Breastfeeding selfie, NIP and bla bla

It was funny how selfie photo of a young mother breastfeeding her child went viral with very un-islamic comments about her.  It was even funnier that hateful comments were also made by fellow mommy netizen and un-married girls, bashing her selfie act commenting all the nasty stuff. I guess us Malaysian have nothing better to say to her than calling her act haram and embarrassing.  But what's sad about it was how some people started to condemn the ladies for nursing in public or NIP they call it. That's how shallow we are, relating the non-related stuff and beginning the hate war among us.

Anyway, my comments onwards aren't gonna be about Islam and its rules because I am no ustazah to do so.  I will write as a mother, a woman myself.

Yes, when you put Islam into context, there was nothing halal about the photo. I am guessing this includes any selfie act, breastfeeding or not... Men, when they want to fantasize, a selfie of your eyes are able to make them think of all the naughty stuff beyond it. That's just man being man.  The young mother probably did some provocation herself, that, I knew nothing about as I won't bother searching further comments by her.

But I found it pitiful that many of us can't forgive her as an excited young mother, in full support of breastfeeding and advocates NIP, someone who may have forgotten the Islamic guideline and maybe need to be reminded but proud to be breastfeeding nevertheless.  Knowing how challenging breastfeeding your child is, and how unsure I was about NIP at times, the ability to do both without giving the heck what people think is a victory for some.  So some mothers decided to share their joy, and selfie was one of it.  It was the same with mothers who share photo of their breastpump, frozen milk stocks, etc.  It was all self-pride and victory.

I don't condone the breastfeeding selfie act.  I wouldn't do it myself.  But give her a break, the lady went through 9 months of pregnancy, labour pain, and trust me breastfeeding itself is sooo sooo painful, so give her a break.  If you have something to say to her, or any mother, message her privately.  Let's be nice to each other shall we.

Anyway if you wanna ban breastfeeding selfie because it invites 'zina', let's ban any sort of selfie including duck face selfie.  Let's ban Dilwale, and all that crappy Malay dramas that get too intimate sometimes.  All of them, if you realise, invites zina too... Ok don't bash me, am just saying hehehe.

So let's forgive all and hope that nothing likes this happens ever again.

As for NIP, please don't get me started already.  If you have been to baby nursing or changing room at malls in Malaysia you would know.  Most of them are poorly maintained, small and smelly, misused and sometimes have male guests inside despite the sign 'no men allowed' on the door.  I had had my own episode screaming at a couple in Ikea, when my daughter was screaming for milk but I was embarrased to feed her in the nursing room because someone's husband was in there.  My own experience at one hospital, post- birth and attempted to breastfeed my twins in the baby ward while having male visitors stared despite all covered up, maybe perverted male visitors, maybe just curiosity altogether.  I would never know. But us, Malaysian, where breastfeeding was common in the old days, still have our men all excited seing a lady feeding her child using her breast!!! And she didn't have any of her body parts exposed while at it.  Ever wondered why?

My advise to you if you are against NIP and wants us ladies to feed in the loo, why don't you try and do that first.  See if you have any appetite doing so. Then post up a selfie of yourself while at it and then advocate others to do the same.  If that is acceptable by you and majority of Malaysian, then maybe you can push for the ladies to breastfeed our child in the toilet.  We might consider it, or might just consider calling you an a**.  Oopss forgive my language, I wouldn't wanna be one of them who calls each other nasty names.

Lets change the way we think shall we. Make this world a better place for everyone, start small by accepting small stuff. But if you choose not to accept, choose to look away.  It won't harm you.

Swing Maxi or Freestyle

I had received several emails to advise on whether to buy Medela Freestyle or Medela Swing Maxi.  Honestly, if you ask me I would tell you to get Freestyle.  Simple because I had never used Swing Maxi.  Bahahaha.  Did you see that coming?  OK lame joke.

Swing Maxi - Photo courtesy of Medela from here

Freestyle - Photo courtesy of Medela from here

So, which one should you get?  Really?  I suppose it really depends on your preference.  If you want to read technical details, you can read from Medela's website, from the link I put as caption for the above photos.  But, if you need me to summarize how both are different, with my own knowledge of the product, you can read on, ya?  Mind you, I have never tried Swing Maxi, so performance-wise, I won't be able to advise you.  Though I must tell you that I used the single pump Swing before and Alhamdulillah, other than the fact that it was a single pump and it delayed my pumping session, I had no problem with the pump at all.  

Here's some info, for our knowledge sharing.  For professional advice, I suggest you contact Medela or its registered vendor.  

# Price: In Malaysian Ringgit, Swing Maxi is a couple of hundreds cheaper.  I won't put up prices here since price varies according to seller. 
 

# Parts: The only similarities to the parts will be the breastshield, and the type of motor they use.
 

# Battery: Freestyle uses rechargable battery.  Swing Maxi uses AA battery, though you can purchase rechargeable AA, its quite a turn-off for me.
 

#  Hands-free: Freestyle comes with hands-free kit.  It's already in the packaging.  Convenient, clip-on to your bra hands-free kit.  Swing Maxi requires you to  use this Easy Expression Bustier.  The bustier comes in different sizes.  I am not sure how that does it for me, but Freestyle definitely sounds more convenient.  I believe you can use the bustier for other electric pump as well, and I think they sell this separately (I could be wrong, can anybody update?) Edit: I found out that the hands-free kit can also be used on Swing Maxi, but this is sold separately. 
 

# Size and weight:  Both are pretty small and lightweight.
 

# Noise: I can't compare the noise from experience.  I read that Swing Maxi is quieter.
 

# Digital Display Monitor:  This is an advantage for Freestyle over Swing Maxi.  It has a digital display where you can set timer, see your expression level, and battery level. 
 

# Suction: Both offers 2-phase expression.

There you go.  If you ask me, again, I will tell you to get Freestyle, again.  It never disappoints me.  Ok ok, tell you what.  Get something that suits your budget and needs.  How is that.  Was that helpful enough?

Don't forget to drop a comment in the comment box if you would like to add/ omit my info.  

Till then.  

Disclaimer:  This is not a paid review/ advertisement.  Writer shared her knowledge about breastpump based on her experience and knowledge gained through reading.  

End of Breastmilk

I am, sad to say, going to stop my pumping session soon.  As expected, once I started having lesser and lesser time, I would probably stop expressing milk soon.  Work was too demanding, and so did the kids at home,

...My 2 hourly became 4 hourly,

then the 4 hourly became 3 times a day,

the 3 times a day became 2,

and now I am left with once a day pumping...

 

and yes... as expected, as per the demand = supply, the milk has become lesser and lesser.

 

 

Adrina is off breastmilk a while ago (read here), and Zehra, has started to drink less and less breastmilk for a number of reasons,

 

 

# she was supplemented with formula when we left her with my mom,

# she started daycare and we think that she may have been given formula because she was impatience.

 

I was pretty sad with the decision, but hubby told me, at least I had done 3 months of breastmilk (fully) and supplemented until now (5 months and a half).  So, yep, it will be the end for me soon. 

 

This, is the result of non- direct feeding.  Things would've been different if there was direct feeding involved.  Ah wellllll... maybe this is best.

 

Ok ok, stop feeling like a terrible mother already. 

 

P/S: Still grateful I made the decision to buy freestyle a while ago, otherwise things could've been a lot worse :-)



Medela Mini E vs Medela Swing vs Medela Freestyle

"Only you can provide what's best for your baby" -
www.medelabreastfeedingus.com

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Writer shares product information based on her knowledge, from her own experience, to help readers obtain more information about the breastpump.

