Every year we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) from 1st to 7th August. It’s a global campaign to raise awareness and inspire action on themes related to breastfeeding.
This year, The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action’s (WABA) is focusing on the impact of infant feeding on the environment/climate change and the imperative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the health of the planet
and its people.
But how does breastfeeding help with the environment?
Well, think about it, breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe and green as it is ‘produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging or waste.’
So breastfeeding mums don’t just provide their baby with the best nutrients, they’re creating a healthier planet as well!
Breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe and green as it is produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging or waste.
Every mums’ breastfeeding journey is different- some produce more milk than others, some prefer exclusively pumping to direct feeding and some work a little harder than others.
But they all have one same mission, which is to provide their baby with the best nutrients for as long as they can.
Here are some breastfeeding mummies with their journey and their message to new or soon-to-be mums in hopes to inspire your breastfeeding journey with your little one(s).
From: Mummy Liew Soo Hui
Babies: Heng Tze Yu, Heng Tze Ling, Heng Tze En (triplets), 10 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
I am a mother to a 4-year-old boy and 10 months old triplet girls. I breastfed my boy exclusively during his first 6 months, through direct latch on. For my triplets, since they were born prematurely at 32 weeks with only 1.7kg, I pumped exclusively and fed them using a syringe initially when they were in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was quite a challenge this time because my triplets were premature and they struggle to learn to latch on. They drink very slow too.
However, I managed to breastfeed my triplets for the first 6 months as well, even if it wasn’t exclusive. I think it is my maternal instinct that keeps me motivated to continue breastfeeding my children. My family, especially my husband and my mum provides me with a lot of support too.
What’s your advice to other mums?
To all the new mothers out there, I would like to encourage you to breastfeed your child. Breastfeeding brings numerous benefits for you and your baby. Try it, you will know what works best for your child!
From: Mummy Leh Ying Ching
Baby: Javion Chow Jia Zen, 9 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
My breastfeeding journey started just half an hour after my natural birth without epidural injection, when the nurse brought my first born to me, laid him on my chest and said ‘feed your baby’. I had barely survived the painful episode of childbirth and now I had to latch my baby without knowing how to do it. The nurses taught me the proper way to latch. My family members are also supportive of breastfeeding my baby.
Being a new mum, breastfeeding was an extreme challenge. My body was screaming for sleep but I spent tireless hours latching. Catching sleep was rare but I persevered to ensure that my baby gets the BEST milk, breastmilk. Two months after my maternity leaves were over, I applied for an additional 4 months of unpaid leave to continue my breastfeeding journey. My baby was fully breastfed. Fast forward to 9 months, I’m still breastfeeding my baby topped-off with solid food although I have started working. I have exhausted all my annual leaves and I have fully applied the allowable unpaid leaves.
I work at Genting Highland (Pahang) and my home is in Puchong (Selangor). Everyday without fail, I pump out breastmilk and keep it frozen. I have to rush home on alternate days after a tiring day at work to ensure my baby gets to feed on breastmilk. A return trip home takes about 4 hours. It was worthwhile to deliver the frozen breastmilk home. A glimpse of my baby puts a smile on my face.
Blood, sweat and tears isn’t even an exaggeration – it was reality but I’m happy with my effort and sacrifices. Most importantly, my baby is able to grow up healthily being a cheerful and happy baby.
What’s your advice to other mums?
To all the new mums, enjoy your breastfeeding journey to the fullest knowing that breastmilk is the best milk. I survived childbirth and I’m powering through breastfeeding, you can too!
From: Mummy Siti Zunita Bt Zulkifli
Baby: Ameera Zulaikha Bt Ameerul Izzat, 2 years old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
After I gave birth to my first baby in 2018, my life changed entirely with lots of ups and downs during my breastfeeding journey. I tried learning to feed my baby as soon as I was out of the labour room, and it wasn’t as easy as I expected it to be. I tried so many breastfeeding positions and even slept in a sitting position most days. Some days I felt like my whole body was numb and back hurt a lot. I felt like giving up, but my husband and family members supported me continuously, and at one point I felt like- I have to do this no matter what. Then, that was when I started pumping.
Being a working mum has put me in a position where I needed to juggle work and pumping sessions. Stress affected my milk supply. I had to control my mindset and kept thinking positively (in my mind, I keep mentioning it’s for my baby, baby, baby). I pump no matter where I am in order to keep to my schedule- in the office room, baby room, toilet and even in the car. There were also days when pumping was painful- my nipple cracked, swollen and lots more. Kinda messy, but I always reminded myself that I can do it. If other mums can, why not me? My baby is the biggest motivation that keeps me going to provide breast milk until now.
