Mommy Anita

​Recalling the beginning of her breastfeeding journey, Mommy Anita is quick to bring up one of her first challenges - getting her baby to latch properly. She comically tells us that it was because she had flat nipples, and never expected nipple size nor shape to ever affect latching. There was a lot of crying on her baby’s end, and just as much stress on hers. Her baby was losing weight and so had to make the decision to momentarily cup feed and bottle feed him with her milk.

“It was very frustrating because I always thought I'd be able to breastfeed directly”, she said. Mommy Anita reminds us once again that breastfeeding does not come without unforeseen obstacles, especially for first time mothers. However she does tell us that overcoming these is possible with a good support system. Together with her loved ones and fellow mothers, Mommy Anita was able to get Mav to latch directly on his second month. Despite the many times she felt like giving up, she says that the bond she felt whenever Mav would latch was strong enough for her to be persistent and patient. This led her to fully realizing how big a responsibility it was to be a mother. In her words, to be one’s source of survival and food, but also comfort and security.

“I realized that breastfeeding is hard! It's painful, it’s messy, it's the most important thing your baby needs and it's a lot of pressure. But it's the labor of love, and it's rewards are beautiful.”

​Mommy Anita says this fondly thinking of how nice it is to see Mav 'milk drunk' and fast asleep after a good feed.

Her journey as a first time mother simultaneously took place with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, Mommy Anita came down with a fever. Despite this, her doctor advised her to continue breastfeeding with taking proper precautions, such as wearing a mask. 

“I want society to know that breastfeeding is so essential, especially now that there is a pandemic, our babies need the antibodies found in breastmilk to strengthen their immunity. And it doesn't cost a thing!”

​Mommy Anita expresses this while advising new moms who are considering breastfeeding to stay healthy, don’t give up and enjoy it because it doesn’t last forever. And lastly, she encourages new moms to donate their extra milk to help fellow mothers and babies in need.