I was introduced to Medela by a friend when I planned to breastfeed my first baby, and fell instantly in love with the brand.  In this entry, I will try to make a comparison between the three medela breastpump that I had tried.  Hope this helps if any of you are in doubt of which (Medela) breastpump to get.

Function/ Features	Mini Electric	Swing	Freestyle
Price Range (RM) (See Note #1)	300+ to 400+	600+ to 700+	1300+ to 1800+
Electric/ Battery Powered	Electric/ 2x AA battery	Electric/ 4x AA battery	Electric/ Rechargeable battery
Double Pump/ Single Pump	Single	Single (See Note #2)	Electric/ Rechargeable battery
Single phase/ 2 phase expression (See Note #3)	1 phase - gentle and efficient expression.	2 phase - Simulate, then express	2 phase - simulate then express
Hands-free function	No	No	Yes
Memory function	No	No	Yes
Electronic timer	No	No	Yes
Heavy/ Lightweight	Lightweight.	Lightweight.	Lightweight.
Adjustable speed and vacum for comfort	Yes	Yes	Yes
Noise Level (1 to 3 , 3 being the loudest)	3 - Loud motor sound	2	3 - Smooth suction sound
Breastshield available in sizes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Easy assembly	Yes	Yes	Yes
BPA-free parts	Yes	Yes	Yes
Spare parts replacement in Malaysia	Available	Available	Available

Note #1:  Varies by supplier, depending on the packages they offer.

Note #2:  Swing also has its own version of double pump, which I had never tried.  I think it is called Swing Maxi.  Its price range from 1300++ to 1400++ (Malaysian Ringgit/RM).

Note #3:  This means, suction immitates baby's suction.  Babies suck fast and light at first to simulate milk.  When let down starts, babies will suck deeper and slower to bring out more milk. 

Extra notes from Mommy D:

#  Ok, what mommies out there need to keep in mind is that, a good pump MATTERS in breastfeeding, especially if you're a working mommy.  You want to avoid painful, stressful, and exhausting pumping experience, because trust me, it will put you down.

#  Yes, you can take supplement or eat milk booster food to increase milk supply, but most importantly is to PUMP OFTEN.  Milk booster is useless if you can't pump often enough.

So there you go.  Let me know if there is anything I should add :-)

Edit:
There were questions if pumping using electric/ battery- operated pump hurts?  For me, that will depend on the type of pump used, and also size of breastshield.  Medela breastpump has a personalised breastshield size, i.e. the one that will fit according to your nipple size.  I am not sure if other breastpump has the same, so I can't answer that part.  

Read about breastshield here and here is the guideline to the right size of breastshield.

To compare between the 3 pumps, I think Mini E caused me a slight pain in the nipple area.  I believe this was because of the suction, heck I don't know, actually?  But it sure did work to express the milk and do wonders :-)  Swing and Freestyle, on the other hand were so comfortable you'd fall in love with them instantly.

Breastmilk pekat dan banyak

Masa first baby, I had problem with volume and suction.  This time around, volume alhamdulillah walaupon taklah sehebat 'some' people, namun adalah sikit rezeki anak.  Cuma sentap sikit bila dah start work ni, susu merundum, but still encouraging lah kan...  I notice that with the twins, susu lebih banyak.  I believe this is because of the following:

# 1: Confinement

I tak amalkan strict berpantang macam first baby.  Masa Ayesha, my mom only let me had nasi panas + black pepper + salt.  Masa tu muka pucat, blood pressure naik, susu badan pon takde.  Even though minum air macam hape punye banyak, ok!  Sampai kembung!

What I ate during the first week was sup sayur and rice.  Sayur hijau, ok.  Green leafy veges.  They're such a big help.  Tempe dan tauhu pon banyak makan tapi lepas minggu keberapa tah.  Masa awal- awal tu totally sayur for one week, then a week after mak bagi makan ikan masak singgang sampai ler naik kematu dah tekak ni nak telan.  Tapi layan kan jer demi kesihatan, takmo makan minyak- minya, pedas or gatal- gatal.  Nanti merana diri hehehe.  Pastu banyak minum soya, horlicks, milo hot water, you know to keep the fluid going la.  Kalau tak dehydrated pulak. 

#2: Pumping

I pump more regularly during the first two months sebab takde suction.  Two hourly or three, at most.  Last time, dah la takde suction sebab baby dah nipple confuse.  Pump pon malas sebab dah stress konon.  Lagipon this time dah ada Freestyle masa dalam pantang.  Masa Ayesha, I was using Swing.  Tu pon Swing sampai lepas seminggu lebih berpantang.  Pengajaran nye, jangan malas, ok.

Ha, lagi satu, dalam penghasilan breastmilk ni, we have to make sure that we:

• Understand the concept of supply vs demand.  If ada demand, there will be supply.  Hence the importance of regularly breastfeeding or, in my case, pumping. 
• Must empty our breast when feeding or pumping.  If you are directly breastfeeding your baby, pump after feeding to let out the excess milk.  If you are feeding on one side only, say your left, you must pump out the right side after that.  Bila breast empty, barulah production bermula lagi.  Refer supply and demand concept lah kiranye.  But if you're pumping only, like at work ke or the way I do, kena pam lama sikit bagi breast kosong.  It helps if you have the time.  Increase suction power and length of pumping, baru lah power.  I perasan juge, kalau I rush pagi- pagi and pump dlm 8 minutes je gitu, during 10:30am pumping session nanti, susu akan kurang.  As if dia cuma ngabihkan susu pagi tadi yang I tak kosongkan.  Serious, cuba you all try ni. 

Tapi one thing lah, my breastmilk for the twins kelihatann agak cair.  Even one of my colleague pon tegur benda yang sama.  SO what I did was I pekatkan sikit horlicks, like minum 5 tablespoon gitu satu mug hehehe.  But I didn't add any sugar or milk lah.  I can't sebab terlalu manis nanti.  I also drink 2 glasses of soya everyday.  One morning and one at night.  As a result, Alhamdulillah susu dah nampak pekat dan berlemak.  Cenggitu lah kekdah cheapskate hohoho.  Sampai sini jer post harini sebelum kita sama- sama menguap kebosanan. 

Mode: Tengah excited nak balik kampung jenguk my cenonets. 

Why I am still in love with Freestyle.

I loved it before, when I breastfed my first baby, I am still in love with it now! I tell you, even though I didn't manage to directly breastfeed the twins, the Medela Freestyle is the best thing money can buy. Lansung tak menyesal beli! Sekurang- kurang nye anak merasa lah jugak susu ibu, walaupon health condition diorang membuatkan diorang need to be supported by formula.

 

 

Here's why I love it so much.

• Efficient. Due to its 2-phase expression (simulation first, then expression), I was able to produce milk even without any contact with the twins.
• Lightweight. Seriously weiii, boleh carry ke mana saja tanpa rasa beban di bahu. Unless of course, if you're carrying 2 icepacks like I do, terasa lah sikit berat, dengan laptop, handbag dan sebagainya.
• Easy. You don't have to be near a power point sebab dia pakai rechargeable battery. Macam I punya, if I charged the battery fully, boleh last a week kalau pump 3x at work. Best kan?
• Quick. Double pump so memang definitely time saver. Paling kritikal la kalau you have meetings ke apa kan, and feeling super engorged. Express jer la kejap both sides pakai freestyle. Tadaaaa. Legaaaaaaaa. It is, for me, the most useful function of the pump for me!
• Quiet. Bunyi taklah bising sangat. Bunyi ddrrrr drrrr grrrr gitu je lah.
• Freedom. Its hands-free. Clip it to your bra. I pump my morning session sambil bersiap- siap atau dalam kereta. My afternoon and evening session kadang- kadang dekat cubicle jer. Sambil kerja. Heheh provided no men around. Kat rumah, pam sambil tengok tv, sambil lipat baju, basuh pinggan, gosok baju. Awwww jangan jeles.
• Comfort. Pump lansung tak sakit. Selamat untuk breast tissue. Boleh pam sambil rehat- rehatkan belakang jugak.