As of today, my baby is already 2 years old. She still latches on to me every night. At night, she wakes up for milk, but more rarely than when she was a newborn. The journey was unforgettable yet lovely-something that I’ll never forget as a mum. Anything for you, my kids.
What’s your advice to other mums?
Don’t push too hard, God knows best!
From: Mummy Christina Liew
Baby: Isaac Dan, 23 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
My breastfeeding journey didn’t go as expected. Just like other mummies, I was worried that I might have low supply. So I bought formula milk to standby before my son was born. I delivered my son via caesarean at a government hospital. My son didn’t want to latch even with nurse’s assistance. This was my first child and I had no breastfeeding knowledge.
First few days was quite difficult as I had no milk, and I had to feed him formula. I used a hand pump to stimulate my breast since my son still didn’t want to latch. Until day 5, I slowly had milk and was able to collect about 2oz. From that day I mixed feeds. I wished my son would latch on me to clear my engorged breast which the pump can’t help much on. I am the only one in my family that insisted on continuing breastfeeding.
I got a lot of info through The Breastfeeding Advocate Network (TBAN) Facebook group and learned from other mummies. My pumping journey continued till my son was 3 months old. He suddenly had a bottle strike. I was worried and tried so many new bottles and changed formulas too. After all that, he still didn’t want to drink from the bottle. Then I tried latching again… I was so happy when he suddenly wanted to latch on me, but of course the mouth position was not right since he was used to bottle. This caused some pain, but it was a good start.
From that day onwards, I no longer pumped and just directly latched on demand. Then I notice my milk adjusted accordingly, as demand meets supply. I can feel my breast producing more when latching. I feel that latching creates a strong bond. Yes, baby will stick to you and feel safe and calm. As a mother, I also feel calm and relaxed when nursing. Besides, he doesn’t get sick so often and this makes me proud and motivates me to keep on breastfeeding. Today I’m still breastfeeding him at 23month old.
What’s your advice to other mums?
My message to other mummies, don’t doubt your milk supply. If you’re having difficulty, you can look for a lactation consultant or can search for more info in the TBAN group.
From: Mummy Nurul Syakira Binti Samsul Anuar
Baby: Muhammad Adam Al’arasy Bin Muhammad Amiruddin, 18 months
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
15/01/2019 I officially gave birth at 35 weeks of pregnancy. My son is 18 months now and I am still fully breastfeeding. Even before I started my breastfeeding journey, I knew that breast milk contain antibodies that help to protect babies from viruses and bacteria. My son, till he was 16 months old did not get any cold, flu or fever- this is how powerful breastmilk is.
At the beginning, I pumped or direct latch every hour to stimulate my breast for more milk and the amount increased naturally over time. I enjoy breastfeeding as I get to spend more time with him before he grows up. Before he breastfeed, he’ll pray and kiss me and I will tell him stories, joke and laugh with him, and I love when he looks into my eyes with every single word I say.
I believe that breastfeeding will be smooth and natural after 5 months of fully breastfeeding, you’ll be a pro! I believe the best milk is breastmilk and it is powerful for our babies. Take it as a challenge for the first time… I have 2 sisters who are also fully breastfeeding at 2 years 3 months and 22 months old. They always tell me to eat healthy and drink lots of water- NO ICE!
What’s your advice to other mums?
For new mums. Don’t give up! No need to stress. If you stress about it your supply will drop. Eat healthy food, drink more water. Be happy and proud of your breastfeeding journey, keep saying “breast is best”.
From: Mummy Fiona Liew
Baby: Kaylee Tang Xin Hui, 20 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
My breastfeeding journey was not the most difficult but it wasn’t one without challenges. I struggled with not producing enough milk during the 1st week and my daughter had to be admitted for jaundice and weight loss. Then it was the 2 hourly feeding throughout the day and night I remember how zombified I felt. Then I had to make sure I had milk stocked up for when I return to work and finally to maintain supply when I work. I tried to keep to my pumping schedule as much as possible despite the hectic work schedule. Of course I had friends who kept me going, who also shared their experiences and tips to help me succeed in my breastfeeding journey.
Looking back now, I would not have done it any other way. I love the bonding time I get with my daughter and I love her dependence on me. She’s 20 months now, and I’m still breastfeeding her!
What’s your advice to other mums?
To all mums out there, just keep going and stay positive. Also, don’t blame yourself if you can’t provide enough for your baby, just do the best that you can. You’re already the best gift for your baby!
