Nursing my Toddler

Nursing remains our very own bonding session. It gives me much comfort knowing that my "dede" nourishes and soothes my growing toddler. La Leche League discusses the benefits of nursing beyond one year.

But apart from the health benefits extended breastfeeding bring, my very own selfish reason to nurse at this stage is because it's the topnotch way for us to cuddle and connect!  A growing boy like P is always distracted  about learning to talk and walk and in dealing with his emerging social life.  It gives me much satisfaction knowing that he's all eyes on me when he wants to nurse.

However, extended breastfeeding  is not at all a picture of  "mother and child" worthy of a painting.  There's an ugly and frustrating side to breastfeeding a toddler. You'll have to deal with an overactive and distracted child. But just so we're clear, any breastfeeding issue you might have can still be dealt with utmost patience and with the right information.

Here's what i deal with as a milk machine to a one-year old. I also wrote some ways how i deal with such issues.

 

Acrobatic breastfeeding positions

Remember how hard it was to find that perfect latch during baby's first weeks? Well, this won't be as hard when nursing a toddler. He'll know how to place his mouth already. In fact, he has mastered this so much that he'll try sucking in different positions! At one year old, some babies are very mobile they'll try nursing while sitting up, standing or upside down. Name it, P and i might have tried it!  Most of these new positions are just too awkward that it's just not possible to do outside the comfort of our private space.

[caption id="attachment_1775" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Here's our more "decent" nursing picture.[/caption]

As an eager explorer, P has learned to play with my other nipple while nursing. This irks me because he keeps fiddling and pinching my nipple. I guess this relaxes him and helps him go drowsy and sleepy. Again, this twiddling and pinching falls under the awkward category. I've learned to tolerate him.

Pain from biting

At thirteen months, my baby only has three teeth and he's teething right now. He enjoys biting because his gums are itchy. Our nursing session goes like this; he nurse for 5 to 10 minutes then stop. Then he'll bite my nipple. I cringe in pain, sometimes i laugh. I noticed that he would keep on biting if i react, whether i cringe in pain or if i  laugh. I guess he thinks that i like him biting me. He thinks i'm teasing him so he teases me back and biting my nipple!  When he starts biting i take this as a sign that he's done nursing. I stop nursing so he won't be encouraged to bite. He can ask to nurse later.

Asking for "dede"

My baby would touch my breast to indicate that he wants to dede. He does this every time he wants to nurse. When i come home from work, instead of a welcome home kiss, a get some breast frisking from him. Sometimes we would hear an occasional "dede" from him! Yes, my 13-month old can say a few words and "dede" is one of them.

He would also do this breast frisking while we're outside. Sometimes he'll go further by lifting my shirt!  It will help if you will give in right away to avoid a major tantrum. He could be really thirsty for milk, that's why he's asking! I made it a point to cover up to avoid shocked glances from onlookers.

Less breast milk intake and pumping output

A toddler needs more solids for steady weight gain and growth. At this point, he'll need more than milk. That means, we can expect a decrease in the intake of breast milk. I just make sure that i nurse on demand.

Since baby's demand for milk has decreased, expect a decrease in your pumping output as well.  Mine has halved since my pumping heydays during around baby's sixth month.

Shorter (or longer) breastfeeding session

How long a nursing session varies greatly. Sometimes it lasts just 3 to 5 minutes and that leaves me wondering whether he is satisfied at all.  Since he has turned his back on the bottle completely, he makes up for lost nursing time by nursing more at night.

For more information on extended nurse, here's Kellymom's notes.

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How you could be wasting breast milk

During the height of my breast pumping and milk storing days, i had too much milk in the ref. This left my housemates complaining  that they don't have enough space to  store food! Now that my pumping output has dwindled to a meager half of what i used to bring home from work, i needed to adapt system that lessens milk wastage. To a pumping mama, every ounce of breast milk counts, so it calls for a wiser way to manage milk supply. Here are ways you could be wasting this liquid gold:

Storing too much in one container

• Keep breast milk in small amounts, just enough per baby feeding session.  This way, you'll thaw or heat just enough breast milk, since it's divided in "single serves".  The rest of your milk stash will be kept safe frozen or refrigerated. 

Transferring in too many containers 

• Minimize transferring milk from one container to the next. Use storage bottles that can double as feeding bottles, so you can just snap off the sealing disc and replace with synthetic nipple before serving. I've seen brands like Avent and Evenflo have such caps that can hold sealing discs and nipples. This way, you won't need to transfer in different containers.

