No pain, No gain - Part 2

Since I wasn't producing enough milk to satisfy Yohann's hunger, my nips were cracked and hurting like hell, and Yohann's cries were already heartbreaking to hear, we already started feeding him formula. A nurse friend also told me to let the nips heal first before continuing with breastfeeding. I took that piece of advice with gratitude as by this time, they already hurt too much it was traumatic for me to even see Yohann wanting to take my nips into his mouth! Haha.

I felt good when I finally saw Yohann feeding, sucking on his bottle like there's no tomorrow. But I felt guilty too, especially when well-meaning friends cheered me on to just continue with breastfeeding, no matter how much it hurt. I had decided then that after taking the malunggay capsules and my sisters' concoctions and the milk would start to come in in copious amounts, that I would return to my original plan of exclusive breastfeeding and no formula. But several days later, it still wasn't working and Yohann seemed to respond well to his milk. I admit I almost gave up on breastfeeding, especially when I tried pumping milk and all I got was several drops after almost an hour. My breasts were already painful, and my hands numb but I didn't even get a single ounce of milk! It was discouraging, to say the least. It frustrated me, and made me feel like I wasn't doing a good enough job.

Thankfully, before I completely gave up on breastfeeding, I noticed that my breasts began to feel fuller and heavier; milk started to come out even when I wasn't feeding Yohann. I even felt feverish one day, and I realized this was because I was lactating and the milk wasn't being consumed. So I tried getting the baby to latch on me again. Little by little, the milk came in and I started pumping again. The first time I was able to produce 2 ounces, I wanted to jump for joy! 

Since then, my milk had consistently grown in supply. We adapted mixed-feeding with Yohann, gradually decreasing his formula intake as my milk supply increased. Just before he turned two months old last June 3, he decided he didn't want any more formula milk and wanted more and more of mommy's milk. So now, I exclusively breastfeed Yohann, and it looks like we're doing a good job out of it as he's grown so much heavier and bigger. He doesn't look like a two month old baby and he is fast out-growing his clothes. I therefore conclude that breast milk really is best for babies :) 

No pain, No gain.

Months before giving birth, I already discussed with the hubby my plan to exclusively breastfeed Yohann. Two reasons: 1. It's economical; 2. It's beneficial. Like the ad says, breastfeeding is still best for babies. I'd want to give my baby only the best, right? So we decided, breastfeeding it is!

The first time I got to try it was 1.5 days after giving birth. Since I had undergone CS, the OBG advised me to rest for a few days until I'm able to stand up, sit on a wheelchair, and carry the baby for breastfeeding at the room next to the nursery. When I finally did that was also the first time I saw Yohann. When I held him close to feed, it took us quite a while to get the hang of it, though Yohann was a faster learner than mommy. He knew how to suckle right away, while I didn't know if he was latched on to me properly. Sabagay, it's basic instinct for babies to suckle nga pala :))

Anyway, I was quite sure then that Yohann couldn't get any milk from me yet, as my OB said it could take a few days for the milk to come in. So, I continued to breastfeed him anyway to stimulate milk production. The first few days were okay, though once I called the nursery to ask for formula as Yohann was constantly crying. I figured he couldn't get any milk from me and was hungry already. Instead of giving him formula, a neonatal nurse went to our room to check on our latching, and to encourage me to just continue feeding him. She even pinched my nipple to show me that I already had milk, and that I just needed to stimulate production by feeding Yohann consistently. It was clear at first, with only a few drops coming out.

A few days after we went home, my nipples began to feel sore. One was already cracked and bleeding! But I had no choice but to continue breastfeeding Yohann since we left his formula at the hospital (or they intentionally forgot to give it to us). A couple of times I would let out a cry while feeding him as it really hurt a lot. I did not want to give up, but I could not bear to see the little boy crying from hunger. He wasn't getting enough milk from me. It broke my heart, so we finally decided to buy formula and give him a bottle of milk.

That's when my sisters intervened. One by one, they visited me and cooked tinola with loads of malunggay, or shells with loads of malunggay also. They also advised me to take malunggay capsules.

To be continued ...