Breastfeeding Tips:

• Try to place baby at the breast as soon as possible after birth. Ideally, this will happen right in the delivery room. Ensure that your practitioner will allow you to nurse in the birthing or delivery room if all goes normal.
• Babies only minutes old will often crawl up to the breast from the mother’s abdomen, and start breastfeeding all by themselves. This process may take up to an hour or longer, but the mother and baby should be given this time together to start learning about each other. Babies who “self-attach” run into far fewer breastfeeding problems. This skin-to-skin contact will also help keep the child warm.
• Try to get some professional help, such as a lactation specialist. In the hospital, you can ask if a lactation consultant or a nurse who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding can observe your technique. If you leave the hospital before receiving any guidance, make sure that someone with breastfeeding expertise evaluates your technique.
• If possible, try to stay in the same room with your baby.
• Limit visitors to allow more nursing opportunities. This may mean limiting visiting privileges at first to just your spouse. This is probably better anyway, since it allows the three of you to bond right away.
• Mothers and babies learn how to sleep in the same rhythm. Thus, when the baby starts waking for a feed, the mother will also start to wake up naturally. The baby shows long before he starts crying that he is ready to feed. His breathing may change, for example. Or he may start to stretch. The mother, being in light sleep, will awaken, her milk will start to flow and the calm baby will be content to nurse.
• A baby who has been crying for some time before being tried on the breast may refuse to take the breast even if he is ravenous. Mothers and babies should be encouraged to sleep side by side in hospital. This is a great way for mothers to rest while the baby nurses. Breastfeeding can be relaxing, not tiring.
• If possible, try not to use artificial nipples.
• Babies will take whatever method gives them a rapid flow of fluid and may refuse others that do not. Thus, in the first few days, when the mother is producing only a little milk and the baby gets a bottle from which he gets rapid flow, he will tend to prefer the rapid flow method. Just because a baby will “take both” does not mean that the natural method is not more beneficial.
• Nurse on demand, up to twelve feedings a day. This will keep your baby happy and will increase your milk supply to meet the demand as it grows. Also, don’t let your baby sleep through a feeding. If it’s been three hours since your newborn last fed, then it’s time to wake him or her up.
• Nurse for as long as the baby wants. Most newborns require ten to forty-five minutes to complete a feeding.
• Try not to impose too many restrictions on the length or frequency of breastfeeding.
• A baby who drinks well will not be on the breast for hours at a time. Thus, if he is, it is usually because he is not latching on well and not getting the milk that is available. Get help to fix the baby’s latch, and use compression to get the baby more milk.
• Don’t try and feed your baby if she is screaming. If crying has begun, do some rocking and soothing before you start nursing. You can also try offering your finger to suck on until the baby calms down.
• The key to successful breastfeeding is a proper latch. Before you leave the hospital you should be shown how to get your baby latched on properly. You should also know that he is actually getting milk from the breast.
• Position yourself comfortably with back support, pillows supporting your arms and in your lap, and your feet supported by a footrest or a telephone book.
• Position baby close to you, with his hips flexed, so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. His mouth and nose should be facing your nipple. If possible, ask your helper to hand you the baby once you are comfortable.
• Support your breast so it is not pressing on your baby’s chin. Your baby’s chin should drive into your breast.
• Attach or latch baby onto your breast. Encourage him to open his mouth wide and pull him close by supporting his back (rather than the back of his head) so that his chin drives into your breast. His nose will be touching your breast. Your hand forms a “second neck” for your baby.
• If you are feeling pain, detach baby gently and try again.
• As long as you are comfortable and baby is nursing successfully, use whatever works for you. There are a variety of breastfeeding position to try.
• It is very important to bring the baby to your nipple height. Leaning over your baby can cause backaches, neck and shoulder strain, or sore nipples.

How could all that bonding time during breastfeeds over the first four to six months not have any effect? It would be odd indeed if all those golden moments between mother ­and baby were for nothing.

In case you needed proof of the social and behavioural benefits of breastfeeding, a large research project carried out at the universities of Oxford, Essex, York and UCL (University College London) has clarified its long-term impact on ­a child’s behaviour.

