Hi Mummies!
Long time haven't post! Really have little time to read and write these days, don't know how you gals manage your time so well! Pei fu!
Time flies, it's already April! Congrats Sun and all the mums who's popped!
Guess we are all on the same boat with regarding BFing. Not easy at all. But I just try and take everyday at a time.
Just wanna share my own BFing story.
From day 1, I've been latching bb on most of the time as I feel she's the best pumper and plus she knows how much is enough as I feed on demand. I only pump when bb sleeps longer than 3 hours or feel engorged. To date, I can pump around 130ml from both breasts each time in less than 10 mins. This way I don't stress myself out too much. I'll feed her EBM once or twice a day usually after she has a long sleep thinking she may be more hungry than usual. But I never EBM feed her the full required amount, ie, more than 45ml. So if she needs more BM, I'll latch on to top up. I work round the clock for her so I try to catch some ZZs or do other housework only when she sleeps. My dear mum just concentrates on the confinement cooking and shopping and my hubby can concentrate on his work.
I had sore nipples for the first 3 weeks. It's finally toughen up and doesn't hurt as much.
Hope you all don't stress too much. Especially those in BFing in the first 2 weeks. MS seems little but it is enough for bb. The support system in Melbourne is really good. The midwives here came to visit me 4 times at home after being discharged from hospital and gave a lot of advice and helped clear my doubts.
My take on increasing BM:
If you are BFing, try to feed on demand and don't set a schedule. Use EBM/ FM only when you feel baby is still crying for or needs more milk and your nipples are sore and tired and you need a break. But do note excessive use of FM will reduce MS.
Get plenty of rest to boost MS.
Drink plenty of fluids, like the Longan/ Red Date/ Fish maw soup/ Green Papaya and Fish soup/ Milo.
Try not to stress, I know it's hard, but that's not going to help increase flow. Be patient, BM will come when there is demand. Try not to be discouraged by what others say.
jtho/asura
Am also flying soon with bb. We're going back on SQ to Singapore for a week in May to visit. Am worried about the 7hr flight back and bb only less than 2 mths. Hope she'll be fine travelling on board. You both have a long flight. Must take care, ya?