When I learned that I was pregnant...I didn't really fuss about it. I wasn't too focused on what would happen once D was born and what I would do in terms of feeding him. I've seen my Mum and a lot of my Titas breastfeed and pump milk...I thought that was what I needed before I would give birth. I didn't think that it required a lot of preparation on my part, even for L.
I've read a few articles, a few e-books...but nothing really struck me. It wasn't until I attended a mommy meet-up at The POD under Alex Hao that sparked my interest and got me into actually researching and studying about breastfeeding. I learned about the Milk Code or Executive Order 51. I then found myself being very passionate about it. Learning that my siblings and I grew up on breastmilk taught me that I had a support system in place.
So, the day arrived and having given birth to D...our breastfeeding journey had a pretty rocky start. Had to go through an emergency C-section, and D was separated from me for about 10-12 hours...naturally, I was panicking that the struggle was more real and I was holding my baby for the first time in my entire life. When we got home, the struggle became more apparent for me...though I thought that we were getting the hang of it, uncertainty and myths plagued me and I started to question everything that I was doing. Naturally, hormones played a huge part of and I was still kicking myself in the butt for having that C-section.
Breastfeeding, like any skill, has to be learnt and what makes this learning more unique and sometimes challenging is that there are two people involved, the baby and the mother. I had to learn to relax and be calm while feeding D and he had to learn how to deal with my letdown. I had to correct his latch and learn how to transfer milk to him so that he gets the amount that he needs without fuss. It took us about 2-3 weeks to really get the hang of it and I could feed him lying down.
Fast forward to 2 years and about 2 weeks...I'm still breastfeeding D. It's been an emotional ride with lots of learnings and ups & downs. It's an everyday decision to keep on going. Honestly, there are moments that I wanna throw in the towel and say, "I'm done...I've done my part..." but I know that he still wants to breastfeed and finds comfort in it. Who am I to restrict that from him? Yes, I'm leaving it up to him and right now, it doesn't look like weaning is in the picture.
I've been quite involved in this advocacy since the start of the year, having attended the Arugaan Breastfeeding Peer Counselors' Training under Velvet last January. Then the first LATCH Breastfeeding Peer Counselors' Training last April.
We've just concluded the biggest event of the year for LATCH, we were able to bring Dr. Jack Newman (yes, the breastfeeding rockstar) back to the Philippines for a 3-city event. With fundraising activities and talks on the side, I'm so lucky and blessed to have a group of like-minded mothers who are as committed and as passionate, if not more, about this cause.
I am, in no way, against formula milk. I believe that it does have a place in society. But what I am against is its unethical marketing strategies by making the public believe that it is as good, if not better than, breastmilk. This is where we put ourselves in and inform everyone what they should know.
As challenging as this journey has been for me and my group of mom friends, I've also learned that it's a beautiful thing to be with such strong and passionate moms. It makes this uphill battle so much more fun and worthwhile.
And now the Breastfeeding Awareness Week has come to a close and Dr. Jack Newman's 3-city tour has ended...I hope and truly pray that more people have been made aware of the the risks of artificial feeding and how this is truly a public health issue for both mom and baby.
Zest.Passion.Love
Showing posts with label Breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breastfeeding. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
The Value of Liquid Gold
I've been a strong advocate for breastfeeding since I got pregnant and have (and still am) armed myself with enough knowledge and skills. It is the best start for the baby and it does have its benefits for the mother as well. But the bottom line of the value of liquid gold is that THERE IS NO PRICE for it. You cannot put a price on it.
It's frustrating to hear and also breaks my heart when uninformed mothers, fathers, relatives run to The POD with the intention to purchase breastmilk. Such information would come from the nurses from hospitals and as to where they get the idea that we sell breastmilk is beyond me.
Breastfeeding moms who have extra stash give their milk wholeheartedly without the expectation of being paid. We are currently helping out Baby Pilar in Manila and have been sending her breastmilk and because of the recent natural calamities hitting our country, the group of moms that I have been actively and tirelessly involved in have pooled in resources in order to collect breastmilk to share. The collected breastmilk is hand carried to Manila (about 2 hours by plane) and pasteurized in one of only two pasteurization milk banks then shared to the babies and mothers affected by the calamities. However, this is just a stop-gap method. This is not sustainable. Instead, breastfeeding groups such as Arugaan and L.A.T.C.H. go to these disaster-stricken areas and make sure that the breastfeeding mothers and babies are getting the nutrition they need but also to bring the babies back to the breast. If it's anything, that's their main goal: to bring the babies back to the breast.
Our group, HM4HB-Davao is not a network where selling of breastmilk happens. It is a network for moms, dads, relatives of babies who are in need of breastmilk can ask for donations and moms who have the extra stash can offer their breastmilk. Usually they just ask to have the breastmilk storage bags replaced so that they can continue pumping their milk and sharing it but that's where it stops. They do not ask for money in exchange for their milk.
