My little girl celebrated her first birthday on Aug 1. Alhamdulilah. Aug 1 to 7 is also World Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
On the morning of Aug 2, while nursing my child, I suddenly realized, ‘Come on, I have been doing this for a year now’. Alhamdulilah.
I shared a few points regarding nursing learnt during our journey in a BF support group for Indian Moms. Here it is.
1. As per our religious norms, it is highly recommended to breastfeed for 2 years. So that is what I have seen my sis,my mom, cousins, aunts everyone do. It is an accepted and recommended practice in my family and I grew up seeing it. So right from the beginning I knew that is what I want to do. ( NIP within family/friends etc..do not shy away. You have no idea who you are inspiring or putting the seeds of positive familiarisation of breastfeeding – maybe a little cousin, younger sister!)
2. I had tonnes and tonnes of relatives and friends who visited me during my hospital stay and home thereafter. But I did not hear a single negative comment about breast milk not being enough etc. No one dared to invade my personal space. Yet, at 4 months, when I came to India, one of the first few comments I heard – ‘Don’t you have any milk? Why is baby crying? ‘ It made me sad. I knew I had surplus output – leaky, wet tops always, changing breast pads every half hourly – yet this comment made me doubt myself. (Keep away from negative space and energy. It sucks every positive thought and action. DONOT heed to any negative comments)
3. I fed my baby formula on the second day after birth. I did not know colostrum was enough. She was crying and I felt like milk hadn’t yet come. I regret not educating myself about that little amount babies need during the first 24 hours. (Read, educate yourself. Do as much research about breastfeeding as you do about pregnancy and delivery)
4. Since she was born on Aug 1 and the hospital I delivered was celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we got tonnes of flyers and pamphlets. There was a lactation consultant too though I couldn’t meet her. We get free manual pumps which sadly I forgot to pick up from there!
5. For 3 months, all I remember I did was nurse. It helped I had my mom with me for 2months. One of the best things I learnt was feed on demand. Do not follow the 2 hours rule and make the child cry for 2 hours because the time is not up. Feed on demand. Really, feed on demand. That is all. Initially it is tiring and demanding, but it gets easier. (Take as much help as you want from family and friends wrt household work, cleaning, child care of elder children if any etc)
6. Three India travels, innumerable outings, shopping, weddings,long road trips etc could not have been done so easily without bf. Nursed everywhere including restaurants, malls, parks, car, flight – This is coming from a person who wears the hijab – the hijab acts as a ready nursing cover actually 😀
7. Nursing time is also my whatsapp time. I do not know how good this is, especially phone so near to baby.(usually flight mode with wifi on) But that is how I pass the time/catch up on social media. What all do you do while nursing? Better ideas and suggestions please?
8. I did not know nursing was so hard and had related problems like wrong latching, sore and painful etc until I read the posts in the Bf support group. I hope it gets easy and easier for everyone. Take help wherever required.
9. You hear enough and more of breastfeeding myths – It is non nutritious after 6 months, don’t lie down and feed or baby’s lip will evert out, don’t feed with a wet hair. (DONOT heed to such negative info. Research and read)
10. Supportive Spouse. I have no idea why this is last. It should have been on the top. It helps a LOT. I couldnot have done without his support. (Educate your man as much as you educate yourself)
11. Now that we have reached a very active and mobile stage, bumps, hit and cry are a common occurrence in our household. Everything is solved by feeding. Breastfeeding is not only for nourishment but also for comfort, warmth, assurance, safety, love and of course bonding.
A few FB support groups from where you can take help.
2. La League International –Doha Chapter
3. Breast feeding Support for Indian Moms – BSIM
Enquire with the hospital you deliver for Certified Lactation Consultants.
Much thanks and love to everyone who has supported.
Great post. I too heard many of the same things when I started breastfeeding.
Yeah. I don’t understand why people make it more difficult than it is.
When you’re a new mom, there are certainly very many things that need to be learned.
I found that taking the advise of the lactation specialists during our hospital stay was a great advantage.
In terms of unwarranted, negative, and generally bad advise or comments, I wish I’d also known not to listen to them because they really do bring you down!
What’s more, your milk supply decreases under stress. Sub han Allah!
So I’ve learned to nod my head, take the ones that make sense, and move on and away from ones that offend you or are non-sensical.
Yeah true but as a first time mom we are so nervous and ill informed. It is so difficult with all these negativity!
You’ve got this mommas!
So much positiveness in a post! I too have seen everyone around me breastfeeding till 2 years and the kids are really smart enough!
Thanks
Not yet mom or even married but still enjoyed reading your blog post 🙂
Thank you
I love the positive tone you have used. Some of the negative remarks you quoted from other people were really bad.
Love the positivity in your voice – jazakillah for sharing your experience and tips 🙂
Shukran
I really enjoyed your post. It is so important to remember to ignore negative comments and comments that are completely untrue! I cannot count the number of times I have heard things that are absolutely ridiculous. I also agree that a supportive spouse can make or break your experience. Mine has been like my cheerleader! Bless him.
Duas for supportive spouses!
Thank you
Great post ma-sha Allah! Very informative, and even though the info doesn’t relate to me yet, I certainly look forward to the day I’ll peruse your blog again to get this info. Bookmarked!
Jazakillahu Khairan for sharing!
Thank you
Wonderful lessons and it is true there are so many people who try to turn us away from BF or tell us we are not making enough. It is important to listen to our own bodies and our own babies.
Exactly! We should listen to our own bodies first!
To answer your question on #7 , I’m always on my phone while breastfeeding. That or watching tv ?
haha. High five!
I appreciate the mentions of the FB support groups. To me breastfeeding, although normal and well intended, takes a lot of support and encouragement. There’s so much training that goes into labor, but not with breastfeeding. I’m very glad that we are at a point where we can talk openly about issues and find help when needed. For every new mom, and even repeats, this post is great.
Exactly! Everyone goes on n on about pregnancy and delivery but feeding…zilch, none!
Thank you!
I breastfed until my son was 2-years-old. It was definitely hard at times, but it was really worth it to me. There is so much great information here for new moms.
Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I LOVED breastfeeding! It made everything so much easier 😀
seriously!
I struggled with breast feeding, but I am happy with the amount I was able to accomplish and provide to my son! I love how positive your post is and I’m glad you were able to overcome all the negative comments you received. Great post and thanks for sharing your experience. I hope to use your tips when we have our next baby.
Thank you so much and good wishes.