So you think it's easy?

Many people would think that having a second child would be easier as you would have the required experience in dealing with those 'innocent little monsters'... well, not exactly. For those of you who'd asked and for those of you who are wondering... here's my story

Right from pregnancy itself, my journey with a second child is what one would call different, compared to when I was expecting my first. With Arthur, pregnancy was bliss and I could work til the very last week before EDD. With Adrian, the Doctor ordered bed rest... that was only the beginning.

As we get to know him better, we realise our younger one not only looks different from his big brother... He is indeed very different in character, temperament, personal traits... 

Breastfeeding... was a bliss right from the star with Adrian, our little one... he even 'rewarded' us with the breast crawl. Hubby was certainly amazed. With his big brother, breastfeeding was literally a total struggle as we had to work out why his little walnut-sized tummy needs to be refilled every hour or so...

Babywearing... unlike Arthur who used to ask for it almost every day... he'd even point to the pouch, Adrian is indifferent to babywearing... similar to how I perceive a car is simply for transport and need not be made a statement of. To Adrian, it is OK if you put him in a carrier... or not. He doesn't mind. He doesn't have a preference. Having achieve toddlerhood, of course he'd prefer freedom of walking around etc... it's still OK to wear him when we are in crowded areas or when Momma needs extra hands... yes, he is indifferent and he somehow understands the functionality and practicality of the carriers.

Cloth Diapering... This is weird... I'd started Arthur on Cloth Diapers cos he had very bad rashes from disposables that cloth diapering seem to take care of. Yet, with little Adrian, it is cloth who made him feel uncomfortable. NO, we did not share their diapers... Adrian had his own brand new ones as a baby (though we did think of letting him have his big brother's share when he's older). That put us back to using disposables... that said, Adrian is the one who could tell us when he needs a poop since day 1...

Rocket fuel chemical in baby formula

Not long ago, it was melamine. Now, rocket fuel chemical?? What's next??

I have been out visiting new Moms for the past month on breastfeeding and babywearing. 3 out of 5 are determined to make breastfeeding work. 2 just does not have the confidence that they can supply enough for their little ones. 1 out of the 3 determined Moms feels the 'need' to supplement breastmilk with formula...

Not a very happy looking statistic with only 2 out of 5 being able to breastfeed exclusively.

Look at this, read the news... Melamine...BPA... how much can a baby take??!

It's so weird...

It's so weird...

• to see a baby using a bottle to feed
• when I hear people give negative remarks on breastmilk, on how it is not as nutritious as formula
• when I hear that babies NEED to be given a mix of breastmilk and formula
• to see people constantly checking out prices for formula and disposable diapers (and, to think I was one of them, where diapers are concerned)
• to be explaining to people about cloth diapers and getting the 'yucky' reaction
• to see caregivers struggling to carry babies with their bare arms
• to see someone letting their little ones 'cry it out' even when the little ones are less than a year old
• to have peole look at us in disgust when we are wearing our babies
• when people come up to me (as I was wearing Arthur in a wrap) with a look of horror and an offer to help...

It's all just so weird ... I am probably weird...

World Breastfeeding Week 2008 is this Week!

Time really passes by sooo fast and before you know it, it's been a year since my entry on my Breastfeeding Journey. Then, I was just another breastfeeding Mom, trying to make a difference byt encouraging those I am close to, to breastfeed their babies.

Then, at 2007's World Breastfeeding event, I was just another participant who was trying to make herself heard that she is all for supporting breastfeeding...

Then, I found the babywearing love and wanted to shout out to the world in my little voice that we shall all wear our babies!

Then, I was new to the place I now call home... Seberang Jaya (Penang)...

Sitting down here, reflecting on the year gone by, so many things have changed.

As far as promoting breastfeeding is concerned, I am now a member of a Penang-based support group, MMPS. Together with a dedicated team with medical doctors as counsellors, we shall be able to make a difference. Together with all passionate Mommas, we shall be able to bring forth the change in mind that breastmilk, is, after all, the best nutrition there is for our babies.

Aiming to Go for Gold, we have organised a synchronised Breastfeeding event today where 68 mothers (what do you know?? this was exactly the same number we had last year!) have attended to breastfeed their little ones for one minute, together.

