After 11 days of pain and gallons of chives tea, I think I am almost there, the end of my breastfeeding days. It has been more than 24 hours since my last pump! A major feat for someone who used to turn into a grouchy monster after a 4 hours lapse.
Woohoo to no more engorgement, whoohoo...to more freedom, whooohoo.....to no more lugging pumps and milk bottles everywhere I go, bye bye to ugly nursing bras!!!
Showing posts with label Breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breastfeeding. Show all posts
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Weaning of BM - Day 4
I am an easily replaceable cow. J has been successfully weaned off BM since day 1. Ever since Grandma succeeded on Wed, the little one has not much issue with the change of milk. Darn...i didn't know I am so replaceable, feeling abit wounded, esp when Wx said so....hahaha..but of cos I am so glad we have it so easy with J. I have heard of so many horror stories about weaning that has indirectly made me hesitant in stopping breastfeeding.
So anyway, J's not the one walking around with a sulking face that there's no more milk milk from Mama. Rather, I am the one suffering from withdrawal symptoms. This cold turkey method is really tough, from latching on twice a day to zero within one day, it has made me feel alittle lost. Like I didn't know what to do with the existing milk supply, and then of cos my desire to feed him ONE LAST TIME.
When I first decided on weaning J, I wasn't thinking of the cold turkey way. I was thinking mixing a little here and there until the supply dries up. But Wx and my MIL want it the hard way and insist if I really want to stop, it has to be here and now. So I've been mopping around, grouchy too cos of engorgement. It's like bringing 2 stones with you wherever you go. Argh............................................................and u know what? Now that i have the freedom to drink coffee as much as I want, the urge is simply not there. Sigh........
So anyway, J's not the one walking around with a sulking face that there's no more milk milk from Mama. Rather, I am the one suffering from withdrawal symptoms. This cold turkey method is really tough, from latching on twice a day to zero within one day, it has made me feel alittle lost. Like I didn't know what to do with the existing milk supply, and then of cos my desire to feed him ONE LAST TIME.
When I first decided on weaning J, I wasn't thinking of the cold turkey way. I was thinking mixing a little here and there until the supply dries up. But Wx and my MIL want it the hard way and insist if I really want to stop, it has to be here and now. So I've been mopping around, grouchy too cos of engorgement. It's like bringing 2 stones with you wherever you go. Argh............................................................and u know what? Now that i have the freedom to drink coffee as much as I want, the urge is simply not there. Sigh........
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Weaning off BM - Day 1 Part 2
9pm: Fuss a little when I tried to give him the bottle. Wx took over, gave J a story book and the little fellow settled down and finished every single drop.
Weaning off BM - Day 1
J officially turns 18 mths yesterday. I'm proud to say he has been totally breastfed all these time, not a single drop of formula milk (unless the nurses cheated and gave him some when he was in the hospital). It has been a long journey, taxing, frustrating at times, esp the beginning and very demanding, especially when I was travelling, but it has been truly fruitful. Aside from the health benefits and nutritious value, it has helped me bond with my little one. It means a lot to me, since I don't get to spend alot of time with him, being a FTWM.
But I can't breastfeed him forever, and I have been thinking when to stop for the longest time.
My initial target was to BF for 6mths. 6mths came and I was like "hmm...maybe another 6mths" So another 6mths came, and I was like "Ah...maybe another 6mth". At the rate I was going, it will be never ending, but i don't want to gross out people when I said "Oh J's still on BM when he's like 10 right" so I decided 18 mths it will be. 18mths of goodness, I think it's enough. We are planning to enrol J in a playschool soon, so it will be good to get him comfortable with formula milk/fresh milk before he starts and also with our holiday coming up, I think it's now or never. I want to travel without lugging pumps and milk bottles for a change, drink coffee as much as I want, at any time of day and drink my wine without timing myself.
So this morning, I took out the tin of formula milk I bought, I was a bit clueless since the last time I prepared milk was say...15 years ago for my niece and I probably did that only twice. But honestly, i think it was mainly the reluctance to stop breastfeeding which made me paused and hesitated in reaching for the bottle. It has after all been 18 months, for all my whining about no coffee, no freedom, I am very attached to this breastfeeding biz. It has already become a large part of my life. So u may be thinking, why stop? Continue till he's 2 then, well, pls read above..it will be never ending and if we really want to have a no. 2. I really will like to have some time to rest before we embark of Project No. 2. BUT.........don't get too excited yet, this doesn't mean we are in stage 1 of Project No. 2, the management is still in discussion.
So anyway, J's progess on weaning off BM:
Morning: Failed. Took 1 sip and started showing me his "preference" ie. brawling like mad, hitting me in the chest.. Gave up and BF him in the end.
Decided I will pass this "chore" to my MIL instead. Maybe without the cow (ahem, me) around, he'll be less selective.
4pm: Drank all! Yay!!!
9pm: We'll see how I fare tonight.
But I can't breastfeed him forever, and I have been thinking when to stop for the longest time.
