Mama Bear's Journey: Breastfeeding Journey II

Friday, December 28, 2012

Breastfeeding Journey II

When I found out I was pregnant, EG asked me if I want to upgrade my breastpump. Of course I want. :)... I was using Unimom for Eunice's time. It served me well. But this round, knowing that it's going to be another long journey, I bought Medela Pump In Style Advanced instead. I got it from Amazon.com and EG's colleague was really kind to help me to bring all the way back to Penang for me!

I have read that for 2nd baby, mother will have more milk. I prayed for that. During pregnancy, I felt my breast duct was a bit painful, the sensation is similar to when I had mastitis during Eunice's time. I was worried that it'll be a roadblock for me to breastfeed my baby. Thank God the sensation went away in my later part of my pregnancy.

EG said I have breastfed Eunice for 19.5 months, so I must do the same for Natalie, if not more, to be fair he said. :).. Well, I agree.

I direct latched Natalie after she's born. No bottle feeding. I insisted to direct feed. When I came home on my 4th day (I stayed extra day to observe Nat's jaundice), I felt my breast was very engorged. So I pumped, and I got 6oz output! Wow, amazing.

I pump once a day during confinement to clear my breasts. I can get 7oz easily, while I direct fed Natalie most of the time. So in the end, I fed Eunice my breastmilk since I dunno what to do with it. :)

After I started working, my supply was abundant. Averagely I get 8-10oz on my every pump session. And I tried not to over supply, hence I still only pump 3 times a day, even Nat has slept through the night. And I still get 27oz-30oz of output everyday. As a result? Not only my freezer is full, now both my girls are on breastmilk fully. Yes, you heard it right! Eunice is on breastmilk AGAIN. :)

I tried not to stuff up my freezer since EG didn't want to buy another freezer for me. I have to agree with him that as long as it's enough supply, no point stocking up so much. My girlfriend told me, it's a good problem actually. I have to agree with her. Oversupply is always better than under supply.

I love my new pump. I could get 7-10oz in 15 minutes. My friends sharing the same pumping room in office often shocked with my efficiency! It's good because work is crazily busy now and I won't take so long in the room pumping like during Eunice's time.

I sure hope I can breastfeed Nat up to 2 years old. For 2nd baby, even breastfeeding is such an enjoying process. :).. Guess my friend is right, with a good pump, it surely makes the breastfeeding journey more pleasure! :)