The Long List of Benefits of Breastfeeding

You must have read numerous reading materials stating the long list of benefits of breastfeeding. Based on my experience and observations, here is my list.

1)                 When my children are sick, they have less chances of getting dehydrated; and less chances of throwing up any solids. I’ve heard stories that babies who are sick throw up their formula milk or any solid foods. When my children do not like to eat solid foods, I am secured that they will still get the nutrients they need from my breast milk.

2)                 Strong bones. Both my kids love walking and running.

3)                 My children will never go hungry during family trips. Breastfeeding is hassle free when feeding my hungry children. I can do it anytime and anywhere if there are no available solid foods. Though usually, we do not leave our home without any food that our children can munch.

4)                 No need for bottles and water. My godmother once said when she was with us on a short trip to the mall, “May, you do not need to bring feeding bottles and water.” I replied, “Yes it is. It is built in J” The precious milk that we can provide our babies is with us.

The long list of benefits of breastfeeding is endless for both our children and to us mommies. I, being a mom who is into tandem and extending breastfeeding is encouraging you to try it. I do not mean you follow me but I would like you to at least try breastfeeding after giving birth. Do not lose hope if you are facing challenges. Seek help and support. There are groups and organizations providing the support you need.

Always remember that you are doing it for your baby and for you as well – there are plenty of short-term and long-term benefits of breastfeeding.

the products of breast milk :)

Mommy kisses,

May

Breastfeeding is a Lifestyle

We did not plan to be this far - tandem and extended nursing.

When I got pregnant in 2010, we decided to give breast milk to our first born. I do not know anything about it - how to latch, how to increase milk supply, how to store and everything about breastfeeding.

My first source of first-hand experience was Mel. She gave birth when I got pregnant - she actually passed the baton to me J I was so lazy to attend seminars about breastfeeding during my first pregnancy. I was also not into reading that much. I only read the different stages of my pregnancy from an internet site and a few chapters from What to Expect When You are Expecting.

When I gave birth and was on maternity leave that was the time I read about breastfeeding. Apart from asking questions from Mel, I researched. Read blogs and other sites about breastfeeding while taking this new and wonderful journey - being a first time mother.

  

Now that we are going on the fourth year of breastfeeding, I must say, it is a lifestyle.

I carry my back pack everytime I leave the house and will be gone for the rest of the day. If I know that I can be back in four to six hours, I do not bring my breastfeeding paraphernalia. I can last long for six hours without expressing milk provided my breasts are empty when I leave the house.

You are a breast pump addict J If you are a breastfeeding mom who works from 8-5, you will always search for the best pump that suits you and will do its job. Currently, I am using Philips Avent’s single electric pump and Avent’s new manual comfort breast pump.  

I consider the kind of clothes I buy and wear if I am going out with my children. Let’s say, if I am going to buy a dress that I need to wear for a wedding. I have to consider buying a dress that is easy access for my breasts to pop out in a snap and give it to my hungry daughter. By the way, my son is not nursing anymore in public. He only nurses at home or drink breast milk from his cup.

Since I have established stash for my children, I do not worry that much if I do have enough breast milk in case of emergency cases. Like when I have to be rushed to the hospital to have my head stitched because I slipped.

You need to have options when there is no power supply like when there is a storm. I am lucky to have relatives that are not usually affected by power shut down during a storm. So we always rush to their place and ask some space from their fridge to keep our precious milk.

As much as possible, I schedule or prevent late night stay with friends. If I am going to be late such as during Christmas parties, I have to be home by 9:00 pm. My children know what time I usually arrive. I do not how they know it but they really know what time I am arriving from work. They slow down their consumption from their bottle around seven in the evening.   

I control my intake of junk foods. I eat anything and do not deprive myself but I make sure that the unhealthy ones are controlled. Let’s say soda. I drink only one 12 oz cup of soda in a week. When I am eating chips, I ensure to share it with others or eat it for three days and not in one seating.  

Everytime I am sick, I always go for the natural treatment like eating lots of fruits or drink healthy juices or simply taking a break and give myself some rest. If I consult a doctor, I always tell him/her to give me meds that do not have negative side effects on my daughter. Breastfeeding moms cannot simply take any medications without doctor’s advice.