The reason why we must take notice of this study is that it’s from the excellent, ongoing Millennium Cohort Study, which is a survey of babies born in the UK during a 12-month period between 2000 and 2001.

The researchers interviewed more than 10,000 mother and baby pairs from the time the baby was nine months old and at two yearly intervals after that.

Mums participating were asked to comment on emotional signs such as clinginess, hyperactivity, anxiety, restlessness and lying.

Researchers were quick to point out that ­all children misbehave and can be aggressive on the odd occasion. What they were concerned ­about was this kind of behaviour occurring repeatedly over time.

This is because it can have an unfortunate impact on a child’s development and interfere with the daily lives of the child and family.

So yes, this is yet another reason to breastfeed your baby.

Researchers also suggested possible reasons ­for the better behaviour ­of ­breastfed children.

The first is that breast milk contains lots of omega-3 essential fats, which are known to have an important role in the development and function of the brain, so much ­so that formula manufacturers have supplemented their products with essential fatty acids.

But the probable answer is that breastfeeding leads to more interaction with a mother and child.

As a result the infant is better at learning acceptable behaviour, which can result in fewer behavioural problems in the long run.

Of course, we ought to bear in mind also that some mums aren’t able to breastfeed for medical reasons.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t bond at all. Latest statistics have revealed that nearly four out of ten parents manage fewer than seven hours interaction a week, which is the equivalent to just fifteen days a year.

This would result in the children in 40% of families having far too little parental time and parental bonding.

In this respect, breastfeeding is a good way of giving your baby a flying start.

(Source: Mirror, June 7th, 2011)

Babies are cute and often playful. Biting, though, is not cute if you’re on the receiving end. How can you teach your baby or toddler not to use his or her teeth that way?

Why do babies and toddlers bite?

Starting in infancy, babies use their mouths to explore the world around them. They will suck, taste, and chew anything they can get their mouths on. As the first teeth come in, many babies enjoy gnawing on objects or special toys to help with the pain of teething. Breast-fed babies may start to bite down while they nurse, which can be very painful for mom.

Parents, siblings, and children at daycare may also get bitten when a baby wants to get their attention. No spot is safe – those razor-sharp teeth may leave tiny bruises on someone else’s knees, hands, shoulders, or face.

Older babies and toddlers may bite to get attention, too. Sometimes they’re just testing out cause and effect: “What will happen if I bite daddy?” Or they may use their teeth because they feel frustrated, angry, or threatened. This behavior is common in children, most of whom outgrow it by the time they turn 3.

What’s the best way to react?

For infants: Some parent’s find that their babies respond to natural reactions, such as a loud “ouch!” or the crying of a sibling. Otherwise, a calm but firm “no” will do, even if baby is too young to really understand what it means. Then you can offer the baby a safe teething toy instead.

If you’re nursing: Don’t pull back because that can cause sore nipples. Instead, carefully break the latch with your finger. A biting baby may be distracted or simply not hungry. Move to a quiet, darkened room, if possible. If that doesn’t help, end the feeding and try again later.

For toddlers: Bring the child to a quiet spot and sit him or her down. Your toddler may feel sad and confused, so be comforting but firm. Explain that biting hurts people, so you don’t bite. If the child is old enough, talk in simple terms about what led to the biting. Was it to get your attention? Did another child take a toy? Was he or she tired of waiting for someone? Did something frighten your child? Never hit a child or bite the child back to show what it feels like. This will just teach your child aggressive behavior.

How can you prevent biting in the first place?

For infants, make sure they have plenty of teething toys. Older babies may enjoy gnawing on a wet washcloth that has been in the freezer for about a half hour. If you see your baby lunging with an open mouth toward a part of your body, hold your baby away from you instead of letting him or her make contact.

Toddlers may show signs of frustration or anger just before they bite. Watching them carefully during playtime, especially if they’re around other children, should offer clues. If you see conflicts between kids starting to escalate, stepping in can help thwart a bite. Tell the frustrated child that you know how he or she is feeling and be gentle. Then suggest that he or she play with another toy and redirect him or her away from the situation.

Most babies and toddlers will bite their parents or peers at some point. But a little patience can go a long way toward stopping this negative behaviour.

