Tuesday, 16 August 2011

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.


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