As it is still a breastfeeding awareness month, I try to think about what other breastfeeding topic can I write about? As I was breastfeeding my 12-month-old baby, I remember those times when my friends from college had a get-together pre-pandemic time and I was already pregnant at that time. We talked about their experiences during giving birth and the funny things too.
Aside from that, they also shared their breastfeeding journey and even went talking about their worst experiences as "padede" moms. So, today, I would like to share some of the things that others told me that scared me about this journey.
Having Milk Out Of Luck
Someone asked me if I plan on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and if I choose bottle feeding, what brand of milk will I give to my baby? I told her I plan on breastfeeding, formula feeding was not in my mind at all so she continues well, you'll breastfeed if you will be lucky to have lots of milk and at the back of my mind, I thought she is not educated about breastfeeding at all!
Well, I graciously told her of what I have learned from my growing baby classes and the things I have read on breastfeeding forums and websites.
A newborn's tummy is very small, it is tiny as a cherry which means no big amount of milk is required at all! This is also the reason why most mommies think they don't have milk. In fact, during these days, a mother will be providing the colostrum instead which is very nutritious for the baby.
The abundant milk arrives only after a few days, if you are blessed, some mothers would be producing milk even before giving birth but most of the time, milk flows visibly by the fourth day or more.
At this time, it may seem like there's no milk flow but the indication that the baby can drink and there's milk is their output. As long as there are wet and soiled nappies, the baby is alright and breastfeeding worked!
To get more supply, there should be more demand so the more you get the baby to latch and be at the breast, the more the brain will request the alveoli to produce milk and the milk ducts to send them to the nipple. It is a supply and demand kind of system.
Breastfeeding Will Ruin Your Boobie's Shape
I felt like this one might be valid. I see my relatives and neighbors complain about it but it didn't bother me at all. Back when I was younger, I always question the use of my breasts, they are not big though and as I became a mother, I realized the main purpose of this part of the body. It is not for me but for my baby.
And if breastfeeding will ruin the shape of this body part, then so be it. This is a sacrifice I am willing to do for the sake of the nutrients and the antibodies that my baby will get.
But, although the breast may grow, swell and extend due to fats and milk, they can be covered by bras so why worry?
Biting Baby
This one scared me the most especially when I saw Matti teething already but surprise! My baby only had bitten me when he is asleep and was not aware that momma's nipple is still in his mouth!
I guess this does not apply to all, perhaps most teething babies would bite their mom's nipple but not mine and I am thankful for that. I always would talk to Matti and tell him not to bite the nipple.
Whenever he wants to bite, he'd let go of my nipple and bite my hand instead, to which, I am very amazed. So, I am not sure if he did understand me when I say no biting mama
After a Year, Your Milk Will Drain
Thankfully, I didn't, it was scary to think I will not be producing milk when Matti turns one. At first, I thought well, if that will happen, then Matti might be weaned soon. My mother weaned us when we were 11 months, all four of us but I don't want that, instead, I want to let Matti decided when to wean.
It may sound ridiculous to others but some moms continue to breastfeed their four-year-old son or daughter. Some may even tandem feed when they give birth to the next baby.
As breastmilk is best for babies even beyond two years, there's no reason for me to stop giving it to Matti even after a year. A time will come when he will say he won't feed by the breast anymore and it will be a moment to which I don't want to happen soon.
Breastfeeding Matti for me is not just about feeding, it is our way of bonding too. I get to tease him and now that he is very playful, he would tease me too by talking while latching and we laugh, I tickle him and he laughs so hard it brings so much joy to my heart.
I am thankful to my other breastfeeding advocate friends who had shared the beautiful stories of their journey and it inspires me to continue especially during this time of the pandemic.
Conclusion
Although there are scary things regarding breastfeeding, the positive things that breastfeeding provides for my baby overrule the fear.
I had come up to the conclusion that those stated above may not occur to everyone and do not apply to all. Some may have the worst but it depends on you and the baby.
Still, breastfeeding is a journey that I don't want to end just yet although my mother had given me advice about weaning him. Breastmilk is best for babies up to two years and beyond. The beyond maybe two more years and so on and I have no reason to back out. This journey requires pure dedication and perseverance. If there won't be any situation that will stop me, I will continue. I will persevere for my baby's sake.
Thank you for reading this and if you are a breastfeeding mom, let's continue giving the best for our babies.
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xoxo,
mommy jean of momentswithmatti
Love harder than any pain you've ever felt.
Oh you're lucky to have plenty of milk. I've had some batchmates complain before about not having milk and such. And yeah I also read about some moms breastfeeding until 3 yrs old so I guess it's fine to breastfeed past age 2.