My initial target was to BF for 6mths. 6mths came and I was like "hmm...maybe another 6mths" So another 6mths came, and I was like "Ah...maybe another 6mth". At the rate I was going, it will be never ending, but i don't want to gross out people when I said "Oh J's still on BM when he's like 10 right" so I decided 18 mths it will be. 18mths of goodness, I think it's enough. We are planning to enrol J in a playschool soon, so it will be good to get him comfortable with formula milk/fresh milk before he starts and also with our holiday coming up, I think it's now or never. I want to travel without lugging pumps and milk bottles for a change, drink coffee as much as I want, at any time of day and drink my wine without timing myself.
So this morning, I took out the tin of formula milk I bought, I was a bit clueless since the last time I prepared milk was say...15 years ago for my niece and I probably did that only twice. But honestly, i think it was mainly the reluctance to stop breastfeeding which made me paused and hesitated in reaching for the bottle. It has after all been 18 months, for all my whining about no coffee, no freedom, I am very attached to this breastfeeding biz. It has already become a large part of my life. So u may be thinking, why stop? Continue till he's 2 then, well, pls read above..it will be never ending and if we really want to have a no. 2. I really will like to have some time to rest before we embark of Project No. 2. BUT.........don't get too excited yet, this doesn't mean we are in stage 1 of Project No. 2, the management is still in discussion.
So anyway, J's progess on weaning off BM:
Morning: Failed. Took 1 sip and started showing me his "preference" ie. brawling like mad, hitting me in the chest.. Gave up and BF him in the end.
Decided I will pass this "chore" to my MIL instead. Maybe without the cow (ahem, me) around, he'll be less selective.
4pm: Drank all! Yay!!!
9pm: We'll see how I fare tonight.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Abbott
Just got a call from Abbott.
Sales: Hello Mrs Ng, your baby is coming to 1 yrs old!
Mrs Ng: Yes, he is going to 1.
Sales: So are you still breastfeeding?
Mrs Ng: Yeap!
Sales: When do you intend to stop?
Mrs Ng: I have no idea.
Sales: So you still have ample supply of milk ya?
Mrs Ng: I'm a good cow
Sales (must be thinking: darn..this is bad for sales)
: Oh...good...but if any time you decide to stop, give me a call, I'll send you some free sample.
Mrs Ng: Ok.
Sales: I'll send you my namecard ok? Must call me hor.
Mrs Ng: ...............ok..............
Sales: Hello Mrs Ng, your baby is coming to 1 yrs old!
Mrs Ng: Yes, he is going to 1.
Sales: So are you still breastfeeding?
Mrs Ng: Yeap!
Sales: When do you intend to stop?
Mrs Ng: I have no idea.
Sales: So you still have ample supply of milk ya?
Mrs Ng: I'm a good cow
Sales (must be thinking: darn..this is bad for sales)
: Oh...good...but if any time you decide to stop, give me a call, I'll send you some free sample.
Mrs Ng: Ok.
Sales: I'll send you my namecard ok? Must call me hor.
Mrs Ng: ...............ok..............
Thursday, July 24, 2008
@ the spa this evening
Got myself some "me" time this evening and pop over to the spa. When the masseuse was about to start the scrub:
Masseuse: Will you like your chest area to be done as well?
Me: No.
Masseuse: Oh..ok
Me: I'm still breastfeeding.
Masseuse: Oh....
30mins later when the massage just started and she was working out the knots in my shoulder and back:
Masseuse: So when I press like this (proceed to press down on my upper back), will the milk squirt out?
Me: erm...no...(DUH!!!)
Another 30mins later when she was massaging my arms:
Masseuse: so how come you can go around without feeding the baby the whole day and still no milk will leak out.
Me thinking "OMG KILL ME"
Me: Erm..I'll express the milk at work.
Masseur: Oh...........
Masseuse: Will you like your chest area to be done as well?
Me: No.
Masseuse: Oh..ok
Me: I'm still breastfeeding.
Masseuse: Oh....
30mins later when the massage just started and she was working out the knots in my shoulder and back:
Masseuse: So when I press like this (proceed to press down on my upper back), will the milk squirt out?
Me: erm...no...(DUH!!!)
Another 30mins later when she was massaging my arms:
Masseuse: so how come you can go around without feeding the baby the whole day and still no milk will leak out.
Me thinking "OMG KILL ME"
Me: Erm..I'll express the milk at work.
Masseur: Oh...........
Monday, April 28, 2008
Breastmilk cheap?
I have been stuffing myself with food since baby was born. I kid you not when I say I am eating more than Wx now "GASP"! And for people who know how much Wx can eat, it's scary isn't it? The amount I am eating.
I do not eat huge servings (thou the servings are definitly bigger than what I used to eat) at one go, but I am constantly snacking along the day, right up to before I hit the bed. Sometimes I even grab a snack when I wake up at 3am to express milk. It has reached a point where even my bro-in-law couldn't help but made a remark on it. Wx has been quite concern too and put it very "nicely" that maybe I shouldn't be eating so much.
Well, honestly, I think it's terrifying too but I really cannot help it! I am constantly hungry! If I don't prepare snacks for work, I'll be going round looking for (others) food. I'm like the starving dog in the office. My energy level will also dip all the way down. No food, no energy.
