AS-Q Me Anything: Q&A on Breastfeeding

I’ve had a ton of DM’s from fellow moms asking about breastfeeding and I want to share these with all of you since they may help y’all as well. You can AS-Q me anything as well click here and just shoot me a message!

For this question, I always taste my breastmilk or smell it before giving a bottle to my child for safety reasons. But I have always been safe with storing my breastmilk and always follow guidelines. And as I’ve said in the conversation, if it’s been in the fridge for too long before freezing and you do that with most pumped milk, always always check first! There are different pieces of information on the internet and I guess you do you. Taste your breastmilk when it’s freshly pumped and when you’re about to serve it to your child, it should be somehow the same taste – the smell may change to a metallic smell and sometimes taste (almost like blood), that’s more often than not normal.

After birth, I did have massive hair fall problems – so massive that even everyone around

mothernurturehotoilconditionerme took notice. I also researched that breastfeeding may also be a factor to such hair fall since we lose so much nutrients in our body to provide our milk (which is why we should eat healthier too). As I advised, I rarely use shampoo (even before I was pregnant), and I use a narrow tooth comb to spread my hair’s natural oils up until my ends. I also suggest using this specific hot oil conditioner from Mother Nurture. It helped me a lot not to just stop my hair fall altogether, but it also helped me gain back some luscious locks!

Lack of calcium also affects hair loss which we also need more of when pregnant. To pregnant women or those who have been pregnant, I know you know how brutal those middle of the night cramps are! And more often than not our gynecologists prescribe us some calcium and then when we give birth we either stop taking it or simply also because we stopped getting check-up from our OBs. Guilty as charged.

Mommy #1 has requested to remain anonymous for this blog. She was asking about how I got my son to sleep through the night. This question was the inspiration for my previous blog: 15 Ways to Get Your Breastfed Baby to Sleep Through Night (As Early as 6 Months!) My son wakes up at midnight and he dream feeds for a maximum of 5 minutes and that’s it. The second issue of this mama is that baby doesn’t want to take a bottle even if its breastmilk. My first answer to that is maybe he doesn’t like the bottle and I do suggest trying a bottle that is more like a boob, there are tons of bottles now that really do promote breastfeeding to avoid nipple confusion or preference. My second piece of advice and ask someone else for help and feed him the bottle. My son pulls on me especially when he knows he can just easily feed from me and can smell me. It’s a challenge to feed him a bottle so I have my husband give him the bottle.

Mommy #2 also requested to be anonymous. This is a very controversial question and even answer. Most say that you shouldn’t drink at all when breastfeeding or like what I suggested, just one glass. Its also been said that a glass of alcohol after two hours can be out of your system (after 2 hours). I would take this bit of advice with a grain of salt and go by what you believe. In this mom’s case, she drank well more than one glass. I suggested that if she wasn’t comfortable breastfeeding her baby, she can just pump the milk and use it for other things such as a milk bath. You can even use it for small rashes, dry skin, and etc (the list goes on and on).

Another common question I get even from people who aren’t moms and are just really curious: for extended breastfeeding, or when baby grows his teeth out, is it painful, or does it hurt when baby sucks? No* (asterisk). There are moments when my son tends to bite and there may be other kids who bite a lot – but it takes communication whether verbal or nonverbal between the mother and baby. Other moms go through this and think, okay, he’s biting it’s the end for breastfeeding. It’s all in your decision-making, but it doesn’t have to be. Before I became a mom I thought breastfeeding a baby that could already stand up was just straight-up weird. But now that I’m on the other side of the tracks its nothing but normal, and it seems to me all the other people who think its weird along with my old self are the ones who are abnormal to think it’s unnatural. And if you read labels on formula boxes, it says breastmilk is still the best for babies up to two years and beyond.

