Wednesday, November 02, 2005

I'm sure you have read sassafras' tag and is interested to know what her "love letter" contains.

Here's my answer ...

Breastfeeding looks easy but it really can be very frustrating at times. It not only gives babies protection against certain illnesses (cough, colds, diarrhea, etc) if given for at least 6 months, it also gives important nutrients needed for the baby's growth and development. Another thing is that, it also helps strengthen the "bond" between mother and baby. BUT sometimes, no matter how willing mothers are to breastfeed, they just can't be successful (like your case or like the case of my patient, the mom have retracted nipples) hence the frustration.

It is expected that there will be no milk "let down" yet right after delivery. Sucking will stimulate this let down hence mothers should let the baby suck as soon as she is able (ideally 1 hour after birth) for milk to flow from the breast. The first 2 weeks after birth is very crucial for establishing breastfeeding. Okay lang if you use a breastpump then feed your baby breastmilk thru a feeding bottle for the first 2 weeks. Tapos if you are already relaxed and had completely recovered from giving birth, you can try to actually feed your baby from your breast na kahit pa konti lang ang milk mo; just give a supplemental bottle na lang to make up for the kakulangan for your baby to gain weight . Since you only started to latch Raya to your breast at 4 weeks, medyo confused siya kasi nasanay na siya sa feeding bottle nipple but that should not be a big problem, kailangan lang sanayin mo si Raya. You can breastfeed her one or two times daily at first until you and Raya have established a routine. And since medyo late nga yung pag start mo ng routine ninyo, mas mahirap kaya kelangan ng mas madaming tiyaga. Don't give up, just be patient and masasanay din si Raya.

Yes, the baby is more efficient talaga sa pag empty ng breast thru sucking kesa sa breastpump. Some doctors would even advice mothers to let their husbands do the sucking kung ayaw ni baby initially mag-suck just to stimulate milk production and let-down kasi the best stimulus for milk secretion is the regular and complete emptying of the breasts.

It is important too that you are in a happy and relaxed state of mind if you breastfeed kasi your baby can sense your anxiety. But if she refuses your breast even after patiently trying to establish a routine, don't worry, you can still give her breastmilk thru a bottle. Makukuha pa din niya yung mga nutrients at protection na mabibigay ng breastmilk. Don't worry about bonding with her kasi if you spend time with her when you're at home, you'll be bonding with Raya na din naman. Take time out to play with her, talk to her and touch her, listen to music with her and read to her.

Relax. Savor your time with your baby because before you know it, she will be getting ready for school na.

Good luck! :-)