In an overall smooth and positive event, we have earned ourselves a bronze medal. That is definitely a good start to a bright future for MMPS :D in our continuing efforts to promote breastfeeding :)

World Breastfeeding Week 2008

In conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week 2008, MMPS (Mother to Mother Peer Support), a voluntary breastfeeding support group, is organising a Breastfeeding Wave event on the 2nd August 2008.

Lunch and goodies for the first 100 mothers who register to breastfeed together for one minute ;)

Together, we can break the record (only 68 Moms who breastfed together last year).
Together, we can make this happen.

Email pgmmps-at-gmail-dot-com to register/enquire today!

Mother to Mother Peer Support Group

In my journey to successful breastfeeding, I have always been wondering if there could be anyone who is supportive of breastfeeding rather than against it... It was definitely not an easy journey for me but I managed to overcome the obstacles and make it possible to still be breastfeeding my little Arthur to date.

Looking at how difficult a journey breastfeeding could be, I have thought of starting some group to gather interested souls and promote the act. Then again, I'm not sure if it will work.

Anyway, I am very glad that there is a Mother to Mother Peer Support Group in Penang that goes around promoting and supporting breastfeeding mothers. More glad that I can be part of this group.

If you are from Penang and interested in breastfeeding, do search them up in Facebook. Monthly meetings are organised discussing various topics on breastfeeding. Previous sessions included breastfeeding myths and proper positioning.

When do you stop breastfeeding?

My breastfeeding journey was never an easy one to begin with. However, with much determination and preserverance, I am consider myself lucky to still be able to breastfeed my little Arthur until this very day.

At 19 months and 3 weeks, Arthur is now not so little anymore... especially when you saw me carrying/breastfeeding him. The view of it is enough to make one wonder if the toddler is my son ;)

Anyway, the question that have been coming at me lately... not that this is something new... "When do you plan to stop breastfeeding him?"... Eyes roll when my answer almost always comes out to be... "When he stops taking it."

For one, til this very day, I am not sure why MIL is not supportive of breastfeeding. While we were back in KL, the above has been a constant question from her.

Then, there's relatives.. most who were afraid of a clingy baby if they were to breastfeed... asking me to start weaning Arthur to formula even when he was barely 3 months old...

Anyway, glad they no longer ask about it as much now as I guess my determination to breastfeed proved to them I am not going to stop no matter what.

The thing is, as many breastfeeding Moms would agree with me... we are just too focused on providing the BEST for our babies that there is nothing that could stop us from breastfeeding.

The matter on when to stop breastfeeding often comes back to "the feeling (the bonding time) is so great that it will be sad to really have to stop one day".

Anyway, many stop breastfeeding or will wean their babies when they get pregnant again... in fear of lack of nutrition. Most others will stop when their little ones are about two. Some goes the mile and still breastfeed their children who is 4 years old. So, when do you think you will stop breastfeeding?

Going for Gold

World Breastfeeding Week: August 1 -7 2008
Mother Support : Going for the Gold

Breastfeeding results from a reproductive health continuum for the mother to the child with no beginning or end, from generation to generation. When a practice is disrupted, it must be restored. However, restoration of the breastfeeding culture demands more resources and mobilization.

In conjunction with the Olympics next August, WBW 2008 calls for greater support for mothers in achieving the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and providing appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

As every country sends its best athletes to compete at these global games, it is important to remind ourselves that, in a similar fashion, a healthy young athlete can only emerge from a healthy start on life. There is no question that optimal infant and young child feeding is essential for optimal growth and development.

Supporting Mother = Supporting Her to Provide the Golden Start For Every Child !

ref: www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org

Breastmilk Jaundice

In my fight to breastfeed Arthur in a non-breastfeeding community that I grew up in, determination is very, very important. Most of the time, it seems like a never ending obstacle race. Of the many obstacles, one that almost had me give up was breastmilk jaundice though when I look back at it now, it is more like a blessing in disguise.. Breastmilk jaundice brought me to Dr Amy of Pusat Primer HUKM who, with her rich experience in breastfeeding, encouraged me to continue breastfeeding.... even after returning to work...