(Source: MyOptumHealth, June 2011)

I just like to share here my little tips on Ramadhan & breastfeeding. But I bet a lot of muslim momies out there has been reading a lots of same kind of tips or other kind of tips that may works for you… Basically same with other mommies, dates is a must for me, breaking fast and ‘sahur’ time. Before I’m a mommy, I think 1-2 pieces dates was good enough (plus I’m not very fond of dates), little that I know you actually have to consume at least 5-7 dates, be it breaking fast and ‘sahur’. And I found through forums, the nicest way to consume them, by blending few dates with fresh milk. But I have limit time to blend…hehe.. so what I did, with little time especially during ‘sahur’ (??). I eat kurma and drink milk at the same time. Seriously, it’s funny feelings but at least it doesn’t feel or taste too sweet .

Thank God that I’ve been through 10 days Ramadhan with baby Hannah. I got few experience on how do I managed in Ramadhan. Since 2008 been through Ramadhan with 2 pregnancy and 2 breastfeeding moment. Not to say that I made it through without hitch. I’ve been through flatulence when breastfeeding with pregnancy, vomitting due to pregnancy, there was a moment I can’t even drive home… or was too weak to pump on the evening of Ramadhan. All in all it becomes my utmost precious experiences.

I just like to share here my little tips on Ramadhan & breastfeeding. But I bet a lot of muslim momies out there has been reading a lots of same kind of tips or other kind of tips that may works for you… Basically same with other mommies, dates is a must for me, breaking fast and ‘sahur’ time. Before I’m a mommy, I think 1-2 pieces dates was good enough (plus I’m not very fond of dates), little that I know you actually have to consume at least 5-7 dates, be it breaking fast and ‘sahur’. And I found through forums, the nicest way to consume them, by blending few dates with fresh milk. But I have limit time to blend…hehe..

so what I did, with little time especially during ‘sahur’ (??). I eat kurma and drink milk at the same time. Seriously, it’s funny feelings but at least it doesn’t feel or taste too sweet .

RICE is a must for me during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Ramadhan. And my husband knows this, so he is the one who’s going to prepare them before ‘sahur’ (as I was stuck breastfeeding baby, in bed). This helps a lot. If you are not the type who eats heavily during ‘sahur’, please try little by little. Who know you need to go through Ramadhan & breastfeeding ‘again’ in the future. And water is a must. Preggie moms especially, if it’s hard to consume plain water, consume juice or anything tasteful but you must drink…from breaking fast up until you meet ‘sahur’ again. Have a drink by your bedside and consume whenever you feels like it. Other than that, i change my pumping schedule. Basically I pump 4 times per day, during Ramadhan it will still be 4 times. If non-Ramadhan months, I will start pumping after early morning, during this Ramadhan I pump at 5.20 am after sahur so I can pump and drink at the

same time. I will finish pumping in 15-20 minutes, and continue to pray and basically went to breastfeed back and get a little rest, as I went for work a little late in fasting months. Baby also is less fussy at this moment if they are asleep and usually still sleepy, so somehow it’s easy. The next pumping session is 10 am; the usual 1.30 pm becomes 2.00pm as I will take a nap in the afternoon after Zohor prayer. Ok…sometimes its 2.30pm. or I pump as early as 1pm and take a nap after that. It’s a must for me to take a nap or at least lie down, first. I need to get some rest. 2nd, make me less talkative. And the last session will be at 5pm, or during driving back home. Or if I feel too thirsty, I will shift the pumping session to after berbuka/iftaar and pump either by tandem nursing or by breastfeeding my baby first then pump a little. No matters how much you get, make sure at least try to pump 4 times per day and not less than non-fasting months. Basically fasting months will not effect your milk production, if the demand is still up. If they are affecting you milk production, especially in early days of the fasting-month, do try to make sure you’re not dehydrated.

