My Breastfeeding Journey

I've been exclusively breastfeeding my third son, #LittlestManGadi since he was born. I had two failed breastfeeding attempts with my two older boys. I think It was because of the lack of knowledge and support back then. That is why I  am so thankful to Breastfeeding Pinays community and to my breastfeeding friends. Although I'm a silent reader at the former, it equipped and encouraged me to press on. My friends would randomly send encouragement and answers my many questions.

I usually have no breastmilk after giving birth but my OB and Pedia assured me to just keep nursing the baby after he was born. Although nothing is coming out yet and I've been itching to give him formula milk because I'm afraid he is starving. But since manurin ako, I followed their advice and be patient. I was told that he is still getting something out of my breasts. After I think three days, my milk supply started to come out. I followed the advice in the FB group not to pump on the first 6 weeks to avoid oversupply.

Breastfeeding is not easy, the first few days were rough. I had trouble latching my little one which resulted in bleeding nipples and blisters. It was too painful to the point that It scares me every time he latches. My uterus contracts as I nurse, which is normal as per my OB since it is going back to its original prepregnancy size. So, it doubles the pain. I would grimace in pain and hubby has been my witness.

But I'm glad I stuck to it. I am now feeling the joy every breastfeeding Mom shares. As my baby stares at me and smiles as if to say, "Thank you, Mom!", my heart just melts. There's a different connection being built and it feels good to be able to feed my baby.

This journey taught me, unconditional love. You are willing to endure hardships just to give your child the best. You are willing to stop and let go of whatever you are doing and attend to the hungry baby. You prioritize his needs before your own. You deny yourself to eat on time nor go to the bathroom. Even taking a bath has become a luxury. You need to be always with the baby and you can't be gone for so long because you have his food (unless you have milk stash).

As a Mom, breastfeeding or not, we can only choose the best for our baby notwithstanding the pain and hardships. After all, we are not alone in this. God has been my enabler and my comfort. I prayed to Him to hasten the difficult days and after two months, I and my little one braved it. My husband is a big encourager too, without his love and support, I will not be able to do this.

I am proud to be a breastfeeding Mom and be able to feed my baby. I do not know until when, but as long as my baby wants it, I will continue doing so.