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An Ode to My Breast Pump..
And just like that, my pumping journey has come to a close. I sold off my breast pump last week, and I think that made it real. It is funny, but I felt emotional giving it away. The only thing I asked was that she use it well, and stay committed in her journey to breastfeed. Pumping! Sigh. Yay I don’t have to do it anymore, but yeah, closing a chapter is always bittersweet. This is my tribute! (Am I loony or what?). An Ode to My Breast Pump All those long nights I stayed awake, Your buzzing my only company when everyone slept. Giving me reason and strength To…
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Interview with Vicky Honar, an IBCLC
Victoria WF Honar, a name very familiar to breastfeeding mothers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. And I am thrilled to be able to feature her on my blog – after all Bahrain is where I was born and raised. To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2017, here is my interview with Vicky Honar, an IBCLC – that means she’s an international board certified lactation consultant. The only kind of medical person one should visit to address breastfeeding concerns. Vicky originally trained as a nurse, then carried on to become a midwife and worked as a midwife for more than 20 years in Scotland and the United Arab Emirates. Tell us a…
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My Breastfeeding Challenges
Most of you may know that I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding. Of course a mom has every right to choose her mode of feeding her baby – I completely will support the choices every mom makes for herself. But I do think breastfeeding deserves a 100% chance first. And because I am usually pretty vocal about the importance of breastfeeding, many automatically assume that I have had an easy ride. Not quite. And that is why I would like to share information about my breastfeeding challenges. We have crossed 1.5 years of breastfeeding; hoping to cross two years at the very least and then we’ll see how it…
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The BSIM Story
She was inspired by a breastfeeding support group she was part of in Ireland. One new mom had an idea to help out other new mommies in her locality in Pune. And one thing led to another and it snowballed. In a very short time, the Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers has exploded into one of the largest platforms for all matters related to breastfeeding. And this is the BSIM story. For many women all over the world, the group has become a safe space to ask questions and queries. Because they know full well that there is no judgment – only support and information.” Its founder, Adhunika Prakash, is…
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Re-lactation – An Incredible Possibility
Breastfeeding is hard! It is one of the toughest tasks that a new mom goes through. No doubt about it, and often enough – the doubts involved – be it about low supply or about correct latch, or if the baby is getting enough – often plays with the minds of a breastfeeding mother. We all know that the best way to keep up supply is to keep feeding. After all, breast milk does work on demand and supply. Feed as often as needed, and in the ideal world, all will be well. But sometimes it really is not that straight forward and breastfeeding takes a back seat. And with…
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The Importance of Breastfeeding Awareness & Education
Breastfeeding is natural, and more importantly, it provides vital nutrition and nourishment for a newborn. But what many people forget is that it is also extremely difficult and that breastfeeding mothers need all the support they can get. From a lack of education and support to absence of well-equipped nursing rooms and constant judgement from everyone (including their cats) – breastfeeding moms face quite a few hurdles! And as such, we need to place extra emphasis on the importance of breastfeeding awareness & Education. For Nivedita Emmanuel (name changed) who works at Cochin Info Park, having a son who is a year and eight months old, guilt is still a constant companion…
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The Supplemental Nursing System
Moms breastfeed. That just seems to be the way life is supposed to be, and that is nature, right? Yes, but sometimes, it isn’t all roses and love and free flowing milk supply! And we look at one method moms use to feed – the supplemental nursing system. I have always maintained that breastfeeding is incredibly difficult; immensely rewarding and wonderful once you get the hang of it; but also something that constantly plays on your mind. Supply can genuinely be an issue. Some give up trying, and opt to formula feed – mind you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Some others try to mix feed – breast…
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The Saga of A Pumping Mom
The joys of breastfeeding, the woes too! The saga of a pumping mom! It is 4am, and bubs has woken up for his feed. I am exhausted and there is nothing more I would rather do, than cuddle up with my boy (the little one 😉 ), feed him, and go back to sleep. But the tingling nagging voice at the back of my head refuses to shut up, and explains that if I don’t get up and pump, then my baby might not have enough for the next day – even though I had a few packs in the fridge. So with a sigh, and a heave ho, I…
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Breastfeeding: Pumping 101
If you are physically with the baby, the best is to feed directly, as it will also keep up your supply. I have a really good nursing cover, and I use that to feed my baby whenever and wherever discreetly. However, when that isn’t an option, for example, if you are going back to work, and you are keen on breastfeeding, you will definitely need to pump. Pumping has really been great for me as it allows me to ensure my baby is solely breastfed. PUMPING 101 – BUYING A BREASTPUMP There is a multitude of breast pumps available in the market, many of which are expensive, and it is quite…
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Breastfeeding – Supply. Supply. Supply.
One thing that constantly plays on a new mom’s mind is whether she will have enough supply of breast milk. Getting enough milk supply is always a concern for those of us who are breastfeeding. Once the baby has gained birthweight, the primary indication if baby is getting enough milk is the pee count. Babies must pee at least 6 times in a span of 24 hours. Minimum six times over a day. Keep an eye on the weight gain as well. Please download a WHO weight chart, and this will allow you to keep track. The baby should continue on the same line, even if it is second percentile. And…
