Today I'm happy to share a guest post by Sabrina, Motherwear model for the Summer line. She's shown in these pictures with her daughter Alexia, 8 months.
What
has your breastfeeding experience been like?
Breastfeeding
has been a great experience for me, as I feel that not only am I providing for
my little one, but it gives her extra sense of security. I think it gives us a close bonding
experience you can't get from feeding from a bottle. I enjoy feeding
my baby skin to skin. It relaxes her, especially during bedtime.
Breastfeeding
in public was very challenging at first. I was terribly shy and
awkward. However, after a few times I became super confident. I
realized that no one notices you breastfeeding if you don't make a fuss out of
it. I always use my wrap for privacy reasons, plus I notice that it helps
my baby stay more focused.
What is your favorite thing about nursing?
That I
don't have to get up through the middle of the night to make up a
bottle. I just place my baby in a lying down position and nurse
her. Most of the time I fall asleep before she finishes. It's a
beautiful experience waking up to see your baby snuggled up next to you.
I also must add that nursing helped me to get my figure back real
quick. Every time I nursed I felt the pulling sensation in my belly.
That was a great incentive to keep going.
How do you make breastfeeding work given
your work schedule?
I'm
currently unemployed but when I'm booked for last minute photoshoots I have
pumped milk stored for the carer. In case I ever have to be away from my
darling for more the 4-6 hours I carry my breast pump and a cooler bag.
Where have you gotten support and help
with breastfeeding?
I attended
breastfeeding classes, Lamaze class, and had a consultation with a
lactation expert at Coney Island hospital. I received great support, and I
also had a book given to me by a friend for reference.
Is there any advice you could give other
nursing moms based on your experience?
Never
ever give up breastfeeding in the early stages. If you feel that your
baby is not getting enough milk count the amount of wet diapers s/he goes
through.
One
of my biggest worries while I was pregnant was little breast milk
supply. Hot showers or heat packs
placed on the breasts encouraged let down before feeding. Also don't get
lazy with the pump. Use it when your baby misses a feeding during the
night. Even pump right after feeding if you're still
full. This will keep up the supply as your baby grows and feeds less
often.
I
occasionally take Indian herbal tablets called Fenugreek to encourage good
milk supply, with my doctor's permission. Nursing clothes, bras and
wraps are a must especially when nursing in public. It makes life
easier, believe me.
Want to get email updates from the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog? Subscribe here. Want an RSS feed? Subscribe here. Want to subscribe to our breastfeeding podcasts on iTunes? Click here.
