Relactation training with Arugaan

Last month, I had the opportunity to learn from Arugaan's Nanay Ines Fernandez and Nanay Rechilda about how to counsel women who wish to relactate.  Relactation means helping women who have stopped nursing their babies to go back to breastfeeding.  Another case is for adoptive moms who want to breastfeed their babies.

Nanay Ines explains the importance of lactation massages (which involves the whole body)

The most important thing I have learned is to believe in our capacity as women to produce milk and be comfortable with our own bodies.  Basically, we all have stored milk in our bodies waiting to be stimulated.  The best way to do is through lactation massages and direct feeding the baby.

For moms who haven't nursed their baby or had stopped breastfeeding for a long time, it is still possible to breastfeed but it involves a lot work so you have to be committed and keep an open mind.  The priority of course is making sure the baby is fed so this might involve giving the baby donated breast-milk.  This is usually given via cup and / or drip drop feeding.  Drip drop feeding involves letting milk drip via spoon to the mom breast as she directs feed her baby.  The beauty of this is it encourages the baby to direct feed  (by speeding up the milk flow).

In line with this, one of the things you have to be ready for is giving up the bottle all together.  You feed your baby direct, via cup, and in some cases, a wet nurse.  A baby and mom who aren't used to direct feeding may need help from a mommy-baby-nursing duo.  A nursing mom can help a non-nurser position properly and a nursing baby's latch can help proper stimulate a re-lactating mom's milk supply and flow.

The concept may seem new, intimidating and complicated for some, but it can be done.  This is also one of the ways that best shows how breastfeeding success involves support from the people around the mom and child.  

Why go through all the hard work? Moms who relactate do so for various reasons but the bottomline is they are motivated by the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of not doing so.  Some moms felt they didn't get the proper support and information in the beginning and are hoping for a second chance.  It may not be easy but its time and energy well spent.  Of course, as breastfeeding peer counselors, we really hope that with the proper information and support, a mom will be able to breastfeed successfully from the start.  However, it is comforting to know that just in case things do not go as planned, there are other options.

with fellow trainees, Nanay Ines, Nanay Rech, and moms who helped us get some hands on experience during traning

Thank You to the ladies of LATCH and Arugaan for the opportunity :)

Photos courtesy of LATCH Facebook Page

Happy Breastfeeding Month ;)

Hello, August ;)

Happy Breastfeeding Month :)

If someone told me when Ben was a newborn that I'll be enjoying breastfeeding and actually help others moms do the same, I'll probably would not believe it.  I lacked in sleep and Ben wanted to feed round the clock making me question if he was able to get any milk from me at all.  But I somehow survived my gelai and was encouraged by other moms to stick with it.  I remember Chronicles of Nursing Mom's Jenny Ong replying to my long list of questions over email.  (I was super starstruck then!) I remember watching Dr. Jack Newman videos and comparing the latches I saw with Ben's.  I remember Lita Nery teaching me how to do laid back and side lying nursing.  I remember talking to my ICA Batchmate Germaine asking her how she did it with her firstborn ,Sean.  It took a lot of people sharing their experiences and knowledge for me to finally be comfortable and confident.  

So when the opportunity came to learn how to help other moms breastfeed their babies, I was glad to be given a chance to pay it forward. I am thankful to be part of LATCH and be surrounded by like-minded moms.  To be honest, at first I did it so that I can properly counsel family and friends.  But I find myself also enjoying talking about breastfeeding in our classes, being a cheer leader to counselees, some who I have not even met face to face.  

I'm still fairly new to the advocacy, but the most important thing I have learned so far is that BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES! When a country promotes breastfeeding and implements proper protocols to support it, it's infant mortality rate goes down.  We all want that do happen right? 

I recently had a chat with a beautician while she was doing my make-up for an event. Last time we spoke, her daughter was pregnant and she (her daughter) mentioned that she wanted to breastfeed especially since she was breastfed, too.  Her daughter and grandson have been doing well and they're now talking about how to express milk when her daughter goes back to work.  She was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are laws protecting breastfeeding moms, making sure they have a proper place and time to express milk.  

After chatting with her, she said "'maam, buti nalang at nakilala kita" (I'm glad to have met you).  I got teary-eyed.  This is why the breastfeeding advocacy is close to my heart.   I am thankful for the opportunity to empower families who choose to give babies the best start in life.