Yes, Dr, it is worthwhile overcoming all those hurdles... I can proudly say that Arthur is healthier and smarter than most his age ** contented ** Had I been well informed, Arthur would have had the benefits to be breastfed exclusively for the first six months... no problem... I'll just make sure no.2 gets that.

So, what is breastmilk jaundice and why is it so scary? (really, this is the least scary and nothing-to-worry about kind of jaundice among all)

From http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreastfeed/0,,7fzp,00.html
"Jaundice refers to the yellow coloring of the infant's skin that is associated with elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. All babies have slight elevations in bilirubin after birth. This is related to the normal breakdown of extra red blood cells that occurs as the infant adjusts to life outside the womb. High levels of bilirubin are a concern because it can lead to brain damage, but there have been no reports of a baby with breastmilk jaundice developing this dangerous complication. Preemies, more vulnerable to brain damage from high bilirubin, rarely develop serious complications. (Mohrbacher, N. & J. Stock, 1997)

True breastmilk jaundice, also referred to as late onset jaundice, is relatively rare, in the range of 0.5 to 4 percent of births. (Riordan & Auerbach 1999) (Lawrence 1994)

Breastmilk jaundice is defined as serum bilirubin greater than 10 mg/dl in the third week of life, when other organic and functional causes have been ruled out. It is sometimes diagnosed by feeding the baby other milk in addition to, or in place of, breastfeeding to see if the bilirubin level drops. This method of diagnosis is controversial and may not be necessary. (Riordan & Auerbach 1999) Dr. Jack Newman feels that an interruption of breastfeeding to diagnose breastmilk jaundice is "completely unjustified." (Newman & Pitman 2000)

Physiologic or normal jaundice occurs in about one-half of all newborns. Physiologic jaundice causes a peak in bilirubin levels at about three to five days of age. It can be caused by, or aggravated by, an inadequate intake of breastmilk, which is why it is sometimes confused with breastmilk jaundice. A better name for it may be "lack of breastmilk jaundice."
Once reasons for the infant's inadequate intake of breastmilk are corrected, physiologic jaundice is often easily resolved with improved nutrition and other interventions that do not interrupt breastfeeding. Because this type of jaundice is often associated with a less than adequate intake of milk, it is not possible to diagnose breastmilk jaundice until it is established that the baby is feeding well. (Newman & Pitman 2000)

Breastmilk jaundice usually peaks at seven to ten days. This often follows the earlier elevated bilirubin levels associated with physiologic jaundice. According to Dr Lawrence, it is only necessary to discontinue breastfeeding if the bilirubin level rises above 16 mg/dl for more than 24 hours.
According to research as many as 36 percent of babies may have some elevation in bilirubin levels into the third week, yet these babies suffer no ill effects. Some are theorizing that elevated bilirubin may be normal or even have a protective factor that is not yet understood. Typically babies with late onset jaundice are thriving and no interruptions of breastfeeding are necessary in most cases. (Riordan & Auerbach 1999) (Lawrence 1994) (Newman & Pitman 2000)

It is true that breastmilk jaundice tends to repeat in siblings. It is also more common in non-Caucasians. Be sure to discuss your concern with your pediatrician before your baby is born.. Ask how they usually treat jaundice in the breastfed baby and express your desire to avoid formula if at all possible because of the associated risks. You are off to a wonderful start by addressing your concerns and becoming informed early.

References:
Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Professional, Lawrence, R. ,Mosby, New York, 1994, 152-4.
The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher, N. & J. Stock, La Leche League International, Schaumburg, Illinois 226-7, 1997.
Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding, Newman, J. and T. Pitman, HarperCollins, 130-35, 2000.
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Riordan, J. & K. Auerbach, Jones and Bartlett, Boston, 382-89, 1999."

The scariest part is probably the part where they have to take blood samples from your tiny baby... you see them poke your baby almost everyday... because breastmilk jaundice is usually prolonged, it simply means more samples.

As with jaundice, many have given advises such as... "bring him out to the sun"... "bath him in this yellow substance"..."eat this or eat that"... "no need to bring him to the hospital anymore. Pity the little fellow"

Anything that does not go into the mouth, I gave a go. But really, I do not know how one of their babies survived 1 hour under the sun, naked. Really, the lady advised me to just pull out the sofa and put baby there for 1 hour!!

