First Touch
The moment when I first hold my baby; all those pains just left behind. Yes; those pains just magically disappeared for sometime. (30 minutes maybe? LOL, then there was still more or less contraction pain) . He did not look as wrinkle as I thought; nor dirty as I thought; but he was small in size with a pair of big eyes.
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| Our very first family photo ♥ |
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| Full of sweats! |
Milk Job
Upon his arrival, I started my job as a milk machine. I am thankful to have guidance from nurses at Penang Adventist Hospital. Each time when baby was brought to my ward, the nurse stood by my side; helped me to adjust position (cradle, football, sleeping position; you named it ) ; then only left when baby started to suck. With their help, I was not so panic to breastfeed my little one.
The challenge started when I was back to confinement center. Since Jayden had a slightly high bilirubin level, the nurse tried to convince me to formula feed. She even fed him with formula claiming that it was upon my husband's agreement. I was mad; sad; confused; and helpless. I kept questioning myself, should I let my baby formula-fed. I insisted on breastfeeding. That was the time when all the emotions broke down. I cried almost everyday for the first week. (I believe that was so called postpartum blues)
I was on antibiotic and pain killer medication for a week due to open stitches; with dr.'s advice, I continue to breastfeed my baby. I even called Kangaroo Club breastfeeding support group to seek for help and answered my query. Breastfeeding is not always blissful. When bottle-feed was introduced, there were some days that baby had nipple confusion. I saw my baby struggling in front of my nipple; unable to catch and suck. It was tough at the first place but things got better.
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| It's all worth it when he sleeps in my arms after nursing I can feel the bond in between me and my baby ♥ |
Now that I resume my job, I am a fully breast pump mom; my baby only latches at night. During the day, my babysitter bottle- feeds him. I am using Cimilre F1 handsfree double breast pump which was given by my sister-in-law. It serves me well! It has 2 different modes: massage and expression with different intensity levels. I love that it's small and compact but has powerful suction. A good breast pump is the best investment. I did have several times of clogged milk duct which was so uncomfortable and painful; my breast was as hard as a stone.
I learnt from my lesson; these are tips to prevent and treat clogged milk duct:
1. pump on time ( 1st & 2nd month: every 2-3 hours; 3rd month: 4-6 hours)
2. hand massage while pumping
3. drink plenty of water
4. use warm towel to massage; don't leave it unattended even it's just a little clog
5. let baby latch on (trust me, it will be painful at the first place; but after a while, the magic door will open, and there will be smooth flow of milk)
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| My buddy - Cimilre F1 ! |
If you think that babies are good sleeper, then you are absolutely wrong. Jayden used to wake up every 2 hours for milk during his first week at home. He did not wake up silently but cried loudly for milk/comfort. And I got to accept that crying is the only way a newborn baby expressed his feelings! I was like a zombie back then (no kidding! ) but thankfully he is now sleeping well. ( 4-6 hours stretch * Finger crossed!* ) He sleeps in his own baby cot, besides our bed. We are so afraid to wake him up again so we tip toe in our room. (like a thief lol!) I even used to wake up looking for my baby. Those mentally insecure is just deep inside my heart.
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| Hands up when he sleeps soundly ! |
These days, I start to understand his cues and things get easier. The fun part begins when he starts to smile, giggle, and coo. His smile and touch melts my heart.
We are learning together, my son.
Love,
Yvonne