Why learn to how to hand-express breastmilk?

 It is breastfeeding month and I have not posted much about the topic recently.  I've thought about what new thing I've learned about breastfeeding and the first thing that came to mind is hand expressing breastmilk.

I'm not an expert in hand expressing  but I must say that learning how to do it has a lot of advantages.  I still need a lot of practice but I appreciate this skill more now as I breastfeed the twins (compared to my breastfeeding days with Ben three years ago) .

First of all,  my output in hand expressing milk is (usually) more compared to the pump.  This was particularly helpful when the twins were in the NICU and I had to leave expressed milk for them at night.  When I pumped, I barely produced enough for one baby but when I hand expressed, I was able to produce enough for two.  

Hand expressing is convenient and cost effective.  If you know how to hand express properly, you can do it anytime anywhere you're comfortable with.  All you need is a sterile container for your milk.  Sometimes, when I'm in a rush to leave the house, I'll be content with just bringing along a towel and a sterile bottle.  It's a good skill to have especially if you leave your pump behind or if it runs out of power.

Labor of love and of bare hands - still needs a lot of practice though!

Also, even if you have the pump, you'll notice that you can still hand express some milk after your pumping session.  It's more quiet than a pump, too!  When I express milk at night to build my supply for the twins, I usually end up hand expressing milk instead of setting up the pump.  This way there's less chance of waking up the kids and I save more time.

Another advantage of hand expressing is less chance if developing clogged ducts.  Hand expressing milk and massaging go hand in hand.   When you hand express, you can easily feel if you have lumps or which part of the breasts has clogged ducts that need attention.

So are you now convinced that this skill is "handy" as a breastfeeding mom? If yes, try learning it by watching the youtube video in this link :). As an added tip, should you decide to do it, try to find a way to make sure you "catch" the milk letdown from the breast you're not expressing from.  Every drop of that liquid gold counts!

Oh, and you do you know that you get more milk if you relax while hand-expressing? During our LATCH Breastfeeding Seminar last weekend, Velvet Escario-Roxas was able to observe me expressing milk.  She reminded me to take deep breaths because I was doing it too quickly.  Yes, those of you who know me are probably not surprised because it's part of my personality to always be in a hurry.  It just goes to show that breastfeeding, even when expressing milk, should be done with love.  Having to express milk for your baby may not be "fun".  Direct feeding your baby is always way better.  But when you do need that extra motivation to express milk for your child, just remind yourself of its benefits.

PS. It is my personal wish that most hospitals would be able to teach  moms of newborns how to hand-express.  It's quite empowering to see actual milk coming from you especially during the early days when you'd question yourself if your supply is enough.  While this skill is not strictly a "must" in order to successfully breastfeed, it can really be helpful.

Just Do it!

(belated) Happy Mother's Day ... :)

I always wanted to be a mom.  When we had Ben, I realized what a challenge motherhood can be.  Still, Bry and I wanted to give Ben a sibling.  What we weren't expecting was that Ben will have not just 1 but 2 sisters :)

Family and friends have been asking me how  we manage handling 3 kids.  That has always been my concern ever since I found out I was pregnant.  Now I realize, no matter how much we prepare for parenthood, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and just do it.  The same goes with breastfeeding the twins. I    take things a day at a time, thankful for each day that the kids are fed and healthy.  Breastfeeding is working for me because it makes me consciously think of the twins even when there's a tendency for their brother to monopolize my time and attention.  There are moments when I feel so overwhelmed I'd cry but somehow the Lord is able to give me that extra burst of energy when I need it the most. 

What also gives me strength is that I am lucky enough to be surrounded my supermoms who inspire me.  They are there when I need a boost and when I think of them, I'd tell myself, if they can do it, then I can, too.

I must admit, there are times when I wish the kids will grow up a bit faster so they can be independent, but I know once they do I'll miss this stage in their lives.  We love you, Ben, Bree and Bea.  May you love each other as much as your dad and I love you :)

NICU Diaries: Breastfeeding talk at the Hospital Nursery

Ahia Ben visits his shobes

I spent almost 2 weeks at our hospital's nursery feeding the twins. During that time, I heard a lot of things about breastfeeding / feeding newborns. Just wanted to share my thoughts about them

1. Breastfeeding is best for baby - this one is something I agree with. Breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both mom and baby that can't be found elsewhere.