I wouln't trade this with any other pump. Kalau dah lenjan cukup- cukup macam I, memang lah sangat worth the investment. I dah pernah try Medela Swing dan Mini E sebelum ni. Dua- dua pon ok in terms of expression, memang banyak susu. Tu pasal nama medela tu memang trusted kot. Tapi takde KESEMUA di atas. So, kalau ada sesapa teringin nak tau, my personal experience using Medela Freestyle sebelum you all consider beli, feel free to email me. I should be able to tell you pengalaman I sendiri menyusukan anak menggunakan Freestyle. Mahal sikit, but cheaper than buying formula, correct?

My tips, sebelum nak beli any type of breastpump,

• Buat lah research sebelum buat apa- apa decision, tak rugi pon membaca. Baca kan menambah ilmu.
• Decide on your budget. Berapa you sanggup belanja untuk breastpump.
• Determine your needs. Apa keperluan you? Nak ringan? Nak cepat? Nak rileks? Nak manual? Electric? Battery- operated?
• Carilah reseller yang boleh dipercayai. Semak warranty dengan teliti. Ada yang cover motor je, ada yang cover parts sekali.
• Cari jugak breastpump yang mudah nak cari parts!
• Speak to others and get them to share their pumping experience using whichever breastpump.

Till then, happy pumping.

Adrina and Reflux

Adrina Amani has a serious reflux issue.  Memang sejak lahir lagi.  All kinda tests were conducted including ultrasound to make sure there is nothing else is wrong with her, other than saluran dia yang belum matang causing milk to be pushed up her esophagus (eh betul ke eja hehehe).  In the end it was concluded that she has a severe reflux condition.  Due to the severeness, drugs don't do it for her.  She was prescribed Omeprazole and Motillium to manager her vomiting and reflux, but neither works :-(.  Boleh baca pasal reflux in premature babies kat sini: How to handle your premature baby's reflux

To manage her reflux pon dah buat all kinda things.  Paling menyampah bila doctors (yes doctors, we had been to many doctors for opinion) asked did you burp her?  Its like hellooooo this ain't my first child, I know the basics such as burping your child after bottle feeding.  We also tried reducing her milk and feeding her regularly.  Ni maksudnya to also tolerate her crying lah sebab lapar kan.  Didn't work.  Feed her 10ml, she vomits 10 right back at ya.  Ini lah sebab nye Mommy bermandikan muntah hehehe. 

The latest reflux management recommended by paed was this,

Feeding with Novalac AR or breastmilk + rice cereal.

Remember in this post ada cerita sikit pasal the anti reflux formula (AR)?  In the end doctor has advised that breastmilk to be fully eliminated from her diet.  Sad.  How very sad. Doc wants to see if her vomiting improves without the breastmilk.  You see, breastmilk ni sangat cair so for reflux babies, susu tu lagi mudah naik semula.  The AR formula on the other hand, has corn starch.  Ni yang buat susu tu jadi pekat bila masuk dalam perut.  Result?  Memang kurang sikit la frequency muntah dia.  Volume masih banyak bila muntah tu.

My EBM yesterday at 9am.  Simpan as stock for Zehra jer la.

I think doctor pon macam kesian, u know that my babies had been on breastmilk and tetiba bg formula.  So she said, try this, something that can be done but very rare.  She asked me to get the rice cereal and add half scoop into 2 ounce breastmilk.  This will help thicken the milk.  Again, in my previous entry, Milk, I mentioned this.  However this method doesn't work for Adrina.  She vomits less with the AR formula. 

As of today, vomiting dia masih banyak tapi  less frequent.  Kesian Adrina, tak dapat kebaikan susu ibu.  Nanti dah sihat tukar semula yer sayang :-( Please dhua that she will get better quickly, that she will outgrow her reflux in no time.  Till the next entry, taaa.

Milk

Saje nak story story pasal breastfeeding...This is the part when I tell you that breastfeeding wasn't a 100% success with the twins. Yes, it wasn't, things don't always go as planned.  One of the obvious reason kenapa tak berjaya direct feeding was that they were born premature, so sucking had to be taught, simulated.  One day diorang pandai, like, terer giler feeding, the next they were like mannn what are you trying to feed me, woman?  Macam diorang lupa gitu, boleh?  So I checked, hemm apparently macamana their organs, like how they forget to breathe, their intestine forgot to work, that's how they are with breastfeeding.  They forget!  Funny, eh?

Then one of them was discharged from the hospital, and I was running around like a mad woman, jaga twins sorang kat rumah and sorang kat hospital.  Not forgetting my toddler who was dying for my attention.  I got too tired to try harder, so I decided to feed Zehra (she was back first) using bottle.  With EBM, that is.  The same was for Adrina.  When she got home, I fed her using bottle.  This way, when both of them were back hubby could help with feeding during the night.  In fact, he can help at any time of the day.  Dah macam satu kebaikan pulak bagi I, sebab trust me, when you have two babies, two hungry babies, it is far too exhausting and too demanding to figure out breastfeeding.  Especially if it aint working out.  Oh, plus, I hadn't learned the technique to simultaneously breastfeed both hahaha.

So what choice do I have to ensure that they still get the best?  Its through the EBM...

And thanks to my most loyal companion, Medela Freestyle, I was able to express two hourly or sometimes on demand.  They are hungry babies, okay, my EBM stocks memang cepat sangat luak. 

Adrina, has a serious reflux issue.  While we are warded here at KPJ Kajang, the paed bagi kitorang 2 tin formula nama Novalac AR (Anti reflux formula).  Apparently with this milk, dia pekat bila dah sampai dalam perut je, so reduces reflux.  Hah, if one thing I didn't know that the formula is better for reflux as compared to breastmilk, sebab breastmilk kan cair.  I suppose sebab breastmilk takde molecules, kot.  Let's not talk science.  But of course, it can't beat the goodness breastmilk can offer.  Nutrient- wise of course it can't beat those of breastmilk! 

I tried giving the milk to Adrina, to help with her reflux.  So there, no more exclusive breastfeeding for the cenonets.  Yeppp, it reduces the reflux that's no doubt.  Did some reading on ways to manage reflux and one of the method suggested was to add cereal to breastmilk to thicken the milk.  Obviously that's not an option in my current situation.  Gila ke, dahla baby prem, usus semua pun belum matang.  This is when, milk such as the AR helps.  Paed told me ada dua brand, Enfalac and Novalac for the AR. 

Huh tapi if you talk about which one the girl prefer, it will be the breastmilk la kan.  I think the texture and taste make it more likeable.  I've never tried it myself so entahla betul tak hahaha.  Hehhhh but when I say they're hungry babies, I am serious ok.  Sangat lah...

Ermmm macam shit kan entry ni hahaha.  Takpela.  It works for me sebab duduk kat hospital ni bosan.  Till later.

Breastfeeding my twins

That is one of the biggest question in my head at the moment, other than will I be able to deliver both normally, and whether both will be OK (inshaAllah).  

