"It's such a beautiful journey and it doesn't last long." — Wholistic Mama
Have you tried asking your parents what kind of sacrifices they made just to make you alive? When you were little and helpless, how your parents managed to make you survive?
Every parent has a story to tell. And we love to hear it again and again. And still, we get amazed at how those couples withstood the difficulties they were facing at that time.
Moments with my baby
Every Mom or every member of the family loves spending time with our little one.
They are just so cute, innocent, and full of charming that you can't get tired of looking at them.
Even though they still can't talk, walk, or understand what you're saying, we enjoyed their company.
What kind of activities do you enjoy doing with your little one?
If you'll ask me, aside from breastfeeding (which I will tackle right now), I do enjoy massaging him, making him laugh, touring him around the house, and talking to him like I am his teacher. Well, trying to inform him about everything we see and hear.
The hardships
August 3, 2022, is the day my little one was born.
That made me so happy and satisfied with how healthy and normal he seemed.
One thing that made me sad is that I don't have any milk.
After he was born, midwives advised that I can make him latch even though no milk can be consumed.
So that's what I did... And you know what? It lasted 5 days before my milk eventually show up.
Thanks to my grandmother. She did the lactation massage. It is the basic massage technique on the breast. She mixed up scallions with warm water, and that is what she used to do in a warm compress.
The day after that massage, milk already started to come out. That amazes me. She became the breast massager of the family starting from my mom, aunts, then me.
And it is always victorious.
My baby can already start consuming the best milk every mother can give.
But another problem occurred. I don't know what's the best position to do while breastfeeding.
I tried to do it lying down, but my breast is blocking my baby's nose.
I tried every position my mom taught me, but I still can't get it.
Good thing youtube has helpful videos on how to do a side-lying position. I watched 2 videos and that's what helped me to get the right position. My baby is comfortable, not stiff on latching.
Also, I can sleep while breastfeeding.
What I avoid
Having someone depending on you makes you more conscious of everything you eat. It doesn't matter if it's your favorite. What matters now is your little one is healthy.
As of now... I am consuming caffeine. I also gulp alcoholic drinks.
But with moderation.
All of it is not bad if you're breastfeeding. What's harmful is when you don't know how to limit yourself to the said drinks.
According to Medela,
“Mom-ing” is hard work, and you should feel free to have a cup of coffee or a cold beer every once in a while.
So, I do avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks... But I do drink "sometimes". (Is the word "avoid" the right term for that? Or maybe moderate?)
How satisfied I am
This picture shows how big my baby was right now. He's a pure breastmilk consumer, and I am happy it satisfies him.
Other people say my milk is so fresh that it was clearly shown on my baby's chubby body.
And that made me happy.
He's now 7 months old and already eating solid food. But yeah, still a breastfeeding baby.
Honestly...
Breastfeeding is kinda hard. It will consume a lot of hours without doing anything. Just latching your nipples while he's sleeping.
In the first months of doing it, I nearly give up. My nipples started to crack, and sore. And with every latch it was painful.
Good thing that time there's an option of giving him formula milk. It's just that you'll get too tired of preparing it that you'll eventually give your breast to him naturally.
Now... It's still uncomfortable, but all in all, happy moments are more appreciated than hardships.
There are lots of times I can bond with him while breastfeeding. I can talk to him, play with him, staring into his eyes, etc.
My favorite out of all is catching him staring at me. I don't know why he does it... But he loves staring at my face. Haha. Maybe he has no option but to gaze at me. But that makes me love him more.
It's just so sweet and sincere.
It's not hard after all
Entirely, breastfeeding is not completely hard. The pain in the nipples is bearable. The position can be learned and practiced. And with the help of the people around you, everything can be smooth and easy.
Message to my hubby
Just like my hubby. He's a great help now that we have a baby. Thinking that this is our first child, he already knows how to be a good and responsible father.
If ever I have a chance to thank him for everything he does, I think writing a letter is what best to do.
Just like this...
Hi, hon,
This is kinda awkward. Writing a letter for you ended when we were still dating. And now that we have a baby, I think it's time for me to write another one.
We were talking every day, but to appreciate everything that you do for me, and for us is not expressed.
Well, I do say "thank you" to you most of the time. For the help and every single thing you do for me, for being a gentleman and a good dad. But I know it's not enough.
You've helped me so much with the house chores. You do the cooking, laundry, planting, cleaning, etc. And what can I ask for? You sacrificed a lot just to make us healthy and alive.
Even though you got tired sometimes, hungry, or starving, you're still too patient and not angry about small things.
If I would put myself in your shoe, I think I can't make it.
Thank you so much hon. You know how happy I am that I choose you as my husband and now as the father of our child.
Life can get hard sometimes, but with the help of God and with our love, we're still surviving difficult times.
I hope you still feel the love I have for you, but I know you do. Our bonding moments got different now that we have a baby.
But you're too understanding, loving, and sacrificing as a husband and dad.
From the bottom of my heart, I do love you. And I think our little one does too.
Thanks a lot.
If I sum it up, breastfeeding seems so easy. You just need to lie down, make him latch, and sleep if you want. That's how every person looks at those breastfeeding moms.
But behind those moments come sacrifices, hardships, and suffering. Mothers just know how to hide those things and just appreciate the good ones.
So if ever you didn't do the appreciation message to your moms and dads, I think this is the time to do it. They sacrifice a lot just to make you alive and healthy. Just one "thank you" is enough to show you appreciate them.
Disclaimer: All photographs by me, unless otherwise stated.