 2. Know how to hand express - I honestly think all moms who are interested in breastfeeding should be taught how to hand express milk before leaving the hospital. I learned how to do it during Ben's second month. In the case of the twins, it became a lifesaver during their early days. I think I was able to express more milk by hand than the pump when I was just starting. Anyway, the skill costs nothing and comes in quite handy during emergencies (and not noisy, too, hehe)

 3. Avoid using the pump as it will damage your breast - Direct feeding may be the prefered way to feed your baby but a pump can be your best friend if you use it properly. Try not to go over 20 minutes when pumping and massage to help unclog your milk ducts

 4. "I just came here an hour ago for a feeding, gutom na naman?" - Isn't this the story of every mom during the first few weeks of breaatfeeding? With the twins, I lose count how many times I feed them especially at night. When it comes to newborns, you watch the baby and not the clock. Easier said than done though, but hopefully frequent feedings will lead to more supply

 5. "Doc, can you please prescribe me formula milk just in case?" I've encountered moms who were sent home with recommendations from their pediatrician as to which brand of formula milk to use just in case they want to stop breastfeeding or start mixfeeding. I hope these doctors were able to explain to the moms the benefits of breastfeeding before talking about what kind of formula milk to give. I am not anti-formula, but I am for encouraging moms to breastfeed for as long as they can, and letting them of the benefits so they can make an informed choice.

 6. "She is a lactation consultant" - Strictly speaking, a lactation consulatant is one that is internationally certified. We only have a handful of them in the country. Then there are lactation counselors like us in L.A.T.C.H , who voluntarily provide support to moms. Then there are lactation therapists/masseuse. All of them can be helpful in your breastfeeding journey if you match your requirements with their skills.

 Hope this info is helpful especially for new mommies. Good luck :)

My Milk Sharing Story :)

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (September). For this month, we will tackle milk sharing and how it can nurture the community, and how this spirit of giving can be sustained. Participants will share their thoughts, experiences, hopes and suggestions on the topic.

Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries."

During my first few weeks with Ben, I was very concerned with my milk supply.  Even if I fed Ben directly most of the time, I'd still express milk to build up my supply and so that I have some to store in case of emergencies.  Every drop was precious!  I never thought that I'd eventually come to a point that I was satisfied with my supply but by Ben's third month, I had a good milk stash in our freezer.  That was the first time I thought about donating my milk.  I've donated to the nearby hospital and to mommy friends who were still building up their supply or were under short-term medication.  I even posted at the Human Milk for Human Babies Manila page in Facebook and was able to help out a stranger who needed breast-milk for her daughter.

The most memorable experience I had with donating milk was being featured in ABS-CBN's show "Ako ang Simula".  They needed to interview a mom who donated milk for the victims of Ondoy.  I was nervous but decided to go ahead for the love of the advocacy.  The funny thing is that they wanted footage of me expressing milk on the spot and I just fed Ben.  It was a good thing Medela Mom's Maricel was there for support and encouragement!  Anyway, I was shy so I didn't spread the word when the show was aired but some family and friends happened to catch it and told me how they appreciated what I did.  It was a good feeling to be able to help spread the word how important breast-milk donations are especially during natural disasters.  It is really wonderful how many moms would respond to calls for breast-milk donations.  Their contribution to the health of the young ones cannot be compared to any other type of contribution, be it monetary or in kind.

Donating and receiving breast-milk might still be a tricky issue for some parents, but if done responsibly, milk sharing is a very beautiful thing.  It is one of the best proofs that breast milk is the best thing you can offer a baby, especially premature ones.  I hope more moms will be open to it.


Brenda has notes on breast milk givers and takers
Mafeth wrote about being a milk donee
Cris donated her liquid gold
Pat had a happy problem donating solved
Jenny wrote about wet nursing from a relative's experience
Rachel discussed how she felt about receiving donated milk and nursing an adoptee's baby
Mec insists it takes two to Milk Share Tango
Cai received milk from her sister

Breastfeeding Month and Birthday giveaway: Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags

Hi Everyone!

To culmimate breastfeeding month (and celebrate my birthday, hehe) , Medela Moms ( Supermoms Beng Feliciano and Maricel  Cua) are sponsoring our blog giveaway :)

We're giving away Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags, yipee! These bags can be used to sterilize your pump parts and bottles in just around 3 minutes. They're small and easy to store which is great for travelling and office use. Simply rinse the pump parts, place them inside the bag with about 2oz of water then pop it in the microwave. Make sure you read the instructions inside before using it :)

Here's how you can join, add a comment under this blog entry or facebook link
1. happy birthday mommy Nats!
2. your name and email address
3. at least one of the many reasons why breastfeeding is best

Good Luck!  Entries on or before Sept 30 will be accepted , spread the word!

