I shared my early breastfeeding experiences during a May 2009 Carnival and as I'm reading through it again, I can't help but be grateful that despite the challenges and hurdles, I was still able to continue breastfeeding Naima to date.
The best gift of breastfeeding would be the gift of good health. As a baby, Naima was generally healthy and quickly recovered from coughs and colds and had no major illness. As a toddler, she has gotten more susceptible to various germs, especially when she started going to school. But I believe that the breastmilk she received has helped her recover faster from these illnesses.
Breastfeeding has also given me the gift of time, patience and the chance to bond with my daughter. I have to admit that I love keeping busy and can easily do a million things at once. My husband and I are a perfect match since he takes things slowly and easily why I rush to complete everything if possible. If Naima was formula-fed, I would probably have endorsed her to yaya while I do some other things. Nursing Naima has allowed me to stop, relax and spend time with my baby. Breastfeeding is our quiet bonding moment time - allowing me to explore and enjoy the miracle that is Naima.
Finally, as Melodie over at Breastfeeding Moms Unite puts it, breastfeeding is the gift that keeps on giving. Moms who have had a great breastfeeding relationship end up passing on advice, tips and support to other moms who are encountering early difficulties. I received great support and advice from friends who had successfully breastfed their children. Through this blog, I hope to pay it forward and pass on the good vibes that breastfeeding has brought to me, Stan and Naima. I am always happy to read comments and emails from readers saying how this post is helpful and how they have likewise shared advice to other friends who are about to start their breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding gives moms confidence and the ability to make a huge difference in another mom's life.
Year 2011 is all about changes and challenges for us. At past 3 years old, I really want to wean Naima. Our first goal was to wean at Christmas but then she got sick. Now, she promises to wean when she enters "big school" in June. I'm all for child-led weaning but I do want to have some breastfeeding-free time before we have our second baby. Crossing my fingers that 2011 is the year! What is the best gift of breastfeeding that you have received?
2 comments:
i am no expert on breastfeeding (BF) thing. honestly, i always read your blog and i admire you and naima.
reading this entry made me sad for naima. but i know how you feel 'cause i also had the similar experience with my first daughter. when her 2nd birthday came, she was told that no more BF but no success. when her 3rd birthday came, she promised that she'll no longer do BF thing but again no success till her 4th birthday. though from her 2nd year, medyo bawas na yung feeding time. i tried putting ginger, but it wasn't successful. hindi ako nag-try ng sili kasi parang 'masakit' naman sa bibig ng bata, di ba.
she only stopped feeding on me when i was already "infanticipating". we discussed with her that my milk should be for the coming baby; and that i could no longer feed her because 'mawawalan' na ng nutrients yung 2nd baby. it really took us a lot of effort to make her understand these. and everytime she cries, i almost cry also.
thank you weng!! Naima is excited to have a sibling and made me promise that when the baby comes, baby drinks milk from one breast while she can drink from the other breast.. sigh!
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