From: Mummy Lim Guat Hoon
Baby: Dylan Ong Pin Yik, 17 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
Struggles: Being the first baby of mine, I did not have any breastfeeding knowledge. I tried hard at first but my baby refused to latch, which caused me no choice but to give formula milk for feedings. With all the advice from nurses and doctors, it encouraged me to continue breastfeeding.
I did not have the knowledge in storing/managing the pumped breastmilk. At the same time, I looked for more knowledge about breastfeeding on social media and the web. I was thinking of giving up in the first 2 months because it was really tiring, but my mind urged me to continue as I can see my baby’s health is getting stronger and stronger. No matter how much I pumped, I could only produce up to 2oz of breastmilk. When my baby was 9 months old, I totally gave up on continuing to pump breast milk as I needed to travel overseas for 2 weeks. I continued to latch only after I came back.
What’s your advice to other mums?
Coming back from overseas, my initial thought was to latch only for 2 months (I thought my supply would stop automatically since demand was low). Today, my son is 17 months old! We are still continuing our breastfeeding journey and it really proves that breastfeed can improve our kids’ health. I will stop only when my son wants to stop! Moral of the story, never think on the negative side of breastfeeding from the beginning. Try hard and you will see the result!
From: Mummy Grace Mah Ern Chze
Baby: Wynn Song Heng Mah Tablang V, 3 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
I’ve always wanted to give my child the best nutrients that he could receive. To me, breastfeeding requires perseverance, determination and patience. It was difficult at first as my milk supply was quite low in the first few days. I decided that I wanted to produce enough milk for Wynn and kept that mindset! It’s not an option but it’s a decision I made. I forced myself not to rely on formula milk.
I am fully breastfeeding now and I believe that I’m going to make it happen for as long as I’m able to supply. I’m grateful that I have my family, especially my hubby’s full support, giving words of encouragement, and helping me as much as he could.
What’s your advice to other mums?
To all the new mums, listen up! My advice for you is to join Breastfeeding Support Groups on social media, always open up to ask whenever you’re in doubt. Do not give up – for where there’s a will, there’s a way. If I can do it, you can do it too! Just believe in yourself. All the best. Happy mummy, happy baby!
From: Mummy Jesselyn Lim
Baby: Ellie Sierra Chiew, 3 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
I am nearly 3 months in on my “breastfeeding” journey. Inverted commas because I have just recently found out that exclusive pumping is not exactly breastfeeding. I decided to exclusively pump before my baby turned one month to avoid all the unnecessary stress to the both of us. Anyway, breastmilk is breastmilk and like every mum out there, I was determined to provide my baby with the best in whatever way possible. (Also can save a lot of money lah..)
When I first started to pump, we had to supplement breastmilk with formula as I still had not established a good supply. It was quite depressing because I felt that I cannot fully provide for my baby. It also did not help when you have a friend who gave birth just a week before and is already producing milk like a cow. Due to my competitive nature, I was very stressed when I was not producing as much and stress further reduced my supply. It was a vicious cycle.
Not forgetting the episodes of blocked ducts where the pain nearly drove me crazy. Throughout this period, my MIL cooked all kinds of soups and meats to help increase my breast milk supply. My husband would also stay up with me at night whenever I get an episode of blocked ducts and tried his best to comfort me.
The best decision made was a visit to a lactation consultant to help with my blocked ducts. It really helps once you understand how your boobs work and the right massages and techniques to apply when pumping/breastfeeding. It has been more than 2 months of exclusive pumping and my baby and I are both very happy and most of the time, stress-free. I have tried to let my baby latch again just to have that ‘bonding moment’ but neither of us enjoyed the experience.
What’s your advice to other mums?
My advise to all mothers-to-be is to just do what is comfortable for you and not compare it to what others have experienced. There is no right or wrong and like what my friends advised me, DO NOT GOOGLE TOO MUCH
From: Mummy Siti Sarah Che Dan
Baby: Bella Medina, 9 months old
What’s your breastfeeding journey like?
My breastfeeding journey was not easy at the beginning. To be honest, the biggest challenge would be from my surroundings. If I did not get full support from my loved ones, this journey would have been extremely hard. Even with cracked nipples, I kept on going even though I was in so much pain. It took a month for it to completely heal and I did imagine how great it would be if I could just give formula milk to my baby so the pain would stop. It was also challenging because I was recovering from a caesarean delivery, but I kept in mind that I wanted the best for my baby and I CAN!
So, there goes my breastfeeding journey for 2 years and 8 months for my firstborn and now 9 months already for my second child – and will continue as long as she wants.
What’s your advice to other mums?
Hang in there mummies. Always think positive. Look at your baby’s face to get you motivated. Because ALL MUMMIES ARE STRONG! And believe me, all this hard work will be worth every single blood, sweat, and a sleepless night.