Happy Breastfeeding Month :)

Happy Breastfeeding Month, fellow parents!

It's 2.5 years since I gave birth to Ben. I never thought I'd be an advocate. It took me 3 months to actually be comfortable and eventually enjoy breastfeeding, and another year to be given the opportunity to be properly trained to help other moms. I am glad that I still feel strongly about this advoacy even if Ben is about to become a preschooler. I am even more happy that I am somehow able to share my knowledge and experiences to moms who want to breastfeed. I must admit, I still feel shy whenever someone approaches me and says that they heard I counsel breastfeeding moms and have some questions of their own. After all, there are people who are more experienced and knowledgable than I am. However, it warms my heart to hear success stories of moms who never thought they would breastfeed for as long as they have and are now reaping the benefits. I think it's about having the right information as well as having someone (who has the same experiences) to be a listening ear and ally.

I must admit, sometimes it is hard to balance showing passion for the advocacy and giving moms just the right information that they need, and I do pray that I'll do a better job with each mom.

So speaking of helping out other moms, here are some things I'd like to share to my fellows moms and moms-to-be:

For moms who are able to donate breastmilk, victims of the recent typhoon need your help. Please drop off your milk at the Medela house (#29 1st St. New Manila QC) or directly to PGH.  Your gift will go a long way.  Please be reminded that as a general rule, donating formula milk isn't allowed.

For moms to be, please join LATCH at our upcoming workshops on Aug 18 at St. Lukes QC and on Sept 8 at The Medical City. Both workshops will be in the morning from 9am-12nn. I promise it will be time well spent :)

Why the proposed "revised Milk Code" is a no-no

I'm no expert on the law but I will take time to write about the bill that is being proposed at congress revising the current Milk Code. My reference is this article which I hope you will take time to read as well.

If I understand it correctly, the bill proposes the following things, all of which aren't favorable in supporting Breastfeeding. Here's my simple explanation why.

1. It proposes that the ban of advertisement of infant food and formula be modified so that milk companies can advertise their products for babies as early as 6 months old.

Why it's a no-no : A Breastfeeding mom should be encouraged to continue after 6 months. It is the BEST complimentary food for your baby as she starts solids. It is already a challenge getting this information out to moms. It would be even harder when there are advertisements around misleading moms that formula milk is better.

2. Milk companies will be allowed to donate their products during emergency situations and give samples within the health care system.

Why it is a no-no: Firstly, because formula milk requires clean water to prepare. Sometimes clean drinking water is hard to come by during emergencies. Also, breastmilk has the antibodies a baby needs to help fight off viruses which are common is relief centers. A breastfeeding mom who is already stressed because of their situation should be encouraged to continue and not be tempted to stop. Besides, there may be samples of formulas lying around now but what happens when they ran out?   Mom has to spend money for formula.  A can or even a pack of formula can be so tempting for a new mom.  I am not saying that formula is bad, but for milk companies to make it seem like the better option is something I am not in favor of.

3. That pumping-moms should not get paid for the 40 minute daily allowance they have to express milk at the office.

Why is it a no-no? In a 8-hour work day, two 20-minute pumping sessions are just enough. This doesn't even count the time you spend preparing and cleaning. Besides, working and pumping moms can multitask. With nursing wraps and hands free pump, you can make phone calls, write emails and read reports while pumping. A Breastfeeding mom = a healthier baby = less absences from work. Why discourage it?

4. Removing of the English-Tagalog literature in formula milk, explaining it's risk.

Why it is a no-no? Simple, this basic mode of information is the most helpful one for moms.  Growing, I didn't learn how important breastfeeding was from school or from my mom or aunts.  I learned reading about it while I was looking at stuff at the grocery.  There is power in the phrase "Breastfeeding is best for babies up to 2 years and beyond", because it is out there, everyone knows it - and that is how you get future parents interested.