Haven't done much research yet on breastfeeding the twins, but some infos I have already obtained, and I am not sure if I will be fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

Those who have read my previous breastfeeding experiences with Ayesha would know, it wasn't a very pretty journey for me in the very beginning.  But it worked out fine.  I had series of emotional breakdown, and that was with one kid.  Now imagine breastfeeding two?

Some of the things that I know will help me later,

- Must drink plenty of fluids.

- Start establish milk early.

- Learn the positions to breastfeed both kids together.  Apparently this helps you to rest more, rather than breastfeeding them one by one.

- Be prepared and be positive of all the sleepless nights to come later.

- Get my lanolin cream, breast shield, breast pump and all the related gadgets ready before delivery. 

- Be prepared of any challenges to come ahead.

- Dhuas.  Loads of those will help inshaAllah.  

Rindu

You read that right, aku rindu.  Bukan rindu Mr Hubby Ah Bob ke sape ke.  Hehehe.  Rindu that 'bonding' moment when breastfeeding my daughter.  For 1 year and 10 months I had her in my arms without missing a single day out of it (except the 2 nights in hospital masa buang gallbladder la kan).  I breastfed her to console her when she's sad.  Breastfed her to calm her from anxiety, to soothe her from her fever.  Rindu la nak cium- cium anak Mommy tu, look into her face while she drinks.  

Ni 16 September ni umur Ayesha dan 2 tahun (24 months)... Aku stop kan breastfeeding masa dia 22 months.  Baru je lagi pun.  Tapi, Alhamdulillah dia tak kurang sayang pada aku pun lepas stop menyusu dengan aku.  She loves me all the same.  Kejap- kejap dia gurau senda cakap 'miii nak ulat'.  Bila aku cakap 'nah, nah', dia pon kegelian 'eeeeee ulaaaattt nanaaaak'.  Hehehe so cute.  Kadang- kadang dia cari aku kat dapur pastuh peluk kaki aku, dan cakap 'ayangggg Memi'.  Terharu tau.  

Cuma bezanya she is less clingy.  Dia bangun nak susu tengah malam, mintak dengan Daddy.  Dia bole jer keluar gi kedai dua orang dengan Daddy tanpa aku ikut.  Tapi kalau orang lain yang ajak, dia kompem nak heret aku sekali la kan.

Tidur nye masih je perlukan aku.  Ada gak la kadang- kadang datang angin dia, Daddy tidurkan.  Atau bila aku tak larat, aku tak perasan pun dia tidur masa bila sebab aku tidur dulu.  Tapi dalam seminggu cuti raya ni, memang tidur awal sebab siang dia tak tido.  She went back to sleeping early (aku rasa it also has to do with aku yang jaga dia seminggu ni, bukan maid aku.  Aku perasan kalau dengan maid, asal call je jawapan nye tengah tido.)  Sleep early and sleep in my arms, tepuk- tepuk sambil memintal tangan aku.   Once dah lena, bole ler peluk cium kan dia yang busuk masam tu puas- puas.  

Tapi still... Rindu saat breastfeeding dia.  I suppose it is also the feeling of being 'needed' by anak.  

Weaning off the breast - ganjaran buat Ayesha

Yeayyy, Ayesha Amani nak minum formula, dah nak minum botol.  Hehehe dah tentu orang kalau minum formula, dan minum dengan sangat banyak sekali!!! Sampai kan botol 5oz tak dapat menanmpung.  LOL.  She actually got really angry that the milk wasn't enough for her.  She wanted more!!! So Daddy pun kena la bancuh 2 kali, and while Daddy sibuk membancuh susu beliau, beliau menjerit kemudian tidur.  Lalu berlakulah pembaziran susu.  Pfffft.  Wah, apekah, duit Mommy dan Daddy itu dipetik pokok kah, hai anak?

Since weaning off the breast was much of a challenge for both of us, Mommy has decided to reward Ayesha with a brand new, now 9oz bottles!  Kalau dulu Ayesha ada 1 je yang besar, now you have 3 baby!  Order online je la, macam biasa.  Mom kan berat bonsss.  Bought at www,mybbstore.com.  Ni lah dia reward buat Ayesha... for being the best,

Excited dowhh masa nak buka box ni! Ececece macam ape. Padehal botol susu.

Bergaya sama botol baru!

 

Dah tu jer... Jom tido.

Weaning her off the breast...

Ermm... even though my Ayesha has yet to reach 2 years (She will be 2 on 16th September), I have decided to wean her off the breast.  Why?  For the following reasons:

1. My precious menunjukkan ketagihan serius terhadap menyusu.  Hehehe.  Ketagihan terlampau di mana dia tak tido lena di waktu malam sebab nak bergayut....

2. Badan selalu sakit- sakit sekarang.  So mentally I am not strong to handle kebergayutan anak ini. 

3.  Disebabkan kelemahan mental Mommy, my breastmilk supply is affected.  Thus you can see that the girl is actually tak puas, hence menunjukkan symptom No.1.

4.  I want to see, if by weaning her off the breast, will she be able to sleep through the night?

5.  Will her anxiety to separate lessen?

These questions I will answer in other posts, once I have completed my observation.   Entry kali ni lebih pada nak menceritakan pengalaman masa cuba menghentikan susu badan tu... This much I can say, weaning her off the breast was a tearful process.  I took one whole week of her endless crying.  I letak kopi di bahagian tersebut, dan dia geli sebab pahit.  Dia cakap, 'Eeeee ulat'... Yang teruknya, siang dia OK... Malam, dia menangis berjam- jam.  Nak nenen, tanak nenen geli ulat, nak Mommy, tanak Mommy... nak dukung, tanak dukung... Haih.  Memang perkara yang merumitkan, memeningkan...

When did she stop crying?  Bila dah penat nangis berjam- jam, dia akan tidurkan diri dia sendiri.  Kasihan, oh kasihan anakku.  Seminggu beliau demikian, tak tentu arah.  Kalau hati tak kuat, mesti Mommy tumpas.  I actually broke down and cried myself at some point.  Kesian kan anak, and at some point I offered the breast to her, still, tapi she refused.  You can also see that nak mengubat ketagihan diri sendiri, dia saje nak letak hidung dia kat situ.  Huwaaaa.  Too much sadness in one day la weiiii bila nak berhentikan susu badan ni.  What made it worse was that Ayesha never wanted bottles when I am around.  Neither did she want formula (sebab susu badan punye stock pon dah habis).

Akhirnya, these past few days dia dah OK.  Hihihi.  Walaupon bila nampak I je 'eeee ulat', nampak gambar I pon 'eee ulat', tapi rasanye she is a much happier baby now!  Dah takde ketagihan berlampau.  Apapun, I think she has gotten the nutrient for her brain development (according to her paed), and now I just need to make sure that she eats properly and drink plenty of water.  So, Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah for the opportunity to breastfeed my child for 1year and 10 months.  InshaAllah, I will do better for my next :-)

P/S: Right now Mommy need to deal with her 'engorgement' issue la pulak.  Hehehe.  But its OK, doctor has given med for that.  Harapnye pemberhentian terlampau ini tidak cause me any harm!

“Dan ibu-ibu hendaklah menyusukan anak mereka selama dua tahun genap, iaitu bagi orang yang menyempurnakan penyusuan itu” Al-baqarah: 233
Aku agak tertarik dengan kisah penyusuan anak angkat ni, sebab ada juga beberapa orang yang aku kenal samada berniat untuk mengambil anak angkat, dah ambil dan berniat nak menyusukan dan juga tak kurang yang contemplating untuk ambil anak angkat disebabkan hukum hakam yang mungkin tak jelas bagi sesetengah pihak.

