Sudden drop of milk supply

Last month I experience a sudden drop of milk output. It happen so suddenly, the day before I can pump out 5oz for two session, then suddenly drop to less than 2oz for two sessions! I was puzzled, and thought to myself if its something that I ate or did I do something differently, was I stress? Only a few days later that I realise the reason behind the sudden drop of milk output, my ovulation has started. Fortunately, its only temporary, once my period comes, my milk output back to normal. That is why, it is important not to jump to conclusion that your milk is dropping and stop pumping. Eventhough I experience the low output of milk when I pump, I still continue pumping and massaging my breast, so that I'm still able to continually breastfeeds my baby. My baby is now 10 month old, he is an active child. I hope I'm able to breastfeed him, so that he'll grow up healthy.

Please don't throw your baby like its a rag doll !!!

I went down just now to buy myself a pack of Milo 3-in-1, on my way out I saw a picture that made the headline, the picture of a baby boy, about the same age as my son. The boy was crying, and looks shivering. I read the story briefly, the baby was thrown into the sea by the mother itself!! How could she do that?? She is a beggar who was trying to avoid raid by the officers during an anti-vagrancy operation (in Tawau). I cannot comprehend what is on her mind when she decided to ditch her baby in the sea. What is wrong with our society nowadays? All I can think of is that she is probably an illegal immigrant, or probably not her own baby or maybe not in the right mind, but even so, I still cannot understand how a mother could do that to her own child. What happen to her motherly instinct? What happen to her conscience? I won't even throw a kitten or puppy into the sea. I won't even leave my baby for a second (if I'm not working), I would do anything I can to protect my baby, that is what we call motherly instinct, and this person has none of it. Even animal has a motherly instinct to protect their young. It breaks my heart to see the picture of the baby, it was as if I'm looking at my own baby, crying, shivering and alone. This is the sad truth of our society nowadays, abandoned baby in the dumpster, throwing baby from the building (already been a few cases in Peninsular), and now throwing baby in the sea to avoid raid, doesn't make sense, does it? What are we as a society can do in our part to avoid all this sad news from recurring again and again? Can we teach a person on how to be a mother? We may teach them on how to care for their child, how to bath the baby, how hold the baby and how to breastfeed them, in this process may create a bond between mother and child.
Honestly speaking, before I've a child I always wonder if I can be a good mother, can I give my baby the love and care that he deserve? For me, its a learning process for a first time mother. But through out this time, I grow to love my baby more and more each day. The learning process involved how to bath my baby, hold him in my arms, sing to him, breastfeed him, change his diaper, feed him when he's hungry, comfort him when he cries, read him bible stories, play with him and laugh with him. This process create a bond between me and my child. I make an effort to learn how to care for my baby and provide him with the best that I can give. I bought books about parenting and read a lot of articles from Internet. I'm a working mother and only able to spend time with my baby after work and during weekends, and because of this, I make an effort to spend quality time with him and playing with him as much as I can. I don't want to look back and says ' I wish I've spend more time with him, now that he's all grown up, he has his own friends...' and ponder of how time flies. I will give my baby as much love and care that he deserves, because now is the time when he needs me the most.
For me, breastfeeding creates the bond between me and my baby that no one else can replace, breastfeeding is the only special moment for us. And for that, I'm thankful that I'm able to breastfeed him (even if not exclusively), I'm thankful for the Malaysia's government effort to promote breastfeeding among mothers, I'm also thankful for the many information I got from people even strangers from around the world for their sharing in breastfeeding. 
It's not always smooth sailing, there are times when I felt too tired (in the early months) and sleep deprived, having my mother and husband and a helper around to take shift when I needed them to really helps a lot. It is important to have at least one more person to help especially in the early months. You can't handle everything yourself, even if you can, stress will eventually get to you and you will eventually create a sense of resentment towards your child.
Dear mothers everywhere, you can buy the best toy in the world for your baby, but at the end of the day, he only wants your companion and your love. Even if he has a hundred toy lying around for him, without someone (a mother) to play with him and laugh with him, its just going to a meaningless thing lying around. This is the time for you to nurture him, so that he will grow respecting others and loving others as you've taught him love.

