My breastfeeding journey with Aizah Layina

 

Alhamdulillah, Aizah's 18 days old today. Yesterday she was down with cold and I blame myself for not covering her up properly when we went into town. Of all days, it had to be a windy day yesterday and she didn't have her fleece or any jumper on. Today she's all well and kicking again, Alhamdulillah. Mom was surprised that Aizah could catch a cold since she is exclusively breastfed. Of course it is very rare for breastfeed babies to get cold or fever for the first 6 months because there's all the nutrients for the baby in breastmilk. Then again, if other precautions weren't taken, the baby can easily fall sick too, right?

Full and content face

Other than that one day, Aizah's putting on weight and very healthy, Alhamdulillah. I still could not believe that she's been breastfed from Day 1 and have not needed any milk supplement ever since. With Khairaldin, I had to feed him formula milk for the first week. He was suffering from jaundice and wasn't getting enough milk from me, so the nurse said. It's all a learning curve with Khairaldin. Whatever I've failed to do back then, I am hoping to do it better with Aizah, Insha'Allah. Even though it was a tough decision for me to feed Khairaldin Formula Milk, I kept insisting that it's Allah's will.

Mommies to be, don't hit yourself if you can't breastfeed your baby. Also, never ever give up! Formula milk is ok if it's desperately needed but don't make it as a choice. Try and breastfeed the baby as much and as long as you can. Yes, breastfeeding is very tiring. Think of it this way, when else will you get the chance to be *that* close with your baby? Once they grow up, that's the end of it all.

Aizah's feeding position

I love my feeding sessions with both Khairaldin and Aizah. The stare in their eyes and scrutinising my face makes me feel very much appreciated. Knowing that I am the only person that could satisfy their hunger and thirst is amazing! Getting the chance to just pick them up every 2 hours and spend the whole 20 mins together is priceless! I kid you not, the first week of breastfeeding is P.A.I.N.F.U.L!! No words could describe how painful it is. Trust me, Insha'Allah after that it'll be smooth sailing. So take this opportunity to just breastfeed your baby. Allah's given us the breast and milk to feed our child, let's try and make full use of our body as how we do with the rest of it all.

Like I said, with Khairaldin it's all a learning curve. Before giving birth to Aizah, I recalled why I didn't manage to exclusively breastfeed Khairaldin (even though it's only that 1 week). Here's some tips for all of you in case you've not done your research. As soon as you give birth, try and eat healthily and drink lots of water. Bear in mind that your milk will only be about a teaspoon full or less for the first 3 days. Don't take it as though you haven't got any milk. By the 3rd day, Insha'Allah you'll feel your breast fuller. Even so, there will be just enough for the baby. Their tummy is soooo small. So don't expect to produce a glass full of milk. Insha'Allah your milk will be sufficient. Make sure the baby's latched on properly!!!! Youtube breastfeeding positions if you haven't already, this could be of some help for you. Lastly, feed on demand. As soon as the baby wakes up, feed him/her. At this stage they're not up to play with you just yet. All they want is milk, milk, milk! So feed, feed, feed!

4oz of EBM at Day 3, Alhamdulillah!

With Aizah, she's being fed every 2 hours in the day time. Easy for me since I don't need to pump that often. I also realise by doing this, she sleeps better at night. Her feeds at night is about 4-6 hourly. She starts her day at 7am and feed every 2 hourly. Her last night feed is at 11pm and the next one after that is around 4am. That too sometimes I have to wake her up as I am too engorged. Don't feel that when you baby's constantly feeding means she doesn't get enough milk. Again, look at the size of their tummy and how often they poop, that's why they need to refuel. This is why they have to feed ever so often. Formula milk will make them "fuller" only because it has too much sugar in them. It doesn't make them any healthier!

 
Please please please give the baby their right to be breastfed for as long as you can. Make du'a that Allah will make it easy on you to breastfeed and also to shower you with abundance of milk. That is the only way your breastfeeding journey could be a breeze. With HIS will.