When I was able to buy Malunggay or Moringa powder, I always bring it wherever I go. If there is an opportunity to mix it with my drink or food, I add it.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I asked my OB if I have a hair treatment such as rebond after months of giving birth. She does not want me to do it. So, I need to postpone my hair treatment. All I can do now is a haircut.

When you are breastfeeding, you have to consider a lot of things. There are things that you need to sacrifice for some time or totally scrap it from your list of activities.

We are going to continue with tandem and extended breastfeeding until supplies last!

Breastfeeding is a choice. It is a lifestyle.

Mommy kisses,

May

Mommies, what will make you happy today?

Simple things make us happy, right mommies? Milestones of our children such as first step, first word, first smile – those are priceless moments.

One of the things that made my day today – my daughter pooped! Whew! Her last poop was Friday. Since we are into exclusive breastfeeding, our pedia gave up to five days lead time to have her poop. If on the fifth day we are not yet successful, I have to give her suppository. We usually give her half of the glycerine as a last resort. I also add more water intake and eat foods that will help her poop.

Being a mother who spends her day for 10-12 hours away from her children, I rely on the answers of our nannies. The usual questions I ask are how much they eat; what activities kept them busy; if they slept; and if they pooped.

My son is potty trained since he was two years old. We encourage him to go to the potty after eating a meal though most of the time there is no need because in less than five minutes after a sumptuous meal, he will tell us that he needs to go.

Photo taken when he was 2.5 years old.

What will make me happy each day is when my children regularly poop especially my daughter who is not yet potty trained.

What about you mommy? What makes you happy each day? What made your day today?

Mommy kisses,

May

Product Review: Orange & Peach Milk Storage Bag

Thank you CUDSLY for sending us two boxes of Orange and Peach milk storage bags. This really cute but not overly decorated box made my day. :-)

After a few weeks of using it, I have finally came up with a review...

Positive points:

It gives plenty of room for storage, you can actually store up to 12 oz in one bag, which is good for almost three feedings - giving you a lot of savings and less plastic to dispose. Yey!

It can be stored on lying or standing position, allowing you to maximize your freezer space.

It is spill proof, the double zipper lock will prevent the contents from spilling. I dont know about you... but I experienced crying over a spilled breasmilk. ;-)

It gives accurate measurement. You will know exactly how much is in the bag and there's really no need to take note of it - it's right there, accurate and exact. 

Negative point:

The bag has no clearance from the base, so it touches the surface of the freezer or table which can be a little disturbing with OC mom's like me.

Overall, I am satisfied with the Orange and Peach milk storage bag. Thank you again CUDSLY. :-)

P.S.
We're giving away the other box of Orange and Peach Milk Storage Bag for you to try and use, just leave us a comment. :-)

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Why do I Tandem Nurse my Kids?

It’s simple – I am blessed with breast milk. So why not use it until supplies last.

Part of my advocacy on breastfeeding is to normalize breastfeeding beyond two years old and to encourage tandem nursing.

I nursed my eldest son while pregnant with my daughter. It was challenging to nurse while pregnant since my breasts are engorged while pregnant. The sucking motion was painful. It was a sacrifice. I stopped expressing milk in the office while pregnant.

When I reported back to work, wow! My supply is doubled. I did not have the same experience on my first son – which is to establish my supply. My body recognizes that I’m feeding two growing kids.

At this time, I encourage my eldest to drink from his cup the breast milk I express. He only nurses for about a couple of minutes every nursing session.

I do not have plans to stop nursing my two kids. We will stop nursing whenever they are ready to wean and most definitely until supplies last.

I always thank God for this wonderful blessing and gift from Him because I am one of the mommies who have breast milk production like this.

Mommy kisses,

May

My Shawl

I use my shawl for various purposes. I do not leave the house without a shawl during long or whole day trips. I use it to:

1. cover when nursing one of my children
2. cover myself when expressing breast milk
3. cover myself or my kids from sun rays or drizzle
4. cover myself when it is cold
5. play with my kids: hide and seek or if my son would like to become super hero
6. make it as a blanket for my kids
7. shield from all sorts – dust, pollution, water splash, etc.

My partner in this blog, Mel offered me to try the shawl she is selling. I really like the feel of the shawl, it is soft and thick. It is really different from what I usually buy from the malls. Apart from its quality, it is affordable. 

When I said to her that I really like the fabric of the shawl she gave me, a new venture for us emerged again. Just like this blog – we were just chatting and then we came up an idea of hosting one blog about mommy stuff. 