Ibu yang mengandungkan kemudian melahirkan, of course lah soal penyusuan tu tak jadi masalah, cuma yang perlu kita tahu mungkin dari hak untuk mendapatkan kebenaran suami sebelum menyusukan anak orang lain.  Dan kita juga mungkin sedia maklum dari segi hukumnya kalau kita ambil anak angkat, bagaimana aurat kita suami isteri dengan anak tersebut.  Tapi yang aku ada sikit musykil kat sini tentang trend ibu- ibu tidak berkahwin yang menyusukan anak.  Bagaimana hukumnya?

Hari tu ada dengar ceramah, seorang ustaz ni berkata yang kalau hendak menyusukan anak, kena la dari wanita- wanita berkahwin.  Wanita mesti berkahwin baru boleh keluarkan susu.  Jadi saya interpret kat sini melalui ceramah tersebut bahawa wanita- wanita bujang, kalau adopt TIDAK BOLEH menyusukan anak dari payudara beliau dengan menggunakan bantuan perubatan,  betul? 

Anyway kita ni bukan alim ulama' nak bercerita panjang lebar tentang hukum hakam agama ni, namun saya agak tertarik juga dengan link yang di share seorang sahabat di twitter tentang fatwa penyusuan anak angkat ni.  Kalau dah fatwa, buat apa nak disangkal lagi ye tak?  Dah datang dari yang arif- arif.  Cuma yang aku nak mintak sekarang ni, sedikit komen dari kawan- kawan.  Apa pendapat korang?

Berikut adalah fatwa yang nak saya share kat sini, source: Portal Rasmi Fatwa Malaysia

Hukum Wanita Menyusukan Anak Angkat

Keputusan: 

 

Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Ugama Islam Malaysia Kali Ke-96 yang bersidang pada 13-15 Oktober 2011 telah membincangkan mengenai Hukum Wanita Menyusukan Anak Angkat. Muzakarah telah membuat keputusan seperti berikut

 

Setelah meneliti keterangan, hujah-hujah dan pandangan yang dikemukakan, Muzakarah menegaskan bahawa Islam menggalakkan setiap ibu yang melahirkan anak untuk menyusukan sendiri bayi mereka dengan susu ibu sehingga mencapai usia dua tahun, sekiranya mereka mampu berbuat demikian. Namun begitu, Islam juga membenarkan wanita yang tidak melahirkan anak tetapi mengambil anak angkat, untuk menyusukan sendiri anak tersebut dengan bantuan rawatan perubatan.

 

Penegasan ini adalah berdasarkan pandangan Jumhur fuqaha’ yang tidak mensyaratkan seseorang wanita itu mesti hamil terlebih dahulu untuk menyusukan anak sepertimana pandangan Mazhab Hanbali, Syafie dan Hanafi yang menyatakan bahawa seorang perempuan yang hendak menyusukan seorang anak, tidak disyaratkan mempunyai suami yang menyetubuhinya.

 

Sehubungan itu, Muzakarah bersetuju memutuskan bahawa menggunakan ubat atau suntikan untuk merangsang pengeluaran susu badan adalah harus dengan syarat ianya seorang wanita yang telah mencapai umur baligh sama ada telah berkahwin ataupun sebaliknya dan ubat atau hormon yang digunakan tersebut tidak mengandungi sebarang unsur-unsur najis atau mudharat. Keharusan ini tidak tertakluk bagi seorang lelaki yang berubah menjadi wanita melalui pertukaran jantina.

 

Jumhur fuqaha’ juga bersepakat bahawa terdapat dua kaedah penyusuan bagi menjadikan bayi tersebut mahram dengan sebab susuan, iaitu penyusuan secara langsung dari payudara dan penyusuan secara tidak langsung seperti menggunakan tiub, botol susu dan sebagainya. Sehubungan itu, bagi wanita yang menggunakan alat sokongan atau alat bantuan sebagai kaedah menyusukan bayi, Muzakarah memutuskan bahawa bayi tersebut sah sebagai anak susuan apabila cukup syarat-syarat penyusuan yang ditetapkan oleh Syarak seperti berikut:

a. bilangan susuan hendaklah dengan lima kali penyusuan;
b. susu yang dihisap mestilah sampai ke perut bayi; dan
c. umur bayi tidak melebihi dua tahun mengikut perkiraan bulan qamariah.

 

Hujah thabitan ini ialah kerana susu ibu tersebut telah menjadi makanan asasi kepada bayi yang menumbuhkan daging dan memanjangkan tulang, sama seperti bayi yang menyusu secara terus daripada payudara. Walau bagaimanapun, sekiranya kaedah yang dilakukan adalah dengan cara menyuntik susu melalui qubul atau dubur, menitik susu ke dalam mata, telinga atau di tempat luka tubuh badan, maka bayi tersebut tidak sah sebagai anak susuan.

 

Muzakarah juga memutuskan bahawa seorang wanita beragama Islam tidak dilarang untuk menyusukan bayi bukan Islam dan begitu juga seorang bayi beragama Islam boleh menyusu kepada wanita bukan Islam kerana tidak ada nas syarak yang melarangnya. Penyusuan tersebut tidak memberi kesan kepada aqidah dan agama bayi yang disusukan tersebut.

 

Muzakarah juga memutuskan bahawa susu ibu yang bercampur dengan bahan-bahan lain adalah sama seperti susu ibu yang tidak bercampur dengan makanan, minuman atau lainnya sepertimana pendapat yang rajih daripada ulama’ mazhab Shafie dan Hanbali, kerana untuk thabit menjadi anak susuan ialah perlu memenuhi syarat-syarat penyusuan yang ditetapkan oleh Syarak.

 

Bagi seorang lelaki yang mengahwini wanita yang menyusukan bayi angkat dan bayi tersebut telah thabit menjadi anak susuan, maka Muzakarah memutuskan bahawa lelaki yang menjadi suami kepada wanita berkenaan adalah menjadi mahram kepada anak susuan tersebut.

Tips for storing breastmilk if you are a working mother!

I'd just like to share some information or tips on milk storage.  This is based on my current practice ya, so feel free to add or share some information.  While reading this, what you should already have by now:

• A breastpump that works.
• Ice packs and cooler bag.
• Storage bottles.
• Plastic storage.

Guideline to storing your milk when pumping at work
If you are a working mother like me, yes you will need the above items to ensure that your milk stays at the cool temperature before you transfer them to your fridge at home.  If your office has a chiller then even better, you can leave your milk there and only use the ice packs and cooler bag for when you're commuting from work to home.

1. Make sure that you have chilled your ice pack at least 8 hours before use.  If you're using the 2 in 1 cooler bag (where you have to chill the whole thing, follow the brand's guideline.
2. Keep the ice pack in a good cooler bag.  A good one normally lasts at least 8 hours!
3. Everytime you finish pumping, store the milk that you have pumped in a storage bottle.  Best to leave the milk in small amount, say 3 ounces to max 5 ounces in a storage bottle.
4. When you get home,
i)store your milk immediately into the freezer/ chiller. 
ii)Make sure you write the date of when the milk was pumped. 
If you want to save some space, transfer your milk into storage plastic bags (bpa-free plastic container specifically used for breastmilk).  However you must must must remember NOT to warm the milk using this bag!

Guideline to keeping your breastmilk into the freezer/ chiller.

• Room Temperature: 4 to 6 hours
• Cooler with 3 Ice Packs: 24 hours
• Refrigerator: 3 to 8 days
• Deep Upright Freezer: 6 to 12 months
• Freezer Compartment of Refrigerator (separate doors): 3 to 6 months
• Freezer Compartment of Refrigerator (one door): 2 weeks
• Thawed Breastmilk: 24 hours (Do not refreeze)

Other tips that might be useful to you.