[caption id="attachment_1649" align="aligncenter" width="300"] When you transfer to and from containers, you'll leave behind specks and drops of breast milk.[/caption]

Freezing right after pumping

• Suggestions on how long you can keep milk in the fridge varies. The US Center for Disease Prevention and Control says three days.  Mayoclinic says five to eight days. In the the Breastfeeding Answer Book of La Leche League International, eight days in the ref is still acceptable. Keep breast milk at the back, away from the door. I maximize milk shelf life by keeping mine for five days in the fridge, then freezing if it's not used up. Remember that thawed breast milk will be safe to consume up to 24 hours when stored in the fridge.  

Thawing too much too soon

•  If you won't be able to use milk in 24 hours, then avoid thawing breast milk. Thawed breast milk have shorter shelf life than cold refrigerated milk.  Put numbers your milk bottles so your baby sitter will know which one of the milk should be consumed first.

Not putting expressed breast milk in the ref right away

• I don't know about you, but as a working mom, i forget everything else when i get home from the office. This includes tucking that precious milk you pumped in the  fridge, so sometimes i wake up the next day to discover that the ebm is still in the cooler and the ice packs have melted already!!! Darn... such a waste of milk! But don't throw it out just yet!  If it's still cold to touch, then it's still good. Consider how long you left it like that, most ice packs keep milk cold up to 12 hours. If you're still in doubt, room temperature breast milk lasts until four hours.  So if it's within that period, then the milk is still good.  To avoid this predicament, make refrigerating your ebm and freezing the ice packs the second thing you do when you come home. The first thing, of course, is to hug that child who has been waiting for you all day long!   

Throwing away leftover breast milk

• Some moms just throw out milk that baby failed to consume in one feeding. I, however, reuse breast milk, but only until baby's next feeding. After that and there's still leftover, that's when i discard. It's better to refrigerate leftover milk than leaving it at room temperature to slow down the growth of bacteria.


• If you're concerned about reusing breast milk, read this post from Kellymom on reusing breast milk.   Whether you decide to reuse breast milk may or not may depend on your baby's sensitivity to bacteria.  I guess reusing breast milk may not be advisable for a newborn, since her immune system is still developing.  You may also hold off on reusing when baby is sick, since his immune system may be down at this point.

A nursing working mommy will always doubt if she'll be able to make enough milk for her little  one.  One way to cast the doubt is by making sure every drop of milk is well spent! Also worth reading:

• A working mom's guide on thawing and serving breast milk


• Breastmilk storage tips from a working mommy


• Coming to terms with low milk supply

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Of Baby Spit Ups and Vomits

Are you the panicky parent type? Well, my husband and I may well be on the top list of panicky parents. We are the type who rush to the Emergency Room after a day of vomiting or out-of-the-ordinary bowel movement. Yes, we’re panicky that way, we would always say that it’s better to be sure.

Just a few weeks ago, we were at the Emergency Room because baby vomited five times the night until that  morning. Baby’s diagnosis was food intolerance. Thankfully, it was nothing serious. I guess, he ate too much,   like us during the Holiday season.

[caption id="attachment_1620" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Like diaper changing, dealing with baby spit up  is a part of a mommy's life.
Source of photo: cdc.gov[/caption]

Keep this in mind in case of baby vomits and spit ups:

Procedure at the emergency room. 

• Doctors will check for fever, rashes or diarrhea.  They'll ask for urine sample to track if he has urinary tract infection.  Doctors say bacterial infection in babies can manifest in urine. They'll ask to withhold other foods and any other liquid. They may instruct you to give oral rehydration salts.    

Keep baby hydrated.

• Offer small amounts of oral solutions like pedialyte. The amount you give her depends on your child's weight. My one-year old is 9.5 kilos, the dosage for him is 40mL per hour. Pedialyte is given to replace the nutrients your baby lost when he vomits or during excessive bowel movement. Note that pedialyte solution, those colored fruit-flavored ones, are meant to be consumed after 24 hours. After this period, you'll have to throw it away. I did not know this until i asked the seller in the drug store. I gave baby pedialtye that's been open for days and i found no adverse reactions.

Go on a soft diet. 

• After vomiting, observe baby then wait for about 20 minutes before offering any liquid or soft foods like cereal or lugaw. 

Watch what your toddler eats. 

