No Wheezing - Breastfeeding

Caedy is now 5 mo 2 wks. She could hardly sleep for the last 2 nights, her nose was blocked, her cough was phlegmy ... Doc checked her, he said other than lotsa mucus in the nose, there is no problem at all. Her lung is strong and clear. 

I still remember Keira's lung constantly had wheezing sound since she was a little infant, she outgrew it when she was almost 3yo. Now I'm even more convinced that breastfeeding really benefits Caedy. If I could turn back time, I'd breastfeed Keira no matter how hard it was. Well, if only.

I have to say the first 2 years of raising Keira wasn't easy at all, we brought her to doctor very frequently. Even until now, her immune system is still quite weak. I know breastfeeding can be quite tough, but it's tougher to see our baby is weak & easily fall sick.

Keira when she was 2yo+

 Feb 2011, suspected pneumonia. lotsa wheezing sound in her lung.

Let me say again, the key to successful breastfeeding is support and persistence. 
You can do it, for the sake of your little one :)

xoxo

TRAVELLING WITH INFANT, WHAT TO PACK?

When it comes to travelling with newborn or infant, you won't want to forget to bring the important stuff. So what to pack in the luggage? Here's the list to help you get started:

(It depends on how many days you are away from home, in this list, let's make it 5 days 4 nights)

1. CLOTHING
i. Clothes for daytime - 6 sets (4 sets for the next 4 days and 2 extra sets, if you are using cloth diaper, you might need to bring more).
ii. Pyjamas - 6 sets (same as above)

2. DIAPERS (depends on the age & how frequent you change the diapers daily.) Usually, I just pack enough for 2 days, and I'll buy the rest when I reach the destination.

3. TOWEL

4. BABY HEAD TO TOE CLEANSER

5. NAPKIN / HANDKERCHIEF / BIBS

6. BABY OIL (if you do baby massage)

7. MOSQUITO REPELLENT (optional)

8. SOCKS (6 pairs)

9. HAT (optional)

10. SHOES (optional)

11. BLANKET

12. BABY SLING/ CARRIER (optional)

13. TOYS (2-3 toys)

14. STROLLER (prefer a light one)

15. LIQUID CLEANSER & BOTTLE BRUSH (to wash the bottles)

16. WET TISSUES

17. BOTTLES (at least 2 bottles)

18. PACIFIER (if using one)

19. BABY  LOTION (if going to cold weather country)

20. SUN BLOCK FOR BABIES (if going outdoor often)

21. DIAPER BAG

22. MEDICINE (don't forget this if your baby is prescribed any meds by her doc)

23. MILK POWDER (bring extra, unless you are sure you can buy the same brand in the destination).

24. THERMOS FLASK

25. NAPPY RASH CREAM

26. NAIL CLIPPER (infants' nails grow very fast) - make sure you check this into the luggage, instead of hand-carrying it.

If you are breastfeeding, you gotta pack more stuff:
1. BREASTPUMP (esp if you know you won't be able to direct-feed when you are not in the hotel room)
2. STORAGE BAGS/BOTTLES to keep the expressed milk in the fridge
3. COOLER BAG
4. ICE PACKS
5. BOTTLE WARMER (optional)
6. DISPOSABLE PADS
7. NURSING COVER
8. EXPRESSED BREASTMILK (if needed - but make sure it remains chilled in the cooler bag)

Probably you need to imagine how your days are gonna be like, what activities you're gonna have (i.e. if you're going to swim, then you need to add swimsuit, and so on).

Hope this list helps~

HAPPY TRAVELLING

Breasting Feeding Journey Pt 2 - FTWM

So I'm officially a full time working mom (FTWM). It's not too hard for me cos I send my kids to the daycare downstairs =D But I have to say, staying at home is so much more convenient when it comes to BFing. Btw, just FYI, the way I breastfeed is left right, right left. That means I'll let Caedy latch on the same side as the previous feed, reason is I want her to empty the (.) if I don't pump out so that she gets the hindmilk, if you don't understand what i'm saying pls let me know, I'll explain in more details. 

