Thursday, February 15, 2018

Breastfeeding Journey

"Breastfeeding is not a choice, but a responsibility"

Anyhow, breastfeeding won't make you a bad mom if you don't practice breastfeeding your little one. Although, we cannot deny the goodness of breast milk over formula milk. As a mother as well , of course, we will do anything for the goodness of our child, if not the best. This is part of being a human. A part of what a mother can do for his child.

But if you opted not to...just respect! You nurture your own. :)

"Breastfeeding is 90% determination and 10% milk production"

I've heard unsuccessful stories of mother's who went through the initial stage of breastfeeding. Some surpasses this fortunately and some failed. We cannot blame those mom and will not question their decisions as to why they did not pursue. I fully understand because I've have also went thru that stage and I was one of those who stopped. My first child consistently cried so hard that I've also panicked and wonder if he got something from my breast. I was afraid that he might crying because he was terribly starving and my milk wasn't enough for him . My option was really to give him formula milk that time, to sustain his hunger ,not because I was too lazy na magpadede. It was because.. it was really hard to see my child crying and it's a battle between doing what is proper versus my emotions as a mom.

You may overhear others saying that "Just continue on breastfeeding your child... " , "Suck lng ng suck mommy", "Tyagaan lang yan... ", "Dadami yan..kahit ka lang ng masabaw" , but your feeling, frustrations and compassion about the situation wasn't met. It really would take a determined mom to be so patient on this journey.

I failed on my first. That's why I am trying... and keep on trying with my second child.

I am into breastfeeding for 9 months already and I still cannot sustain the demand of my child. So I mix fed my second child. My nanny regularly gave her 8-10 ounce of formula milk everyday, especially when I am at work. Unfortunately , I can only pump and take home 10 ounce of milk. And that 10 oz obviously would not sustain my baby during those 9 hours that I wasn't around. That's why aside from eating solid foods, my nanny gave her formula milk. After working hours, unli dede naman cya!

On BreastPumps

I only lasted 4 months breastfeeding my first child. After I returned to work, I gave up on pumping. Maybe it's because it was my first time and I had so little patience. After all, I regretted it! During those months, I have used Looney Tunes Manual Pump that I bought for only 750 pesos and I didn't have any problem with it. I should say for months, it suits me, and now with my second child, I am still using the same brand. Before buying it, I asked the advise of a Pediatrician what to buy, an electric pump or manual? She just advised whatever it suits me. So I still go for thaT manual Pump and used it for only 3 months. I've also bought a Medela Manual Pump from a friend. She wasn't able to used the Medela pump she bought to Lazada for 3500 pesos. She sell it to me for only 1500. So I got it! Mura e! :) I am using this Electric Pump at work and the Medela pump when at home and if I travel.

Just when I noticed that everytime I go to the Pumping area at work, I was the only one who used Manual and everyone uses electric pump. Those branded pump costs around 5k and some 7k. So it's too much for me, hehe. I still go for affordable. So I go online and scored Real Bubbee electric pump for only 1500 :)

ON GALACTAGOGUE

Natalac

This was the advise of Tala's Pedia for me to intake after my CS delivery. It helps I guess and the fact that it also boosted my immune system. I think it is more of a daily dosage of vitamins for me.

Milking Queens moringa Tea

I only bought a pack for only 240php. I consume a tea bag everytime Im in the office and you can re-use the product 3 times. Hanggat nagkukulay pa yung tubig sa mug.

Pump Princess

I tried to buy 2 bottles (120 capsules) of this product. Each bottle cost me around less a 1k but if you will buy this here in the Philippines, it will cost you 1500php each, for 60 capsules bottle. ( I actually asked a friend who went out of the country to buy me this, so sort of nakatipid na din). After consuming, I noticed increasing an ounce with my milk. But then again, it didn't lasted. I already consume the 120 capsules. Pero wala e ganun pa den.

Mother Nurture Coffee and Chocolate

I bought these 2 sets of Mother Nurture for only 140php each box. I prefer coffee over the choco flavor. Maybe its because Im a coffee lover rather than a choco drinker. Their coffee tastes like your regular 3in1 coffee and choco is more of a sweetened cocoa drink
Right now, I am currently into the basic. I boil malunggay leaves directly and consume a mug of it every morning and evening before going to sleep. Also, I am taking MegaMalunggay capsules. #medyoTipid

So the result ? I went back to 3 1/2 - 4 oz every pump, pumping every 4hours. Of course, I want more! I think its really depend on each of every Mom's hormones out there. There were who was really blessed on milk flows and I was one of those who is really trying. : ) I also observe that it is also depends on mental disposition, emotions of a mom. If stressed and not relax, will really affects the milk flow.

This is my journey. I've struggled on production because I really wanted to lactate more for my child. I am hoping that my boob will engorge and leak because of overflowing milk.

But then again, I will not give up. Only more patience... for I know that when she grows up, she will be more expose on 'instant' foods. So hangga't bata...gawing healthy! Tamang Kaen lang!