We are going to re-sell the shawl. It is @ 250 only. For more details, just drop us an email at mommymel.mommymay@gmail.com or message us at any of these numbers: smart: 0928-507-3376; sun: 0925-870-3049; 0917-629-7877.

These are also perfect as birthday or Christmas gifts. Grab one now!

Mommy kisses,

May

AVENTure: Philips Avent’s Lactation Room

During my AVENTure last June 7, I had a chance to use the Avent’s lactation room.

I must say, this is the best lactation room I ever visited.

The couch is very comfy. You can relax while nursing your baby or expressing your breast milk.

Everything you see inside the room are soothing and pleasant – pictures, baby cute items and some tips on breastfeeding. Even the view outside, you can take a peek.

Any mother would love to nurse or express milk in this lovely room.

I hope all companies can provide this kind of room for all nursing mothers.

Of course, there is my big back pack
to carry all the breastfeeding stuff I need :)

Thank you Avent for giving me a chance to use your room. Hope to visit your office once again J

Mommy kisses,

May

Banana Malunggay Smoothie

I want to share with you one of my favorite concoctions to increase my breast milk supply – Banana Malunggay Smoothie. Actually, it will be up to you want you want to have.

These are the basic things you need:

Blender

Banana

Choco drink

Cold water

Ice

Malunggay powder – I got this from an online seller. 1 kilo is P650. I put one teaspoon for every glass of drink. For this smoothie, I intended to have three cups that I can drink for two days so I put three teaspoons.

Sugar or/and milk are optional. It depends on your preferences if you want to add these.

Sometimes, I include pieces of cookies, cereals or whatever leftovers of my children that I can find.

This smoothie will surely quench your thirst plus you will produce more breast milk for your baby.

Enjoy your own concoction today!

Mommy kisses,

May

Mother's Milk

Mommies, here is another way to help increase your milk production – Organic Mother’s Milk.

I experienced amazing milk production with just one bag a day. A box contain 16 bags. If you are not a tea drinker, you might not like it because it has lightly bitter taste.

This is perfect to start your day or to wake you up after eating lunch.

By the way, you can get this from Healthy Options at around P260+. I bought boxes of Mother's Milk last year when I need to produce more for my two growing kids. 

Enjoy your tea!

Mommy kisses,

May

My Breastfeeding Buddy

During the first few months of nursing my eldest son, I find it idle when I just “nurse” him. Of course, I am fully aware and acknowledge the fact that I am doing an important task – nursing my son. Plus, I am having amazing bonding moments with my son.

Actually, I just want to fight my eyes to close because I have lots of things to do. I have to look for ways to prolong my breastfeeding session wide awake and not end up sleeping as well all the time. I have here some suggestions of items that you must have that are within your reach when nursing your baby.

Water tumbler: I had a CS operation, during the first few days, it was so difficult to move. When breastfeeding, you need to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Remote control: If you love watching, have this at hand.

Reading materials: As for me, my buddy was and still my buddy is my Kindle Keyboard. I download e-books and audio books in my unit to keep me awake and of course to make myself productive while doing a very important role – nursing my child.

My Kindle Keyboard is my buddy when nursing my children. Even though there are new models, I will always love my buddy. She is my buddy when doing errands and I have to wait for a while. I read or listen from here parenting tips. Though I must admit, I jump from one e-book or audio book. I search for topics that will suit my current needs.

How about you mommies? What is the “thing” that must be within your reach when nursing your baby to keep you awake?

Mommy kisses,

May

The New Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

I bought an extra manual pump from Avent because my other two electric pumps from a different brand gave up. It is under repair.

Here is a quick list of benefits, well as for me, of the new Avent manual comfort breast pump.

•  Easy to clean. You can reach all parts of the body of the pump.
• Space saver. It can fit perfectly in my container or pouch.
• Little effort to express. There is no “ngalay” factor. My hands do not get tired easily.
• Very easy to assemble.
• Fits to the old model of single electric pump though you need to hold the machine tight. Plus, it will not stand with the machine on it.

I’m loving my Avent manual comfort breast pump!

Mommy kisses,

May

Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding Mommies

Do you want these? 

You can also achieve these. You can also express 18 oz of breast milk in one sitting.

If you want these, here is another healthy treat for us breastfeeding mommies. Actually, even if you are not breastfeeding and you want to eat healthier foods while at work, this is perfect for you – oatmeal with malunggay powder.