If you happen to know anybody who says that The POD or HM4HB-Davao is selling breastmilk or is a milk bank where you can purchase breastmilk, please be aware that this is not the correct information. We would like to dispel such information as it gives false hope and the wrong start for the mother and the baby. We are open to donations and are able to share milk as long as there is enough stash. But there is no need to pay for such.
I hope that more people will be able to read this blog post as it should be known that breastmilk is not a commodity to be bought but a blessing to share.
It's frustrating to hear and also breaks my heart when uninformed mothers, fathers, relatives run to The POD with the intention to purchase breastmilk. Such information would come from the nurses from hospitals and as to where they get the idea that we sell breastmilk is beyond me.
Breastfeeding moms who have extra stash give their milk wholeheartedly without the expectation of being paid. We are currently helping out Baby Pilar in Manila and have been sending her breastmilk and because of the recent natural calamities hitting our country, the group of moms that I have been actively and tirelessly involved in have pooled in resources in order to collect breastmilk to share. The collected breastmilk is hand carried to Manila (about 2 hours by plane) and pasteurized in one of only two pasteurization milk banks then shared to the babies and mothers affected by the calamities. However, this is just a stop-gap method. This is not sustainable. Instead, breastfeeding groups such as Arugaan and L.A.T.C.H. go to these disaster-stricken areas and make sure that the breastfeeding mothers and babies are getting the nutrition they need but also to bring the babies back to the breast. If it's anything, that's their main goal: to bring the babies back to the breast.
Our group, HM4HB-Davao is not a network where selling of breastmilk happens. It is a network for moms, dads, relatives of babies who are in need of breastmilk can ask for donations and moms who have the extra stash can offer their breastmilk. Usually they just ask to have the breastmilk storage bags replaced so that they can continue pumping their milk and sharing it but that's where it stops. They do not ask for money in exchange for their milk.
If you happen to know anybody who says that The POD or HM4HB-Davao is selling breastmilk or is a milk bank where you can purchase breastmilk, please be aware that this is not the correct information. We would like to dispel such information as it gives false hope and the wrong start for the mother and the baby. We are open to donations and are able to share milk as long as there is enough stash. But there is no need to pay for such.
I hope that more people will be able to read this blog post as it should be known that breastmilk is not a commodity to be bought but a blessing to share.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Full-Term Breastfeeding and Beyond: With Gratitude and Joy
D has just turned 15 months and he loves to walk around, explore and get himself into all kinds of mischief. It's something that I've slowly prepared myself for and somehow, we're all amazed at how he can learn so much in so little time. I can sense that he's a lot like L when learning things, he needs to touch them and do things rather than just observing. But sometimes, I also catch him observing me doing something and then later on, he'd be doing it as well! Such a sponge this little dude!
I've been breastfeeding D since Day 1 of his life and up to this day, there hasn't been a stop to his insatiable love and appetite for my boobies. He's a little more protective of me now since he doesn't like it when L would hug me or even just put his hand on my lap. You can expect a whine or he would literally remove the hand from me. But breastfeeding is a different story for the three of us. It's something that has bonded us ever more and I think that we're reaping the benefits now, more than ever.
D loves his food...and I mean LOVES it! An hour right after his breakfast, expect him to be munching on his biscuits again while trying his hand at the vacuum. Or right after dinner, he'd be asking for my milk in a bottle (since we're getting into a routine that he doesn't see me until nighttime to get him used to me working). Yaya W adores D because he's happy when he's full and satisfied. But yes, he throws tantrums especially when he knows he can control the situation, or when it's L who's looking after him.
Having had the chance to breastfeed D full-term has been such a blessing and I can only express gratitude to my support group. I don't think I would be able to last this long if it weren't for their kinds words, strength and support. I happen to be breastfeeding a piranha too, since D already has eight teeth and is sprouting a couple of more in the coming weeks. There are instances (especially the night feedings when I noticed that he would catch up on his feeding) that I just wish he'd let go of my sore nipples but I also know that's the only time he can have me all to himself. The moment the sun comes out, he knows that I am playing three roles, mom, wife and sister (let's change the sister to trainer next year!).
It is indeed with gratitude and joy and I have come to embrace this advocacy that is so near and dear to my heart. I have learned so much about being a mother and I know that I have more to learn and to share to other moms and moms-to-be.
I believe that breastfeeding is the best start of any baby's life because it is simply Mother Nature working. There's nothing to be scared about it. There's nothing to doubt about it. And there's definitely nothing weird about it.
julie
I've been breastfeeding D since Day 1 of his life and up to this day, there hasn't been a stop to his insatiable love and appetite for my boobies. He's a little more protective of me now since he doesn't like it when L would hug me or even just put his hand on my lap. You can expect a whine or he would literally remove the hand from me. But breastfeeding is a different story for the three of us. It's something that has bonded us ever more and I think that we're reaping the benefits now, more than ever.