• Remember that your one-year old's digestive system is still underdeveloped so you better be careful what you give him.  That time, i gave him avocado for breakfast, rice and egg for lunch, yogurt for merienda, then pizza and mojos for dinner. Plus unlimited breastfeeding!  Aside from what he eats, offer enough amounts. I guess the OC mom in me gave him too much to eat! 

Vomits and spit ups are part of a baby's life. 

• Blame it on your baby's still undeveloped system. To reduce spit ups, breastfeed in upright position.  Keep baby's head higher than his stomach to avoid milk from backing up. According to NIH, spitting up peaks in infants aged 4 to 7 months.

Before getting worried sick when your baby vomits, observe baby.  How often does he vomit? Is he fussy?  Does he have fever or rashes?  Does he have difficulty in breathing or is he still queasy? If the answer is no, then it's probably nothing, just part of growing up. Read this for more information about baby and toddler's vomiting!

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Is Your Pediatrician Breastfeeding-Friendly?

Your child’s pediatrician and your OB play a crucial role in your breastfeeding success.  They can influence your decision to breastfeed.  If they are not knowledgeable about breastfeeding and they seem like ambassadors for a certain milk brand, then they can sabotage your plan to breastfeed.

[caption id="attachment_1596" align="aligncenter" width="197"] Your doctor can make or break your nursing plans.
Source of Photo: ky.gov[/caption]

Formula feeding seems to be a norm in the Philippines. I really think this is partly caused by the attitude of health practitioners towards breastfeeding.  Here are some tell-tale signs that you ought to look out for.

The pedia suggests giving solids at four months.

WHO says complementary feeding should start by six month. Before this time, breast milk alone is the only and sufficient source of nourishment. Introducing solids earlier can decrease breast milk production, since baby might be too full to nurse! The golden rule if you want to keep your milk supply up is to nurse, nurse, nurse!!!

The pedia’s office shows promotional items from milk companies.

If you can see  pamphlets, pads,books or growth charts sponsored by a milk company. These may be direct violations of the Milk Code. Well,  they may argue that they are not advertisements per se, just some form of information campaign. But moms do connect the dots.  If the name of a milk company is written there, then that is a form of advertisement

What’s sad is that these materials misguide the moms about breastfeeding, somehow saying that there’s an easy way out of her “breastfeeding misery” and that they can’t and won’t provide enough breast milk for their child.

If the pediatrician often asks you if you have enough milk supply and seems surprised when you answer yes!

Admit it moms, being asked if you have enough milk is one of those “touchy” subjects.To me, it feels like she's doubting my capability to produce enough. I guess they mean well, just checking if the baby is getting enough. But being surprised when i say I do have enough baffles me.  If you are breastfeeding-savvy then you know that almost all moms can and will produce just enough for her baby.

Pedia does not prescribe iron supplement at six months.

An infant’s iron reserve is depleted by the six months so she needs other sources of iron. For formula fed ones, there are several milks that are iron-fortified. Iron supplementation is needed for breastfed babies at six month. This may come in the form of iron drops or iron fortified cereals.

Introduces formula milk by one year.

Follow-on milk or formula milk for toddlers is non-existent or not popular in other countries. Most babies just “graduate” to whole fresh milk after reaching one-year old. The Philippines is among those countries where formula milk  is popular – we have formula milk for 1 to 3 years, for pregnant women and even for breast feeding mothers!A good breastfeeding-friendly pedia will encourage mommies to continue nursing, even beyond one year.

So, do you have pediatrician  like this? Well… I do! Sadly, she’s not breastfeeding –friendly and breastfeeding-savvy at all.  Come to think of it, which doctor would say she’s not breastfeeding-friendly? Of course, they would say they support breastfeeding. But being a true breastfeeding advocate needs more than just lip service.

Yes, we have a pedia like this. But what can we do? I’ve looked for the doctors as recommended by Latch, but their schedule just don’t fit ours.  Besides, she’s also accredited by our company’s HMO. So we opted to keep her.

What to do when you’re pedia is not breastfeeding-friendly? BE INFORMED! The best way is to look for peers who breastfeed. They will provide utmost guidance and support.  The internet provides a universe of helpful information to breastfeeding moms. Kelly Mom and Jenny Ong’s blog are by far the best sources of information. They provide well researched materials for nursing moms.

If you find yourself conflicted and doubting your doctor, just be consoled by the fact that final decision on rearing your child lies SOLELY ON YOU.  It’s YOU who know’s what’s best for your child.

