I have been breastfeeding my baby for almost 3 months now. And before I got pregnant with her, I used to swim in the pool during weekends with my toddler and my husband. But when I got pregnant, I refused to go into the water not because I didn't want to, but because I couldn't find a swimsuit that would fit me. yeah I got so big. Every time I visit the lingerie section, I'd look into swimsuits. But then I'd remember I'm breastfeeding nga pala. I haven't come across any article that deals with these issues. I mean there's really no harm to it since milk would just come out off the breast. But thinking that I'd nurse my baby in wet swimsuits, doesn't seem so well to me. Thinking that my milk will get mix in the water isn't so good to me either.

So I'm gonna have to stay out of the water for a while and let hubby swim with my daughter. If hubby's not around, I've contracted the yaya to swim with her :)

The Room

I was never a big fan of BIP (Breastfeeding in Public). But when Kate is hungry, I just had to give it to her or I'll have a fuzzy baby in my hand. I already did it in the car, at the church and yesterday afternoon, at the mall. I've brought nursing covers of different types just to cover us up. But honestly, it's really difficult. I had to have the yaya hold on to the cloth.

I've been eyeing to use the breastfeeding room near Salon de Rose (free plug)in SM. I thought to myself, "One day I'll see what's inside". With kids in tow, a plan, never will be a plan. After Kate's vaccination, I brought the kids to SM for a little bonding time with them. Went to the "Kid's Playroom". As Reese and I were trying out all the broken toys inside, Kate got hungry. Although I brought 4 bottles of breastmilk stored in a mini bag with ice, she just couldn't wait to feed. So I had to go out and feed her. When I gave her the first breast I thought she was done. But we're talking about a baby here who never seems to be full.

It was hot even though it was a mall. Then I remembered the room. I just had to go there and feed her or the yaya would forever be holding the fan. Finally, after months and months of waiting, Kate and I sat inside "the breastfeeding room" for the first time. She feed for awhile, I kept looking at the walls...the paintings... and the logbook that was in front of me (hahaha). I just had to peek inside. I signed my name and we went out. After a while, Kate slept.

Breastfeeding Exclusively!

Easier said than done. I had to pump every 2 hrs for 3 days or I don't remember how long just to keep up with Kate's appetite. But when her pedia asked what milk she was taking i proudly said, "Breastmilk po doc!". There. After so many months of wishing and hoping to do it exclusively, I was able to tell someone what I always wanted to say. It may not be much for some but to me, it was something very very important.

As I recently indicated, it's easier said than done. Last month, I was about to give up. I was barely making 2 oz per session and my eldest, Reese, was craving for some much needed attention. Blessing in disguise, hubby got German measles and had to stay home. So I was able to continue pumping for my ever-hungry as if deprived baby.

After all the hardwork, I'm now up to 3-5 oz per session and still doing the q 2 hrs pumping.

Knowing the benefits it would give my daughter, i'd wake up every 2 hrs just to give her the best.

Breastfeeding in Medical School

The first time i came across breastfeeding was in medical school. At first year they taught us the difference of human milk and cow's milk. By 4th year, we were tasked to lecture on breastfeeding. There was not much preparations, the visual aid was there. All we had to do was read it and explain and that's it. Never known that there were such people as breastfeeding consultants.

Simply stating, how to breastfeed was not taught in medical school. I wish they did. I never realized the importance until I became a mother. I could give my daughter formula milk, although I am on mixed feeding. But I have a very great desire to breastfeed her exclusively.

An Unexpected Conversation

My dad and sister arrived from the province at lunch time. We were at the dining table having our usual conversations of movies, school and some other things. Suddenly she remembered something. She said we were going to Pearl Farm tomorrow. I suddenly became excited. I told her how I felt adding that it was my first time. She was shocked! She added some more things and then she said how boring my life was. It never really bothered me until this afternoon when I was alone in the bathroom washing my breastpump. Is my life really boring?, I asked myself. I never really thought about it that much. I used to go out with my friends when I was younger but I never really liked partying in clubs. I enjoy a little time with my friends but I prefer staying at home watching TV or just playing with my kids. Whose to judge on how my life is? her?

I don't think my life is boring nor do I think that I am boring. I just don't have the same priorities as she may have. I guess I am hurt thinking about it now. I've never been that blunt in talking to my siblings even though I'm the eldest. I don't know if she realized what she said but I hope that someday she may remember what she told me and I hope that she never gets to hear it from anybody. She may have no intentions of hurting anybody's feeling but I sure was hurt.