D loves his food...and I mean LOVES it! An hour right after his breakfast, expect him to be munching on his biscuits again while trying his hand at the vacuum. Or right after dinner, he'd be asking for my milk in a bottle (since we're getting into a routine that he doesn't see me until nighttime to get him used to me working). Yaya W adores D because he's happy when he's full and satisfied. But yes, he throws tantrums especially when he knows he can control the situation, or when it's L who's looking after him.
Having had the chance to breastfeed D full-term has been such a blessing and I can only express gratitude to my support group. I don't think I would be able to last this long if it weren't for their kinds words, strength and support. I happen to be breastfeeding a piranha too, since D already has eight teeth and is sprouting a couple of more in the coming weeks. There are instances (especially the night feedings when I noticed that he would catch up on his feeding) that I just wish he'd let go of my sore nipples but I also know that's the only time he can have me all to himself. The moment the sun comes out, he knows that I am playing three roles, mom, wife and sister (let's change the sister to trainer next year!).
It is indeed with gratitude and joy and I have come to embrace this advocacy that is so near and dear to my heart. I have learned so much about being a mother and I know that I have more to learn and to share to other moms and moms-to-be.
I believe that breastfeeding is the best start of any baby's life because it is simply Mother Nature working. There's nothing to be scared about it. There's nothing to doubt about it. And there's definitely nothing weird about it.
julie
Thursday, July 4, 2013
(Extended) Breastfeeding: A Habit Hard To Break
I've been breastfeeding D since Day 1 and now that he's about to turn 1 year old, there are tons of bumps that we've already crossed and tons of happy moments that we've shared. Nearly all of what I wear in public is thought of in such a way that it should be easily accessed by D's mouth so that when he cries or demands or simply wants to comfort suckle...it's ready and available right then and there. Somehow, it's become a habit of ours to just be in sync with each other's moods and feelings. I guess that's what happens when you're attached to your baby because of breastfeeding.
L, D and I co-sleep and even though a queen-sized mattress is big...looks like we need something bigger because D can sleep in half of the space. Yes, how can little babies take up A LOT OF SPACE is beyond me but we manage through it. He has yet to stop his night feedings and it's been a couple of months since I've been actively pumping for his stash during the day when I have classes or when I have to run errands. I still make it a point to pump at least twice during Saturdays and Sundays so as to keep up with the stash.
First thing that people ask me when they find out that I'm breastfeeding D, "How many teeth does he have?" I smile and answer, "He has six teeth and more coming too!"
Yes, the biggest fear of most moms who breastfeed directly is the eruption of the teeth. Actually, I noticed D's teething stages as early as 3 months but I didn't feel any "pain" or discomfort until he had actually bitten me (by accident, of course) when he was 9 months old. The biting pangs and incidents simply happen when I don't get to read his emotions and his cues...but when we're both in the moment, I can quickly tell if he's fussy or if he's already bored and that's usually the time when he feels like my nipples are made of rubber and can be pulled and tossed around and all that.
As of writing, I have wounds on both nipples...I actually clench my fists when D latches on these days only because it still stings. But the pain's manageable. Don't get me wrong, it's painful but I'm looking at it this way...I've been through labor and back and was able to go through the whole 10cm and effacement with no medical intervention, the latching and wounds are simply part of the process of breastfeeding. I am in no way going to stop because of a few winces and stings. I'm not hardcore...I just have a high tolerance for pain and I'm quite thankful for it too!
I keep on looking back to Day 1 until today and I look at L and D while they're playing...I don't think that I'd be this attuned to them if it wasn't because of breastfeeding. I was able to learn how to be patient with myself and with D (it was quite a rough start for the both of us) and I was also able to learn how to be thankful for my family as my support group.
It truly is a hard habit to break, I don't know when we will stop and I don't know how we will stop...I don't even wanna think about that because...it's not something that I'm looking forward to, though it's something that is bound to happen, hopefully not too soon.
L, D and I co-sleep and even though a queen-sized mattress is big...looks like we need something bigger because D can sleep in half of the space. Yes, how can little babies take up A LOT OF SPACE is beyond me but we manage through it. He has yet to stop his night feedings and it's been a couple of months since I've been actively pumping for his stash during the day when I have classes or when I have to run errands. I still make it a point to pump at least twice during Saturdays and Sundays so as to keep up with the stash.
First thing that people ask me when they find out that I'm breastfeeding D, "How many teeth does he have?" I smile and answer, "He has six teeth and more coming too!"
Yes, the biggest fear of most moms who breastfeed directly is the eruption of the teeth. Actually, I noticed D's teething stages as early as 3 months but I didn't feel any "pain" or discomfort until he had actually bitten me (by accident, of course) when he was 9 months old. The biting pangs and incidents simply happen when I don't get to read his emotions and his cues...but when we're both in the moment, I can quickly tell if he's fussy or if he's already bored and that's usually the time when he feels like my nipples are made of rubber and can be pulled and tossed around and all that.
