Here I would like to share some successful breastfeeding tips for all mommies out there. Having two boys, both of which I've breastfed for two years (Alhamdulillah), I hope this sharing will benefit you.
1) Always remember the 'Supply and Demand' principle.
The more your baby drink your breast milk the more you will produce.
'what if my baby doesn't consume much?' - then maybe that is the best and most suitable arrangement for your baby. Nevertheless, (esp for working mommies), you might want to have more, right? Then, you can always pump it out and store it as EBM. Please bear in mind, at first while pumping, you might produce little, however once your body has adapted to the new requirement it will eventually produce more.
2) Be consistent and always on time.
Your body works in a routine- follow it!
This tip is especially useful for working mommies. Being away at work, we sometime forget the importance on pumping on time. Do express your breast milk the same time as what your baby will be breastfeeding. Let's say if your baby usually need his feeding every three hours, then you have to express your milk every three hours while you're away from your baby. Do always remember this tip especially during the first year of your baby. After a year, you may express further apart as your baby already adapted to solid and your body has adapted on producing breast milk. However, if you still can follow the routine after a year, it will be much better!
3) Never give up!
It is all about your mindset...
Easier said than done- Yes, I know. Been there, myself! Here how it works: It all started with your intention. Why are you breastfeeding? -Everyone's doing it? It's cool? It's good for the baby? You can slim yourself down? Or it is your responsibility, your amanah? Reflect yourself. If you have the right intention, in shaa Allah, you will be successful in breastfeeding until your baby turns two. Well, it works for me! Everytime i feel like giving up, I felt guilty. 'Hak seorang bayi mendapat susu ibu sehingga berusia 2 tahun. Jika kita tak mampu, kita perlu usahakan- not by giving formula but from breast milk (either it is yours or someone else's) . Let's reflect the history of our prophet Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. Baginda diberi susu oleh ibu susuannya selama 2 tahun. In fact it is even in the quran.' Thus, the right intention will bring you to the right path. For me, it is the amanah.
4) Let other obstacles be the challenge
Face it, you can do it!
It's the reality. Obstacles and hiccups will come along the way. Being it from those who close to your- your hubby, your mother, your friends. Some might not support you, especially when your milk production is low. They will start put the ideas of giving formula is much better and easier. Ignore them, politely. Show them that you can do it. Get support and help from others (you can even get support through online group). Get tips (like what you're doing now :) ) from those who have been successful. Just to note, my breasfeeding journey was not easy as well, but Alhamdulillah, I made it.
5) Allah always help those who seek His help
Pray and doa
This is one of the tips that cant be argued over. Pray and put in your doa for Allah to help you to perform your amanah to breastfeed your baby until two.
6) Take supplementary vitamins- if you feel like it.
The choice is yours.
Having said it is a supplementary- that what it means. By only depending on the supplements, you will not success. Your breast milk will not just increase because of those supplements. You can't ignore all the tips above. Nevertheless, being a great mommy, you sure want to give the best for your kids, right? This is where this supplementary vitamins play their roles. Taking them will increase the quality of your milk. For both of my sons, I took the Shaklee vitamins and it worked! I took the breastfeeding set - alfalfa, vita-lea, vit-c and b-complex. I realised that when I skipped the vitamins, my breast milk become a bit like watery (cair) instead of the usual look. That's the protein that was missing. So your breast milk will be come more healthier and your baby will become more full faster. You may want to check out the details on the supplements on my next entry and you may order them from me :)
I hope with this sharing it will assist you in your breastfeeding journey. All the best and I wish you good luck!
Hugs and kisses to your baby or your soon-to-be-born baby :)