This is one of the more practical advice that can be used as I’ve been asked any other advice you have up your sleeve? This app “Baby Daybook” has done me wonders and I still use it to this very day. I believe I’ve mentioned it before, I used this app in the beginning to track breastfeeding, record pumping sessions, time outside to get some vitamin D from the sun and fresh air, tummy time, and the list goes on (this app does a ton!). The one feature I have been consistent in using is the sleep timer since I really have to record my son’s sleep since its also where I base his mood from. He absolutely needs a 2-hour nap daily and if he doesn’t he goes berserk the whole day!

I’ve never really followed the two-hour interval for breastfeeding. I’ve always breastfed on demand; its best for baby, for your milk supply, and your sanity too. Especially being a boy mom, boys are hungry like 24/7 (even full-grown men are) so I just feed him anytime he wants to feed instead of my eardrums shattering from all the crying, haha! But kidding aside, breastfeed on demand!

Thankful for all the moms who trust me even if I am in no way a professional, all I have is experience and my willingness to help and share to all (not just moms)! Also really grateful they allowed me to share our private conversations for the purpose of this blog. Don’t hesitate to hit me up and follow me on instagram for more. As always, hope these snippets helped! 

 

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Gift Guide: 13 Functional & Thoughtful Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

I know stocking stuffers may not be a thing in the Philippines, but it should be! And I know I have many readers that aren’t from Manila too (or you’re probably Filipino too from other countries! Hit me up on instagram!) so I’m sharing my ideas! It’s so easy to go the stocking stuffer route especially when you’re married – or is it just me/us? We’ve been together for quite a while even before we got married and we have probably gifted everything under the sun to each other (ofcourse nothing too fancy like cars or anything) so sometimes it’s just the little things we want and need that we ask for during the holidays. But also for other family members when you’ve run out of ideas, the little things can turn into one ‘big’ gift if in a festive Christmas stocking.

I’m giving my husband some shampoo, conditioner bars and soap as well. I slipped in a Detoxifying shampoo bar in peppermint and lavender which smells super relaxing and a conditioner bar from The Little Green Home.

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A bar of Shea Butter soap from < Less for gentle cleaning for my very picky husband!

I’m also giving him Freshies toothpaste/mouthwash tablets – it’s a super cute sustainable product. It’s also a way to ease him into the idea of lessening our carbon footprint as a family. I don’t know if it’s just my husband but I’ve heard other wives like me with the same struggle. Men can really get comfortable with the same old brands they trust – I, on the other hand, love to experiment and try new things. It’s just a little sneaky way to have him give it a shot!

Another nice gift to give this Alman’s All Natural Leather Balm for their special occasion shoes. Since they’re not usually worn or even worn on the daily for work – both need this life saver! It shines and keeps your leather goods well-conditioned especially in our tropical heat. You can even use this for other SLG’s (small leather goods) like card holders or wallets and bags!

For the moms or any woman for that matter – the sugar scrub from The Little Green Home that smells like such a sweet treat! Especially for self-pampering after a run-down day. Moms deserve it!

Another one for women, especially if your mom is anything like mine – reusable facial pads! For the women with elaborate skin care routines day and night! These reusable pads from < Less are a dream to use on the face and are sturdy to endure the endless washing!

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I’ve been obsessed with researching about sustainability and I’m trying to build on my foundation and a great stocking stuffer for kids are probably these (re)zip reusable ziplocks – even if they don’t understand the concept of it yet. I’m pretty sure it will come in handy so many times especially for snacks. It’s the safest for kids since it’s food-safe and BPA free, it’s even freezer safe! I even love 20191219_1542083448979669263194209.jpgthat it stands on its own and is so versatile. It can also save you money not only from buying ziplocks (which I think is expensive here in Manila), but you can also buy snacks in bulk and just fill in this bag for each time you need snacks on the go which is always.

You could also throw in a baby spoon for the little one from Li’l Twinkies. It has an ultra soft and flexible tip, also ofcourse BPA free and sterilizer-friendly. It’s a perfect (and useful) little stocking stuffer!