5. Milk companies are allowed to participate in materials and events relating to breastfeeding and infant nutrition

Why is it a no-no? I can't imagine giving a breastfeeding seminar with a banner of a milk company close by.  It doesn't make sense.  As for educational materials, what message does it convey to moms when certain brands are being advertised in something that is suppose to be neutral? Lets me fair to the milk companies.  You can realistically expect them to be involved without marketing their product.

Honestly, I have yet to see the wisdom behind this bill. I still don't know how this bill is beneficial to moms and babies who congress is suppose to serve. So please, if you think this bill shouldn't be passed, please do the following:

1.  sign this online petition, it will only take a few seconds, promise!
2.. write your congressman about it.  You can check out their email through this site.  Jenny Ong of Chronicles of the Nursing Mom has a sample draft here.

Any thoughts? Please do share... :)

on Extended Breastfeeding and Attachment Parenting, as inspired by the controversial Time Mag cover

taken from  minnpost.com website

A lot has been said about the controversial Time Magazine cover featuring a toddler standing on a stool being breastfed by his mom, with a caption saying "Are you mom enough?" talking about Attachment Parenting. I've been reading a lot of comments and blog entries about it. Here are my thoughts.

Being a mom is hard work, and I think all moms are "mom enough" regardless of their parenting style. Also, if you read about Attachment Parenting, it's not just about Breastfeeding, Babywearing and Co-Sleeping. For me, it is a parenting philosophy of being responsive to your child's needs so you establish a stable connection with him/her. In turn, the child becomes self-aware and sensitive to other people's needs as well.  Actually, I think most parents are doing it somehow,  It's just that the word "attachment" can sometimes been perceived negatively by someone who doesn't know what it really is.  If you don't know what attachment parenting is, you'll have the misconception that the parenting style mind end up making the child too attached to the parents.

Anyway, the photo in the magazine cover is itself subject of debate. Some of the comments I've read in the original article about it goes something like "if a child is old enough to ask to be nursed, then it's time to stop" or "the child will be traumatized being photographed breastfeeding at such an age". Whether or not someone approves of the style the photo was taken depends on one's personal taste, but I do hope that more people will be ok with a mom breastfeeding her toddler. Breastfeeding beyond a year has it's benefits and a mom's decision how she feeds her child deserves to be respected. After all, if there are 3-4 year olds who still drink milk from a bottle, why can't there be children of the same age who are breastfeeding? Besides, breastfeeding toddlers has been something mothers have been doing for generations.

For moms who are breastfeeding their toddlers, kudos to you. Be proud and talk openly about it! As more people realize that Breastfeeding is a natural thing, more new moms would be inspired to do it, and we will be making a the world a better place one baby at a time.

Mommy Reads: Food of Love by Kate Evans

I do not own a lot of breastfeeding books since most of the information is available online BUT this is one of the simplest and most fun to read ones that I have encountered.  I enjoy reading this book because I can relate to it a lot.  It also has a lot of illustrations that add humor to the topic.  Kudos to the author Kate Evans for using her skills as a cartoonist to give the topic a fresh perspective.

The book covers a wide range of topics from breastfeeding basics to toddler nursing and of course weaning.  It has a chapter for troubleshooting common breastfeeding problems as well as how to make breastfeeding part of your lifestyle.  Its main message is breastfeeding is best, and with the right attitude and information, it can actually be a fun and pleasurable experience for the whole family. 

So if you are a new (or soon to be ) mom, why not check out this book?  I bought mine online but please do let me know if you happen to come across it at our local bookstores.     

Sharing my favorite breastfeeding advice

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (February). For this month, we focus on back to basics. Participants will share advices - either the best breastfeeding advice they received OR/AND the best breastfeeding advice they can give to new moms.  Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries."

I've received and given quite a number of breastfeeding advice over the past two years.  For this month's Milk Mama Diaries Carnival, allow me to share with you my two favorites ones

BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED: HANG IN THERE, IT GETS BETTER!!!

Ben and I @ Day 1: a 6 pound boy that makes mommy panic all the time!

When Ben was a newborn, he cried a lot!!! He was basically crying if he wasn't being fed or asleep.  The only break I had was to go to the bathroom.  That was how things were the first time I met Maricel of Medela Mom who told me that she went through the same thing and that she was only able to somehow enjoy breastfeeding after doing it for 3 months.  It comforted me that I wasn't the one with the breastfeeding blues and true enough, things did get a little better after a couple of months.

BEST ADVICE I CAN OFFER: BE INFORMED!!!

