For this world breastfeeding week, I would like to share my story as a first time mom.
I gave birth to my son a month earlier than expected and he was delivered at a mere weight of only 2 kilograms via cesarean delivery. I was very new to motherhood and didn’t have any idea what to do. All I wanted was to be able to give the best for him.
I wanted my son to be healthy and I wanted him to weigh at par with his age so much I became a very dedicated advocate to breastfeeding! My son was my greatest inspiration. I work as a doctor and up until now I am pumping anywhere, anytime, even when on duty, and even when I am in front of patients! And for me, it’s like hitting two birds in one stone – I get to continue feeding my son with my expressed milk and at the same time I also get to educate my patients of the importance of breastfeeding and what good it serves both to the health and well-being of the baby and also its impact on financial aspect.
Continuing our breastfeeding journey was challenging because as an emergency room doctor, I work on 48 to 72 hours of straight shifts, even up to 96 hours at most. I am always away from my son but that did not stop me from continuing this journey. Our direct latching stage was cut short when I went back to work after maternity leave, and I now pump exclusively and rely on wearable breastpumps, which made staying on my pumping schedule possible. A lot of colleagues and even strangers who see me pumping are so amazed of how dedicated I am because they know that I am always busy and always tired.
On top of being able to feed my child, I also donate to our local neonatal intensive care units and other mothers and babies in need. Mothers from our community often ask me for help and advice, and even those who I don’t directly know tell me how my journey has helped them. I am very lucky that I get to help other people and most importantly, I was able to inspire moms who wanted to continue their breastfeeding journey despite going back to work. If I can do it, so can they!
Looking back at these pictures makes me realize how glad I am to have chosen this path. One thing I cannot forget about our breastfeeding journey is how I have also seen my son's dedication to thrive as much as how driven I was to make him gain weight and stay healthy.
Memories I now recall as our "BEST FEEDING MOMENTS" always put a smile on my face which included seeing him on his "milk drunk" phases, the cute smirks which seem to say "Thank you mommy! I love you mommy!" and as you can see in the video, we were never bothered of his dad's snoring during his feeding times!
Fast forward, my little Aero is now a healthy happy and bubbly 15-month old and our breastfeeding journey still continues. Funny how time flies.
This time in my life will always be so meaningful and I am so grateful that breastfeeding has given me and my son a very special kind of bond. I know that this journey is not easy but my advice is for moms to keep being inspired to breastfeed your little ones. I know it’s hardwork, it’s tiring and stressful, BUT IT’S ALL WORTH IT.
Thank you so much Kissbobo for giving me the chance to share my journey and be an inspiration to others!
---Submitted by Users from Activities