As of writing, I have wounds on both nipples...I actually clench my fists when D latches on these days only because it still stings. But the pain's manageable. Don't get me wrong, it's painful but I'm looking at it this way...I've been through labor and back and was able to go through the whole 10cm and effacement with no medical intervention, the latching and wounds are simply part of the process of breastfeeding. I am in no way going to stop because of a few winces and stings. I'm not hardcore...I just have a high tolerance for pain and I'm quite thankful for it too!
I keep on looking back to Day 1 until today and I look at L and D while they're playing...I don't think that I'd be this attuned to them if it wasn't because of breastfeeding. I was able to learn how to be patient with myself and with D (it was quite a rough start for the both of us) and I was also able to learn how to be thankful for my family as my support group.
It truly is a hard habit to break, I don't know when we will stop and I don't know how we will stop...I don't even wanna think about that because...it's not something that I'm looking forward to, though it's something that is bound to happen, hopefully not too soon.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Biting The Nipples That Feed Him
Been almost a month since my previous post but I've been very busy with the preparations for D's first birthday and I got back to online teaching this week, needless to say...it's been quite hectic.
Amidst all the "chaos" that's been happening, D is pretty much growing in front of our eyes. My parents were away for just a few days and got extended for another 24 hours due to the airport mishap (they were rerouted to Manila then GenSan and took a 3-hour bus trip back to Davao). They noticed D's sudden growth and mentioned it to me, the moms at our weekly playgroup also noticed and well...as much as I want to deny it, my little boy's growing up!
And with growing up comes those little tiny instances that really try my pain tolerance, yes...breastfeeding mothers can definitely relate to this...biting! He doesn't do it on purpose, at least I don't think so, and it doesn't happen often but when it does...WOW! I'd rather go through labor than deal with those nipple bites! Whew!
Did it seem bad? Yes, I felt like I was going to lose my nipple when I felt it. I was imagining this bloody image in my head where in the actual nipple is between his four incisors and he's smiling at me with that snarl that he always gives when he's feeding off me (too bloody?!). Then I look down and it's just red, sore and bleeding a little...I looked at D and there he was, smiling and giggling. I know he didn't do it on purpose but that was just one of those VERY RARE moments that I wish I could stop breastfeeding. I didn't stop...trust me, I wasn't going to stop just because there was a tiny wound.
The best cure was to let D latch and let his saliva heal it, true enough...it was all right. Took about a couple of week for the soreness to completely go away but I was still able to pump and express milk for him. That didn't discourage me from breastfeeding...but it did make me flinch every once in awhile whenever D would latch. Somehow, those little teeth are definitely not stopping at biting everything it can get in contact with. How do I stop him though? Well...pinching his nose definitely stops it, the "suffocation" trick doesn't really work on his as he was push me away and it's more painful. So pinching works for us...
I know that this will be just be a phase, and I'm in no way deciding to stop breastfeeding. But yet, babies do bite the nipples that feed them...mommies, trust me...they still love you no matter what and they're not doing it on purpose.
Amidst all the "chaos" that's been happening, D is pretty much growing in front of our eyes. My parents were away for just a few days and got extended for another 24 hours due to the airport mishap (they were rerouted to Manila then GenSan and took a 3-hour bus trip back to Davao). They noticed D's sudden growth and mentioned it to me, the moms at our weekly playgroup also noticed and well...as much as I want to deny it, my little boy's growing up!
And with growing up comes those little tiny instances that really try my pain tolerance, yes...breastfeeding mothers can definitely relate to this...biting! He doesn't do it on purpose, at least I don't think so, and it doesn't happen often but when it does...WOW! I'd rather go through labor than deal with those nipple bites! Whew!
Did it seem bad? Yes, I felt like I was going to lose my nipple when I felt it. I was imagining this bloody image in my head where in the actual nipple is between his four incisors and he's smiling at me with that snarl that he always gives when he's feeding off me (too bloody?!). Then I look down and it's just red, sore and bleeding a little...I looked at D and there he was, smiling and giggling. I know he didn't do it on purpose but that was just one of those VERY RARE moments that I wish I could stop breastfeeding. I didn't stop...trust me, I wasn't going to stop just because there was a tiny wound.
The best cure was to let D latch and let his saliva heal it, true enough...it was all right. Took about a couple of week for the soreness to completely go away but I was still able to pump and express milk for him. That didn't discourage me from breastfeeding...but it did make me flinch every once in awhile whenever D would latch. Somehow, those little teeth are definitely not stopping at biting everything it can get in contact with. How do I stop him though? Well...pinching his nose definitely stops it, the "suffocation" trick doesn't really work on his as he was push me away and it's more painful. So pinching works for us...