Whatever it is... they didn't work. Why they could have worked with normal jaundice could be due to the fact that the normal ones receed in about a week or so, anyway... so, by the time they try anything out, it's about to receed.

At 1 month, during his fullmoon party, Arthur was still showing signs of jaundice... knowing that it is not dangerous in any way... we just kept going... kept breastfeeding...

Breastfeeding must knows

This newsletter from Pregnancy Without Pounds came at just the right time.. I was wanting to find all these information to post here on breastfeeding. Hope you get some use out of it.

My pregnant friends, do you feel like you have all the information you need to successfully breastfeed?
Breastfeeding might be a natural process, but many new moms are surprised that they actually need to get the hang of it.
Read these 10 Breastfeeding Must-Knows below and spend your first moments enjoying your new baby instead of worrying about breastfeeding :) I must say that all of them are true (which is why I am posting it here) and I have added my own comments next to the tips ;)

Just as each pregnancy is a personal experience, so too is breastfeeding. In fact, I find there are typically 3 groups of moms:
1. Those who love it from the very first latch, never have a minute's pain and were practically born to nurse;
2. Those who have a hard time with sore nipples/milk supply/latching and find it hard to imagine that they'll ever love it; and
3. Those who decide that they are just NOT going to do it at all - it's not for them.

I DEFINITELY believe that breast is best (me, too!!) , but I know that it doesn't work for everyone. So as with all decisions that us moms have to make, get educated and do what YOU think is BEST for BOTH you and your baby.
If you do decide to give it a try (which I hope you do!), be sure to give yourself a chance to settle in. Although breastfeeding is a NATURAL process, it may take longer than you think to get used to it. This is so right. In fact, with Arthur, it took us about 2 weeks to get it right... but, we just weren't giving up.

That's right, as natural as nursing is, I know that I had TONS of questions. I must say I just couldn't stop researching and reading up on breastfeeding while I was pregnant. And, true enough, these were the recurring questions... and, no matter how much research, I was still in doubt... For example, I wanted to know if I had to prepare my nipples. I also wanted to know WHAT it would feel like and if it would hurt? And most importantly, I wanted to know HOW to actually feed.

So, here's my list of 10 Breastfeeding MUST-KNOWs (not only for mom, but also for baby!):
1. When your breasts get engorged for the first time (hello milk supply!!), apply a cool compress, like frozen peas. You can also try washed cold cabbage leaves (but don't leave them on too long they can drain your milk).
2. Drink lots of fluid. I know you've heard this before, but your hydration level REALLY affects your milk output. So aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Try to have a glass of water next to you whenever you're nursing. This is a really important tip especially to those who begin to wonder if they have enough milk. The thing is, milk is rarely not enough... it all depends on how you feed.. whether the baby latched on properly.. whether you are taking in enough fluid... I was about to give up but we were lucky enough to have met a doctor, Dr Amy, who'd gave us this advise... it REALLY made a big difference!

3. Keep away from spicy or garlicky foods, especially at the beginning. I slowly started introducing more foods at around 4 months and found it worked well. I did try this one out more than once. For me, I only dared introduce the curry and tom yam after Arthur is one. How? Well, I purposedly ate curry and then look out for abnormalities in behaviour while nursing and sure enough... he is very unsettled and indeed, was sucking and 'scolding' while he nursed.. yes, everytime I took curry... After a few times, I simply stayed away from curry. If you are thinking this is too much for you, curry lover... think again.. the result is a healthy baby with a great immune system!

4. DON'T wash your nipples with soap - warm water is good enough.
This is also very important as you do not want your little one to be sucking on all that soap... and, you do not need to wash it every time you feed, too. (maybe, laze moms would like this). Don't get me wrong.. I am not trying to discriminate here but some breastfeeding Moms I know actually told me they breastfed because they are lazy to wash and sterilise those bottles.

5. If your nipples get irritated and sore, squeeze some breast milk on to them and rub it in. Really, this works! You don't need any special gel or cream... though, if you have been feeding right and the baby did latch on, you will hardly get sore nipples.

