The Udder Mom…
Never did I think I’d be OBSESSED with breastfeeding.
With my first two kids, I was blissfully ignorant about my supply of milk. With No.3, for some reason, I’m completely obsessed. I never pumped or gave top ups for my first two kids. While I bought an electric pump when I had No.2, but it was purely for kiasu reasons..nothing else.
Thankfully, I still kept the pump, and didn’t sell it off. I now am pumping big time, with my electric on one udder, and a manual on the other udder.
Yes..I no longer have breasts. I have udders. It’s mission moo, I tell ya.
How’s the supply you might be wondering…? Honestly, I don’t know how you pumpin’ moms do it. I pump like crazy after feeds, and I don’t get as much as 5oz or 8oz!!! I drink all the green papaya, red papaya soups and eat all the oats, fenugreek there is in the world…but yet, the supply seems to be the same.
I then am quite obssesed with his weight. The ol’ wet n soiled diaper thing doesn’t give me any consolation anymore..it’s the weight.
I think it’s becoz the midwives got all paranoid when he started losing weight in the first week. In fact, in the 2nd week, he lost even more! So…I guess, they were right in worrying about my supply. They made me top up with formula. To be real honest, I was kinda relieved that there was this "formula" around. Never did it cross my mind to take offense at my low supply. I was quite offended when a nurse said I didn’t have enough milk (while bfeeding No.2).
So, I may be a cow (chinese zodiac), but me thinks the ol body is getting old… and doesn’t want to work as hard in producing milk anymore! Sigh….
wow you’re really something. I never get past 4mths each of breastfeeding. i use a manual avent but it is so damn tiring and when stressed out, can’t even make past 120mls. Most ever was 5oz maybe but rare. if i had extra, i’d have stored them in the freezer and they could have continued with longer term of good ‘ol mum’s milk. But, not a drop more after 4mths. Had to supplement with formula and lucky they were fine with it. Continue if u can, i heard they do wonders to the immunity system! Cheers, have a good weekend!
Comment by constance — March 29, 2008 @ 5:21 am
I swear these ang moh nurses.. they drive us nuts. When i had chloe.. the same thing happened..!!! very the frustrating..!! until i gave up..!! and then hor.. my MIL said.. maybe.. it is the things i eat.. hor. .make my milk.. different taste.. so baby donch want my milk wor…!!! can die or not..??
Comment by Mama BoK — March 29, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
If it makes u feel any better, i get a miserable 1.5Oz when i pumped after feeding. And i ate all the things u mentioned too. But i have not been pumping diligently. Just direct bf. I guess my supply is just ngam-ngam enuf for Dylan.
Now have to start pumping to store cause need to go back to work soon. Stressnya…
The one thing that worked for me last time is DURIANS!!! Hope you are not a durian lover but durian season is back soon!!!!
Comment by Shooi — March 29, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
Eh, don’t kwa jeong with my 5oz la..5oz is only when Cassie miss a feeding. I ain’t no moo either. Don’t get to stress out with your supply. Supply will meet demand soon. As long as JH’s weight is gaining steadily, you’re on target.
Comment by Vien — March 30, 2008 @ 7:17 am
Moooooo! I really felt like a cow when I was breastfeeding. Glad it is all over now for me!! I think the pressure to breast feed could be because of where you are now!! LOL Happy milking.
Comment by SAHM — March 30, 2008 @ 7:22 am
haha… I was too super obsessed with my milk supply. Some how my milk supply was on the low side too. Trying to drink beer, my sil swore by words it works. But it didnt work on me. Just do your best.
Comment by Malaika's mummy — March 30, 2008 @ 9:33 am
moooooo… heheh. dont worry la, i also bf for a while only la. in fact i only bf for the 1st month then formula all the way…. dont be too stressed out okie… take care. *hugs to all the boys*
Comment by Oscar's Mommy — March 31, 2008 @ 12:36 am
hey try not to worry too much as stress will affect your milk supply. i know it’s easier said than done, but don’t let it get to you. keep positive thoughts and relax when you pump, you will see the supply steadily increasing.
Comment by domesticgoddess — March 31, 2008 @ 1:13 am
hey mott, leave all your bf stress aside, ya. life is about living. your love for your babies are all they need.
btw, i have a simple tag for you. take your time. hope your weekend was great! muaks!
Comment by constance — March 31, 2008 @ 2:46 am
Tell that nurse to get lost lah. I just hate it when they give uncalled for and unnecessary remarks like that. Last time, I remembered the nurses made all sorts of negative remarks when they couldn’t get baby to latch on for milk but afterwards in their report (I peeked), all wrote “breastfeeding well”. Apalah! Baby didn’t even latch on and they dare to write breastfeeding well.
Comment by mumsgather — March 31, 2008 @ 3:50 am
eh my friend call me a PIG..maybe that’s why la.. Maybe pIg got more milk than cow? hahaha dun worry la.. dun be so stressed. The weight, height all no issue. Janji he is HEALTHY@!
Comment by sasha — March 31, 2008 @ 4:57 am
you too funny. i pump but not for my son but for my 18 months old daughter, sian lah only get a lot in the morning but my son is a “little buddha’ so not too worried lah, there MUST be something he is taking from the boob since at 2.5 months, he already 6.3kg.
Comment by aida — March 31, 2008 @ 6:38 am
Hey…I am extremely late to congratulate the arrival of your no. 3. Same here for me la…I am feeling my body so old now…I am so afraid once I stop breastfeeding, my breast will sag. My breast has worked so hard. I am keeping the flow of milk by drinking milkmaid tea. I think it helps a bit. When I am short of supply (4oz) each pump. I will quickly drink the tea and the next day or two the milk will increase to 5oz each pump.
Comment by Allyfeel — April 1, 2008 @ 4:36 am
I wasn’t able to get 5oz and 1 pump for the first few weeks… but after 2 months, gosh, i was over suply until I have to throw some of my milk as my frozen milk is over stocked and my girl was refusing bottle and frozen milk. A bit “Sai Meng” lar… but you will get more milk soon.
Comment by VivianZ — April 12, 2008 @ 4:34 pm