I know that this will be just be a phase, and I'm in no way deciding to stop breastfeeding. But yet, babies do bite the nipples that feed them...mommies, trust me...they still love you no matter what and they're not doing it on purpose.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Pumping It Up
D's already 9 months and 13 days as of writing and he is as active as he can be! Semi-cruising and already showing signs that he's ready to let go of whatever he's holding to stand up on his own, I only have a few more months to spare before all of us will be running after him. With his constant growth, I've seen him chow down more food than I thought I could see him eat...and his milk input hasn't changed either! Love the idea that I can just pull it out and he can latch onto it, anytime and anywhere.
I've been meaning to build up a stash but since I stay home with him, laziness has come over me and pumping hasn't been a priority unless there's a need to donate some. But a few days ago, I was contacted by my former headteacher and asked me if I could start teaching again next month. I've missed teaching and if there's anything that I love to do (before I became a mom), that's teaching. I jumped to the chance and agreed to start teaching again.
My classes will start as early as noon so that would mean D will be spending the afternoon and early evening with his nanny, Yaya W. The thought of having to build a stash was already looming and quite urgent since I know that my supply would need to be reprogrammed. I wasn't too worried but I also knew that it'd be a great practice to already start the soonest.
This afternoon, I was able to find the time to actually do some sessions. I was quite surprised since I was able to pump around 3oz. during my first two sessions. I'm due for another session tonight after I post this. But with the way things are going...I'm actually happy that I'm slowly and surely building a stash. It's also perfect timing since the balloon workshop will be on the 25th of this month and I'll be away for a whole day, a stash would be perfect so that Yaya W will be relieved as well.
Such liquid gold is achievable. I'm quite glad to have the support system around me. It's not a numbers game, it's more of consistency and practice...with a whole lot of patience!
By the way...D isn't used to bottle feeding so we're skipping all those and going straight to the glass! Besides, he loves putting his mouth to the rim and feel the glass...
I've been meaning to build up a stash but since I stay home with him, laziness has come over me and pumping hasn't been a priority unless there's a need to donate some. But a few days ago, I was contacted by my former headteacher and asked me if I could start teaching again next month. I've missed teaching and if there's anything that I love to do (before I became a mom), that's teaching. I jumped to the chance and agreed to start teaching again.
My classes will start as early as noon so that would mean D will be spending the afternoon and early evening with his nanny, Yaya W. The thought of having to build a stash was already looming and quite urgent since I know that my supply would need to be reprogrammed. I wasn't too worried but I also knew that it'd be a great practice to already start the soonest.
This afternoon, I was able to find the time to actually do some sessions. I was quite surprised since I was able to pump around 3oz. during my first two sessions. I'm due for another session tonight after I post this. But with the way things are going...I'm actually happy that I'm slowly and surely building a stash. It's also perfect timing since the balloon workshop will be on the 25th of this month and I'll be away for a whole day, a stash would be perfect so that Yaya W will be relieved as well.
Such liquid gold is achievable. I'm quite glad to have the support system around me. It's not a numbers game, it's more of consistency and practice...with a whole lot of patience!
By the way...D isn't used to bottle feeding so we're skipping all those and going straight to the glass! Besides, he loves putting his mouth to the rim and feel the glass...
Monday, May 6, 2013
My Breastfeeding Advocate Hubbie Part 2
This happens to be another experience that L shared about his advocacy for breastfeeding (yes, such a wonderful world that husbands are very vocal and supportive of such an advocacy!).
He had a customer this afternoon who was carrying her 8-month-old baby and she got her 3-year-old toddler to tag along when they were buying a motorcycle unit. Of course, heat was crazy so L told the mom to come inside the cool office so that it would make the baby feel less fussy. His staff were a little hesitant to approach the mom since she was breastfeeding her baby, L motioned the mom to sit down and he asked what unit they were looking for and all.
"Sir, okay lang ba na magpa-dede ko diri?" the mom asked.
"Okay lang ma'am. Wala'y problema na. Init pud kaayo sa gawas, basin ma-subawan ang mga bata especially ang baby, kasabot kaayo ko ana ma'am." L said respectfully, "Akong asawa man pud, gapa-dede man pud."
The mom simply smiled and L said that she felt more relaxed as she fed her baby and they were discussing about the unit that she wanted to purchase. After having purchased the unit, signed the contracts and she asked a couple of relatives to pick up the children (she was driving the motorcycle), she got onto the motorbike and left the store.
L's staff approached him and just smiled.
"Sir, dili man gud namo ma-istorya ug tarong kay gapa-dede man gud. Di mi katan-aw." one of his male staff said (probably felt a little uncomfortable breastfeeding in public).
"Sus, kung kamo gani magka-anak na pud...dili na issue na sa inyo." L said and looked at his female staff, "Kamo magka-baby, wala na'y ulaw2 kay ang pagpa-kalma sa bata ang inyong focus."
"Mao ka sir? Dili maulaw si ma'am na pa-dede sa mall?" his female staff asked.
"Ngano man pud siya maulaw? Libre na gani...maulaw pa?" L asked with a smirk, "Atong mga inahan kadtong una man gani...pa-dede lang habang manglaba, magluto ug uban pa..."
