I have breastfed my 2 daughters and is currently breastfeeding my 3rd child. Though at different duration, I was able to give them the best gift I can offer. But true as it may seem, not only has it helped them, but breastfeeding have totally changed my outlook in life.
Breastfeeding is never easy and breastfeeding is never the same with all my children. Either I'm feeding directly or pumping my milk in odd places, it took a lot of energy and time. Nevertheless, it was all a learning process.
I've read books and searched countless sites not only to deal with my hurdles but also the problems that a lot of breastfeeding mothers have encountered. It made me more of a compassionate mother with the urge to help other mothers. I have seen mothers come in the clinic, some with aching faces, some with troubled faces. Having experienced breastfeeding has helped me in treating them and in teaching them.
I have done teaching mothers during my rotation at the OB Ward at Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly Davao Medical Center) when I was still a clerk and an intern. But it never really sank in my heart what it was that I was telling this new mothers. Having breastfeed now, made it easier to talk and teach at the same time. I have become a better doctor.
Through breastfeeding I was able to understand how it is being a mother. I have more patience now in dealing with people, especially with my two toddlers.
And speaking of people, I have met a lot of new friends, one I have seen and talked to personally after a year of just texting, and others I have communicated only on the internet. Hopefully one day, I'll meet them all in person.
Do take the time to check out all the posts in this month's carnival:
Shaps - Beyond Being Thin
Gretchen - Breastfeeding Gifts for Christmas
Carol - The Gift of Miracle
Jenny O. - The Gifts of Breastfeeding
Nats - We Wish You Merry Nursing
Jenny R. - If the Magi Were Queens
Em - The "Breast" Gift
Isis - Got Milk?
Armi - Breastfeeding Gifts
Liv =My Breastfeeding Journey
Laya - Time in a Drop of Milk
Mec - The Gift of a Changed Man
Marnellie (Hosted by Jen CC Tan) - From Donee to Donor
Icar - Breastfeeding Gift
I really wish there'd be more bfeeding doctors (or docs married to bfeeding moms), just so they'd also be more considerate and supportive of bfeeding moms... always, it bugs me when 'stop breastfeeding' is one of the first things a doctor says for common ailments, in both mother and child...
ReplyDeleteYou have very lucky patients! They're very lucky to have a breastfeeding doctor. Having great experience and knowledge, I'm pretty sure they'd be successful in breastfeeding as long as they ask for your help.
ReplyDeleteWow, Davao is very lucky to have a breastfeeding advocate like you. Thanks for the reminder that the breastfeeding experience is different for each child. I am anxious whether or not my breastfeeding experience with my future children will turn out as well as my first but hopefully, future experiences will turn out fine as well.
ReplyDeletebreastfeeding is very challenging but it's all worth it. hhhaaayyy :)
ReplyDeleteIt does help to talk about it once you've experienced it yourself (in many different ways)! Congrats on paying it forward and good luck as you continue to do so!
ReplyDelete