Being a new mom can be quite the balancing act given the different facets of your life that need to adjust alongside it. Mommy Dindin, a surgeon from the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and mother to a 4 month old baby, describes how she times her initial operations at the emergency room with the usual feeding times of her baby, just so she can breastfeed. “My bunso is now 4 months old, and as early as the second week postpartum, I was already back to work fulltime. I made sure that I breastfed and kept breastfeeding her.” Mommy Dindin expresses how her support system plays a significant role in allowing her to breastfeed. Her husband and her parents are supportive of her choice to breastfeed her baby despite the challenging logistics of bringing her baby to work. She commits herself to breastfeeding her child knowing that breastfeeding is the best way forward for her. “Direct latch pa rin for me, for my lifestyle, is best…my husband is very supportive of that choice of mine to bring my daughter (to work).” Mommy Dindin explains that she goes to these lengths of bringing her baby to work given that breastfeeding, among other benefits, has an overall positive impact on her connection with her baby. Breastfeeding strengthens her relationship with her child, offers more opportunities for connection, and makes the bond between them more meaningful. “She’s like my twin – she’s with me everywhere I go. As a mother mas gusto ko rin ‘yun kasi mas nakikita ko yung child ko.” In a similar manner, Mommy Dindin attests to the overall positive impact that breastfeeding has on her mental health. She affirms that she has always been an avid believer in breastfeeding, especially with the numerous health benefits it can have for the child. Being able to provide the best possible care that her child needs is a feeling she describes as “a pat on the back”, almost like a badge she can wear with pride. “Knowing that I’m giving the best for her, (and) that I’m able to give her the best nutrition…sabi ng friend ko…‘Look at her! She’s very big, and that’s all you.’” Mommy Dindin explores how a committed mindset can be essential given the initial difficulties that one may experience with the process. She recounts that during her first time breastfeeding, she experienced cracked nipples and pain. However, after the first month of breastfeeding, the pain eventually dissipated once she had adequately adjusted. From this experience, she realized that breastfeeding does require getting into the rhythm of the routine. “You have to put in the effort initially, but when you already get the hang of it, you got the rhythm…everything will follow.” To end, Mommy Dindin shares her insightful message to mothers who may be struggling to find the motivation to breastfeed. She advises that breastfeeding is a mindset that you commit yourself to early on, even before giving birth. For Mommy Dindin, having this mindset strengthens her resolve, and it reminds her consistently of how breastfeeding will benefit her child. “For other moms who are struggling, it does get better…the benefits that your baby will get from it are all worth the effort.” Looking at Mommy Dindin’s story, we see how her motivation and mindset to breastfeed are crucial first steps toward providing her baby with the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding. Though not all mothers will share similar experiences, it is imperative that we continue to explore ways that eliminate barriers and enable mothers to better breastfeed their children. Establishing strong support systems and providing reassurance to mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding can serve as the foundation towards ensuring a healthier future for all mothers and their children everywhere.
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Express YourselfIn line with our objective to empower Filipino mothers to breastfeed, Milk Matters presents Express Yourself, an online movement that sheds light on the breastfeeding experiences of Filipino mothers, families, doctors, nurses, and other members of society. Our vision is to inspire other mothers to continue breastfeeding through these stories. Archives
November 2023
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