Unwanted babies

I read the news today, and yet again another sad news regarding abandoned babies. It breaks my heart each time I read this type of news. I cannot imagine how a mother can carry a baby for nine months only to abandon them after they're born. The worst is when I read about the young mother who threw her baby from the 3rd floor of a building, what kind mother would do that to a baby? A monster probably, cold blooded person without any conscience. A child is a gift from God, as a mother, we've the responsibilities to take care of them and nurture them. Some couples try so hard to conceive, having to go through disappointment after disappointment only to be able to have a child of their own. Yet some other people doesn't even appreciate this precious little life.
Being a mother, I cannot understand whats on this cold blooded monster minds. I would give anything for my baby, even life itself. 

Interesting book and article about breastfeeding

Every now and then, I do some research about breastfeeding. Especially on how to increase breast milk. This website really helps me a lot, and I hope will benefit other mother as well. I learn a lot through this website regarding breastfeeding.
One book that I enjoy reading is "The Breastfeeding Mothers Guide to Making More Milk". It has a lot of information regarding breastfeeding, if you've always wondered why your milk is low, this is a good book to read. I hope you will find it useful as much as I did.

Simple things baby do that gives us joy

My little one just turn 8 months, everyday is full of surprises. I always give him his stuff toy (Ducky), and each time he play with his ducky, he always look at the ducky hair moving (because of fan) with full of interest. Last night the same, so I showed him how the ducky hair moves by blowing at it, to my surprise, he started making the same blowing expression as I did towards the ducky hair. That moment is just too cute, he is learning new things day by day.
He doesn't like to be left alone, even when I'm just around the corner. He enjoys having me or my husband playing with him. It's good too, because babies learn a lot by monitoring what other people do, spend more time playing with your baby to help him with his development. I just bought new toys for him, to occupied his time, but also to help with his development.

How to increase and maintain milk supply?

I've been breastfeeding my baby for almost 8 months now, I'm glad that I'm able to maintain my milk supply. Like many mothers who prefer breastfeeding, I always try to find ways to increase my milk supply. I tried many methods other mothers tried and succeed, such as, papaya soup (raw papaya, sliced and cook as soup) and fish bone soup (you can find the recipe here). Some mothers seems to be lucky to have abundant of milk supply, probably due to genetic. I envy those who are able to produce 4oz - 8oz per pumping session, and I thought that I should produce such amount, I only realise (after reading books and articles about breast milk) that average women only able to produce around 2oz or 3oz of milk per session (both breast). Those who are able to pump 4oz and up are over supply (how lucky!). I should count my blessing, because atleast I'm still able to pump out milk at this time (almost 8month now). Although I find that on a good day, I'm able to pump 4oz (very rarely), but most of the time only manage to pump 3oz, and certain time 2oz or nothing at all. It makes you wonder why the inconsistency, doesn't it? I think our mood and the way we think does effect our milk output. Some says that if you're under stress or depress, milk supply will be low.
Our diet also does affect our milk output, we should eat balance healthy diet because the nutrient in our food will eventually goes to our milk. Its true that breastfeeding women gets hungry faster. I always feels extra hungry after every feed for my baby, and extra thirsty too, so I always make sure I've my snack and a bottle of water nearby and I never skip a meal. Oat milk drink and oat cookies are two things that I always make sure I've enough stock. Oat milk can improve milk supply, and its good for our body too, not to mention delicious to eat and drink. I also find that if I eat food that is extra oily, my milk output is more, such as margarine (on loaf of bread) or fried noodle or chicken with skin (steam chicken). If you're afraid of gaining weight because you keep eating, I can tell you that as long as I'm breastfeeding, I still maintain my pre-pregnancy weight until now.
Drinking lots of water also helps to maintain your milk supply. I drink atleast 3 bottles (1800ml) of water each day, even at work, we need to make sure that our body is not dehydrated. Every morning for breakfast I will drink a glass of oat milk or oat meal drink (3-in-1) and two sandwiches (kaya and margarine), and lots of water through out the day. But it doesn't mean that you have to force yourself to drink, just make sure you're not thirsty and don't drink too much carbonated drinks.
Some women take galactagogue to increase their milk supply, however, I find that it only works for some women. I did take recommended galactagogue such as fenugreek, but it didn't work any wonders for me. I also tried Sacred Tea for Nursing Mothers, it is able to maintain my milk supply but didn't really increase my milk supply to double or triple as it did to some lucky women. It's worth a try as a last resort. But make sure you've done your research first and better to consult your doctor before taking any galactagogue.