Ever since D was born, I've always breastfed him on demand and that's wherever we may be. L has been the most supportive husband by making sure that I have my sling so that my arms won't get as tired (especially when we're out and about). Kudos to the mom coz she got her baby and a toddler in tow!
Yes, moments like such make me a proud wife! You go L!
He had a customer this afternoon who was carrying her 8-month-old baby and she got her 3-year-old toddler to tag along when they were buying a motorcycle unit. Of course, heat was crazy so L told the mom to come inside the cool office so that it would make the baby feel less fussy. His staff were a little hesitant to approach the mom since she was breastfeeding her baby, L motioned the mom to sit down and he asked what unit they were looking for and all.
"Sir, okay lang ba na magpa-dede ko diri?" the mom asked.
"Okay lang ma'am. Wala'y problema na. Init pud kaayo sa gawas, basin ma-subawan ang mga bata especially ang baby, kasabot kaayo ko ana ma'am." L said respectfully, "Akong asawa man pud, gapa-dede man pud."
The mom simply smiled and L said that she felt more relaxed as she fed her baby and they were discussing about the unit that she wanted to purchase. After having purchased the unit, signed the contracts and she asked a couple of relatives to pick up the children (she was driving the motorcycle), she got onto the motorbike and left the store.
L's staff approached him and just smiled.
"Sir, dili man gud namo ma-istorya ug tarong kay gapa-dede man gud. Di mi katan-aw." one of his male staff said (probably felt a little uncomfortable breastfeeding in public).
"Sus, kung kamo gani magka-anak na pud...dili na issue na sa inyo." L said and looked at his female staff, "Kamo magka-baby, wala na'y ulaw2 kay ang pagpa-kalma sa bata ang inyong focus."
"Mao ka sir? Dili maulaw si ma'am na pa-dede sa mall?" his female staff asked.
"Ngano man pud siya maulaw? Libre na gani...maulaw pa?" L asked with a smirk, "Atong mga inahan kadtong una man gani...pa-dede lang habang manglaba, magluto ug uban pa..."
Ever since D was born, I've always breastfed him on demand and that's wherever we may be. L has been the most supportive husband by making sure that I have my sling so that my arms won't get as tired (especially when we're out and about). Kudos to the mom coz she got her baby and a toddler in tow!
Yes, moments like such make me a proud wife! You go L!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
My Breastfeeding Advocate Hubbie
I love the fact that Lau is already an advocate of breastfeeding! Yes, my husband! An advocate! A very strong one at that!
Last night, Lau told me about one of his male colleagues who is a new father. His baby was born a little earlier than the EDD (premature) and asked Lau as to what milk we're using to feed Damien.
"Breastmilk 'pre, ako na ang magtestify sa wonders talaga ng breastmilk." Lau proudly said, "Breastfeeding ba si Gelai karon?"
"Dili na eh. Gamay lang kaayo ang gatas." his colleague said.
"Ayaw mo katingala, gamay pa ang tiyan sa baby...dili jud na daghan dayun2 ang gatas sa mommy. Basehan niya ang kagutom sa baby." Lau said.
"Mao ba? Daghan lagi ka nahibaw-an ana Sir." his colleague said.
"Natakdan na ko kang misis." Lau joked, "Dili pud, breastfed pud mi nga babies."
"Maayo pud na noh." his colleague added.
"Maayo jud kaayo. Buyag, wala jud nagkasakit akong baby. Ug tipid kaayo, ang para sa formula...na-divert na namo para sa vaccines." Lau added.
He told me all about their conversation about breastmilk. Think about it, two fathers talked about breastmilk! I love it! I love the fact that Lau testified and had a lot of information to tell the new father (his baby just turned a month old is being formula-fed fulltime now). I know that his passion comes from his experience of Damien (now 8 months and still being breastfed), but hearing him tell this story with so much gusto is another aspect that I haven't seen!
I must say that it's such a proud moment for me as well. I knew that the moment I made the decision to breastfeed Damien, Lau was behind me all the way. Even coming to he rescue that one time with MIL (will blog about it in a later post!). For a husband to be very supportive that he turned to be an advocate as well is something rare!
I'm too giddy and happy typing this story! It's such a natural high!
Last night, Lau told me about one of his male colleagues who is a new father. His baby was born a little earlier than the EDD (premature) and asked Lau as to what milk we're using to feed Damien.
"Breastmilk 'pre, ako na ang magtestify sa wonders talaga ng breastmilk." Lau proudly said, "Breastfeeding ba si Gelai karon?"
"Dili na eh. Gamay lang kaayo ang gatas." his colleague said.
"Ayaw mo katingala, gamay pa ang tiyan sa baby...dili jud na daghan dayun2 ang gatas sa mommy. Basehan niya ang kagutom sa baby." Lau said.
"Mao ba? Daghan lagi ka nahibaw-an ana Sir." his colleague said.
"Natakdan na ko kang misis." Lau joked, "Dili pud, breastfed pud mi nga babies."