6. RELAX! Stressing out WILL affect your milk supply, so do your best to "go with the flow". 7. Make sure your baby is latching on correctly from the VERY BEGINNING - this will ensure good eating and prevent sore nipples. Just in case you don't already know, a good latch means a wide-open mouth like a yawn over your areola. This is indeed the MOST IMPORTANT to note. If you have read my breastfeeding journey, you'd understand better. Anyway, as a new Mom, I lacked confidence in doing it right. As such, I nursed with some experienced Mothers around me.. MIL, Mom, Sis, Aunties... great, great No! Especially when all of them did not really breastfeed their own children. Did not really means... they simply gave up when people around them started to say things like "there's not enough milk"... "not enough nutrition".. etc... Really, determination is the key here especially when you do not belong to a family where breastfeeding is the norm. Have I told you that at intervals of time up til when Arthur is 12 months, my MIL was still trying to persuade me to stop breastfeeding? I know enough to bother with statements like these, now... So, get your own space, filled with pillows or however you see it comfy and let that be your breastfeeding space in the first few weeks... once you have established a good flow and gained enough confidence to be sure, you can almost breastfeed anywhere, even on the go! (with the help of the sling). Really, think of nursing while you walk around.. ;)

8. Expect to nurse often in the beginning. New babies eat at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. And don't worry if your feeds feel like they're REALLY long in the beginning, they DO get a lot shorter as your baby becomes more efficient at feeding! For Arthur, I must admit it was a tiring routine to begin with... he nursed almost every 1 1/2 hours!

9. When your baby is born his/her stomach is the size of a walnut, so don't panic if you feel he/she is not drinking a lot. Aim for small, frequent feeds (this info REALLY helped me out!). If you're at all concerned, don't be shy to ask your doctor. This is so, so true and this is where people around you will keep saying that your baby is not drinking enough.. especially when they don't see you nurse for a long time... even with bigger babies, once they get the hang of it, they can empty your breasts full of milk in less than 5 minutes! If your doctor doesn't understand, get a lactation consultant. I tried getting many advises from doctors but really, not all of them can provide useful enough information on this topic... even those who call themselves 'children specialist"... you'll know more if you read my Breastfeeding Journey I won't say I am an expert but really, with some of those doctors I met... I'll say it's better off seeking advises from people who did breastfeed successfully than with those doctors.

10. Make sure your baby has LOTS of wet diapers to keep hydrated. A baby should wet at least 6 diapers per day. Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift for both you and your baby - don't be scared. Also remember, though, that if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you, don’t beat yourself up over it - there are many more ways to look out for your little one’s well-being! This is also important! I must admit that I forgot to look out for this and Arthur was almost dehydrated! In the beginning, he only wet one nappy a day and Mom was wondering why... You see, Arthur was a bit different... as long as I gave him the breast when he cried, he is contented. We only knew later that he actually did not get enough milk in the very first few days... Don't worry too much about this.. just look out for those nappies!

Old Fashioned ways of doing things...

In my little brother's attempt to promote the baby sling for me (Thanks to him ;)), some of the comments he's got is "What? You want me to use that old fashioned way to carry my baby??!" Well, old fashioned it may be but it works. That particular exclamation sparked many thoughts.

In this 'new world' of ours, 'old fahioned' ways seem to be more and more important... especially when we think of them in the parenting world...

Discussing them in the topics I am passionate about... babywearing, breasfeeding and cloth diapering...

Babywearing... Having your baby close to you just feels right. Wearing your baby makes life so much easier. I did my laundry with Arthur in the pouch. Babywearing was a lifesaver on the days he was sick and clingy. Especially with the kind of news we hear about kidnapped children.. I feel much better bringing Arthur out in the sling... sure, he'll have those times when he is let out of the sling to run around.. but it sure is good to have him back in the sling when I am exhausted from chasing after him. For this peace of mind and closeness with my baby, I wouldn't mind being term old-fashioned at all.. And, did I tell you that some actually commented that the Peek-a-pouch is trendy?

Breastfeeding... Well, well, well... I am sure that you'd already known that for as long as we (humans) exist, breastfeeding has been practised. Simply put, why would you think that the biggest labels you could read on the tins and packaging on the baby formula reads "BREAST MILK IS THE BEST FOR YOUR INFANT". Need I say more?

Cloth Diapering... Just as breastfeeding, why would you think that those disposable diapers promotes themselves as being "CLOTH LIKE". Also, those wipes, too...