Letting your baby suckle your milk often can also increase milk supply, and hence the concept more demand more supply. The more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk comes in. If you're working, it is good to have a dual electric pump, and express your milk every 3 - 4 hours for at least 10minutes each session. However, some mothers say that they express better with hand or manual pump, therefore it depends on each individual. I usually express my milk at lunch time and before going home for 10-15minutes. Thinking about your baby while expressing will help letting down and the flow of milk, I don't have problem with this as I think about my baby all the time.

If you really need help in breastfeeding or the technique of breastfeeding, you may contact your lactation consultant in your area. If you reside in Sabah, Malaysia, you can call the admin at Likas Hospital for the contact. I still have their contact, if you need it, you may email to me at smallwonders33@gmail.com.
Baby brings joy in our life, provide him with the best, your milk contain the best nutrient your body can give, and whats more, its free.
Playtex Drop-Ins System - Breast Milk Storage Kit

My delivery story

During my pregnancy time, I'm one of those people who wanted to have a normal delivery for my baby. My husband and I went for the pre-natal course, and they taught us various techniques of exercise to do prior to the delivery day. Honestly, I did follow the steps they taught us probably for a few days then I stop. I'm just too lazy and my belly is too huge so I couldn't be bothered to do it, excuses after excuses, which I now regret. Everyday, I'll tell myself I'll do it next week, after all, it's still a long wait, weeks turn to months and that day finally came. I was like 'Uh Oh!', too late. So, for you ladies out there who is still pregnant, remember to do your exercise, you have to find a way to motivate yourself, having a supportive husband is a plus.
I find that my delivery story is somewhat funny. It was New Year's Eve, and like every year, my dad will have free tickets for New Year's Eve Dinner Buffet at Shangrila. I consider myself one of those lucky preggers who're able to eat anything they want without any problem. I probably eat too much that night that my water just broke. But I didn't feel any pain, we went to the hospital anyway to check in. The nurses ask me whether I feel any contraction, and I ask her back 'What does contraction feels like?' so the answer is obviously no. The private hospital I went to has a nice single room with a plasma TV and a private bathroom. I wish I've taken a shower that night because the day after the delivery, I can't even wash my hair (due to confinement). I was waiting anxiously until finally I felt my contraction, it was slow at first, then it becomes more frequent and painful to the point I can't even stand and need my hubby AND the nurse to massage my back to relieve the pain. I can't describe the pain, it was everywhere from my hip to my tummy. At that moment, I felt really blessed to have a supportive and caring husband by my side until the moment I gave birth. After 8 agonising hours of pain, my doctor finally came to check on me again and he told me 'Only 3cm', that means 7 more cm to go. According to him, it usually takes 1 hour for the pelvic to open for 1cm, and in my case it takes longer because my contraction is not frequent (every 3-5minutes). He give me two option, to wait or to arrange for surgery, I decided to wait another 4 hours. He came again after 4 hours and check on me, it remain 3cm, which means either induce labor (which means to wait another 6 more hours of excruciating pain) or surgery. My hubby who can't stand to see the pain I'm enduring, beg me to go c-section. After we decided for surgery, I've to wait another hour for the operating theater to be available. That one hour is the longest one hour I ever felt, the pain is worst than the pain I felt the past 12hours, every minute I ask my hubby where's the doctor, where's the nurse, omg, I can't do this anymore I tell him. Finally they prepare me for delivery, and my hubby who is as scared as I was, hold my hand through the process. And finally we heard our little prince cry, and from that moment on, I forgot about the pain I felt before and all I felt is pure happiness. Nothing in this world can describe the pain I felt, but if I was to relive the process all over again for my baby, I would do it ten times more if I have to.
It was New Year's day, and the happiest day of our life. From that day on... our life begins a new and exciting chapter with our bundle of joy.