"Maayo pud na noh." his colleague added.
"Maayo jud kaayo. Buyag, wala jud nagkasakit akong baby. Ug tipid kaayo, ang para sa formula...na-divert na namo para sa vaccines." Lau added.
He told me all about their conversation about breastmilk. Think about it, two fathers talked about breastmilk! I love it! I love the fact that Lau testified and had a lot of information to tell the new father (his baby just turned a month old is being formula-fed fulltime now). I know that his passion comes from his experience of Damien (now 8 months and still being breastfed), but hearing him tell this story with so much gusto is another aspect that I haven't seen!
I must say that it's such a proud moment for me as well. I knew that the moment I made the decision to breastfeed Damien, Lau was behind me all the way. Even coming to he rescue that one time with MIL (will blog about it in a later post!). For a husband to be very supportive that he turned to be an advocate as well is something rare!
I'm too giddy and happy typing this story! It's such a natural high!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Why? Why Not?
Now that D's 8 months and 17 days as of writing, some people tend to ask the one question that I've heard a hundred times (trust me, if I get a peso for everytime I'd be asked the question...I'd probably have enough to buy a stash of GroVia hybrids! LOL!).
"How old na is your baby?" someone asks.
"He's 8 months na." I'd answer.
"Wow, ang lusog niya! Anong milk niya?" someone asks again.
"Breastmilk." I answer with a smile, as normal as I look when I smile.
"Hah? Breastfeeding ka pa rin until now? Why naman?" someone asked.
I'm so tempted to answer with all the sarcasm and frustration in the world, 'Why not?' Seriously, why not? It seems that people in the city (urbanized areas) have already been so exposed to what's on TV that the most natural thing in the world is being questioned and dare I say, criticized. I've been used to be being stared even when I was a kid given that I am born with a cleft lip and palate, so being stared and gawked at when I'm feeding D in public was never an issue to me.
I feel quite strongly about this advocacy because I do not like the fact that people are not being educated. They would rather choose what is convenient as opposed to what is natural and what is readily available. Although I truly respect the choices that mothers make, I also make it a point to speak my mind since it is something truly close to my heart. It breaks whenever I hear babies getting sick because of formula or because they easily contracted a water-borne disease.
In the US, it is even common to hear people say this to nursing mothers, 'I do not masturbate or pee in public, why should you expose your breasts in public?' Again, I would love to answer with all sarcasm in the world, 'Why? Did I expose my breasts to you?' I even saw a motto that said, 'If you're offended by my breastfeeding then you've been staring at it for too long.'
We are luckier here in Davao since breastfeeding in public is not even an issue. I've seen several photos and also read several horror stories in Manila where nursing mothers were asked to leave restaurants because they made the customers feel uncomfortable. Or that it is indecent to be breastfeeding in public so they have to look for a comfort room to feed the baby instead. Wow, I was shocked to hear about this because in our own country where it is still very natural and common to be breastfeeding even in the jeepney (yes, I've seen a mother breastfeed her baby while in the jeepney!), why constrict mothers to feed their children?
Bottomline: There is a law here in the Philippines that protects nursing mothers and yes, they are allowed to nurse in public. Malls and other public establishments are required to have an area where mothers can breastfeed their children in peace (and no, it's not the comfort room!). And if you think that it's indecent for mothers to be "exposing their breasts" to feed their children...then you're staring at it for too long.
Again...they ask why and I answer with a why not.
"How old na is your baby?" someone asks.
"He's 8 months na." I'd answer.
"Wow, ang lusog niya! Anong milk niya?" someone asks again.
"Breastmilk." I answer with a smile, as normal as I look when I smile.
"Hah? Breastfeeding ka pa rin until now? Why naman?" someone asked.
I'm so tempted to answer with all the sarcasm and frustration in the world, 'Why not?' Seriously, why not? It seems that people in the city (urbanized areas) have already been so exposed to what's on TV that the most natural thing in the world is being questioned and dare I say, criticized. I've been used to be being stared even when I was a kid given that I am born with a cleft lip and palate, so being stared and gawked at when I'm feeding D in public was never an issue to me.
I feel quite strongly about this advocacy because I do not like the fact that people are not being educated. They would rather choose what is convenient as opposed to what is natural and what is readily available. Although I truly respect the choices that mothers make, I also make it a point to speak my mind since it is something truly close to my heart. It breaks whenever I hear babies getting sick because of formula or because they easily contracted a water-borne disease.
In the US, it is even common to hear people say this to nursing mothers, 'I do not masturbate or pee in public, why should you expose your breasts in public?' Again, I would love to answer with all sarcasm in the world, 'Why? Did I expose my breasts to you?' I even saw a motto that said, 'If you're offended by my breastfeeding then you've been staring at it for too long.'