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SAVE or SPLURGE? A New Mom’s Guide to Saving

Among my top goals for 2013 is to SAVE! Looking back at 2012,  I'm really shocked at how much we earned as a couple and where all that earnings went. Most of it went to our mad rush to the malls to buy clothes, toys and other baby stuff!

Over a period of one year, we’ve had some big purchases. Much later,  I’ve realized some items are worth splurging on, while some we could have definitely save on.

I think most new moms feel the need to BUY IT ALL for the baby.  But for families with a tight budget, being informed will help save a lot of bucks! This post is for those who want some info before buying such products.

Baby Food

[caption id="attachment_1574" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Instead of serving infant cereals, try preparing baby food made from local fruits and crops.[/caption]

• You may want to SAVE on baby food by making your own.


• Make home made foods for baby!  Each small jar of baby food can cost about P50.00. This amount can be costly, especially if you have an avid eater. Plus, serving homemade foods may help prevent a baby from becoming a picky eater.


• You can take some root crops, veggies and fruits from the family grocery. Just simmer and puree. Click here for some baby food recipes.

Breast Pump

[caption id="attachment_1575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Expressing milk at work will be easier with a reliable breast pump.[/caption]

• SPLURGE on a good breast pump if you’re working and you intend to pump at work. A reliable breast pump will be your breastfeeding best friend!  A double electric pump will cut your pumping time in half.  Sure, you have to spend much more than a manual pump, but in the long run, your investment will pay off.


• Read this post on how to save on other breastfeeding supplies.

Nursing  Clothes

• Save on nursing clothes by using a plain shawl as cover up. I seldom bought breastfeeding blouses. I just used blouses with v necklines and those with front openings.


• One or two nursing bras will help you nurse in comfort. Before buying a nursing bra, keep in mind that your breasts will go back to their original size 3 to 6 months after giving birth.

Baby Walker

[caption id="attachment_1578" align="aligncenter" width="233"] Invest in a sturdy baby walker, your baby's safety depends on it.
(Source of Photo:cpsc.gov)[/caption]

• SPLURGE!  Using a baby walker seems to be a norm in most Filipino household when training baby to walk.  Splurge on this one because cheap baby walkers lack safety features. Read this post on what to look for when buying a walker.

Baby Clothes

[caption id="attachment_1576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Unless you have enough bucks for a fashionista baby, you may want to save on baby clothes! (Source of Photo: nyc.gov)[/caption]

• You can definitely SAVE on baby clothes!  Avoid buying too many tie side shirts and pajamas – the kind that weeks-old babies use.  I got by with just 5 to 7 sets of these. Babies grow, at a much faster pace than  we think.


• It might be a good idea to choose the next bigger size when buying clothes for your little one. This way, baby can wear them longer!

So there, I do hope you get some insights before spending!

ALSO WORTH READING:

• SAVE or SPLURGE? A New Mom’s Guide to Saving (PART 2) 

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This Mommy's New Year's Resolution

It’s 2013 and I’m a proud mommy of a toddler! I'm glad that the pressures from P's birthday party are done and gone, sa wakas! I could not be happier, having such an active and healthy son.  I do hope it stays that way.

I have a few targets for the coming year, all for being a better mommy. So  I’m  sharing my resolutions this 2013!

Start saving for P’s education

• In a few years, tuition dues will come knocking on my door so best to start saving right now! A painless way to do this is to automate savings. I plan to have a no-touch account for him and ask my bank to automatically deduct a portion of my salary and transfer that to the no-touch account. This way, I won’t be “aware” of the deposits I’m making to that account since all that’s left in my ATM is salary minus my son’s “education fund”.


• I’ll be scouting for more investments since I’ve noticed a huge, huge hike in tuition! Imagine, when I was in high school an entire school year costs just P8,000. When I went to our high school recently i saw that tuition is P48,000! Just how much would that be my son enters high school?

Start saving for my retirement

• Yes, aside from my son’s schooling, I’m really concerned about my retirement.  I would not want to be old, toothless and penniless!  I have hard working parents who emphasized the value of every centavo they earn and how it’s important to prepare for old age.  In short, huwag daw gawing retirement plan ang pag-asang aalagaan ka ng anak mo pagtanda mo. Let’s face it, by the time i’m about 60 and retired (hopefully), my son will be busy earning for his own child’s future. So best to set aside a portion of your current income for that.


• I'm keeping a coin box on my work station for all my loose change. I'll open a savings account just for this. When it grows big enough i shall transfer the fund to higher earning investments like mutual funds or stocks. This may be loose change, but i gotta start somewhere, right?