For tiny little babes, a great idea is the Lulu Baby teether rings made from silicone and wood and their bibdanas. Especially if it’s their first Christmas, we all want to make it extra special, this is super aesthetic for photo ops! The bibdanas are great to go along with outfits when going out and you’ll never lose your teether or have to rummage through your purse for one (especially in those tantrum moments when out)! Useful as well and you know it can last them for months or a few years need be because of the sturdy materials!

The Li’l Twinkies bottle could also be an incredible stocking stuffer. It’s an unbelievable bottle! It’s not only great for toddlers trying to be more independent, it’s also very convenient for parents because of its all-angle feature. It comes with its own cleaner that totally satisfies my OCD tendencies when cleaning bottles (the brush gets into all the nooks and crannies)!

And even if it’s not exactly a stocking stuffer, you can put these alongside each one’s stocking or put them on the Christmas tree: these super cute personalized Christmas ornaments! You can have them personalized at I.Name! It’s a very thoughtful and personalized feel to your Christmas tree that can be used for years to come. It’s made from super sturdy gold acrylic!

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And when giving away your gifts or when attending all our endless Christmas parties this month, I really wanna get into the vibe with this super cute personalized crocheted santa hat especially made by Hooks n’ Yarns! This was inspired by one of my favorites series: The Big Bang theory. I saw Penny wearing a hat like this in one of their Christmas episodes and I knew I just had to have this made! You can have ‘most everything under the sun personalized at Hooks n’ Yarns; I love their crocheted stuffed toys and baby things they’re too cute for my life! She makes really sturdy and good quality products and I know it will last in my washer!

These ideas are also good for gift baskets which is more common in our culture but that Christmas stocking gives a little bit more of a Fa la la and festive vibe. And a personalized stocking is already one of the cutest gifts you can give. It makes me more excited to give on Christmas! Happy holidays, everyone!

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How My Breast Pump Saved My Life 

Breastfeeding (exclusively) and pumping saved my sanity. I really believe this helped me prevent or get through postpartum depression. Being a stay at home mom and going through all these changes (especially in my situation) can very lonely. Being at home all day when everyone else has somehow “gotten over” the baby fever and I’m left alone with him. But all this fulfillment I had was through ofcourse caring for him and being able to feed him completely. Motherhood and breastfeeding had given me purpose like nothing ever had.

It helped me chill on the expenses. As a stay at home mom and being out of work and income for a while now and giving birth and having my baby, it can be quite stressful to think of providing. When I gave birth my husband was also out of work and diapers can be quite expensive so we just felt so blessed that we didn’t have to buy formula. It eased my mind that I am doing my part and being able to provide in that way.

It’s a cure for anxiety: they say releasing breastmilk releases endorphins. Benefits of endorphins is boosting positive feelings and self-esteem which is ofcourse important at this stage. It’s also been found to help you lose weight because it regulates your appetite and lessens your eagerness to stuff your face by alleviating depression. 

Relaxation and less stress. Whenever I breastfed my son I thought it forced me to be in one place seated for hours on end. But when I changed my mindset – it made me be in the moment in this fast paced world. I watch my son feed, I love him and enjoy him – I could rest and just be.

Then I could also be a total couch potato and catch up on Netflix and be on my phone and relax. Our babies are connected to us and I do believe that they stay attached to us to keep us calm and find rest with them. And with that I learned the balance.

My first breastpump was a gift to me and it was very affordable too. It was the best breastpump for that time in my life when I was just trying out pumping first and see how I like it. But well after that phase, I tried investing on my Spectra S1 which is one of the most famous and highly recommended hospital grade breastpumps. It was quite pricey but it is definitely worth the investment because of how efficient it is, it saves me so much time and pumps out in about half the time I used to pump before so I get more time to do other things. It’s also rechargeable and portable so it didn’t have me stuck on a wall plug!

