Supportive husband, other effective breastfeeding tips from 3 moms
MANILA, Philippines — On the website of the World Health Organization, it says that “breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.” Breast milk is described as the ideal food for infants as it contains antibodies that help protect against common childhood illnesses.
The WHO goes on to list other benefits for the breastfed child including performing better on intelligence tests and lower chance of becoming overweight or developing diabetes later in life.
“Breastfeeding mothers also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers,” the WHO added.
Philstar.com interviewed three moms who have chosen to exclusively breastfeed their children well beyond the recommended six months to two years. Jenina Que is a mother of three daughters, Jeline Galagar has two sons, and January Suguitan is the mother of four. Aside from the health benefits that their children drew from their breast milk, they also developed a strong bond with each child.
These moms share their breastfeeding tips for their fellow mothers.
Jenina Que
1. The first few weeks will be tough (lack of sleep, nipple pain, exhaustion). But it only gets easier once you get the hang of it.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Exclusive breastfeeding takes up most of your time, so other tasks often take the backseat. If you're not good at multi-tasking, have a support system in place. Family, friends, and delivery apps will be your best bets.
3. Avoid comparing your breastfeeding journey with other mothers' experience. What works for them might not work for you. Every mother-and-child bond is different.
4. Some days will be exhausting, but most days will be fulfilling. They say that the days are long, but the years are short. So embrace the good moments, as well as the painful ones because you learn from both.
Jeline Galagar
1. Prepare your body for breeastfeeding. My husband used to make me this simple soup: hot water with malunggay, ginger, salt and pepper. I drank it at every meal for a month before I gave birth. It helped me produce milk as soon as I gave birth.
2. Maintain good hygiene. Before you breastfeed, make sure you and your environment are clean.
3. Consider having your clothes washed using the same gentle detergent for your baby’s clothes to minimize skin irritations.
4. Moms may feel exhausted and drained. Learn to give yourself a moment to breathe. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
5. To calm down any skin irritation around my baby’s mouth due to breastfeeding, I used Mustela Cicastela. It’s pricey but it works magic for everything.
January Suguitan
1. Expect the unexpected with supply and latch. Your milk might take a few days to come in fully, and latching can be tricky at first. Don’t hesitate to ask a nurse or a doctor, or a lactation consultant if there’s any available in your area.
2. Get all the help you can andbuild your support network. Nursing can feel exhausting, your energy will be sapped. It’s important to eat well and hydrate yourself even while nursing. It’s okay to ask help from your family and friends to cook for you if you can’t. If you’re a single mom, there are wonderful people who would be glad to help, don’t lose hope. I had a nurse friend who willingly shared with me her expressed milk when I wasn’t able to feed my twins.
3. Watch out for your own health and practice self-care. Drink water like it’s your job and eat nutrient-rich foods. I once ignored a mastitis warning (red, painful breast) and ended up with a fever. Catch infections early by monitoring for flu-like symptoms.
4. Be flexible with expectations: If exclusive breastfeeding doesn’t work out (like with my twins), formula is a lifesaver, not a defeat. Avoid rigid goals that add stress or at worse, cause harm to the baby.
5. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster. Hormones can make you weepy or anxious — it’s normal. Cherish the quiet bonding moments, but watch for postpartum depression signs and seek help if needed. My extended nursing taught me that weaning is gradual so let it happen naturally to ease the transition for both of you.
RELATED: Three mothers talk about breastfeeding benefits even beyond six months