My sis has taken pity on me and has been bringing me snacks (so sweet of her.. infact, she has been doing so since I got pregnant). My mum always let me have the first pick whenever she brings snacks over, which also means I get to have double servings!
I used to share my food with Wx, half of it would go to him. These days, he's lucky if he gets a taste of what I am eating! If I share, I'll end up telling him "Know what? My tummy feels empty" and I am the one who has to keep hinting for supper. The poor dear simply can't keep up with me.
I do not eat huge servings (thou the servings are definitly bigger than what I used to eat) at one go, but I am constantly snacking along the day, right up to before I hit the bed. Sometimes I even grab a snack when I wake up at 3am to express milk. It has reached a point where even my bro-in-law couldn't help but made a remark on it. Wx has been quite concern too and put it very "nicely" that maybe I shouldn't be eating so much.
Well, honestly, I think it's terrifying too but I really cannot help it! I am constantly hungry! If I don't prepare snacks for work, I'll be going round looking for (others) food. I'm like the starving dog in the office. My energy level will also dip all the way down. No food, no energy.
My sis has taken pity on me and has been bringing me snacks (so sweet of her.. infact, she has been doing so since I got pregnant). My mum always let me have the first pick whenever she brings snacks over, which also means I get to have double servings!
I used to share my food with Wx, half of it would go to him. These days, he's lucky if he gets a taste of what I am eating! If I share, I'll end up telling him "Know what? My tummy feels empty" and I am the one who has to keep hinting for supper. The poor dear simply can't keep up with me.
So people who think breastfeeding is cheap, think again. Wx will have to rob the bank soon to feed me, and with my investments in 2 electrical pumps, 1 manual pump, over 2 dozens of milk bottles, hundreds of milk bags and tonics, I really don't think there's much savings at all. Infact, I think we may be spending more. Now..don't get me started on why THEN I want to breastfeed. Seriously...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Breastfeeding
It's not easy. Infact, it is extremely difficult in the first 3 days before the milk "comes in", esp. so for 1st time mummy who has never breastfed before. You will have to face countless people telling you that the baby is starving each time the baby cries. Couple that with the post-natal hormones, it can drive you crazy. The only ones telling you to try harder and stick to breastfeeding are the lactation consulatant and most of the nurses. Other than that, most people, especially the grandparents, were telling or rather nagging at me to feed baby with formula. Even the PD was telling me that, never mind that he should know better than anyone that colostrum is best and enough for babies in the first few days after birth.
And then there is the 1-2 hourly feed, which is especially tough in the wee hours in the morning. It's the worst at 3am when you are most sleepy and half the world is sleeping.
I am quite surprise alot of people still believe cow's milk is better than breastmilk. A girlfriend was shocked Baby Jarrett's on total breastfeeding and said she's doesn't believe in it. This is coming from a very educated and well read mother. No offence to those mummies who give their babies formula milk, I am just very pro-breastfeeding and believe that by doing so, I am providing my child with the best nutrition. There are many articles and books on the benefits on breastfeeding. Not only is it good for the baby, it is also good for the mother. It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and high blood pressure in later life. It has also been shown that babies on breastmilk score on average 8-10 point higher in IQ tests. The list of benefits goes on...I'm thinking the MOH should try harder in educating the public on the good of breastfeeding. Apprently, not enough is done.
I am not pointing the finger at mommies who formula feed their babies, it is very much a personal choice. I just wish more people are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. "Cow's milk is for little calfs, and breastmilk is for babies", that's God's idea when he created the world ;-) I'm sure He created the cow with the intention of using it as a spare, not as a replacement.
Oh btw, I "fired" my PD. I much prefer to work with someone who shares the same values as me, that breast is best and yes, Baby Jarrett is eating well. Infact, we find his little double chin quite adorable.
And then there is the 1-2 hourly feed, which is especially tough in the wee hours in the morning. It's the worst at 3am when you are most sleepy and half the world is sleeping.
I am quite surprise alot of people still believe cow's milk is better than breastmilk. A girlfriend was shocked Baby Jarrett's on total breastfeeding and said she's doesn't believe in it. This is coming from a very educated and well read mother. No offence to those mummies who give their babies formula milk, I am just very pro-breastfeeding and believe that by doing so, I am providing my child with the best nutrition. There are many articles and books on the benefits on breastfeeding. Not only is it good for the baby, it is also good for the mother. It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and high blood pressure in later life. It has also been shown that babies on breastmilk score on average 8-10 point higher in IQ tests. The list of benefits goes on...I'm thinking the MOH should try harder in educating the public on the good of breastfeeding. Apprently, not enough is done.
I am not pointing the finger at mommies who formula feed their babies, it is very much a personal choice. I just wish more people are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. "Cow's milk is for little calfs, and breastmilk is for babies", that's God's idea when he created the world ;-) I'm sure He created the cow with the intention of using it as a spare, not as a replacement.
Oh btw, I "fired" my PD. I much prefer to work with someone who shares the same values as me, that breast is best and yes, Baby Jarrett is eating well. Infact, we find his little double chin quite adorable.
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