5 Breastfeeding Stories of Moms That Will Motivate You

May 24, 2017 / Posted by in Breastfeeding

Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to imagine what breastfeeding is like until you experience it yourself. It truly is a life-changing journey, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Today, we are sharing six inspiring stories from different moms who have breastfed their kids and know what it’s like. We hope that their stories will inspire you, and encourage you in your breastfeeding journey.

Baby and Breakfast: Breastfeeding 5 Breastfeeding Stories of Moms that Will Motivate You

 

 

The Momma Who Almost Gave Up by: Kitchie Cabral, 27 years old, Marketing Executive At first I was really frustrated because my milk didn’t come dripping from my breast the first time I fed my baby. I was so sad when I had to give her formula during her first three days. (The doctor said she wasn’t getting enough milk from me.) It was my sister-in-law (she’s been breastfeeding her little girl for more than a year) who encouraged me not to give up. I also joined a breastfeeding group on Facebook, where I got tips on what to do. I made my baby latch more and more everyday during her first month, and I am now able to sustain my milk which is just right for my baby’s needs. After the frustration of not being able to provide enough milk for my baby, I dedicated myself to breastfeeding full time. Only a breastfeeding mom can understand how amazing it is to see your baby happy and contented after every feeding session. The smile on her face, the sound of her burp, and her longing for your breasts--these are all worth every pain, wound, and sleepless night. I will admit that I did want to give up in the beginning--the whole process is just so tiring! But it’s a learning process that helped me become more patient, caring, and selfless.

 

The Pediatrician Turned Momma by: Pauline Karate, 35 years old, Pediatrician (Neonatologist) As a pediatrician, I was trained to encourage new moms to breastfeed. I know the theoretical aspects of breastfeeding, but what I did not expect was that it can be really difficult and frustrating, especially immediately after birth. My breasts were really engorged, to the point that my nipples became flat (sorry, very vivid!). My daughter had a hard time latching to my breast, so both of us were really frustrated during feeding time. When her demand for milk increased on the third day, I asked my husband to buy formula. I was on the verge of giving in when we thought of buying nipple shields. After that, my daughter was able to get milk, and eventually my nipples returned to their natural state. I was able to directly feed (without using the shields) three weeks later. The number one reason I decided to breastfeed is for bonding time. The second reason is that breastfeeding helps boost the immune system, and the third reason was that I got to save money. There were times when my relatives would tell me to just give my daughter formula, when they saw that I was tired from my 24-26 hour shift in the hospital. But instead of sleeping, I would nurse and play with my daughter, and eventually they saw and appreciated the benefits. When it comes to breastfeeding, it can be difficult and frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it, with lots of patience, it can be the best experience that you share with your precious one.

 

The Momma With A Senate Baby by: Dana Menial-Alberto, 34 years old, Legislative Lawyer I work at the Senate. I was producing only 10-12 ounces per working day, but my son consumed 20-25 ounces. One Wednesday, I received an SMS saying that my stash might not be enough for the day. I panicked because I could not leave work. So I asked my dad if he could drive my son to my workplace. He gladly obliged (which was a miracle because he hates errands--except when it comes to his grandkids). So there I was--at a Senate committee hearing, pumping away, so that when my son arrived, he could have his milk right away. When he arrived, I had to walk through the Senate halls with a baby latched onto me. That weekend, I sought help from a breastfeeding group. I pumped after feeding and every two hours at work, until my supply gradually increased. It was a long and tedious journey, but I survived. I came to live and experience the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my trusty kasambahay, my bosses who allowed me to pump and feed whenever I needed to, my officemates who cheered me on, my family who pushed me, and my hubby who tried his best to lessen my struggle.

 

The Mom with Too Much Milk by: Nadia Cachuela-Elampara, 40 years old, Finance Manager I had my first kid 14 years ago. I really planned to breastfeed him, but since I didn’t have any sisters, and my mom didn’t breastfeed us, I had no one to ask about breastfeeding. I thought breastfeeding just came naturally. (I hadn't met Dr. Google yet too.) When my baby was born, our breastfeeding journey started out smoothly. No pain, and I had so much milk… which led to my problem. Since I wanted to breastfeed directly, I did not express my extra milk. Two weeks later I had fever and pains--it turns out that I had mastitis. We went to my OB, and she ordered an immediate surgery to remove the milk that had formed inside my breast. Unfortunately, my breastfeeding journey had to come to an abrupt end just because I was not well informed and educated about it. Seven years later, I got pregnant again. As soon as I found out, I researched as much as I could about breastfeeding, bought gadgets that would help me, and joined seminars. When my second baby was born, our breastfeeding didn’t start as well as my first. I had clogged ducts, engorgement, sore and cracked nipples--you name it! But with the help of a breastfeeding counselor, and because I was more informed and determined, I persevered. I am proud to say that we reached almost three years of breastfeeding--with no formula and supplements! I even donated my milk regularly to other babies in need. And now, I’m a resource person on breastfeeding for our company.

 

Got a breastfeeding story that you would like to share? Let us know by commenting your stories below.

 

Tagged: / / / / / / /

comments (4)

  1. Hello I’am Aia. Would just like to share my breastfeeding journey with you. From the time i gave birth via emergency cs, the struggle of having both inverted and flat nipples, seeing my son crying out loud because he cannot properly direct feed was so heartbreaking. It was so difficult that i almost give up because my milk didn’t came right away and my son is struggling and looking for my milk. But then i realized, giving up is not an option. I talked to my friends asking for their milk donations while waiting for my milk to arrive and flow. I also seek for the help of a lactation consultant to guide me on the ABCs of breastfeeding. Yes, breastfeeding is not as easy as walking in the park. I had sore and cracked nipples, crying and sleepless nights just to make my son directly feed unto my breast. I pump religiously every 2-3 hours to reserve milk just incase he wont be satisfied. After 2 months of non-stop practice, prayers and faithfulness to each other i was able to successfully direct feed my son despite of those challenges. I’m so proud of my self because i didn’t give up but i couldn’t be any prouder of my son because he did not gave up on me. To that, cheers to my ONE YEAR OF BREASTFEEDING! Thank you for reading my bf story – Xoxo, Aia 😘😘😘 #breastfeedingtalk

    Reply

  2. I shared my breasfeeding story through IG. It was about how I struggled with my son’s first few weeks. But apparently you did not publish 🙁

    Reply

    1. Hi Isabella, thanks for sending your story! 🙂 We received a lot of entries so we weren’t able to upload it all at once. We’re planning to do a part two for this, so we’ll keep you posted. Thanks, again!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.