I don't know why I feel like I want to share about this journey...haha
For those not yet become a mom, please bear with this topic. You can continue to read as you will learn and know something interesting today. I know, you also eventually face this when you become a mom one day.
I honestly admit that, before I became a mom, I always imagine that breastfeeding will be natural for any women. We had our breast and after we delivered our baby, the breastmilk will be produce and we can easily direct breastfeed our newborn. That's what I am thinking.
After I went for class, I know that breastfeeding is something any women need to learn and practice when the baby is here. Not everyone can do it easily.
My first try on direct breastfeeding
After I delivered our baby, we stayed at hospital for another 4 days and during this time, I tried many times to direct breastfeeding my son but I keep failed! I asked help from the nurse but I just can't do it. I feel so stress during that time.
As I read, the breastmilk won't come out easily during the early day but I just forget about that because I'm too stressful to try breastfeed my baby. I am too afraid he will be hungry.
Thinking of this situation now, I should take it easy about my breastfeeding. Be calm and not too stress about it. Everything will be fine.
Lesson learned
Study and learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy.
Be calm and not stress when the breast milk won't come out during the early day.
Exclusively pumping breast milk for my baby
After many attempts to direct breastfeeding my son, I still can't due to my nipple is flat, it will be not easy to do direct breastfeeding and really need patience. But, I can't be patience when seeing my baby hungry so I finally decided to bottle feed my son, meaning I pumped the breastmilk and put in the bottle and feed my son.
There's funny story about this experience...
The first time I pumping breastmilk, I feel so confused seeing the breastmilk look like. You can see as below;
I asked my dear friend, Maz, this is the normal one? haha
After just one day back from hospital, my son got jaundice so need to admit to the hospital so again, I can't direct breastfeed my son. At the end, I just pumping breastmilk and sent it to him at hospital everyday.
To be really honest, when I choose to bottle feed my son, I did feel I am such a bad mom but it's not actually. I am doing what the best for my son ( he can eat) and me.
My first time pumping JUST DO IT!
This is the first breastmilk I pumping
Formula milk
After I back to work, in the beginning I consistently went to pumping milk but after I start to catch up with work and my workload become more so its so hard for me to go for pumping milk and I even don't have time to eat properly so it's hard for me to produce the milk.
After just 3 - 4 months gave breastmilk to my son, I started to gave him formula milk as my breastmilk started to decreased and I no longer able to supply breastmilk to my son. During this time, I feel really bad and angry at myself. I feel like I am not doing good enough as a mom.
But, when I thinking of this now, when I gave my son formula, its not mean I am a bad mom. I need to feeding my son after all.
My advise to first time mom about breastfeeding:
1. Remember, breastfeeding is not natural, you need to learn and practice.
2. Don't really follow what others say you to do, do what the best for you.
p.s: If you can direct breastfeeding, keep doing it. That's the best.
3. Don't feel stress about breastfeeding, take it easy.
4. Consistently pumping after back to work.
5. Never skip a meal
6. Eat good food and drink
Conclusion
After go through this journey, one thing I can say is don't just follow what others did!
Of course, breastfeeding is the best and I also support that. But, if you can't do it, don't push yourself too hard and make you feel stress.
If you're stress about breastfeeding then it won't work!
So, be happy and take it easy for your baby!
What's your opinion?
Please share your thoughts.