2 years later: 24 lbs heavier, a little wiser :)

For me, there is nothing that can motivate a mom to breastfeed that being aware of it's benefits.  Also, know how your body works when it comes to producing milk so you don't feel so anxious about your supply.  Being informed also means busting breastfeeding myths (like breastfeeding after 1 year is not beneficial or that breastfed children don't ever get sick).  I wouldn't be breastfeeding until now if I'm not part of a network of moms who share breastfeeding resources to validate our choice.

Read what my fellow mommy bloggers have to say and share your own stories, too!

SoLovelyn's My Breastfeeding Blessings

The Articulate Pen's Breastfeeding needs Patience

Diapers and Stethoscope's Back to Basic

My Mommyology's What I've Learned About Breastfeeding

Ms. Masungit's From One Mom To Another

The Odyssey of Dinna's Breastfeeding Words of Wisdom

Mrs. Bry126's We're All in this Together

I Am Clarice's Paying it Forward

Planet Marsy's Better Than None

Mommy {T} Coach's Saved by the Nursing Mommas

Mama Drama's Patience and Breast-friends

Adventures on Planet Mom's Stubborn Me! Sure Glad I didn't give up

Nanaystrip's Eat Malunggay, Say "I Have Milk" and Love your Baby

Starting at Twenty-Five's My Husband's Best Breastfeeding Advice

Nanay *Loves* Purple's Why Attend Breastfeeding Class/Seminars

Truly Rich Mom's My Top 5 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Legally Mama's Take it from the non-expert!

Mommy Mama Rat's My Breastfeeding Mantra

Mr. Jacob's Mom's Breastfeeding Tips from a Non-Breastfed Mommy

Hybrid Rasta Mama's Breastfeeding Lists, Advice, Links and More

Apples and Dumplings' One Word of Breastfeeding Advice

Touring Kitty's Just Do It

EthanMama's Only the Best for My Baby

the canDIshhh tales' My Breastfeeding Advice

Mec as Mom's Enough is Enough

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's On Breastfeeding Number Two - Redux

Goodbye, my precious Medela Freestyle Pump (for now, hehe)

To be honest, I am quite nervous about this post because it makes it so real, hehe :)

As of today, I have been "pump-free" for about two weeks.  For the past two years, I've been pumping milk for Ben aside from directly feeding him.  We usually feed him the express milk over breakfast.  I told myself that when he turns two, I'll see if I can stop pumping.  He now drinks a glass of fresh milk each day, then feeds directly for the rest of the day.

This is a big deal for me because this move is a major step in our weaning process.  It may not seem much because he still gets his dose of breast milk but still a lifestyle change.  Any pumping mom would agree that expressing milk takes time and commitment.  During the first few days of being pump free, I was still in "self-denial", but I reminded myself of the times I was so stressed with the time I spent pumping and being anxious over whether or not I have enough milk.  It was about time to move on and I wasn't much of a happy pumper anymore.  Now, I wonder how I'd deal with the concept of eventually fully weaning him.  I admit, as much as I look forward to it (whenever that might be), I'm scared because with all the viruses going around breastfeeding is one of the best things I can do to keep Ben healthy.

Anyway, to keep this post on a happy note and to give my pump the recognition it deserves for a job well done, here are some unique circumstances / places that I expressed milk for Ben during our two year run

(1) inside the cubicle of a mall comfort room, while overhearing someone asking her companion if what I was doing is sanitary. They were talking in Chinese, probably not realizing I can understand them (since I don't have chinked eyes)  What's a mama to do? There were no breastfeeding rooms in the area

(2) while watching a movie ( don't ask me how, lets just say I wanted to save time and I had my wrap with me anyway)

(3) during our prayer group meetings (thanks for being understanding, friends!)

(4) at 3am in the morning, while watching How I Met Your Mother ( sitcoms are the best pumping companion, they make you relax and are exactly 20 minutes long)

(5) at the prayer room during a retreat


 Thanks for the memories, my pumping friend.  You made my breastfeeding journey easier.  Time to rest and save your energy.  We shall hopefully meet again (wink!)