I bought from an online seller 1 kilo of malunggay powder and 50 pcs of malunggay tea bags. These are mainstay items on my office desk. I just add malunggay powder on whatever I eat or drink such as soup or hot choco.

Yes, I am using my son’s old but still useful bowl and spoon. These items are so cute that I cannot afford throw.

For three years, I am in constant search of the best way to help me produce more breast milk for my kids especially my Kuya K loves to continue nursing from me or drinking from the bottle or from his cup.

Will share more of my secret weapons why my supply of milk is abundant.

Another secret is – praying. I always pray that we will be blessed with more milk!

Mommy kisses,

May 

Where is the perfect spot to express your breast milk?

Since I have been expressing breast milk in 2011, I can say that I have become resourceful where and when I can express milk. I can even do it while working and talking with someone, using a manual pump!

You would probably agree with me – we can multi-task better than our spouses, right mommies?

I really need to multi-task. When at work, I do not want to make it an excuse that I need to express milk. I am fully aware that there is a law that allows nursing moms to have additional 40 minutes to express milk on top of the usual break times.

It is a personal choice. I want to provide the best milk then, I have to look for ways on how to do it effectively and efficiently. I am willing to sacrifice time for myself because I know I am investing the best investment I will ever make – the health of my children. This is for them. Actually, for all of us. Here goes my list of places where I expressed milk and still a perfect place for me to continue expressing milk:

• Movie house: In order for me to watch a movie with my husband just in time to the next screening, I expressed milk inside the movie house. Actually, at this time, I personally do not choose to watch a late night movie with my husband or friends. My kids’ body clock will say around seven or eight o’clock in the evening, “Mama will be home anytime soon.” I aim to be at their side at eight or nine in the evening, the latest. During Christmas parties, I express milk right after eating dinner so that when I get home, I will just take a bath and be with them in an instant.

• Quezon City Circle Park: In one of the covered areas of the park where our team building was held, I expressed milk while participating in a charades game. I can still remember, I was able to answer “Palawan” in just 5 seconds! Then when I checked my milk container after the entire game, I got 6 ounces of milk.

• Waiting lounge: While my husband and I were waiting for our turn to have the keys in our unit, I need to express milk. There is no other choice but wherever we were sitting. Again, I don’t care if a male agent is sitting in front of us. I have my cover and I can do whatever I have to do.

• Hotel clinic: During our annual company-wide Christmas party, after dinner I have to express my milk. I went to the hotel’s clinic. The doctor on-duty provided me a covered area. However, to my surprise, while in the middle of doing my job, she opened the curtain. She watched while I express milk and asked me questions.

• Hotel small room: When I cannot be away that long during a seminar and it will take time to go to the hotel’s clinic, I just ask from the hotel staff if there is a small room that is vacant near the room where the seminar is being held.

• Nursing station: More and more establishments are supporting breastfeeding moms. Whenever I need to do some errands at the mall after work, I express milk at the nursing station.

• Comfort room: Yes, you read it right. In our office, we have this comfort room that is opened when there is a function at the hall. This means it is not usually used. Though right now, it is opened daily. I expressed milk in this not so-good and not advisable location for one year.

• My office desk: Then, I learned to express milk on my desk. There were times that even male colleagues approached me without noticing what I am doing. I can hide it under my shawl and desk.

• Pantry: While chit chatting with colleagues after eating lunch, I express milk.

• Car, FX and bus: Yes, I value time that is why when there is a chance, I will express milk.

My chaotic desk

I can express milk practically anywhere. I just need a cover and I can manage. My mind set is, I do not care what the people around me will say. All I want is to express milk because my children need my milk. Plus, if I don’t express milk with filled breasts, it will make me sick. It will give me a headache and it will make me uneasy.  

These are some ideas that you can follow. Always remember that do whatever works for you. Read other tips of other moms then come up with your own drill when you need to express milk.

How about you mommy, where have you expressed your milk lately? Enjoy expressing milk! This is for our babies.

Mommy kisses,

May

What’s Inside My Bag?

Are you looking for the must-have items that you need to bring when travelling or when going to work with your breast pump? I am going to give you ideas on what I have been bringing everyday for the last three years.