[caption id="attachment_1561" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The iconic piggy bank should be always in sight so you'll be reminded of your financial goals.[/caption]

Cook more

• In 2012 i was swamped with lots of food deliveries and eat-outs. May be because the doting mother in me would not want to be away from the baby to cook. We were even introduced to eat-all-you-can restaurants lately! Well, this can be a culprit why i'm having such a hard time saving. So for this coming year,  i vow to cook more!. This way i get to cut back on those expensive meals. Besides, my toddler is starting to taste real foods and i would love to have my son taste my cooking, too!

Be more organized

• Clutter has been permanent in my life. Even when i was still single and living with my dorm mates, i really had that stash of junk that i can't seem to put away.  Now, baby's accumulating a lot of clothes and toys, which occupy a lot of space in our already cramped up room. So for next year, i vow to rid my space of all my junk to give way for his stuff.  It's time to make our space more baby-friendly.


• The diaper bag has also been a cause for concern. It's becoming heavier and harder to lug that around so i'm planning to simplify my life by bringing only the basic necessities. Here's  What to Expect's shortlist of the stuff to put in that bag.

Breastfeed longer

• That little toddler has been more up and about, eager to explore his surroundings but at the end of the day, he still looks for his mommy for that last minute meals... and i'm more than glad to indulge him. After a year of nursing, i'm still excited about it!  Although some can say that it's time to wean baby, i would rather not, not at this time. I guess it's me who’s not yet ready to say good bye to breastfeeding. So for next year I plan to sustain my dwindling milk supply.  No matter how disheartening it is to see how little my pumping output has been lately, I still continue to pump.  There’s really no better way to get more milk than to pump more frequently and to nurse directly whenever possible. I was inspired by this post on how beneficial extended breastfeeding is.

A new year marks the beginning of  another chapter in our lives... so it's never too late to start over and be better. Happy New Year, folks!

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Why Breastfeed Even during Disasters

Breastfeeding is best ESPECIALLY during disasters and emergencies! I’m lucky I have not yet experienced any severe any disaster like flood or typhoon like Pablo and Sendong as a nursing mom. But I imagined it will be more practical to be breastfeeding during a catastrophe like Pablo,  rather than to be on infant formula.

[caption id="attachment_1531" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Disaster strikes when you least expect it! It pays to be prepared. Breastfeeding gives the mom a sense of comfort, knowing that she can readily feed her infant on any event, disaster or not.
Source of photo:pcoo.gov.ph[/caption]

Breast milk is the only complete ready-to-eat meal for baby.

• Imagine having prepared a complete meal for your baby anytime and anywhere you go! Breast milk alone is best for babies until 6 months! You don't have to give any formula supplement or extra water.

Breastfeeding is the safest method of infant feeding! 

• The thing is, during disasters, access to clean water is probably impossible. On disasters, infrastructures might fail so potable water can be compromised. Formula feeding requires clean water to sanitize those synthetic nipples and bottles. Formula-feed if you have a constant and sure supply of clean water to dilute formula. Instead of being a lifesaver, formula can even do more harm if the water you used to dilute the powdered milk is safe.


• We usually see a rise in the number water-borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea and gastroenteritis  in the aftermath of floods or typhoons because the supply of fresh clean water was depleted. Would you risk using unclean water to feed baby?

Nursing comforts babies.

• On disaster events, a mom's warmth can help calm and soothe a baby in distress.  You can amplify the comfort by nursing baby in times of disasters. Skin to skin contact between mom and baby is maximized when breastfeeding. Babies older than 6 months can enjoy the warmth and comfort during nursing. 


• Breast milk has antibodies that strengthen the baby's immune system, which could be at risk during severe weather.

Nursing calms mom’s stress.

• To say that nursing moms in devastated areas are stressed in a understatement! Disasters of Ondoy, Sendong or Pablo proportions may leave the nursing mom in misery, hence the possible reduced capacity to produce milk. This situation will be overcome with the help of  a well trained health worker. It’s a must for evacuations centers to have a designated breastfeeding station. This way, moms and baby can concentrate on nursing.

According to WHO, malnourished mothers or mothers who lack food can still adequately breastfeed, if they are given extra fluids and food to protect their health.

Among the countless reasons, this, by far is the best reason to breastfeed!

Also worth reading:

• Top 10 reasons why breast is best


• Keeping your breastmilk safe during brownouts

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