Hitting the two year mark

And now, Ben's two! Who would have thought that I would be nursing a two year old? Thank you  Lord for this amazing journey :)

We all hear that "Breastfeeding is best for babies up to two years AND beyond" but the infomation on why extended breastfeeding is beneficial still needs to be spread.  Recently, I was able to take part of a breastfeeding seminar for medical students.  There were questions like, isn't breastmilk not valuable anymore when a baby turns into a toddler? Good thing that we were able to enumerate some of the many advantages of extended nursing like lowering the risks of breast/ovarian cancer and diabetes.  It's also good to know that the composition of breastmilk changes to meet the needs of your child.  Your child may (and should) get nutrition from other sources but there is immunity from sicknesses that only breast-milk can provide.

I'm sharing this to motivate moms out there who are wondering if there are really advantages to breastfeeding after 6 months.  I'm hoping to give moms who choose to breastfeed even after a year some ammunition when they are asked why they're not yet weaning their child.

Hitting the two year mark isn't easy but it can be done and the return on the time and effort a mom has invested in breastfeeding her child will last a lifetime.

So my dear mommy friends, breastfeed for as long as you can AND want :) information and support is the key.  Be knowledgeable.  Surround yourself with supportive family and friends.  Your healthy  nursling will be forever grateful :)

When Natural Disasters Strike

A lot has been said about the tragedy at Northen Mindanao brought about by the recent typhoon.  Our family continues to pray for those affected.  As a mom, it is especially heartbreaking to see the children suffering.  I saw a video clip at the television of a mom who had to use the drinking water she had to give her baby with a fever a sponge bath.  Lets all try to help the best we can.

I also came across this site that compiles list of ways we can send out donations to the victims.  Aside from this, let me mention that Medela Moms is also accepting donations in form of breastmilk and other breastmilk feeding supplies.  This is important because (1) it is important to nourish the infants in the evacuation centers especially those separated from their moms (2) breastmilk is even more important for these babies because they need the antibodies and it's hard to prepare formula without clean water.

Hopefully those in relief operations can give special assistance to the infants and their moms.  I wonder if there are some breastfeeding counselors in the area who can help reach out to moms and encourage them during this stressful time.

We wish you a Merry Nursing :)

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (December). For this month, we want to honor breastfeeding for having enriched our lives and blessed us, maybe even empowered us, in a way that only breastfeeding can. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

This year will be our second Christmas with Ben, and I can say that I am a more confident and wiser mom now than last year.  I still have a lot to learn, but I felt God has shown me through breastfeeding Ben that I need not to be afraid of the challenges being a mom would bring. 

Breastfeeding calls for faith, patience and humility.  You got to have faith that what you can give your baby is enough for him.  You need the patience to sort through the breastfeeding woes.  You should also be humble enough to realize that being able to provide for your baby is a gift from a higher power.  When I was pregnant with Ben, I knew I wanted to breastfeed but was scared if I could do it.  I had hormonal issues which made my pregnancy difficult and was concerned this will affect my ability to provide for him.  I prayed and trusted that things will fall into place.  I feel blessed that I was able to overcome the challenges.  It made me realize that I can count of God and my love ones to support me whenever I encounter trials in parenting.

For me, breastfeeding is not just about nutrition, it's about establishing a connection with Ben. When you nurse, you are called to stop and take time to get to know your child.  Right now, Ben is in a phase when he wants my full attention when he nurses.  He would even tell me to put my cellphone aside so that I don't get distracted.  You are also called to be creative in terms of adjusting your lifestyle with your new role as a parent but not lose yourself in process.  This is such an important skill to have as a parent.  It was not easy but I eventually learned how to have a social life while sustaining a nursing relationship with Ben.

Lastly, breastfeeding has opened new doors for me to connect with other moms.  I'm thankful for mommy friends who can relate to my experiences and share my advocacy.  Moreover, I feel blessed that I'm given the opportunity to learn from and help other mothers.  When counseling other moms, I can honestly say that I've been in their situation and could actually give tips that has worked for me.

These gifts that I have received through breastfeeding Ben will surely help me become a good mother to him even long after he weans.   It's my hope that more moms will have a fruitful and meaningful breastfeeding experience like mine.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours :)

Here are the entries of my fellow participants :) Enjoy!

