Monday, January 25, 2010

My Breastfeeding Experience - Part 3 (7th Month)

7 months plus and still counting - this is how long I have been breastfeeding Shern.

I am glad I have passed my 6 months breastfeeding target. Now my next target is 9 months although my ultimate aim is 1 year. I have learned to take things one step at a time.

Breastfeeding is a breeze nowadays, if I can say so. I mean, there is no more painful engorgement breasts, no more sore or cracked nipples and no more over-too-sensitive nipples. I guess they have all hardened and can now withstand Shern's vigorous suckling every night.

I still maintain the same routine I established many months back. Express/Pump during the day. Direct feed at night. I like this routine because Shern gets to eat fresh breastmilk and I get the milk supply stimulation from direct suckling at night WITHOUT Shern sticking to me 24/7. In short, I can still get away to do my own things during the day when Shern will be fed EBM while I express wherever I go.

Of course there are sacrifices on my part. I have to carry my breastpump insulated storage bag everywhere I go. And I still need to plan beforehand and also to find suitable places to express my milk, etc.

Another thing is that Shern sticks to me like glue. I'm not sure if this super strong bond is directly linked to breastfeeding, but Shern is especially close to me. It gets a little tiring when he wants no one but me, especially when night time comes.

The last I counted, I have about 100 bottles of ~4-5oz breastmilk storage. My freezer is full of them. No more space for ice-creams, etc. Actually, don't think this is a lot. This is merely less than a month of Shern's demand. I cannot imagine those who have 3 months supply of EBM. No wonder they have to buy a mini freezer just to keep them.


25 January 2010 - My breastmilk storage in the freezer

I am still using my Avent Manual Breastpump. Loving it. It has serves me well in my journey so far. I will definitely recommend it to other breastfeeding mums.

I am very proud of myself to have reached here. I am thankful and glad that I am able to provide Shern the best food he can have.

And I guess I should be happy that Shern sticks to me ;)

Click here to follow Shern's Breastfeeding Journey:

8 comments:

Christie - Childhood 101 said...

Wow, that is some serious stored breastmilk! Good on you, keep going as long as it is the right thing for both of you.

tanshuyin said...

Christie...thanx for visiting. And thanks for the encouragement. By the way, I love reading ur blog ;)

Serenely said...

Hi Shu Yin. Came across this post while I was searching for information about mums returning to work but going on an EBM system. I am wondering why you chose to do EBM during the day rather than finding a place to nurse him if you're outside the house? From my understanding of what I've read in your posts, you seem to prefer to go EBM with him even before you returned to work.

tanshuyin said...

Hie Serene, first of all, i was a partial SAHM at that time. Which means, i dont really go back to work like the normal employee.

I did mention in my post that i prefer to do EBM during the day n direct feed at night bcoz this way Shern can get used to other ppl feeding him via bottle. I do not want to be stuck to my boobs 24/7. I prefer to have a little breather when i do go out.

So this routine works for me. It may not work for others but i was completely comfortable with this routine.

Hope this answer your question.

tanshuyin said...

Hie Serene,

Btw, you have a nice blog too. And your baby boy is so cute! :)

Smelly Butt's Ama said...

Hey u did a good job! Love Ur blog too :)

tanshuyin said...

Hie Smelly Butt's Ama,

Thanks. You did way better than me. You can event donate/give away ur EBM. So keng! ;)

Serenely said...

Thanks so much Shu Yin. That definitely helps to clarify. It's a valid point as well because recently my hubby tried to bottle feed my son with EBM and he refused to take it. Not sure if it's because of the bottle or because he realised it's a different face looking down on him. Definitely need to let father and son practice more and get used to each other with the bottle between them!

LinkWithin