Challenges of Breastfeeding at work

I'm a working mother who chose to breastfeed my child. Like many working mother who chose to breastfeed, we face many challenges and obstacle. The day I came back to work, I suffer with an engorge breast, it was a painful experience. I haven't bought a breast pump at that time, so I've to squeeze the milk out, it was tiring and painful. As soon as I reach home, my baby is already waiting for me loyally and hungry, I wash myself, then immediately I let him nurse. I though to myself I've to buy a breast pump as soon as possible. My kind ex-colleague who is also a breastfeeding mother, totally understand my experience. She has just stopped breastfeeding her little one, and she's kind enough to lend me her breast milk storage bag + ice pack. I'm grateful of her. She let me understand the needs of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed at work. It is not practical for me to pump my milk every two hours, but I do pump during lunch time and before I go home. It took me 10-15minutes each time, with my new electric pump, it just make life easier.
Luckily for me, we have a small pantry (like store room) where they store food and drinks just in case there's visitor or client coming for meeting. The pantry is where I do my pumping business, my colleagues understand it now each time I went to the pantry I'll put a post it note on the door 'In Use', so that they know I'm inside.
To be able to express your milk while you're working is not easy, you need to find the time and place to do so. You have to be discreet, making sure it doesn't affect your working time and your work. To be able to do it for at least 10 minutes each time is good enough. You can work out a schedule to express your milk, such as if you start work at 8am, you can breastfeed your baby early morning at 7am before you go to work, then you can start expressing your milk at 10am or 11am (for 5-10min), then during lunch time, 1pm (for 10-15min), and then at 4.30pm (for 10-15min).
Having a supportive colleagues and bosses is a plus. Let them understand your needs as a mother to express your milk for your little one. I'm sure they will understand and be supportive of you as long as it doesn't interfere with their work.
Hopefully, I'll be able to continue pumping my milk for at least 1 year. Happy expressing :-)

Why do I breasfeed?

If anyone ask me that question, I'll simply say 'Why not?'. Its the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk has all the nutrient that baby needs to grow healthy. There are a lot of goodness in breast milk apart from the nutrient that keeps baby healthy, it also boost his immune system. If I am to list down all the goodness of breast milk to baby's body, it will be a very long list compared to formula fed baby.
Breastfeeding not only benefit baby's body but also the mother. Breastfeeding mother tend to able to lose their baby fat faster, they are able to slim down faster and get back their pre-pregnancy figure sooner. Ever since I started breastfeeding, I tend to watch my food intake, personally, I just want to make sure my baby gets all the good fat in his milk. I also notice that, I'm eating healthier compared to before I was pregnant. That's just one of the benefit I notice about breastfeeding towards my body, by research has proven that breastfeeding helps our body in so many other way such as preventing breast cancer and other type of cancer.
Breastfeeding save money. One can of baby formula in the market cost around RM25-50, depending on brand. The good one costs more. An average baby usually drinks 1 can per week. If you spend RM50/week, that would be RM200 for a month, but if you're breastfeeding, you just save RM200/month.
Breastfeeding also save time, no hassle, no need to sterilise. Especially when you're outing, baby hungry, all you need to do is nurse your baby anytime of the day. You don't have to pack too many things while you're out. You also don't have to worry about running out of milk, or have to go to the grocery store to refill your stock of milk, because your milk is attach to your body.
Another thing I like while breastfeeding my little one is the bond that we have together between mother and son it just feels special. The way he looks at me with his cute little smile while he latch. I just feels that my baby is a happier baby because I chose to breastfeed him. But that's just my personal experience.
My advice to mother-to-be is to breastfeed your baby as long as you can, because its good for you and your little one. Believe me, you'll never regret your decision to do so. Even if you think your milk supply is low (its all in the mind actually), it is better than choosing not to breastfeed at all. I know some people would say, why bother if can't breastfeed exclusively anyway, never think negatively, to give some is better than not giving at all. Your baby will know the difference even if you don't.
So mommies everywhere, breastfeeding is the way to go ;-)