(by Maisarah Bt Abd Halil)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

I breastfed my eldest son, Samuel since 2002 till he was 2 years old. Since he was a baby till 6 months, he used to be very chubby. The same situation goes to Daniel who was born in 2005. However, as soon as they started solid during the 6^th month, they gradually loose the fat. Their flesh became softer. Initially, I thought it is because my eldest did not take much solid. However, when my 2^nd son had more solid and still not getting chubbier, I questioned on the effectiveness of breastfeeding. Did we, the breastfeeding mother, did not feed our baby well as compared to the formula-fed baby? The comfort we receive was our babies have higher immune system than the formula-fed babies and this comforts us a lot. However, why weren’t they grow as chubbier? Were they drinking less milk or was our milk getting lesser and lesser as the babies grown?

I started searching on the Internet for any reason. Anything that can inform me that my decision to feed both

sons was right. I could not gather any conclusion besides the reason due to the lack of understanding of hind and fore milk. The fore-milk is the amount of milk that comes immediately when a baby sucks. The main purpose of this milk is to quench the baby’s thirst meanwhile the hind-milk that comes later in more creamy and richer calorie plays a role to satisfy a baby’s hunger. [1] The fore-milk is very little of fat as compared to the hind-milk. However, it will take a while for the hind-milk to come. The baby needs to drink longer for the milk content to change.

How this fact does affect my babies’ growth? I was taught by my grandmother that we should often start feeding our baby the breast that we last stop. Example, if previously I fed my son on the left breast, later I should switch side and start from the right breast.  According to this practice, our baby will get more fore-milk and less hind-milk.

Now, I have a 1-year old son, Ezekiel Ling Zhi Zhong, who I am experiment with this theory. Unfortunately, he does not feed long enough on the breast due to the environment distraction. Therefore, I cannot see the result of the experiment. However, when I pump the milk after Ezekiel drinks, the milk would be richer and creamier than previously.

So, for mother who wants their baby to continue chubby, this is what you can do. You can choose to feed your baby on the same breast during the whole day. If your baby wants fast flow milk, switch to the other side of the breast. Alternatively, you can use any breast pump to pump the milk first then feeding your baby on the breast. This will ensure the baby to get most of the hind-milk.

Through my babies are not getting any chubbier than formula-fed babies, I am still very contended to feed my sons simply because the information from the internet has educated me about the 101 reasons[2] of breastfeeding our babies. I simply love it because not only it creates the extra bonding between my sons and me but also they can drink the milk in any position, any time, any location they like.

(by Ling Siew Woei)

[1] Elizabeth Jay, March 3, 2009

[2] Leslie Burby, 1998-2007

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

(by Maylee Gan Suat Lee)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

When I was a first-time mother four years back, I lack of knowledge about many things on baby care and motherhood not to mention about breastfeeding. However, I am blessed of having a team of breastfeeding mommies and allies; Toh, Ning, Elaine and Flo who gave me much support, advice and tips from beginning while I was pregnant till when I delivered. And now I am extending my support and sharing my experience to other moms on breastfeeding though my blog and to people around me.

Both my two kids have been fully on breast milk during their first six months of life. I manage to breastfeed my daughter, KY (picture) till she is one year old.

At the beginning, when I first started my breastfeeding journey; I faced a lot of resistance from the people closest to me. My mom and my mother-in-law who, unfortunately did not have the same mindset that breastfeeding could go beyond the one month confinement period; gave me a lot of pressure to stop breastfeeding.

My mom even to the point obtained the pills which she said can help me to stop the milk supply. I was flabbergasted and rejected. As I was staying with my mother-in-law then, it made things a bit complicated. I had to be strong and confident in my daily effort to answer or listen to her daily objection towards breast milk. All the common myth that breast milk causes jaundice, breastfeeding made baby’s tummy windy, etc….

Not to mention that my own battle with my own tiredness and low supply then made me felt the more helpless and depressed. However, I must say the support from my husband and my friends helped me to pull it through.

When I had my second child, S. (picture left), I am more confident and skillful. However, this time; I faced with another challenge. My son is lactose intolerant. And according to my Pediatrician, breast milk also contained lactase which causes the diaper rash to get worst. I, then, did my research online and ask for help from breastfeeding counselor and lactation consultant. And, I am persistent to find a way to continue my breastfeeding mission. Alas, it was only a temporary condition, and till now I am still breastfeeding my 26 months boy.

I am glad I persevere. Now my hubby and mother-in-law have become breastfeeding advocate of sort, sharing the benefits of breastfeeding to people around them.