We are luckier here in Davao since breastfeeding in public is not even an issue. I've seen several photos and also read several horror stories in Manila where nursing mothers were asked to leave restaurants because they made the customers feel uncomfortable. Or that it is indecent to be breastfeeding in public so they have to look for a comfort room to feed the baby instead. Wow, I was shocked to hear about this because in our own country where it is still very natural and common to be breastfeeding even in the jeepney (yes, I've seen a mother breastfeed her baby while in the jeepney!), why constrict mothers to feed their children?
Bottomline: There is a law here in the Philippines that protects nursing mothers and yes, they are allowed to nurse in public. Malls and other public establishments are required to have an area where mothers can breastfeed their children in peace (and no, it's not the comfort room!). And if you think that it's indecent for mothers to be "exposing their breasts" to feed their children...then you're staring at it for too long.
Again...they ask why and I answer with a why not.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
My Choice of Breastfeeding
When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to give the best for my baby. And yes, that included me breastfeeding for as long as I could. My Mum breastfed Kuya Paul, Jam and I for about an average of a year...so I knew that I got the support from my parents. This passion was also fueled more when I attended a mommy meet-up at The POD which was all about The Milk Code.
Since I had to give birth via stat CS, Damien was wheeled to the nursery after the Unang Yakap was done on us and I was being stitched up. I was back in our room at around 3 in the morning and I was still a little doozy, awake but quite doozy. Laurence wanted to make sure that I get enough sleep because he needed the sleep as well, we've been in labor since 2pm the day before and I knew he was very tired. I was quite worried since I wanted to make sure that Damien would get my colostrum but I rested my eyes and got a few hours of sleep.
At 8am, my nurse told me that I needed to go to the breastfeeding room to be able to see Damien. I didn't think twice, I stood up and slowly walked to the breastfeeding room a few meters away from the nursery...yes, with IV and catheter in tow. I just wanted to see Damien again. The nurse told me that he just finished feeding so he might not want to latch onto me immediately, but since I made sure that he went through wet nursing...I was confident that latching for him was not an issue. I just wanted to smell him, to be honest! And I wanted to see him again...I only got to see him for a few minutes since I was in and out of consciousness when the Unang Yakap was done. But I remembered his face so clearly...for someone who was in and out during the operation, I had a good memory of how my baby looked like!
It around lunchtime when Damien was finally roomed-in with us. He was still full since he was just fed but the nurse-in-charge told me that he's not a fussy baby. He was quick in latching and would just cry out when hungry or uncomfortable. In my mind, 'Any baby would be fussy once he's out to this noisy world...' So, I knew that cuddling and making sure that he could sense my presence was top priority for me.
During our three-day stay in the hospital, it wasn't a walk in the park for us. He did latch but he wasn't as comfortable as he would like to be. I was still recovering from my C-section so I couldn't really move as much as I would like so he would sleep in our arms...little did we know that he wanted to latch and sleep at the same time. I guess everything was totally new and unexpected for Laurence and I. I wanted to go home and be comfortable in my own space but we needed to spend one more night since Damien's temperature spiked up to 37.7...hence, the third day in the hospital.
As soon as we got home, breastfeeding him was a little easier since I could do it in my own space where we were all familiar with. Our dogs even understood what was happening and lessened their fussiness as well, hardly any barks and they were right outside our door, waiting for something to happen to call out my parents' attention. I mastered the football hold because of my scar but we managed breastfeeding one day at a time. I was so determined to breastfeed...and my parents were as well so they cooked as much soup (malunggay and imbao) to help me with my supply.
Everybody around me was glad that I chose breastfeeding...I also found out on our own that it was the most hassle-free choice as well. I didn't need to prepare or sterilize anything...just pull up my shirt and Damien would start rooting like mad. It was around two weeks later that we mastered the side-lying position, by then I was more comfortable with my scar and I wasn't in too much pain.
Damien's already 8 months and 14 days as of writing and is still exclusively and directly breastfeeding...he has already started semi-solids when he was around 6 months but he refused the bottle for water, even the sippy spout as well. We resorted to cup feeding him water, to which he took very well.
Though my wardrobe has been limited to nursing wear or button-down tops, I never regretted my decision to breastfeed my boy. It was really more of an economical push as well that led me to really be an advocate. People say that I quickly got back to my pre-pregnancy weight because of breastfeeding, that's true. I could eat anything and everything I want since the calories would shed off quickly because of breastfeeding. But I'm also thankful that I chose breastfeeding since I was more conscious of what I was eating. Anything that I ate was going straight to Damien so I needed to choose well. I haven't taken any caffeine since I got pregnant and have maintained that until today. I love that I've been healthier since then.
I was asked during one La Leche League meet-up, "How long do you plan to breastfeed?" If I had the choice, I wish that I could be able to give as much milk to Damien and to other babies as long as I can. But that's not my choice...Damien has the last call if he'd still be willing to feed from me or if he's strong enough to let go and choose to feed from a glass (with expressed breastmilk, of course!). I don't think it'll reach to 4 years old (the average age of weaning worldwide) but I hope that I am brave enough to face that reality one day.
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