22 December 2013 will not only mark the special day that my little princess Ariel turns one, it will also be a milestone for me because well, it means I have been a second time breastfeeding mom for one whole year. And not just breastfeeding, but exclusive breastfeeding for the first almost half a year and even up till now, the little one has not drunk a single drop of formula. Hip hip hooray! For the pockets, for my achievement, for the goodness of breast milk, for the baby.
How did I do it? I don't know, I guess it comes easier as a second time mom. For Angel, I breastfed her for 16 months but when she was 9 months old, I was not confident that I was providing enough so I started supplementing with formula. It was a big struggle as she would reject, vomit and simply put up a war every time I took out the bottle and not the nipple. For Ariel, I learnt to take the cue from her. I learnt to take it easy on myself. I learnt to listen to everyone's unsolicited but goodwill advice yet not let it affect my mind. I learnt to nurse a crying baby in public and returned weird stares from strangers with a smile. I learnt to be a cool but unwavering mom.
Things I learnt about breastfeeding:1) Size doesn't matter and big boobs don't mean more milk. Likewise, having small boobs *ahem* doesn't mean there will not be milk to sustain for a year or two.
2) Breast milk is liquid gold. It is sold on the Internet for $4 per ounce. That’s about 262 times the price of oil.
3) Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. Is it just me when I say I only like bulging tummies on my kids when they are small?
4) Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which relaxes both the mom and the baby. I guess I am lucky to experience that feeling. For most of the time, at least.
5) According to experts, the metabolic energy needed to breastfeed a baby each day is the amount you would use to walk seven miles. Now, who says I don't workout?
6) Formula does not provide the full range of nutrients contained in breast milk, nor does it contain the antibodies that can protect infants against disease. Read more on why breast is best in my previous post.
7) Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to regain your slender figure. It contributes to gradual, healthy weight loss because it can burn an extra 300-500 calories per day.
8) It works like magic. Seriously. Fussy baby? Crying baby? Cranky baby? Tired baby? Fidgety baby? Screaming baby? Just latch him/her on and voila, it works almost every time. How did I manage to make the baby sit through seven movies? Well, the boobs.
Seeing my baby growing up into a toddler, I just wish to be thankful for all the wonders and that irreplaceable mother-baby bond breastfeeding has brought us. Even though this girl has a tendency to wake up at least 3-4 times every single night hunting for my boobs to suckle, by the way who needs a pacifier when you have the two best in the world, I am still going to survive waking up at wee hours in the hope of breastfeeding her for at least half a year more.
That, is one of the best gifts I can give to you, my child. And just so you know, it is also one of the best rewards you gave to me as a mom.