And more importantly, breastfeeding allows me to build a special bond with my kids. I strongly encourage all mothers (working and non-working alike) to give the best immunity and best start to your child through breastfeeding. Once decided, don’t be shy; get all the help you need. And especially to working mom, get a good breast pump. It will definitely help to make “milk-pumping” session; a hassle-free and more enjoyable task to do daily.

And lastly, to all new mommies, persevere the first tough two weeks of breastfeeding and you shall be able to enjoy months of sweet bonding memories with your child just like I did and still doing. I am not sure when my boy is ready to be weaned but I am still enjoying this “intimate” moment with him while I can. Time passes quickly, cherish it while we can.  And when the journey ends, we can look back and give ourselves a pat and say, “Well done, you did it” Yey!

(by Molly)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

Ramai juga yang rasa pelik bila saya mengatakan anak saya menyusu badan. Soalan biasa yang saya terima, “macam mana nak kerja kalau menyusu badan?”. Bila saya ceritakan bagaimana, mereka mendengar dengan penuh minat. Tapi ada juga yang masih memberi pelbagai alasan. Terserah kepada pendirian masing-masing untuk menilai. Saya masih lagi dengan pendirian saya, susu ibu adalah yang terbaik!.

Saya sebenarnya mula mengetahui bagaimana cara untuk menyusukan bayi ketika di pejabat lama saya. Bila tiba waktu tengahari, saya kagum melihat ibu-ibu di pejabat saya meluangkan masa untuk mengepam susu. Setiap hari mereka lakukan tanpa jemu. Di situ mula saya tercetus hasrat, jika ditakdirkan saya dikurniakan cahaya mata, saya akan cuba memberi susu ibu kepada anak saya.

Ditakdirkan hasrat saya tu terlaksana, tahun 2009 saya disahkan mengandung. Hampir 5 tahun penantian, barulah saya dikurniakan cahaya mata. Bermula saat saya mengetahui saya mengandung, saya mula membuat penyelidikan sendiri. Pencarian di internet dan pembelian bahan bacaan bagi persediaan menyusu bagi ibu bekerja. Walapun bayi saya masih belum lahir ketika tu, saya dah bersemangat dan berkobar-kobar untuk merasai pengalaman pertama menyusukan anak saya.

Feb 2010, lahirlah permata  hati saya, Zulaikha. Kali pertama menyusukan Zulaikha, saya dibantu oleh staff nurse di hospital tempat saya bersalin. Setitik susu pun tak keluar. Tapi saya tak mengalah. Sebab paling penting, rooming in dengan anak untuk stimulate susu keluar. Saya masih ingat lagi, hampir dua minggu susu saya masih tak keluar walaupun macam-macam cara dah saya lakukan. Berurut, tuam dengan kain panas & mandi air panas, mandi herba. Tapi susu saya tetap tak keluar. Tapi itulah dugaan bagi saya. Kali pertama susu saya menitis keluar, air mata saya pun menitis juga. Gembira sangat kerana selama 2 minggu anak saya terpaksa minum susu formula. Saya masih ingat juga, betapa sakitnya nipple saya bila pam menggunakan pam elektrik, sucking terlalu kuat menyebabkan nipple saya luka. Tapi, saya masih dengan pendirian saya, tetap susu ibu untuk Zulaikha.

Bagi saya, dugaan paling besar adalah, sokongan orang disekeliling. Saya bersyukur kerana ibu saya sendiri sangatmenggalakkan susu ibu. Dialah orang pertama yang menyokong hasrat saya. Begitu juga suami saya. Ada juga org yang rapat dengan saya, memperlekehkan hasrat saya untuk menyusu sepenuhnya dengan susu ibu. Memang betul-betul menguji kesabaran saya. Tapi saya masih dengan pendirian saya, tetap susu ibu untuk Zulaikha.

Dua minggu sebelum saya bekerja, saya mula membuat stok susu untuk anak saya. Walaupun pada mulanya susu saya tak banyak, saya tetap cuba pam susu saya setiap hari. Pelbagai tips dan petua saya cari di internet. Saya pratikkan. Sehingga kini, saya masih lagi menyusukan anak saya. Zulaikha kini dah berusia 6 bulan. Sudah berakhir Eksklusif Breastfeeding. Tapi saya telah nekad, untuk teruskan menyusukan Zulaikha sehingga dia berusia 2 tahun.