My breastfeeding experience

If you're a new mum-to-be, let me tell you, you CAN provide milk to your baby, nature design the breast to be that way. Don't ever doubt your ability. Whoever says that you don't have enough milk supply doesn't know what they're talking about. There are some minority of women who aren't able to breastfeed because of physical problem, but majority of women are able to breastfeed regardless the size of your breast.
The first time I breastfeed my baby, I have no idea that its that hard to breastfeed. During the first few days, I wasn't able to breastfeed my baby at all. Mothers around me ask me to breastfeed my baby, but I just don't know how to. There's no milk for the first few days, my breast doesn't feel full until about the 5th or 6th day. I was frustrated but keeping letting my baby to latch on my breast to trigger the milk duct. But I tried so many times, he just won't latch properly, causing soreness and pain to my breast. Even to the point that I was bleeding. But I never give up, believing that I can and will breastfeed my baby regardless of what other people will say. My milk did come eventually, I was delighted.
But it seems like my milk is not enough for my baby, he sucks for 30 - 40min at a time, and then after 1 hour, still want to drinks. I didn't know then that this is totally normal for infant, because his body is growing. Breast milk is very dilute and get digested very fast, its not strange that your baby keep wanting to drink every hour. Although, it is tiring, but it is not an indication that you don't have enough milk, but simply your milk takes time to be full. Each individual is different, just because other mothers able to supply ample amount of milk in a short time, doesn't means every one can. The same goes to every baby, the amount of milk they need varies according to their weight. The bigger your bigger the more milk they need to feel full.
During my early breastfeeding period, I get frustrated when people says that I don't have enough milk. Its the same with people saying to you 'You're not smart enough', it hurts. This unhelpful remarks will eventually lead to stress, and stress will lead to low milk supply.
Sometime when I breastfeed, my baby will get cranky, this will also give a false indication that your milk supply is low. There are various reason why baby is cranky, it could be that he is gassy and want to burp, or it could be that he is sleepy or wet.
As time goes by, I become more expert in understanding my baby cues and breastfeeding becomes an ease.

Breastpump: To buy or not to buy?

Like every new mom, I wish to give the best to my little one. That's including giving him the best nutrient for his/her growing body. There's a lot of thing I wish I knew before hand about breastfeeding. Firstly, I should have listen to my instinct to buy a breastpump (electric the best) before the little one arrive. Instead, I chose to listen to other people saying that 'No need to buy first larr, skali no milk, rugi only', at that time I thought they're probably right, some people I know also have problem breastfeeding. Also, some says, the breast pump is so painful to use, I think that depends on what type of pump you bought. So far, I've use manual and electric pump and I didn't find any problem or painful experience.
I would suggest any mother to be to buy in advance a breastpump, because by the time your little one arrive, you won't have any time to go shopping and buy one. You also need to survey the types of pump available in the shop. I made the mistake of waiting after delivery to buy one, but end up only buying it after I return to work. And the first day at work I end up having an engorge breast, its a painful experience, feels like someone punch my breast.
My first pump is Avent Isis Breast Pump, its a single manual pump. It has a good suction, and is not painful at all. It works in pumping the milk out. It usually takes me 10-15minutes to pump at least 2oz of milk. I spend 5-7 minutes on each breast. Now this is the problem when pumping at work. It's not practical to pump every 2 hours, and even if we can, we can't spend more than 10minutes doing it. I usually pump during lunch time and before going home. The longer you spend in pumping, the more milk you can get. Also, you need to continue pumping for another 2-5minutes after the last drop of milk. I don't have problem using this pump, but I do find it time consuming and tiring. It serves me well for the 2 months, then I decided to ditch it and buy a dual electric pump instead.

My second pump is Ameda Lactaline Dual Pump. Let me tell you how much I love this pump. It saves time and not tiring at all. Not only that, it increases the amount of milk I pump out, which is great. The first time I use it, I was able to pump out double amount of the milk I previously got when I use the manual pump. I use the same amount of time to pump out double the amount of milk. It is easy to assemble and easy to wash, probably only takes 3 minutes of your time. I definitely will recommend this pump to anyone who wanted to buy a dual electric pump. I find the price is reasonable, it is cheaper than other brand of breastpump which offer the same function but with a much higher price. I never regret buying this pump. My baby now is coming to 8 months old, and I still able to breastfeed. I hope I will be able to continue breastfeeding until at least 1 year.

Make the right choice in choosing the best pump if you decided to continue breastfeeding for longer term. The only regret I have is not buying it earlier.

When can I be a SAHM?

As a working mother, I miss my baby everyday when I'm at work. I wish so much to be with him and take care of him everyday. Isn't it every mother wish to be a Stay At Home Mom? I sure wish so. But unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of staying at home and be a 'tai-tai' (a wife who stay home and enjoy life without work). Probably some of you might think that it is better to work, the very least, we still have a social life outside the comfort of our home. Sure, why not. But, for me, our child will only be a baby once in their life, after you miss those period of his life where he adores and needs for your attention, you'll never get it back. And before you know it, he is all grown up and want to be his own person. You'll probably look back and wish that you've spend those precious moment with him/her. At least you still have memories of that special moment.

I wish, someone somewhere will be able to help me in my quest to be a SAHM (stay at home mom) or the very least a WFHM (working from home mom). I will do this one post at a time :-)