OK back to the topic, pumping is not so convenient... When I'm not with Caedy, I have to pump and let her drink from the bottle, that means I have to wash and sterilize the bottle + the pump. Not to mention I have to bring the pump (the super bulky heavy pump) to the office and bring it home on every Friday and bring it back to office on Tues. Oh in case you don't know, I'm using Spectra Dew 300. 

I've not been diligent in pumping. Yeah sad to say. But, amazingly whenever I pump, I can get about 7-10oz of BM. Caedy is only drinking 3oz per feed. So that's like 2-3 feeds already. *wink* not too bad huh?

So what's the secret of having enough supply? (thanks for asking...) 

These are the things I've tried:

1. Fenugreek pills - hhmmm.. it doesn't really work for me and it kinda made Caedy's tummy gassy. But fenugreek is also good for general health, so no harm trying. Diff moms have diff reaction though, it works for some of the mommies I know.

2. Sacred Tea for Nursing Mom - bought it at RM84.90 from fabulousmom.com (PWP - purchase with purchase). Original price is RM99.90. OK, I have to say this is a heaven-sent. It works miracle. Not only it increases the supply, it also makes the BM creamier. (basically thicker la, more fats...) but again diff moms react differently.

It tastes herbal-ish, not too bad...

**Btw this tea contains fenugreek + fennel + other stuff. When fenugreek is mixed with fennel, it doesn't make baby gassy.

3. Papaya soup. I don't know if it worked (everyone is talking about it when it comes to BF), I just drank once =D that's also because Auntie Linda boiled the soup for me. It tasted very sweet and nice, so I just drank it. Yang penting enak...!! =D

4. Milo / Horlicks - yummmyy..... it's just so nice that I can't resist. Some moms testified that their supply increased after drinking them. So, no harm trying too. 

5. Instant Red Dates Tea - I simply like the taste. But I always got ulcers after drinking. Too heaty I guess? It doesn't work for me btw.

Some friends said eating fatty fried chicken boosts their supply (aka McD ayam goreng & Chicken McDeluxe), cos of the fats and proteins in the chicken. But I didn't try la, I'm dying to lose weight, I better have self control kan? 

I've also known friends that do not take any supplement whatsoever, just be as natural as possible. The more you feed, the more the supply you have - that's the key (but remember to increase your calcium intake).

So I'll say, whatever works for you.

Next round I'll do a review of diapers. So far, I've used Mamypoko, Huggies, Diapex Easy, Diapex Premium (gonna try for the 1st time today), PetPet, Drypers and gonna try BabyLove soon too. Stay tuned :)

Bonus Caedy's pic =D

The Breastfeeding Journey Continues...

Caedy is 2mo today. I thank God how I have pulled through and am still breastfeeding her exclusively.

Even tho breastfeeding her has been an amazing journey (I love the intimacy we have when I'm nursing her), but I, too, have moments of weakness. There are times I feel like giving up, especially when I'm physically tired. But thinking of the health benefits of breastfeeding (and btw, the book "Brain Rules for Kids" says that one of the brain boosters for kids is to breastfeed for a year), I chose not to give up.

There are many websites and groups that support breastfeeding and you can find useful info to keep you keeping on:
1. FB group - The Breastfeeding Advocates Network
2. kellymom.com
3. breastfeeding.com
4. mother-2-mother.com

I believe there are many more, but I often refer to no.1 and no.2.

She has been growing healthily, at 2mo, she's now 5.1kg and at night she'll sleep for 3-4.5 hours, sometimes less, before waking up to drink again.

Love my chitty chatty darling daughter :)

The Confession of a Guilty Mom

So I proudly posted a blog on breastfeeding last week. Happy with the fact I managed to pump out 12.5oz before baby's full moon.

Now guess what? I've overslept for 3 days now!!! The worse was last night; pumped at about 10.45pm and guess when was the next pumping session?? 6.30am!!!!!!!! I was basically sleeping with 2 rocks on my (.)(.) and they didn't wake me up. So yeah, milk supply decreased. Gotta buck up! :(

---
Confinement lady is leaving this Saturday. *sad* Yeah I wish she can stay here at least until baby is older. So this weekend onward, no more good night sleep!! wish me luck!