Sejak saya mula mengandung, saya telah mencipta blog sendiri. Tujuannya hanya satu, untuk kongsikan pengalaman saya sepanjang mengandung, menyusu dan membesarkan anak saya. Saya bersyukur, blog saya mendapat sambutan dan paling menggembirakan saya, ramai juga ibu-ibu yang berhasrat menyusukan anak mereka setelah membaca blog saya. Sharing is caring. Saya juga berharap agar lebih ramai ibu-ibu yang mengetahui betapa berkhasiatnya susu ibu dan menyusu anak adalah perkara yang paling menyeronokkan.

(by Norsarini  binti Salim)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

After we brought her home, I wanted her feed her but she was so happy feeding from the bottle that she used to start crying whenever I tried to breastfeed her. I became so frustrated as she was not breastfeeding that on her fourth day that I decided that what ever happens I’m going to make her breastfeed. During her feeding time, suddenly I had an idea and I decided to try that out. I made her suck on an empty bottle. When no milk came from her favorite bottle she had no other means than to suck on my breasts. This way I successfully made her to suck on my breast. And since that day Shaivi has been breastfeeding and I made sure that my little princess gets all the benefits of breastfeeding.  And now all she wants is to breastfeed and not the bottle.

(by Kavya Madan)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.

Namun begitu, cerita aku tidak sama seperti ibu-ibu yang lain; di mana mereka berpeluang memegang, memeluk, mengucup dan menyusukan anak mereka seawal jam pertama kelahiran. Annur Afiqa, puteri sulungku dilahirkan secara caesarean pada jam 4.13 petang, tanggal 2 September 2009. Keputusan untuk melakukan caesarean di saat-saat akhir kerana jantungnya telah lemah mengundang episod lain untukku. Aku dibius sepenuhnya sepanjang pembedahan dilakukan dan pada jam 4.30 petang, aku sedar tetapi dibius kembali kerana doktor mengesyaki ada jangkitan pada paru-paruku. Aku dihantar ke ICU dan anakku ditempatkan ke wad pediatrik. Aku cuma sedar kembali pada jam 8.30 pagi esoknya. Dengan pelbagai wayar berselirat di kedua-dua tangan, oksigen di mulut, aku terus bertanya suami, apa yang anakku minum? Suami memberitahu anakku dicucuk di tangan dan dimasukkan air, belum diberi susu apa-apa. Mengalir airmataku kerana sudah lebih 12 jam aku berpisah dengannya.  Hatiku bertambah sedih apabila doktor memberitahu “Your breasts engorged. Awak kena pam susu, kalau tidak, awak demam nanti”.

Ditemani jururawat, mereka membantuku mengepam susu menggunakan pam yang dibawa suami, namun tiada susu yang keluar. Aku hampa, menangis lagi. Ada jururawat yang mengajarkan kaedah mermet tapi aku betul-betul tidak berdaya melakukannya. Akhirnya, nurse memberikan pam elektrik model Medela kepadaku dan aku cuma memegang corong pam sementara pam itu bekerja. Aku akhirnya mendapat 2 oz kolustrum dan jururawat membantu melabel serta memberikannya kepada suami. Pertama kali melihat kolustrum, aku menangis lagi kerana tidak berkesempatan untuk memegang dan menyusukan anak sendiri. Kali kedua pam, baru aku melihat susu. Bermula saat itu, jururawat dan suami lah yang membantu aku mengepam susu dan menghantarnya ke wad pediatrik. Aku ditahan di ICU, Afiqa pula kena jaundis: ini membuatkan kami tidak dapat berjumpa. Ketiadaan anak di sisi benar-benar meruntun jiwa dan kerana tertekan, pernah bacaan BP aku naik sehingga 180/100. Seboleh-bolehnya aku tidak mahu Afiqa disuap dengan susu formula, itu pendirianku.

