Firstly, my dear friend Gina Yong is a breastfeeding counsellor. I know that breastfeeding is the BEST for baby but I never know more until I found out the good news that I am pregnant! I was determined to learn more about breastfeeding and asked Gina about her next talk. However, Steven was unable to attend the talk together , so, we waited patiently for the next one. Exclusive Breastfeeding* is a new thing to our family, so I need him to learn about it too, since the cows milk infant formula is the normal practice when the mother starts working. However, I am determined to give my baby the best!! I learned from the talk, also learned from the UMMC (they are considered the "baby-friendly" hospital and encourage exclusive breastfeeding. I do face challenges too from people who will ask "enough milk meh??" However, I am still a determined person despite all the unnecessary comments.
When Xavier was born, he was handed to me for the first feeding around an hour (I was very blur from the epidural and gas anesthetic) after delivery. However, with full confidence, I exclusively breastfeed him until today. World Health Organization (WHO) recommend babies to be breastfed for the first 2 years of their life. Hence, I am committed to breastfeed Xavier up to 2 years. I want him to be strong, healthy, smart, and the strong bonding between us.
For me, the BEST things about breastfeeding are:
- BEST for baby
- BEST for mommy
- BEST for our family
- BEST for the environment
Photo 1: My stock of Expressed Breastmilk (EBM) in my freezer...(some more in the in laws house)
Photo 2: My precious breast pumps (one Double electric, one manual) to ensure that I can pump anytime, anywhere.
Photo 3: Method of transporting the EBM (Cooler bag & ice substitute)
