TLM Breastfeeding Diaries feat. Kelly
What's your current breastfeeding day to day is like and how do you feel about it?
I breastfeed on demand throughout the day as long as I’m home. She currently feeds around 2.5 to 3 hours intervals in the day and about 1 to 2 times at night. I’m thankful that my work is quite flexible which allows me to nurse her on demand, and I love it!
What's been the hardest part about breastfeeding, and how did you manage it?
Comments from other people.
On the first day that I met my confinement nanny for my firstborn, she told me that I wouldn’t have enough milk as a first time mother and asked me to buy a tin of formula right off the bat.
I was so distressed hearing this as I wanted to breastfeed but didn’t know any better as a first time mama, so I grudgingly gave my baby formula. She also later told me that I had to pump, even though I initially wanted to try nursing more.
I really didn’t know how to manage it then, but in hindsight, I do think that I have now learned to trust my body so much more and have faith that I can provide fully for my baby’s needs. Because I’m mostly nursing, I don’t know how much my baby is drinking and whether it’s enough. I trusted that based on her diaper output, growth and the fact that my breasts are emptied when she was drinking, that she was indeed drinking well and the milk intake was enough for her. And when she was sick, I also trusted that my breast milk was sufficient to provide her with the antibodies to help her recover.
“I think that’s really the beautiful part of nature, that our bodies are designed to provide for our babies’ needs.”
How did you prepare to learn about breastfeeding when you were pregnant?
I did a prenatal breastfeeding course with Eliza! I only did it for my second baby but it would have been SO SO useful if I had gone for the course for my first.
What about breastfeeding that surprised you?
Although it is meant to be natural, it is really not easy at all. It did get better with time though and it was much easier the second time round.
What would you like to share/advise other pregnant mums who are keen to breastfeed but feel unsure/scared about it?
If you have set your intention to want to breastfeed, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. If you are struggling, which is common at the beginning, know that you can get help (from an IBCLC), and don’t give up before giving it your best shot. It may not be an easy journey, but it’s so worth it.
Finally, fully immerse yourself in the moment while nursing. Instead of rushing through it as a task, soak in the snuggles, gaze at your baby's sweet face, and cherish the quiet intimacy.
- Kelly, mother to a 3 year old and a 4 month old
Founder of your.mama.tribe
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Mothers in this group are there to provide peer and moral support and hold a safe space for fellow mothers whom are going through any breastfeeding challenges. In this community, we also welcome you to share your mini and major breastfeeding wins! We are here to celebrate with each other!