicky. Deep inside me, I yearned to breastfeed her again.

            God granted my wish. I was determined to breastfeed again. I told myself that I am not going to give up this time around.

            So I started my relactation programme when my baby was 3 ½ months. The first week, there was no milk at all, followed by droplets for the next 2 weeks. As if it’s not challenging enough to find the time and energy to pump, pumping only air with no milk is even more emotionally disturbing.  To top that up, there were the disturbing comments and unwanted so-called advice. Determined not to give up, I continued pumping 4 times a day. I stuffed myself with what I believed to be milk boosters. I tried latching on my baby directly but she angrily refused, so I decided to exclusively pump. 

            Alhamdulillah, the quantity of milk increased day by day. 

When my daughter was 6 months old, she was fully breastfed (of course, she started weaning as well). How contented I was. Goodbye to colic, hello to happy and healthy baby! When she was 6 ½  months old, we bought a deep freezer to store excess milk. Few months later, I have about 1200++ oz of milk in the freezer. Believe it or not? Yes, do believe it :-)

From droplets of milk..

To a freezer full of milk..

 I even give some to my elder daughter  mixed with her cereal. I make ice-cream and smoothies from my milk for her. I even had the chance to make soap from my milk for her to bathe with. My children eat, drink and bathe from my milk, Alhamdulillah. Being a mother who failed and learned from experience, I want other mothers to learn from my mistakes and successfully breastfeed their babies.

Mother's Milk Soap

Mother's Milk Ice-Cream

            I hope this inspires other mothers out there to breastfeed no matter what the problem was that caused them to stop or not breastfeed at all. It can be done! Consult a lactation counsellor to help you overcome the problem, and please do not resort to formula milk. Every individual case is different, so different approaches need to be taken to help you successfully breastfeed. Breastmilk in every way is the best food, drink, nutrition, medicine and comfort for your baby.

Jazakillahu khayr.