Mommy Belle

For mommy Belle, breastfeeding is a unique bonding experience between her and baby Revan. She says that in addition to providing her baby with vital nutrition, it also offers invaluable moments of skin-to-skin contact, which has consistently soothed baby Revan. Skin-to-skin contact can be good as well for mommies, making it a great bonding strategy that benefits both baby and mommy. Breastfeeding enhanced her ability to recognize baby Revan’s signals, thereby allowing her to better comprehend and cater to his needs, strengthening their bond.

Mommy Belle’s breastfeeding journey was not all rainbows and butterflies. There were challenges that pushed them both physically and emotionally. One challenge is that Mommy Belle would experience sore nipples that made it difficult to breastfeed. However tips and tricks from fellow moms and the internet helped her overcome this. Busy with working as a doctor and training to be an Infectious Disease Specialist, mommy Belle struggled with maintaining an adequate supply of milk when she first returned to work. This proved to be emotionally draining for mommy Belle, as she worries about whether baby Revan is getting enough nourishment. To help with this, she tried various techniques to help such as lactation supplements, increasing her hydration, and adopting a healthier diet. The unending support from her husband, pediatrician, family and close friends played a crucial role in helping her through these challenging times.

---

​Mothers should have the freedom to breastfeed anytime and anywhere.

​If given the opportunity to do things over again, some things mommy Belle would have done differently include: (1) freeing [herself] from societal pressures and the fear of being stigmatized as a “bad mother” if [she does not] succeed in breastfeeding, (2) avoiding feelings of guilt, confusion and self-doubt when the expectations of others don't align with [her] capabilities, and (3) adopting a carefree mindset - mothers should have the freedom to breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mommy Belle used to be particular about going to designated breastfeeding places when outside, but she has become more comfortable and less concerned with this, and has started nursing baby Revan whenever he needs it.

​Throughout her journey, mommy Belle has indeed discovered that breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning. Mommy Belle says despite her background as a doctor and her effort to educate herself by reading books and articles on breastfeeding, she realized that the actual experience was quite different from what she had expected. Mommy Belle realized that successful breastfeeding comes from empowering oneself, which stemmed from having confidence in the process, trusting one's capacity to breastfeed, and staying committed to making breastfeeding work despite the obstacles. There is strength in numbers–successful breastfeeding is not solely up to the mother, husbands can also contribute to this. Mommy Belle emphasizes that active participation of the husband can be immensely beneficial, through simple acts of helping care for the baby or even taking on little tasks like diaper changes to ensure the mother gets adequate rest.

Successful breastfeeding comes from empowering oneself, which stemmed from having confidence in the process, trusting one's capacity to breastfeed, and staying committed to making breastfeeding work.

​As a working mother, balancing breastfeeding and her career can be challenging. It takes immense effort and commitment to be present for both. “I had to set aside specific times either for pumping breast milk at the workplace or taking breaks to go home and breastfeed my baby”, mommy Belle recounts. Having a supportive workplace can help significantly, especially if they can provide facilities that mothers can express and store breastmilk in.

With all her experience as a new mom and as a doctor, Mommy Belle advises that
“Patience truly is a virtue in this process. It is essential to exercise patience not only with yourself but also with your baby, as breastfeeding is a learning experience for the both of you. The key lies in ensuring proper baby positioning, achieving a correct latch, and creating a comfortable environment during breastfeeding. It is also important to nurse on demand and regularly express breast milk either by hand or with a pump to prevent issues like breast engorgement and mastitis. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining a consistent milk supply. Do not hesitate to seek support and guidance. You can reach out to your fellow moms for advice or even consider consulting a lactation specialist if you encounter challenges with breastfeeding. Lastly, always keep in mind that you are not alone, you are more than capable, and you possess an inner strength to become the best mother you can be for your little one.“