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