Pada hari kelima kelahirannya, barulah kami dapat berjumpa. Pada waktu itu, aku juga dapat keluar ICU dan diletakkan di wad bersalin. Suami dan sepupuku yang kebetulan jururawat membawa katil bayi ke sisi dan serta-merta airmataku gugur kerana pertemuan pertama itu. Bibir mungilnya bergerak-gerak dan lantas aku susukan dia. Kuasa Allah, walaupun itu adalah kali pertama Afiqa menyusu terus daripada payudara, Afiqa seakan-akan telah biasa dan terus melekap pada areola. Aku melihat dia bersungguh-sungguh menghisap: memberi ransangan pada payudara, dagunya melekat pada payudara dan aku melihat urat di sekitar telinganya bergerak. Aku juga dapat rasakan sekitar rahimku berdenyut dan seakan ditarik-tarik. Aku yakin, anakku dapat menyusu dengan secukupnya. Benarlah, niat yang baik mesti akan dipermudahkan Tuhan. Keesokannya, kami dapat keluar wad dan aku terus menyusukannya secara eksklusif dan rutin mengepam juga aku lakukan untuk meransang penghasilan susu, terutamanya waktu malam.

Hari ke 25 kelahiran Afiqa, aku dipanggil untuk kursus selama sebulan dan aku tidak boleh menangguhkannya. Sebenarnya, aku menghadiri temuduga kerja itu sewaktu sarat mengandungkan Afiqa dan aku Berjaya, tetapi perlu menghadiri kursus dulu. Dengan linangan airmata, di saat-saat akhir Afiqa ditinggalkan dengan mertuaku dan aku cukup ralat kerana tidak sempat membuat stok sekurang-kurangnya seminggu untuk dia. Stok yang sempat dibuat hanya untuk sehari dua. Punah impianku untuk menyusukannya secara eksklusif. Anakku diberi susu Enfalac pada minggu pertama meninggalkannya. Namun aku berniat dalam hati akan melakukan relaktasi dan berdoa “Ya Allah, janganlah susuku kering dan jangan pula nanti anakku menolak untuk direct feeding”. Kali pertama berjauhan dengan anak, barulah aku memahami apa itu bengkak susu sehingga demam. Ada petua menyuruh meletakkan isi sayur kubis dan ia memang berkesan padaku. Pernah baju basah kerana terlalu lama di kelas dan melepasi jadual pam ku. Waktu rehat dimanfaatkan dengan mengepam susu sebaik-baiknya. Selama sebulan aku berjauhan, aku berjumpa hanya pada hujung minggu. Samada aku balik ke Perak atau mertuaku membawa Afiqa ke sini. Setiap hujung minggu, Afiqa dapat direct feeding dan susu yang aku pam akan dibawa ke Perak sebagai stok. Selama sebulan di hotel, aku pam sekurang-kurangnya 4 kali sehari dan paling minimum aku akan dapat 25 oz sehari. Pernah peti sejuk tidak berfungsi dan stok susu rosak dan terpaksa dibuang. Aku tabah dan berniat hanya nak melakukan yang terbaik untuk anakku.

Alhamdulillah selepas kursus dan bekerja, aku dapat bersama anakku dan aku juga bersyukur taska yang menjaga anakku menyokong usahaku untuk memberikan anakku susu perahan yang dibekukan dan mereka tidak kisah untuk memperosesnya. Di tempat kerja juga, masa rehat aku manfaatkan untuk membuat stok susu Afiqa. Kini, Afiqa sudah lebih setahun dan aku masih menyusukannya dengan susu ibu. Walaupun kadang-kala menangis juga kerana putting digigit, aku katakan padanya “Jangan gigit Sayang, Ummi sakit. Afiqa minum je, OK?”. Banyak kali melakukannya, memang benar, anak mendengar apa yang kita ulang dan minta berkali-kali. Aku yakin, jika kita benar-benar ingin melakukannya, Tuhan akan permudahkan caranya. Walaupun keadaan mendesak untuk memberikannya susu formula seketika dulu, aku bersyukur Afiqa tiada masalah untuk menyusu kembali. Aku akan tetap menyusukan Afiqa sepenuhnya dengan susu ibu sahaja!

(by Roslina binti Ismail)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BaiBoo-Family Service.