• Wear a proper nursing bra.
• Wear comfortable clothe.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and to maintain breastmilk supply.
• Try to get as much rest as you can.
• Be mentally and emotionally prepared if you have decided to pump at work.
• Know your rights.  But hey, I don't think we have any acts to protect breastfeeding mother in Malaysia yeah?

1, 2... Camera... Smile!

Sebelum kejadian amarah tadi (Sila rujuk post: http://diana-am.blogspot.com/2011/11/cashier-muka-macam.html), I visited Living Quarters The Curve sebab my sister cakap nak cari cushion.  This was after seharian berjalan- jalan, baby got grumpy from sugar rush (or just got grumpy and loving the sugar rush still).  Nampak lah kerusi- kerusi rotan yang indah dan empuk wahhh.... Maka saya dan suami berhenti istirehat buat seketika sementara adik saya dan Cik Siti saya berjalan- jalan sekeliling Living Quarters.  

Anak comel I tu pula dah kedahagaan kasih sayang dan susu ibu.  Hehehe.  Macam tak dan- dan pulak kan, padehal nursing room is just one floor down.  Layan kan jer.  Alamak, I forgot my nursing pancho.  What the heck, takde orang dalam ni I thought... or so I thought.

So I let the baby fed for 20 minutes.  My tummy a little exposed (because I wasn't wearing nursing top either) and I bet a little bit up there too.  Lepas baby minum, bangun tadaaaaaa.... 

"Sayang... ada camera?  And there's too of them?  Ah wait... There's more?  All around?", kata si ibu yang anak nya kehausan sebentar tadi.

"Ye la... I dah nampak.  Jap gi I tegur, I kena marah balik.  Tak support breastfeeding lah, halang you bagi makan anak lah", pandaiii kanda bermain kata hehehe.

"Gulp", telan liur beb...

"Harap- harap tak masuk you tube... Ibu bertudung terlampau", kata hubby (sambil ketawa).  Not funny OK.  

Lesson learnt: 

1) kenapa laaa hang tak ingat bahawa di dalam kedai- kedai di situ semua ada CCTV. 

2) kenapaaaa tak suruh hubby beli nursing top banyak- banyak.

3) kenapa tadi tak cari nursing cover sampai dapat...

4) kenapa kah dinaikkan perasaan malas pada seorang ibu, hingga diri nya teraniaya *sob sob*

5) kenapa oh kenapa... 

Medela Spare Kit

I made my most recent Medela kit purchases last week when my membrane got 'dirty'.  Didn't tear it or anything, but there was black spots all around the line area, and it just felt really really dirty.  I did cleanse the membranes thoroughly, however I had a suspicious feeling that the black spots were due to using the Medela Swing drawstring bag.  FYI, the Swing bag isn't netty, I think its made of canvas and therefore causes the membrane to breathe bacteria and causes the black spots.  Anyway I am a 100% sure that I was very clean and thorough when it comes to cleansing, because this involves stuff going into my baby's little tummy.  

So I wrote an email to my owh-so lovely Medela supplier in Malaysia Aja Sulaiman and asked her if I can buy a spare membrane.  The old spotty ones can still be used, so it wasn't urgent or anything, I told her.  She replied that she will have stock after Eid-ul Adha, which was fine for me.  Apparently the membrane, is not sold separately.  

For info, if you were to replace the membrane, you would have to buy the Spare Kit, which is sold as 1 pair, with the following 3 parts :

From left: Back Cap, Membrane and Connector.  

So yes, if you were to replace 1, you will get the other 2 Medela parts as well.  In order of the above photos, you will get i) The back cap, ii) membrane and iii) connector.  This is, for me, an advantage as I just love new stuff.  You will get 1 pair which is equivalent to 3 parts x 2.  I emailed her as soon as I made payment for the parts + postage, and I got it the next morning.  

You don't know how happy I am to be pumping with a new parts today :-).  You should also know that I also JUST got a new cooler bag, the Lock&Lock bag which my mate bought for me in One Utama.  Ahhh, pumping just made my day *grin*. Bliss.

SO guys, if you need any parts replacement and not sure about them, do feel free to ask questions.  Breastfeeding fellow mothers like me who tend to break things or replace the parts, may be able to help.  Tadaaa...

Jaundice in newborn

I still remember when Ayesha Amani was 5 days old, she was diagnosed for 'jaundice' by the house visiting nurse.  I actually noticed that my baby has turned a little yellowish a few days before, but then my mom's lighting was all yellow so I thought it could be just that.  I took this a little too lightly, yes because I didn't know that jaundice could be severe and that it can have a lifelong effect on my baby. 

What is jaundice?  It is the presence of yellowish tinge on your infant's body and sometimes the eyes.  Amani was yellow all over including her both eyes. 

Hubby and I immediately took my baby to the hospital, they took her blood and her bilirubin reading was 350 which was considered as 'severe jaundice'.  What would be the result if it goes any higher, say up to 400?  My baby would be in for blood transfusion. So what happen if left untreated, I remember asking the doctor- and he said late detection and if left untreated, jaundice may cause brain damage.  I was speechless.  Little did I know that something as 'small' as jaundice will cause such severe damage to a baby.

Amani's skin had burnt terribly under
the phototheraphy light.

Small?  Yes, to me it was small back then.  I grew up knowing that jaundice is a common problem.  I grew up being told that if your baby shows any signs of jaundice, just leave her in the morning sun for a while and it will be okay.  I grew up knowing that if you give her goat's milk or honey, she'll be okay.  But when it happened to Amani I became really really worried and devastated.  When doctor was explaining the lifelong effects, I was in tears.  I wouldn't want my baby to be slow, or stupid or with what they call  kernicterus.  No!  So Amani and I were hospitalized for 5 days to undergo phototheraphy treatment.  Phototheraphy treatment is the process of using light to remove the excess bilirubin in your body.  Doctor said that if all goes well, she wouldn't need the blood transfusion and will be out once her billirubin reaches 200. 

So we waited and waited at the hospital.  Amani went through daily blood check, 3 days of antibiotics, endless water drip and endless crying from both child and mom.  I didn't know what to do.  I didn't know how to deal with this.  While undergoing phototheraphy, I was 'forced' to breastfeed my baby every now and then.  No bottles were allowed at Kuala Lipis Hospital.  If they see bottles, or formulas, you will be yelled at.  It was crazy, everybody knew I had problem with breastfeeding then, which could be the main cause of Amani's jaundice.  This is why I said FORCED.  And my diet which my mom had developed consisting of ONLY and I repeat ONLY black pepper, salt and hot rice wasn't helping either.  I cried and I cried in frustration.  My hubby was only with us every now and then due to the strict rules of visiting hours.  I had only myself to look after both of us. 

Amani's Symptom

After going through what I went through I thought it was useful if I had educated myself a little bit about the situation.  It was useful if I had noticed the symptom.  My baby cried a lot during her first few days, but come the 3rd days she was very quiet.  She wouldn't feed, she won't move and she slept most of the time.  She'd wake up if she was too hungry after 4 to 5 hours.  She didn't wake up for milk at night.  And I thought my baby was being a good girl.  You would notice that if you pressed her skin lightly, it turns yellow and it takes a while to go back to normal. 

