Family and Relationship Breast Milk | The Greatest Gift of All
 

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Breast Milk | The Greatest Gift of All
Written by Shirley T   
Sunday, 12 December 2010 00:00



"Calf drinks cow's milk, (hu)man drinks mother's milk!" This phrase was uttered by my loving Significant Other and brought me very far to religious breast feed my son. At first, it sounds merely a plain joke but if we put in some thought, it is indeed profound - a 'common' law of Mother Nature!

Breast feeding is a noble choice and a wonderful experience. Most people know that mother's milk is undoubtedly far more superior than any of the top branding formula milks in the world. It is a fact for a healthy baby. Nevertheless, there are many challenging encountered by new mothers especially on the first week before they could establish a smooth milk flow.
Source: BabyTalk - May 2010, pg 80
For natural birth or vaginal delivery mothers, their baby may obtain the supply a bit early, perhaps in day 2-5 (just an estimate, it may differ from individual to individual) after delivery. However, for post Caesarian-sect mothers, the milk supply may arrive a bit later in day 3-6 (again, merely a figure). Despite of the delay in milk delivery, newborns are able to survive for first few days on first week with consumption of nutritious colostrum that is merely about 4 ml. First two week is also the most critical period to induce milk production at the same establish good latching. This period is a blend of the sweetest and most painful experience for some mothers. The the mothers who had passed this phase, I believe it is far more satisfy than conquering the highest peak in the world! Congratulations Mommy and Welcome to Motherhood!

When you think you have solved a challenge, the next challenge is right at the door. As most of us are aware, breastfeeding mothers are always feeding their babies almost every 2-3 hours or depending on the demand. What if you wish to get some sleep at night or to have some time alone? Expressing out manually or machine-assisted is one of the solutions.  Then, get your partner or someone to help with bottle feeding. Introducing artificial nipple at times may confuse our little ones, therefore bottle feeding (of breast milk) is encouraged only after 2-3 weeks. Do not be surprised if you have to search for the right nipple to suit your little one. The first feeding bottle and its teat may not be the best. Sometimes the flow is too efficient and when you return to direct feeding, your little one may struggle after he/she had have an easier way with bottle's teat. For my case, the best bottle was found for my newborn after the third change! We are using Breastflow The First Years now. Alternatively, you may nurse and co-sleep on your bed at the same time to catch some rest. Check out reclining position here. If you wish returning to work soon, do not delay the introduction of bottle feeding. After several months of direct feeding, some babies refuse to drink from bottle. Mix them. Otherwise, direct feeding is always a better option as milk is supplied fresh from the 'tap', tune to demand/nutrient, at correct temperature and needless to say less hassle on the washing and no interference with chemicals/other constituents.

For expectant mothers who wish to breastfeed for first time, the following pointers are summary of my breast feeding journey. I hope they will help you to make a wise decision.

1. Decide on your choice? Prior to the delivery, discuss with your partner what is your choice for your bundle of joy i.e. breast milk or formula milk. Trust me, if your partner is on your side for breastfeeding, you have won more than half of the battle. The chance of successful breastfeeding is more than 90%. If your partner is not supportive but you are still wish to breastfeed, you definitely have made the best decision for a healthy baby and a healthy you! Breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies that can't be engineered elsewhere. Read here for more advantages of breastfeeding if you need to reassure yourself.

2. Be strong, determined and patience to breast feed. These will take you through as triumph prevails. Believe it or not, the success of breastfeeding is all in your mind. If you think you have milk, then you will have an excellent milk rush. If you think otherwise, the milk supply will automatically drop then stop after a while. Breast milking is an amazing system. It works based on the power of mind and the simple law of demand/supply. Therefore, it is important to let your tiny one sucking to induce milk production especially at the beginning and stay stress free.

My lactation consultant said 99.9 % of mothers are born with ability to breastfeed by nature. Have the 'I can do it' attitude and stay away from folks who will speak/react otherwise. It is painful to hear your newborn crying on the first few days therefore some parents succumb to formula milk in the end. Some are pressured from discouraging folks around them. However, many parents choose to go on for the best gift to their baby. And there are few that go to the extend of dripping the formula milk on breast's nipple while waiting for milk rush and at the same time encourage the baby to latch on and suckle.

3. Get help if you need to. Breast feeding mothers are committed and caring mothers. Keep in touch with family and friends who have breastfeeding experience. They are more than happy to share you with you all the tips. Or engage with breastfeeding community/lactating group to obtain new inputs or exchange ideas.

4. Take plenty of fluids, eat healthy diet and rest well. A healthy and happy mom nurses a healthy and happy baby. Stay positive and remember, breastfeeding is also the time to develop bonding with your precious one. Talk or sing to your baby and spend quality time with him/her. This is the period he/she needs you most so be there for him/her.

I am proud, contented and happy that I give my baby the greatest gift of all (from a mother). Yet, I did not do it alone. There were hiccups at the beginning but it is a blessing that I have enormous support from my loving hubby, sister, mother, relatives, friends, health care staff and my lactation consultant. Without their endless encouragement, kind words and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, I had perhaps lost my faith. Thank you very much folks! We need more people like you in this world!

The bottom line is you are the best mother to your child(ren). You are empowered to make the best choice for your loved one. Even if you are not breastfeeding for some reasons, you are never the second best mom to your child(ren). Every parent wants to give the best and aim for a healthy child. Your decision dictates the fate of your child, make a wise one!

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