BF for Breast Feeding is gratifying once successful. It may seem more natural and easy for some women than others. I’m one of the not so lucky ones whom could produce abundant supply from the very start. It took me nearly 7 weeks of hard work, determination but at the same time, frustration to establish the regular milk flow. Having said that, I hope I will continue to thrive with BF as long as possible or at least till I start working.

I find it quite bizarre why most women in Malaysia claim they have difficulties with BF. Majority of people I know back there say they are “lactation incompetent” vis-à-vis with the people I know in UK who do not have problems with it at all. Later, I realized that it’s not all about differences in nationality, skin colour or size but the lack of the right technique and also cultural mindset. I acknowledge the fact that Malaysia doesn’t have designated authorities to exercise breastfeeding campaigns as extensively as in the UK, so a lot do fall back on the mothers to work it out independently. Besides, most people deliver in private hospitals and no doubt one of the services provided and paid for is to help look after the babies while the mother can get some rest. But this is depriving the baby of BF! Hence, I would like to share some very brief tips on getting started with BF.

To offer the best milk, colostrum, to the baby is best given within the first hour after birth. This is the time when it’s best for the mum and baby to have skin to skin contact too. Subsequently, try to feed the baby every 2-3 hours ie 9 am, 12 pm….Wake the baby up if he/she is asleep, otherwise chances are he/she will demand to be fed more at night. I know it sounds hectic especially after delivery but hey, no one says BF is easy. If you want to give the best to your baby , you need to sacrifice some rest to a certain extend. No pain, no gain! Women are gifted to withstand sleep deprivation, though dangerous but we cope better than men. At this stage you might be skeptical if the baby is taking in enough milk but don’t worry, as long as the baby seems to be sucking and is content after every feed, he/she is consuming ample milk.

The baby may seem pleased feeding on colostrum until the 3^rd-4^th day when you actually start to produce milk. By this time, he/she may demand to be fed longer and more regular as milk is not as fulfilling and is easier to digest compared to colostrum. You need to build up patience at this stage but trust me, nature will take its call and you’ll automatically gain endurance and energy.

BF requires lots of consistencies and routines. I would recommend to feed every 2-3 hours throughout until about 5 weeks. It is definitely hard especially night feeding but you may try the sleeping position so that both mum and bub get to rest.

Gradually, you may try feeding every 3 hours during the day and only feed on demand during the night. By this time, you would be more confident and comfortable with BF and would have no problems with milk production. Nevertheless, if you want more and have lots of energy, try expressing.

However, if your baby has big appetite like Cameron, you can complement with formula. I have to give him 1-2 feeds of formula during the night since this week when I fell ill. But hard work pays off as Cameron has all the immunization from BF and did not catch my virus. Good luck! - mel