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This thing also took out all my clogged ducts and saved me from fever and chills! It also helped me to save a ton of milk since it draws out milk so well!

Building up my milk stash also gave me time away for date nights, rest, and it bought me time to heal when I got a bleb!

Time management and discipline. It helped me become more organized. Before being a mom or a breastfeeding mom at that, I used to get things done here and there at my own pace and in my own time. But now, each time I set my baby down for a nap or for bedtime I knew my clock was ticking so I literally had to schedule each chore and anything I wanted to get done. At first I thought I was paralyzed and that I would never get to a place where I can balance it all but I got used to it and I got better at managing my time. Now, I get to take care of the ones I love and do what I love both at the same time.

Responsibility. Aside from being a mom, you also need to provide and make milk (this takes a lot of energy too, believe me), also prepare and secure it (pumping, ‘making’ a whole bottle, and making sure it’s stored safely and correctly).

Faith and Spirituality: it strengthened my faith and dependence on God in his miracles and provision everyday- you never know when you might dry up and everyday is a blessing- its beautiful and refreshing. It was so beautiful to see how God made a woman with purpose and how I felt that this is what I am made to do. I can nurture and nourish my child because of my body and his blessing.

Along with that it helped me appreciate the female body. I used to think women are weak and its just biologically how we were created. But it was just realization upon realization on how much women can endure. We cannot deny the strength of a man but its just that women’s strength is of a different kind. It may not be as strong, but it endures, it perseveres. It helped me pride in myself on what my body can handle, how it restores and replenishes.

It brought out the researcher in me. it made me a herbal hippie freak who just rubs breastmilk on everything. I also read so much about its uses and its miracles in every drop.

It made me think healthier, take care of myself along with the baby because I knew what I ate and my whole well-being also affects my breastmilk production. This is is such a great benefit to me since it keeps me strong enough to endure the sleepless nights and also possibly lose the baby weight or even more.

It made me be one with community: with other moms, stay at home moms and pumping moms, etc. And mind you, that is so not me. But it made me really believe on that quote that no man is an island and mothers bear lots of responsibilities and honestly I would not have made it on my own without other moms on social media who are so nice! They honestly respond to comments on Instagram, Youtuber moms. There is this mom world and community that is so loving and accepting.

It made me want to mother every other child out there. I felt that there was so much love to give. I read about this journey of women in tribes who breastfeed each other’s babies as if they were their own hence the quote “It takes a village”. I felt that I was so blessed everyday and I wanted to share that with other people so I joined a Facebook group with moms with premature babies asking for some breastmilk donations. I just think that being able to exclusively breastfeed my son and pump on top of that is already astounding and its a blessing meant to be shared.

It revealed my commitment, dedication, love and passion that I never knew existed in me. I have never had such a strong belief and principle in something such as promoting breastfeeding, normalizing it, and spreading education about it which I continually do to this day after 18 months of breastfeeding. I post, blog and answer anyone’s questions about breastfeeding and anything I can do to help to spread knowledge to everyone. It needs to be everyone to normalize it and knowledge so they would understand why.

Girls, women, mothers and future mothers need the education that I never had before having my son. Men need to know in order to not take it maliciously and thus, normalize it. This is not to accept ‘nudity’ but accept it as a natural thing simply because it is. Boys, men and future fathers should also be educated so they would support their wives in their breastfeeding journey because it really is hard.

And for the public, for elders, people who choose not to have children and the like; even if it doesn’t affect your personal life, it’s still important to know about it so you would be more open to see it in public places. For elder men or women who never breastfed or maybe you are just more conservative – yes, I get that. But in my experience my son hated a breastfeeding cover and it was never my choice but my son’s. It’s also very hard to breastfeed in public while handling a child and maybe I can never actually truly explain that, but all I ask is empathy for mothers like me and know that its honestly never the intention to offend you or ‘flash‘ you. And besides, why would we?

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