I breastfed for about 2 years before weaning off on a night feed gradually. My son was then on fresh milk. I breastfed during the period when I was pursuing my further studies which saw me pumping in between lessons and storing my milk in the office.

I breastfed when I was sore and in pain, expressed when I had to be away from baby. I breastfed when we were travelling for 3 weeks and breastfed when I resumed work after studies. I breastfed when people discouraged me to and strangers give me the eye. To me, it was something I had set my mind to doing and I know full well, I am “in charge of the final decision” despite what others may say.

So what kept me going? Was it stubbornness or perseverance? After thinking it through, here’s why.

#1 Why Not? Breasts were meant to produce milk

In pregnancy, our breasts are also getting prepared for the upcoming birth. It is amazing that our bodies can actually produce milk post-birth and continue to do so, as the baby so demands it. Certainly, the initial days the milk flow may not kick in, but keep pushing and usually the milk flow will get into full swing. Of course, it took a lot of reading up, supportive friends and family as well as nursing advice from lactation consultants.

#2 Health Benefits

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, and then beyond to at least 12 months (some up to even 2 years). Breastmilk has antibodies; nutrients not to mention provide defence against infections, allergies and some other chronic conditions.

#3 Strong Bonds

Health benefits aside, the nursing journey has been one of bonding. It benefited me as a mother when I spend time nursing my little one. Subsequently, when I returned to further my studies on a partial load, it helped us to bond when I was away for a longer part of the day. When I eventually returned back to work full time, night nursing was the only constant when he transited to childcare. It was really a personal shared activity between me and my child.

#4 Preparation

Breastfeeding was hard, but I think mental preparation is what helped. Certainly, there were many difficulties and unknowns, but I had braced myself for it. I had been “instilled” to breastfeed from what I have read and was greatly motivated by my friends and doctors. I have several friends who breastfed their kids over a sustained period. Right from the start, my gynaecologist had also advised me to breastfeed.

My paediatrician was regularly encouraging me to work towards the “2 year medal” and when I was concerned about the childcare sickness syndrome, it was comforting to know his opinion that my breastfeeding was keeping the nursery sicknesses at bay – at least at a lower level. It helped that there were always people pushing me on.

#5 Learning

Breastfeeding is a journey for both mother and baby. I learnt a lot about myself and my child. It stretches me physically, emotionally and also socially. I learnt through mistakes that if I am not disciplined (in expressing), I suffer physically and there were a few occasions things got quite bad and I had to see a lactation consultant.

I learnt to what extent I can push myself and how to make informed choices of my own as a parent. I learnt how to deal with the “social stigmas” of breastfeeding. Last but not least, I learnt a lot about my baby and we establish our own routine together.

Looking back, it has been a great privilege that I was able to breastfeed my baby which gave him a good start in life! 

By Som Yew Ya

This article is part of Breastfeeding with Love campaign, initiated by The New Age Parents and New Age Pregnancy.

Join the Breastfeeding with Love Facebook Group to find out more and be part of our breastfeeding online community!

Click on the logos to find out more about our supporting partners.