What may be the causes

A newborn baby's liver is yet to mature and its inability to break down red blood cells which will lead to increase in bilirubin in its blood.  Bilirubin is an orange or red pigment in the blood.  The common causes are not enough liquid, mother's diet whih influences the breastmilk if the baby is breastfed, blood type.  In Amani's case, I bet it was the low liquid because she just wouldn't breastfed and I had refused to give her formula.  And as mentioned in previous para, it was my diet which includes NOTHING nutrition.  Oh yeah if you had been to where I came from, you'll know what I mean. 

Treatment

One of the famous is phototherapy where infants are left under the lights with nothin on but diapers.  They will cover her eyes, of course.  I was also informed by the doctor to breastfeed more frequently, and the drip was suppose to help increase her fluid level as well.  It will help more if she pee and pooped the yellow substances, so breastmilk is the best since it is easier to digest.  I had trouble with breastfeeding so I pumped my breastmilk and bottle-fed her quietly.  I dealt with the nipple confusion after we were out of the hospital because my mission at the time was to get us out.  Being in the hospital was too painful for me.  I left Amani under the lights longer than any mothers in the same ward.  I didn't have the heart, of course, but neither do I have the heart to see her grow useless to her own self.  I toughened up and she progressed quickly.  DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT feed your baby anything else the elderly tells you to.  Your baby is too young and her system is pretty much immature to digest anything other than breastmilk.  You do not want to cause further damage!

Alhamdulillah, after the 5th days we were out of the hospitals.  Though Amani's jaundice was prolonged (up to 1 months skin yellowing), I continued treating her at home with some lights, plenty of fluids and love.  She has now passed that 1 year, and I hope she continues to grow healthily.  I am not sure if I am able to cope anymore serious challenges.  I hope Allah listens.  I pray that my dear baby will continue to healthy and happy as she is! 

Some useful readings:

• http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/umphototherapy.htm
• http://www.babycenter.com.my/baby/health/jaundice/
• http://pediatrics.about.com/od/newbornsandbabies/a/05_jaundice_alt_2.htm

Do google for some more ya.  I hope the above are useful!

Medela Lanolin Tender Care - Miracle in a tube.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review.  This post was written based on writer's own experience with the products.  Everyone's skins and healing process are different so do experiment and see what works best for you.

When I first started breastfeeding, one of the thing that I wasn't educated with was that you could get hurt when breastfeeding.  Yepp, that's right.  You could get hurt.  Most breastfeeding mothers have experienced cracked nipple once or more.  Only another breastfeeding mother who had experienced the same would understand the pain she is going through.  This is, believe me a common problem in breastfeeding.  How painful?  Believe me, if you're not strong enough to go through it you would've probably continue breastfeeding your baby.  I had gone through this several times and it involves tears and screaming.  But it didn't stop me from breastfeeding.  Understanding how it happens and the way to treat it will help you become stronger.

Cracked nipple can be bloody, or not.  It can worsen if not taken care of.  Discontinuing breastfeeding without knowing the facts might just hurt you.  Why not check out some information on Medela's website http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/breast-nipple-problems.html. Before reading on, do take note that breastfeeding as often as possible will also help to heal, because your baby's saliva can help with healing. 

I got my first cracked nipp when Amani was 4 weeks.  I was still trying to get it right back then, so yeah, didn't quite get it right.  Plus all the breastfeeding issues then.  I went to the local clinic to get treated and the doctor gave me some breast pads and Palmer's Nursing Cream to be applied thrice a day.  I applied this for over a week and was breastfeeding with tears.  This, didn't work for me at all.  After a week I also tried applying after every breastfeeding session.  Nope, also didn't work.

I then contacted my breastpump supplier Ajasu and asked if she has any product which can help me solve the problem.  I seriously hadn't thought of her until my friend Timmy mentioned her!  She said why not ask Aja, she was sure Aja would have the famous Medela miracle cream, Lanolin.  So I emailed Ajasu and long story cut short, she sent me 2 small packs (the 0.3 oz pack- not the one in the photo) of Lanolin.  I applied the cream everytime after breastfeeding and it was indeed miracle!  I was healed the next day.  Yepp, the next day.  Fast, eh?  That's why I called this the miracle cream.  I instantly fell in love with this product and sworn to keep this with me.  It became handy every now and then when I had the same problem, tadaa...

2oz Lanolin Tender Care

It was useful when my baby had thrush and infected me as well!  It got very bad, and this time it took longer to heal.  I think it was 3 to 4 days.  Yepp, it was BAD, really.  I screamed during every feeding session.  The left breast was badly infected.  I didn't go to the doctor because I was in kampung and knew that I would have to go to the same doctor.  Same ol' same ol' you know what I mean.  So yes, Lanolin had once again became my saviour.  Just for info: Lanolin Tender Care soothes dry, sore and tender nipple.  It is available in 3 sizes: - 2.0 oz, 3.0 oz and 2 cc sachet.  You can read about it on Medela's website:- http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breast-care/413/tender-care-lanolin 

Until one day I realised the cream were all used up (half of it actually leaked out because of the package).  And this time I got another cracked nipp.  Bad one, again.  You would've thought that once you get use to breastfeeding, you got the technique right and the painful period would be gone, right?  Wrong.  My baby was teething and she just had to bite me really hard until I bleed and it was super BAD!  I didn't go to doctor.  I had visited doctors far too many times and I decided not to this time.  Besides I was always contemplating when it gets too private like this.  What was I gonna do to show the doctor how bad this was?  Unbuttoned my shirt?  I wasn't comfortable about it.  I tried the natural healing at first, remember, baby's saliva?  Just continue feeding and feeding and feeding.  Wow, I was tough.  Didn't work.  So this one evening I rushed to Mom's Care in Ikano Power Centre, Mutiara Damansara after work to get the nipp cream.  I needed something fast and was hoping to find Lanolin Tender Care.  Meanwhile I applied Palmer's cream just to ease the pain. 

When I got there, all they had was Purelan 100.  If I am not mistaken, this cream came out first before Lanolin.  This cream contains 100% pure lanolin which is useful for soothing sensitive nipple, and cracked and dry skin.  Apparently also works for baby's skin.  However it didn't work as fast as Lanolin Tender Care for me.  You know what I had to do.  I know what I had to do.  I contacted Ajasu again and asked her if she still has the Tender Care and that I needed the cream urgently.  Ajasu being the ever helpful and superb seller, she sent me the 2oz cream (above) and I was able to get a next day delivery.  I religiously applied Tender Care and tadaaaa.... Healed the next morning.  I seriously cannot thank Tender Care enough!  It will be my MUST HAVE in my bag!  Useful for emergency times you know. 

Anyway I remember asking Ajasu why Tender Care works faster than Purelan.  She mentioned that Tender Care has beta-glucan which assist to heal skin faster.  Oh miracle cream, I would never go through breastfeeding ever without you besides me.  That's for sure.  Mothers, do remember this:- be strong and never ever give up your breastfeeding due to problems such as this.  Know that there's a solution for all problems and know where to get help!  Don't let yourself suffer just because you are not sure of something.

Edit: Where can you purchase Medela Lanolin Tender Care in Malaysia?
I bought mine from Ajasu you can check out her post on this cream here:-http://www.mybreastpumpshop.com/2011/02/medela-tendercare-lanolin-nipple-cream.html (if this link doesn't work, please copy and paste into your browser.

If you happen to be in The Curve (or any other malls that have baby store) do enquire,  they may have Lanolin Tender Care.  Otherwise try asking what nursing cream they have, you might like to give it a try.  Who knows it might work for you.

Try also http://www.mybbstore.com/ , http://www.littlewhiz.com/ , http://www.lelong.com.my/ or just try Mr.Google.  He works miracle too sometimes.