Really, give those a thought and you will be surprised how many other things are best when they are back to basics... just as your toddler's food... would you put in those 'new found' ingredients such as flavouring and preservatives? Think about it... for me, old fashioned or not.. as long as it works!

It's starting to show...

Between Breasfeeding, Babywearing and Cloth Diapering... I'd say that Breastfeeding is the best gift one can ever give to their babies... really, it's priceless.

It's starting to show in Arthur that he's different from toddlers of his age.

I enrolled Arthur into Musikgarten (music classes for newborns up to 6 years old) with the main intention for him to mix around with other babies (he loves company and we don't have that many relatives his age to play with in Penang). He's only been to two classes and he remembers what's being done while he was there that he does the excercises at home, when I least expect it... the teacher was equally amazed at his progress when he was attending the class for the fourth time. She mentioned that some take months to understand what's happening... there's another boy, who is older by a month (who was there before Arthur), who is still quite unsure of himself and how he shall react.

Although Arthur only started walking at about 14 months... he's literally running now... at 16 months. At 16 months, he can do many things that babies his age doesn't do.... the thing that amazes me most is how he is potty ready for his bowel movements even when I have not train him. He will point to the potty and say "poo poo" or "bet bet" when he senses a bowel movement. He started doing that when about 2 months ago.

In the case of learning to talk... many commented that he learns fast. He can now say 'fish' and understand what a 'yes' means. If there's something we want him to pronounce more accurately, all we have to do is to point him to look at our mouths as we pronouce the word. magic.

Benefits of Breasfeeding

Just put it this way, a whole forest of trees won't make enough papers to contain all the benefits of breastfeeding. Here, I'm just trying to highlight some of the main benefits (more like those I experienced with Arthur) to give you an idea on where breastfeeding could bring you to... .

1. It's natural - what can be better? The bonding you have with your baby is priceless.. and, don't worry, breastfeeding will not make them clingy. When they come of age, like Arthur, they will only 'cling' to you when they need to be nursed. Otherwise, they are just more happy and contented. If you check on the labels on the milk powder container, you will see that there is a message in bold prints that breastmilk is the best for infants.

2. Fewer Allergies. Exclusively breastfed (meaning not even a drop of water in the first six months of life, as recommended by WHO) babies are less likely to have food related allergies and related problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, eczema, gastro infections... just to name a few... Arthur did have breasmilk jaundice, though.. but, it is nothing to worry about and it did not stop my determination to continue to breastfeed him.

3. Baby grow at just the right size. Unlike bottle-fed babies, breastfed babies are usually just the right size (meaning, they are not too fat and not too thin). As such, you will not need to worry about childhood obesity etc.

4. Higher IQ. I read somewhere (couldn''t think of the source) that breastmilk contains the natural DHA (what you see highlighted in milk powder containers claiming it helps brain development) that is lacking from cow's milk (that's why manufacturers need to add them on in the production). Simply put, cow's milk are meant for, well, calfs... and, cows does not need to be brainy... Really, it's starting to show in Arthur that he is progressing at a quicker pace than his peers.

5. Less problems with stool. Stools from breastfed babies are usually soft and just right. As breastmilk is 80% water (that's why you don't need to feed baby even a drop of water), your baby will rarely be dehydrated. While some breastfed babies might have 5-6 bowel movements in a day, passing watery stools, Arthur was different- got me worried for a while- he only passes motion once in every 4-5 days... so, if that happens to your breastfed baby, DO NOT WORRY. It's normal. As long as the stools are not hard and the baby is not crying while he does his business... DO NOT WORRY. This is important as some doctors- not expert in breastfeeding enough, at this stage, will ask you to give the baby water while some even gave medication to help 'loosen' the stools.

6. Saves money. Do the calculation... According to my sister who bottle fed her children, the average cost of a tin of milk powder is around RM55. It will last for about a week... that makes about RM220 a month that you are saving... breastfeed your baby until they are 2 (as recommended, you shall breastfeed your baby for as long as they want it- no kidding... I know someone who breastfed her baby til he was 4!)