I started expressing breast milk at work in 2011 for my eldest son. I stopped when I got pregnant with my daughter in 2012 but I still nurse my eldest at night while pregnant. I just don’t express and store anymore breast milk while at work. He also weaned from bottle feeding when I got pregnant. Though my eldest is back in drinking stored breast milk from the bottles because he is seeing it from his sister. This is another story to share.

First Travel Bag: A Failure

Before I share what I bring now everyday at work, on my first day when I came back to work from maternity leave, I brought a small fuchsia pink luggage. Inside the luggage: a small cooler and a small bag with my manual pump. I asked from the staff of our banquet operations cube ice during lunch time for my cooler. During the first two days, I found it hard to manage because when the ice melts, water drippings will be all over wherever I go. It is hard to commute carrying a luggage.

On my second day, I decided to get the single electric pump model of the brand of my manual pump and bought blue ice Coleman from SM department store. I used the luggage for 2 months. After using the single electric pump for a year, the machine gave up. So I have to look for another pump.

Second Travel Bag: Now a Success!

Now, I am using my ever reliable Jansport backpack. According to the tag of the bag, the handle helps lessen 50 percent of its total weight! I decided to get a back pack to make my hands free for carrying other stuff and my office bag.

So here goes the list:

Breast pump: In 2012, I shift to single Avent electric/manual pump. I bought from SM department store at a discounted price. As far as I know, Baby Company is on sale every March of the year. Plus, check the schedule of the yearly baby fair which is usually held at SM Megatrade hall. They offer great discounts. You will see in the photos that my 2-year old unit has been serving us. Thank you to Avent’s amazing product. 

Avent milk storage cups: I also got this at a discounted price. The box contains 10 cups with lids and 2 connectors. I use this when storing the breast milk inside the fridge at home.

 

Fridge-to-go: I bought my fridge-to-go from SM Centerpoint as well. It has panels inside. I store this inside the freezer. The one you see in the photo is also a 2-year old model. It is still working and serves its purpose. I put this Fridge-to-go bag inside a muslin cloth bag before I put it inside my backpack.

Ice packs: To help maintain the coolness of the fridge-to-go, I also put two ice packs which I bought from babymama.com. One ice pack is inside the pocket and the other one is inside the main bag. By the way, I removed the handle of the bag. I don’t need it anyway.

Milk storage bags: I segregate the breast milk that I express. There are batches for freezer and for fridge. I use storage plastic bags when storing inside the freezer. I also bought from babymama these Spectra bags.

Wash cloth: I bring wash cloth to wipe drippings of breast milk.

Lock and Lock container: I keep the pump and cups inside the container to secure the parts.

Extension cord: This is optional. I use this if I want to use my electric pump and I am not sure if there is an accessible socket and there is a need to express milk within a limited time frame. For instance, I am out for a meeting or conference.

Soap and Alcohol: To clean and sanitize your hands.

Tissue or wipes: For spills

Water tumbler: This is essential for nursing moms. Make it a habit to drink water before expressing milk and then drink again after expressing milk.

Tote bag: I keep all the stuff inside a tote bag before putting inside my backpack. This is to secure the precious items inside my bag.

This list is just an option of what you can bring when you go back to work or if you are going to be away from your baby for a day. 

The best present you can ever give at the end of the day is your breast milk.

Mommy kisses,

May

Busog Lusog Feeding Program: Garde Mange

As a breastfeeding mother of two, I always find ways to eat healthy. If I have the option of not choosing to grab my lunch from fast food establishments, I always go with my colleagues and friends at Illumine or at Magsaysay People’s Lounge, located in our office building, Times Plaza.

When I am asked where I will have my lunch, I always say, “I will go for my Busog Lusog Feeding Program J”

Why such name? I am sure that I am going to be satisfied with what I am going to eat at an affordable price. A complete meal course – soup, main entre, dessert, and iced tea is given to us at 50% discount as part of our employee benefit.

Last Friday, we enjoyed our lunch because it is Garde Mange day. On top of the usual lunch menu, we have the option to get the items from the garde manage buffet.

I am working with one of the best training schools for Culinary and Hospitality students. Part of the module of the Culinary Arts Program is preparing Garde Mange. According to Professional Cooking by Wayne Gisslen, the art of garde manger includes the techniques of cold food decoration, cold platter design and presentation, and the design and planning of buffets. Garde manger is an intricate and complex discipline.

Here are the outputs of our students that made my lunch last Friday.

Mommy kisses,

May