Shaps- Beyond Being Thin
Gretchen - Breastfeeding Gifts for Christmas
Carol - The Gift of Miracle
Jenny O.- The Gifts of Breastfeeding
Anne - The Gift of Breastfeeding
Jenny R. - If the Magi Were Queens
Em - The "Breast" Gift
Isis- Got Milk?
Armi - Breastfeeding Gifts
Liv - My Breastfeeding Journey
Laya - Time in a Drop of Milk
Mec - The Gift of a Changed Man
Marnellie - From a Donee to a Donor
Icar - Breastfeeding
Gifts

Challenges and Rewards of Extended Breastfeeding

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (November). For this month, participants share their experiences on extended breastfeeding.  This includes tips to moms with young babies, as well as barriers and myths which discourage extended nursing. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."
 


If someone told me during Ben's early days that I will be breastfeeding him during his second year, I would not have believed it.  I had such a tough start that I was counting the days until I reach the 6 month mark.

But time flies by so fast, before I knew it Ben turned 6 months, then I found myself planning for his first birthday.  And now, as he is about to turn two, I feel so blessed to be able to nurse him for as long as I have.  Allow me to share my views and experiences with nursing a toddler

The Challenges
When Ben turned 1, there were quite a number of people who were asking me when I'll be weaning him.  I get questions like "Doesn't it hurt?" or "Aren't you spoiling him?".  Then there's the "Woah, You still have milk" and "He's big enough already and doesn't need breastmilk" comments.   Sometimes, it is quite tempting to just ignore them but whenever I can, I try to see these instances as opportunities to show that it (1) it doesn't really hurt for the most part, (2) toddlers who are now mobile and more exposed to the outside world need all the protection they can get and (3) a breastfed child is not more clingy or dependent.  It was a challenge to discipline Ben not to bite when he first started teething but thankfully we got the hang of it.   As for the importance of breastmilk to a toddler, I had come to believe that by nursing Ben for as long as I have, I'm able to give antibodies that help him stay healthy. A single drop of breastmilk has a lot of germ-fighting cells in it and this is actually my main motivation for extended breastfeeding.  As for breastfed babies being extra clingy, this is a little tricky.  I guess I would have to say that during Ben's first few weeks at toddler school, I asked myself  whether our breastfeeding would be factor in his ability to adjust and trust other adults without me around. It didn't happen instantly but Ben did eventually became comfortable being at school without me around. From my observation of his class, each child conquers separation anxiety differently and breastfeeding doesn't make your toddler less confident or independent.

My secret weapon to get Ben to nap when on the road .. nursing ,... hehe (shhhhh ....)

The Rewards
The greatest reward for me when it comes to nursing Ben is his few sick days.  A healthy baby = A happy mommy = A happy home.  And if he does get sick, it's one of my weapons to make sure his stomach isn't empty despite his lack of appetite. Of course, there's the convenience of being able to feed your child anytime anywhere.  It makes traveling so much easier.  There's less stuff to put in the luggage and more ammunition to keep your child from being overstimulated with the excitement of new surroundings.  With Ben,  I know that when I nurse him a nap is just around the corner, or at the very least he gets to settle down and not be cranky.  And of course, there's the joy and fun of nursing a toddler who is able to express himself.  How do you say no to your child who tells you loud and clear that he wants "mum-mum" ? How do you not laugh when your child decides to nurse while reading a book or wearing his shades?  Don't get me wrong, I do intend to have a plan of action for that when the time comes that we are ready to wean (looking forward to it, too!) but maybe I'll stick with it for a little while longer.

How about you guys? What are your thoughts on toddler breastfeeding?

Please do visit the entries of my fellow mommy-bloggers below :)

J and the Three Boys - No more "de-de"

My Mommyology - My Extended Breastfeeding Experience

Mommyluscious - Breastfeeding for Two Beyond Two

Truly Rich Mom - On Extended Breastfeeding (a perfectly normal thing to do)

Life of a Babywearing and Breastfeeding Mommy - Still breastfeeding after 2 years

Got To Believe - Breastfeeding Room Story

Apples and Dumplings - My Constant Challenge with Extending Breastfeeding

Mommy Kuwentos - Challenges and Rewards of Extended Breastfeeding

The Odyssey of Dinna - Nurturing Rafael: Extended Breastfeeding, Stretching Some More Lovin'

Legally Mom - Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year: Barriers and Issues

Homeschooling Mommy - Yes, I've Got Milk

SOlovelyN - As long as he wants, I can

Touring Kitty - Extended Breastfeeding is Possible

SassyBiatcheMom's World - 1.4 and still breastfeeding

Mec as Mom - Shooting for the Benefits, Extending the Love

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom - Barriers/Myths vs. Extended Breastfeeding