Sunday, November 2, 2008

Battle of the Breast

After 14 hours of using bottle for baby Zheng, we realized that he can't forget about suckling at the breast even when he's full. In fact, this is a good sign as he's looking forward to suckle and mummy is able to see that baby Zheng mouth is sucking just like at the breast even when he's drinking from a bottle. Mummy's instinct was telling that the shorter periods baby use the bottle, the higher chance he will go back to the breast.

Mummy accepted suggestion from Loh, a member from MMPS (Mother-to-Mother Peer Support Group, look it up at Facebook!) to see Dr. Balkess in Srigim Penang immediately. Dr. Balkees is a paed and a lactation consultant, mummy only found out that she is a lactation consultant after the visit. So, that was Thursday and we quickly packed, confinement lady also following to Penang as mummy plans to stay in Penang for a few days til 4 Nov, which is an appointment checkup for baby Zheng in Adventist Hosp.

Mummy was so tensed and panic when meet when Dr.Balkees. It was mummy's feeding position that caused the soreness besides baby's latching on problem. Dr taught mummy the cradle hold and lying dowm position to feed baby Zheng and surprisingly, there's no pain at all! And fior the first time baby Zheng was able to let go the nipple after he's satisfied.

After the visit, we went home and practise the cradle and lying down position. There's still error here and there. Baby Zheng still accidentally bite on mummy but once the latch on is correct the feeding goes so well. Yet, the fear of pain is still there as mummy is still having sore nipple till today as baby Zheng sucks so long and frequent everyday. Never thought that breastfeeding will be so tiring... it's always like a battle for mummy and baby Zheng as we are trying to get the right position, the right latch since everything will seems incorrect at the first place. Baby Zheng will get so angry and cries loudly if we have to repeat again and again. Mummy always hope that tomorrow we will have more and better improvement...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

GOod for you!

Glad you found a lactation consultant, and found out what you need to correct.
ANd glad to know that you have experienced pain-free bf-ing.

Just remember to relax when feeding too, makes the milk flow :)

Anonymous said...

There is a lactation consultant in penang? I desperately needed to look for one. Do i have to make any appointment before i go see dr Balkess? I'm having problem in breastfeeding too and i really need some guidance.

slavemom said...

Good that u've found help. After more practice, I'm sure bb n u will hv a smoother bfg journey. Try to relax ya. Coz bb can feel ur stress.

Anonymous said...

Haiyo... poor you! Luckily you found help. I went back to my mom's place to look for the breastfeeding book but can't find... will try to get from Allisia if you don't mind waiting for a while more. I just got back today.

Hope you are doing much better now.

Peridot&Sapphire said...

lotus & ginie: Yes... am learning to relax while feeding coz all the while my body is tensed!

soomingooi: you can go straight to Srigim anytime... they close on Sat. No need appoinment, if you need further info, let me know or contact me. BTW, what is your blog's URL?

alice: Thanks dear... take your time as if I have the book now, don't think I have time to read though...

Chinneeq said...

so good to hear that u have many help around. It is always not too late, remember i only manage to EXCLUSIVELY breastfeed my twins after they reached 2 months. As they get bigger, they will latch shorter period too. Now I am enjoying the convenience of breastfeeding my twin boys as I do not need to bother about bringing bottles out, finding warm water or the price hike of formula.

Sharine, as long as u have the will, you will find the answer. Do buzz me at msn chinneeq@hotmail.com anytime if u need any help.

Jess said...

Sharine,
Thought I'd drop by but didn't expect you to blog... now i can read from here than bug u with smses... just keep going and let me know if there's anything else I can do to help, ok :)

Wai Mun said...

Congratulations! Sharine...
n "Gan Ba Teh" !!!! for continue breastfeeding....
I will also bf for my coming baby.....lastime fail to bf

Hope we all successful in bf ****** :)

chanelwong said...

well done Sharine..keep it up !!!!

soomingooi said...

Hi,
My blog URL is soomingooi.blogspot.com
I seldom update my blog. I'm more on blog hoping.
So that means Srigim open on Sunday too? That's great. I will ask my hubby to send me there with the baby to see the LC.
I have a very sleepy baby that spend so less time on breast each time she feed. I'm so worried that she might not be getting enough so i use bottle to feed her on some of the feeding , it give me a piece of mind that she is at least getting something. Now she spend less effort to suck on my breast, she haven't reject my breast totally yet.