7. Mom loses weight fast. This is the best for Moms who is worried about being able to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Those who know me well enough would agree that I did lose that weight, fast. Indeed, 2 months into Motherhood and I already have so many comments that I don't look like I jsut had a baby. Realistically, though, I went back to pre-pregnancy weight when Arthur was about 5 months old- saves all those money on diet programmes, if you are planning on them.

8. Less work. Really, think of all the work related to bottle feeding.. making the milk.. washing up... sterilising... etc. etc. I enjoy the freedom and extra time for not needing to do this... I did it for some time,though- Arthur had to be fed breastmilk from the bottle before I quit my job to take care of him full time- so, I had to express the milk... store it.. pass them to the nanny... not too bad when I focus on the benefits breastmilk can give my son.

9. You'll be more relaxed... You don't have to worry if baby doesn't finish the bottle... You don't have to worry about wasting the milk... you might worry if he's taking enough milk since you cannot see how much he's taking... believe me... the little one knows! And, NO, expressing it to check if you have enough milk doesn't work... the little one can suck much, much better than the pump. Some Mothers I know was misled by this and they gave up breastfeeding just because the expressed milk is so little - they think they do not have enough milk for their babies. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Sometimes, it could be due to the way you express or even the pump you use... the milk will not flow. If the baby is latching on correctly, the baby will get milk! If baby really does not get enough milk... during what is called the growth spurt.. he/she will keep sucking and sucking.. and your milk supply will increase... simply, THE MORE THE BABY SUCKS, THE MORE MILK MOTHER WILL PRODUCE.

10. Reduces the risk of breast cancer. Need I say more?

11. Natural contraception. Women who breasfeed exclusively will not resume their menses so soon. In fact, I only resumed my menses when Arthur is 16 months old. Again, save on the pads. It is also important as you'll not want a baby again so soon... I know people who got pregnant again when their newborn is only 5 months old!

Those are just some of the common ones that I experienced... there are so many more worth a mention. You'll see what I mean when you start searching through the sites I'd linked to.

Specially dedicated to Pregnant Moms..

One of my best friend's wedding back in KL over the weekend saw us (DH, DS and I) meeting up with many of my school mates... and their partners... some of who are pregnant... that triggered my thoughts on the many things I wish I'd known since I was pregnant... So, yes, my dear friends and to everyone who is pregnant reading this entry... I wish to share with you, the joy of Breastfeeding, Babywearing and Cloth Diapering...

I was going to post as much information as I could on the above three topics for all but seeing my pregnant friends made me want to do them ASAP. Look out for all the related links and resources I'd find useful through my sixteen months of Motherhood... I do hope I find time enough to link them all from here..

While I had read all I can about breastfeeding and attended many seminars and talks on the topic, nothing really 'showed' me what it meant until Arthur joined my world. At seminars and talks and antenatal classes, all you hear are encouraging statements... turned out to be very different after Arthur is born... however, I was very determined (read: VERY determined.. in other words, STUBBORN) to breastfeed Arthur and that determination made it a success and I am proud to tell the world that I am still breastfeeding Arthur today. Read more about my Breastfeeding Journey. And yes, it does make a difference, trust me, and, it's starting to show.

As with babywearing, I had a very demanding baby which had me longing for a way to carry him all the time.. if only it doesn't cause pain in my back and arms... that was when I remembered seeing someone carrying their babies in some kind of fabric wrapped around them... nothing new... very traditional indeed... that was when I started searching high and low for the sling..I got one... got another.. they are so good... I found a site... I sew them now... it is only much later that I discovered what I have been doing: I am wearing my baby

As with cloth diapers... I had actually came across them since before Arthur was born but my mind was like "why pay so much for a 'cloth diaper'? What's so special about them? Don't I have those white squares from Anakku that are called 'cloth diapers'?" Sadly, it is this very thought that left me using Cloth Diapers with Arthur at a very, very late stage... he'd only started wearing them at 13 months... after I'd quit my job to take care of him full time... after I'd have enough time to really 'study' into them...

