Breastfeeding Mama in Germany

You've probably heard about the breastfeeding week. Reading Lorna's blog about her breastfeeding journey inspired me to share my own.

Breastfeeding is natural so I reckon it must be uncomplicated, but heck was I wrong. Before we became pregnant, husband and I decided we will feed our baby from my breast as it is proven the best baby food, exclusive breastfeeding even.

On the 2nd of March 2014, our most awaited baby girl came via CS after 14 hours of labor (doctors and hebame/midwife and I tried to have normal but she was too comfortable to come out and so at the end it was decided to bring her to the world via Ceasarian). That being said, milk supply takes longer to be produced than normal.

Being a 26-year-old-first-time mum, I had no doubt I am capable to breastfeed my child, not until I started to try to breastfeed her. She did not appear thrilled with my breast and my nipple hurt like never before every time she latches, and very little milk comes out. Poor little things she has to work hard sucking mama's breast. I was in pain from the operation and unable to move from the waist down. Could not take pain relievers because of my allergic reaction against them. First day after the operation, I was just in bed with catheter. The nurse brings the baby to the room for feedings and those were frustrating moments. My left breast had inverted nipple so I was given a 'brusthütchen' (breastshield). It works like magic.

After two days we found that Emma lost 500 grams (which is normal but lost weight needs to be regained) and not feeding enough so in the hospital I was provided this electronic breast pump. They work great except that they make you feel like you are a cow and I experienced overlactation which resulted to sore and extra extra big BIG breast. I pumped milk and stored it in the fridge afterwards. When Emma was hungry, we then bottle fee her. That was an amazing solution, we decided to stick to it until we come back home. We rented the machine from a pharmacy and everything is paid by the health insurance. That's how Germany promotes breastfeeding. Super. The only thing I did not know with this machine was, it can cause excessive lactation. So be careful not to over pump.

I do pumping then storing, then the little Emma is hungry... I go warming and feeding with bottle... then repeat. I found the cycle rather tiring. And oh, I had to wash and sterilize the bottles. I tried to feed her directly from my breast which created confusion for her. She apparently got used to the rubber nipple. It took two weeks of never ending trying. There were days that I cried with her. My breasts were very painful, sore and just.... painful. I get a scary feeling everytime she cries out of hunger. I was NOT looking forward to feeding her, it was so different from what I expected it to be, so different from other moms I know who breastfed their children.

There was a time that I could not take it anymore and so I called my mother who is on the other side of the world. It was 4 am in Manila. I just cried and cried and said I don't want to breastfeed anymore. And you know what she said? 'Kung 'di talaga kaya, edi hinto mo.' If it's not really working, then stop breastfeeding. Hmm very encouraging, no? LOL

A lot happened (including post partum syndrome) we sought help from the hebame and frauenarzt and I did not give up breastfeeding. On the third week, Emma and I started to do better and my breast felt more and more comfortable with the sucking motion. I guest the nipple builts its own protection and grew used to the sucking and it is not so fragile anymore. I now breastfeed without the brusthütchen and no longer need an electric pump. The Avent hand pump is very useful though, when I need to pump excess milk or for a babysitter to feed her.

To this day, we still have the formula milk unopened carton, he bought it just in case I decide to stop breastfeeding. Our little Emma is now five months and I plan to exclusively breastfeed her for one year or for as long as I can.
 
Best advice I got, never give up on difficult days. 

I wish all the best for all aspiring breastfeeding moms out there!