Breastfeeding tips from experienced mother of three

This is my first blog post on getting one of my best buddies, Sophia to share her experiences on breastfeeding. She is a very experienced mother of three and she breastfeeds her children for many years ever since her first child. Often, I will ask her about tips about motherhood, what kind of food is good for baby since she's a wife of a TCM doctor. :P

Question 1: How old are your children?

Answer: "My three girls are 5 years old, 3 years old and 9 months old."

Question 2: Why did you decide to breastfeed your daughter?

Answer: "When I delivered my first girl, i attended the hospital's breastfeeding class and learnt that bf is really benefical for both mother and baby so i decided to give it a go. I bf my first child till 2yrs plus and stop because expecting 2nd child and likewise bf her till 2yrs plus cos expecting 3rd child."

Question 3: What are some challenges you faced, especially when you first started? How did you overcome them?

Answer: "For the first week of bfing my first newborn i was very stressed up as my milk supply was very little and I was very worried that my baby would go hungry...I cried everyday together with my baby."

"My husband played an important role to help me overcome these challenges. He consoled me to relax my mind and most imptly 'stop crying' as my mood will in turn affect my milk supply. Soon, with my mind at ease and drinking a lot of hot soups, I was able to express 60ml each side on my 2nd week of confinement."

Question 4: Any recipe for success to breastfeed so many kids?

Answer: "No secret recipe to success. Just relax and be patient."

Question 5: Where or how did you get help on breastfeeding?

Answer: "To get help on breastfeeding, i first attended the bf class provided by hospital, then read the related brochures and magazines given and also join some online mummy's forums to read about their experiences on bf."

Question 6: Why do you like breastfeeding?

Answer: "I simply adore bf because of these reasons:

a)It helps us save up a lot of money. I dun have to buy formula, bottles, sterilizer..etc

b) Bf gives me an excuse to treat myself to better food..ie splurge on more expensive cod fish etc.. because if i eat well, so will the baby.

c) It is convenient and hassle-free as i can latch on anytime, anywhere i go and my diaper bag is so much lighter.

d) It gives me a time to relax and regain my sanity. Taking care of 3 young kids alone with no helper can be quite insane. Bf is the time i can stop doing my chores for a short break to check FB, emails and do some online shopping!

e) Lastly i feel that bf benefits my children as it did boost their immunity."

Question 7: Do you ever nurse your daughter in public? If so, do you mind sharing your experience?

Answer: "I do nurse my babies in public with a nursing shawl. However I would prefer to go to places with nursing room facilities as my babies dun like to be covered by a cloth when feeding, they would struggle and cry and the situation might get quite embarrassing in public. I would choose to nurse in the car if I cant find a nursing room."

Question 8. What are some tips you’d like to share with other moms who are thinking about breastfeeding?

Answer: "Some tips which work for me: Relax your mind, eat more(ditch that diet plan!), drink lots of hot soups and enjoy that personal bonding session with your baby."

Question 9: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience breastfeeding?

Answer: "If all doesn't work out and you can't breastfeed, do not blame yourself...Formula is fine too. Me, myself and I am pretty sure most mummies here also grew up well drinking formula right? Hence relax, take a step back and embrace the joy of motherhood ya! :)"

Hope the above tips from our Mommie Sophia will come in handy for new mothers :)

Thank you once again, Mommie Sophie.

Cheers,
Deariebear Mommie