Breastfeeding 101

Feeding. Pumping. Feeding. Pumping. Feeding. Pumping. The list goes on...
Well, that's the only way to increase the breast milk supply.

Wanna share my breastfeeding experience with new mommies. Today marks day 20 of my confinement period. Things have been going well so far. I was able to pump 12.5oz at 4am today.

If you plan to breastfeed, first of all, I think you need to join a facebook group "The Breastfeeding Advocates Network", all the mommies are super helpful there. Also, check out their docs file, they are so generous in posting helpful tips & knowledge about breastfeeding. I have been much benefited from that page.

Finding a support group is perhaps the most important thing, esp when you have no experience. Your mom might not be the best supporter (at least not in my case), cos all she wants is that the baby has enough milk so that he/she can sleep more & mommy can rest too. And seeing the new mommy struggle in breastfeeding & having engorgement, sore nipples, blisters, cracked nipples (you name it...), your well-meaning mom might "strongly" suggest formula.

Secondly, breastfeed and pump as often as possible, even when your breasts feel empty. Caedy wanted to latch on every 30-60mins during her first week. It was normal. I think for the first 3-4 weeks, forget about the clock, forget about schedule... Just feed whenever the baby is showing the sign of hunger.

Thirdly, try to pump out the remaining milk. After each/ alternate feed, I will usually pump out both sides (i think unless your breasts are very empty already).. it's to send a signal to the brain that it's time to reproduce. Btw, if you have sore or cracked nipples, apply your own breast milk on your (.)(.). It's amazing how fast it heals.

OK honestly, sometimes I get very lazy too. I rarely wake up every 3 hour at night to pump (even after I set the alarm). I usually let the boobs wake me up :P It's just impossible to sleep w the engorged (.)(.).

Fourthly, drink plenty of liquid & eat well...

Lastly, invest in a good breastpump. I used Avent electric single pump previously, the good thing about this pump is the suction. it's very comfortable yet able to pump effectively. But it's very noisy and it's a single pump, very time consuming. The price is about RM600+. I've just changed to Spectra Dew 300. The good thing: I bought dual pump, save time and it's quiet. I can peacefully pump at night without waking the kids. It's very efficient but the suction is not as comfortable, quite rigid, but so far I love it... very easy cleaning too. Price RM390.40 (from fabulousmom.com)

Other than that, I also take Fenugreek, calcium supplement (Abbott) & Neurogain (DHA is very very important). Check out the TBAN group page, they have a list of things that can boost & lower your milk supply.

I think your determination and perseverance in breastfeeding are the best gifts for your little one. If you bump into my blog and need to find someone to support, feel free to email me juli_leejj@yahoo.com. It's my privilege to help mommies w this matter.

First Week Postpartum

Today marks day 8.

First 4 days were very tiring because baby needed to nurse every hour or less. Sore nipples, sleepless nights and moodiness were not a good combo. But after frequent nursing, I started to have more breastmilk and was able to pump out and let the confinement lady fed her at night while I slept. 

Another challenge was the jealous sister. Oh my. Keira wanted me to sleep with her every night and she would wake up during midnight and cried cos I wasn't next to her. Prior to the sister's arrival, we had been together all the time. The transition was hard,  I felt so bad. But she just had to overcome it. Things are slowly getting better now. Thank God!

Now about my confinement lady, Auntie Susan. She has been great. The only thing that I disliked was she kept asking me to mix formula and breastmilk. You know the first 4 days, when you were tired and discouraged and feeling blue bla bla bla... and she kept telling the baby "aiyo mommy no nenen ah... dont want to mix formula ah." Oh my goodness!  But the moment I had more than enough to pump, she was amazing. Her cooking is nice, she is not calculative, and is very knowledgeable. The way she handles newborn is good too. She helps to clean up and cook for other family members. I highly recommend her to moms to be, just that you have to be very persistent and determined to exclusively breastfeed, else you'll be shaken the first few days. 

So far, baby has been a good girl. Other than the need of frequent nursing, I haven't had any problem handling her *touch wood*. I'm praying that things won't get too hard for me especially cos Keith won't be around. 

Meanwhile, I'll just try to enjoy this resting period. Pray for us!