If situation gets worse, do not hesitate to see a doctor, please.  It could be serious. 

Breastfeeding in public

I am, proud to say a breastfeeding mother.  Yes, my child is breastfed and I feed her wherever I can, whener she's hungry.  Satu acara berlaku related to breastfeeding recently membuatkan saya nak share sikit pendapat dan information. 





Do you dare to stand out?

 The First Malaysia Breastfeeding Flashmob

Tertarik dengan perkara berlaku kat Malaysia baru- baru ni, benda yang aku tau dah memang famous kalo kat oversea ni.  Kat Malaysia ni tak sangka, sungguh hamba tak sangka ada juga orang yang discriminate pada breastfeeding mom.  Hilang akal kot dorang ni, it is the most natural thing to do, feeding your child with love.  Agaknye orang- orang yang discriminate ni tak ter'educate' tentang baiknya susu ibu ni, tak diberi kesedaran sepenuhnya tentang breastfeeding.  Tapi, c'mon la, orang Malaysia?  Atau orang yang mendiskriminasi dalam kes ni bukan orang Malaysia - maklum le kita ni kan famous dengan hiring outsiders.

Alkesah aku dimaklumkan ada ibu yang menyusukan anak di dalam KLCC dan dihalau keluar oleh pak guard kat situ.  Eh pak guard KLCC yang gah ni orang Malaysia ke ek?  Lupa la sebab dah lama tak pegi sana, tak suka sebab KLCC sentiasa dibanjiri kanak-kanak 'wannabe' dan tiket mahal nak mampos... Heheh sorry KLCC!  Pastu terlalu besar dan tak silap aku nursing room dia pon nun kat ground floor area KFC sana ke mana tah.  Jauh k, tak sesuai dengan akak dik non... Apa ke bangang sangat pak guard tu?  Agaknye dia tak pernah tau kot orang pompuan ni bole menghasilkan susu dan dia anggap benda tu obscene?  Teringin gak nak tau, betoi ke KLCC ada policy takleh breastfeed anak sesuka hati?  Atau pak guard tu memang bangang. 

Pastuh berikutan perkara yang berlaku ni, ibu-ibu di Malaysia bangkit dengan breastfeeding flash mob di KLCC pada 7 August hari tuh.  Gempak tak, sempena Ramadhan yang mulia ni ibu-ibu juga bangkit untuk memperjuangkan hak menyusu anak mereka.  Isk rugi tau aku tak tau pasal menda ni, kalo tak harus aku heret Amani sekali.  Hehehe biar vocal Amani menguruskan segalanye.  Pasal flashmob ni kawan aku ada share link di sini untuk korang baca lebih lanjut lagi:-http://cintahati.com/malaysian-epic-the-tremendous-klcc-breastfeeding-flashmob/.  Apparently Dynas Mokhtar pun turung padang.  Anyway bangga le sesangat sebab ramai ibu- ibu di Malaysia sudi berjuang untuk breastfeeding ni!  Ada juga a few recordings dekat you tube kalau korang nak tengok.  Sila google yer. 

Public breastfeeding - apa pendapat korang? 

Sebelum berlakunya breastfeeding flash mob KLCC tu aku ada baca gak blog dekat babycenter.com tentang manusia- manusia kat oversea ni yang discriminate tahap melampau pada ibu yang breastfeed.  Dunia oh dunia. 

Aku merupakan seorang ibu, a breastfeeding mother yang kekadang disebabkan hebatnye vocal anak, tak dan nak pergi nursing room maka terpaksa la breastfeed anak kat tengah- tengah orang.  Kekadang tempat yang takde nursing room pulak, ermmm layan jer kat tengah-2 ni hehehe.

Apa yang aku kadang- kadang tak faham ialah setengah orang bangga sangat dengan formula milk apa yang diorang bagi anak diorang.  No offence to non- breastfeeding mom, I understand some of the reasons to NOT breastfeed, of course.  Tapi ada ibu yang sengaja taknak breastfeed walau susu melimpah ruah sebab taknak leceh kena selak baju, atau nanti tak dapat kerjasama suami untuk bangun berjaga tengah malam.  Yela, kalau anak bangun menyusu badan, mana ada campurtangan ayah nye ye tak?  So takleh la kejut suami bangun buat susu. 

Bagi aku menyusu badan ni seperti kembali ke fitrah.  Rasulullah SAW juga di beri susu badan.  Baginda siap ada ibu susuan lagi.  It is not against Islam, No?  Jangan kita deny hak anak kita dari mendapat yang terbaik!  Menyusu badan tu hak anak.  Aku pernah terbaca yang penyusuan merupakan hak anak sepertimana hak nafkah seorang suami terhadap isterinya.  Cool, huh? 

Cuma pendapat tentang menyusukan anak di tempat awam ni mungkin berbeza.  Iyelah, maybe ada ibu yang tak breastfeed secara discreet,  maybe openly that it causes discomfort to some.  Tapi bagi aku, biarpun ibu ni tak pakai nursing cover pun, ianya bukan sesuatu yang lucah!  Oooo kalau tengok pompuan pakai baju low cut tu tak lucah, tengok breastfeeding mom adalah lucah?  C'mon man, otak ko letak kat mana?  Mana?  Tapak kaki?  Isk isk.  Tengok majalah playboy tu ok, tengok pompuan bermini skirt berbaju low cut ok, tengok benda- benda lain yang sama lucahnya tu ok, tapi menengok seorang wanita menyusukan anak tu tak ok?  WTF???

Habis tu, kalau nursing room tu ada 10 bilik menyusu ok lah.  Biasa pergi nursing room tak?  Kalau singgah nursing room the curve tu contohnya, bilik ada 3 je.  Setiap kali ko pegi pon kak Bedah, akan kena queue.  Punye la ramai makhluk Allah ni menyusukan badan rupanya.  Muslim, non Muslim, hitam putih semua ada.  Wa tak tipu punya.  Pastu nak kata privacy sangat kekadang ada gak bapak orang kat dalam tu. 

Pastu kalau dalam satu shopping mall tu ada 3 ke 4 area untuk nursing takpelah juga.  Ce ko bayangkan, dah nature nye wanita ni suke shopping, letak lah nursing room di setiap ceruk dan penjuru.  Ko ingat best ke dukung anak yang gebu yang takmo duduk dalam stroller jauh- jauh?  Sambil tu pulak selagi tak dapat menyusu suara nye seperti tertelan microfon.  Perghh kuat kak ooiii. 

Ada pulak yang berani suggest kalau dah takde tempat menyusu, sila lah menyusukan anak di dalam tandas.  Eeeee geli geli geli.  Best ke nyahhh makan dalam tandas?  Ko nak ke, kalo aku bagi makan kat tandas?  Kalau nak meh le datang rumah aku suapkan ko dalam tandas.  Amacam, setuju?  Tandas kan kotor, ada najis, ada asap rokok bagi mereka yang tak paham bahase merokok dalam tandas.  Lagi mau makan dalam tu ka?  Orang yang suggest tu mesti seorang yang sangat pengotor!

Jadi sebelum aku membebel tahap takleh nak baca dah, aku terus buat kesimpulan pendapat aku kat sini.  Bagi aku selagi seorang ibu tu maintain the decency in breastfeeding, takde masalahnye.  Sekarang ni ada nursing wear, ada nursing bra, ada nursing cover dan bermacam nursing gear kat dunia ni.  So public feeding is possiible.  Google jerr u'olllssss.  Dan kalau ibu tu takmo cover line menyusukan anak, by all means...

Diana Abdul Molok