Perhaps, a bit more on Cloth Diapers as I've never really gotten into the topic beforehand... the terms used for the normal Anakku white squares are 'lampin' and when 'cloth diapers' is used, it refers to what most call the modern cloth diapers... simply put, they are 'modern' because they can absorb and prevent leaks good as disposables... depending on the types you've got... I will come up with a review with the many brands I've tried out in due time... (yes... two months and I've tried more than 5 brands!.. that's me... just wanna make sure things will be better for my next baby ;-))

I know I'm putting a lot here.. so, just have these three topics in mind and check back for more information.

Above all, Breasfeeding has been a war won for Arthur and I. Really, above all, breastfeed your child!

Breastfeeding Journey

The recently over World Breastfeeding Week had me thinking... Is it really that difficult for a Mother to breasfeed
her child? If not, why are so many Mothers out there not doing it?

To me, breastfeeding has been a journey well endured... If you ask me now, yes... breastfeeding is Great, Simple, Hassle-free, Healthy, Convenient, Money-saving, Time-saving... there won't be enough space to list down all the positive remarks.

However, looking back at it from now... I've been breastfeeding Arthur for almost 14 months now and all I can say is... to me... a Malaysian Chinese... as may be the case to many of the same race and nationality... breastfeeding requires a lot of determination.

To begin with, I do not have many around me who knows the art of breastfeeding. Admist the many negative remarks about it, I hang on... I... a book lover... a person who likes to research and gather information on everything she's doing... decided to believe in what I have been reading rather than in what I was told.

From the moment Arthur was born... nurses around me encouraged BF... Doctors, too... however, most of the time, it just seems like they are just doing their duty as healthcare providers to encourage it but not to the extent that they understand its implications and the importance of it.

Because of my lack of information and confidence at the time Arthur was born, I failed to provide him with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months eventhough that was my initial desire... Doctors and nurses who advised me to feed him water as the weather is hot... relatives whose concern is that my baby will bond with me too much (why? people, why is anyone ever afraid of bonding with their baby???)... relatives who believe in all sorts of other supplements which are supposedly good and NECESSARY for babies... a Mother-in-law who keeps telling me that breastmilk is not good as formula... at birth... when Arthur is 1 month old... when Arthur is 3 months old... non-stop... every now and then...

As though having family and relatives who are discouraging is not enough, Arthur's got breastmilk jaundice... a condition which is not serious (which I didn't know until much later and thus, was worried sick most of the first month)... we were frequenting the Hospital and clinics for blood test and to see them draw blood from my poor baby... well, you can imagine. However... somehow, I am thankful for these hospital visits as if not for that, I would have stopped breastfeeding even before Arthur turns 1 month... everyone else was trying to 'scared' me out of it expecially when Arthur has got jaundice that never seem to fade... yes... it was due to breastmilk and no... it is not harmful, as to what many thought...

So, yes, in a way, I was thankful that Arthur has got breastmilk jaundice as that was how I met Dr Amy from HUKM clinic. It was she who encouraged and gave me the confidence to continue breastfeeding. It was she who gave me the courage to be determined and make breastfeeding work for us... It was Dr Amy who taught me to plan for expressing my milk and storing it for when I return to work... I cannot seem to thank this doctor enough for the encouragement and patience in her explanation... we need more doctors like her.

As oppose to some other doctors I met along the way... not that they are not professional in their occupation... just that they do not seem to put breastfeeding as a priorty in their practice... those who advised me to feed my baby water... those who advised me to drink milk in order to produce milk... and a comment from a children specialist that I would never forget... Arthur was down with fever and I brought him to visit this private children specialist... as a routine, he asked of the type of milk Arthur's on and my answer was I'm breastfeeding... to this, unlike so many others who seemed amazed at a Chinese who's breastfeeding her child... this doctor's answer was ... sadly... "wow! If you can breastfeed your baby until now (Arthur was 4 months old)... your whole family won't be needing to buy any milk powder"

Anyway, the point is... I am breastfeeding 'til this day and when I think of people around me... friends... family... who gave breastfeeding a miss... who gave up breastfeeding when baby's less than a month's old... due to pressures from people around them... it is a loss to everyone... the Mother and the child especially.

To people who knows someone who's breastfeeding or is trying to breastfeed, PLEASE... if you cannot give a word of encouragement, just keep quiet.

As I definitely know more about breastfeeding now... I am nore determined to make it work when my next baby arrives... whatever they try to tell me... I'll be the one who insist that my baby gets breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months