Breastfeeding

“Breastmilk is the best for babies up to 2 years of age.”

This is the usual disclaimer that we often see in formulated milk commercials. Companies advertise their own milk products but still emphasize at the end that breastmilk is still the best.
As we all know, breastmilk is the most desirable complete diet for newborn since it provides numerous health benefits to both the mother and the infant. As a first-time mom who wanted to give the best to my baby and who’s equipped with knowledge about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, I personally decided to breastfeed her. I know it will be hard but rewarding, less time to do my own thing but fulfilling. For me, producing breastmilk is a privilege that I have to maximize for the well-being of my baby.  From the start, I knew that Keisha will be blessed to enjoy the benefit of  my own milk.

Right after I breastfed Keisha inside Medical City’s breastfeeding room

Back then, when I was still in the Medical City, 3 days after I gave birth to Keisha, I went to the breastfeeding room and tried to give her a good latch. Unfortunately, even when she was sucking continuously, no milk was produced. Disappointed though, I tried again after few hours but still the result was negative.  I was already a bit agitated. The night came and I had an eeky feeling, something was coming out of my breast – a yellowish fluid. I got so excited because finally, the long wait was over, I’m already a full-bloomed woman – colostrum was coming out of my breast. Colostrum is a thin, watery fluid composed of protein, sugar, fat, water, minerals, vitamins, and maternal anti-bodies. Since it is high in protein and low in sugar and fat, colostrum is easy to digest. It also provides total adequate nutrition for the newborn. Researching about this before giving birth, I rushed into the breastfeeding room with the help of my husband and accompanied by a wheelchair.

I was overly excited to hold Keisha. I even talked to her and said “Baby, mommy now has own milk. I’ll feed you just the way I did when you were inside me”. Well, she had a good latch but her stomach was full right away. I gave her back to the nurse and I was instructed  and forced to use the breast pump and empty my breast. The milk was put directly in a small cup and was stored for Keisha. This first time experience was truly worth to remember.

To all the moms and soon-to-be moms remember, milk forms in response to being used. If the breasts are completely emptied, they completely fill again. If half-emptied, they half-fill.

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