Good thing my online running-turned-mommy blogger friend Que Gavan, gave away an E-pass for the said event as raffle, and to cut the story short, I WON! *wink
Highlights
The talk started with a game, collecting pieces of papers under our seats with written breastfeeding (BF) myths and facts. Divided into 2 groups, Daddy Cris (who accompanied me, being a very supportive partner in my breastfeeding journey) and I got separated. The group must collect the most number of BF Myths to win. Daddy Cris' team won by 1 myth against ours. That's the good thing about tagging along your partner, someone gets to win, hehehe. (He even won at the raffle as well.)
This game was an introduction to Ms. Joyce Martinez's segment on Busting Filipino Myths on Breastfeeding. As mothers to a new generation, we are all exposed to various tell-tales on breastfeeding especially if we still have our grannies and sometimes house helps who grew from the province. Even I am exposed to so many, few sample that also came out of the talk yesterday (March 29, 2014) "Huwag itataas ang braso habang natutulog, nakakabawas ng gatas" (Dont raise arms while sleeping, it affects the milk supply) and the most famous "Huwag magpapasuso kapag pagod, dahil madedede ni baby" (Dont breastfeed when tired. All these myths and more were busted by scientific explanations.More facts about breastfeeding were revealed and nutritional and medical interventions were also discussed to learn more about the challenges other moms experience and how we, the breast-abled ones be of help.
The next part was the main discussion with Ms. Teresa, How to Win Over Breastfeeding Challenges
She gave 6 Tips based from her Book which I found really significant to my own journey as well. I caught myself nodding with almost all her insights for I have experienced the same challenges with my son Quillan, 7 years ago for 3 years, although we have different cases. Now that I'm equipped with knowledge I feel more confident BFing Zylar. What can help a breastfeeding mom win?
2. Be willing to Make Sacrifices - To travel the world and a great opportunity of becoming a Flight Attendant, so much for a sacrifice, but I don't regret it. To be part of the workforce and earn extra. These were just a few of the sacrifices I made when I became a mother. I stood by my choice of being a Stay-At-Home mother and housewife despite all the should've(s), would've(s), could've(s) my immediate family were telling me. Nagmahal lang ako, and love will always require sacrifice. Incomplete hours of sleep, less shopping time with friends, shorter 'ME' time were just some of the sacrifices and adjustments we have to undertake.
3. Be Disciplined - no brainer for me, for Ms. Teresa cited an example of an athlete. With great power comes great responsibility, that's how I take it. Always go back to the "WHY's" you are doing it; Because you only want the best!
4. Be Persistent - have small achievable goals that's what she said. Don't look too far that you feel it's taking so long to get there. Plan to breastfeed for the 1st month at first. When you get there, plan to BF until baby reaches 6 months, then a year, and before you know it, you have breastfed your little one for 3 years already. Time flies fast, they always say. That's what exactly happened to me with Q. I have reached a great milestone, most moms 'envied' me for. But I tell you it wasn't like a walk in the park. I have been bitten SO MANY times, and it doesn't feel good AT ALL, that you wanted to hit baby but you cant. But I persisted only because I know this milk is the best.
5. Find a Support Group - Lucky are the moms of this times that the internet is so accessible. 7 years ago, I haven't encountered forums and parenting clubs. I solely rely on my Mama's tips and of the oldies. I also got tips on how to wean early the baby from breastfeeding. Only in 2009, when I encountered Smart Parenting Forum, where I was able to chat with my first breastfeeding online friends. Friendships were established up until now that our babies are all grown ups and new babies were added. They became my consultants on parenting how-to's, stage-mothering, etc. Now, I have encountered a group exclusively for breastfeeding moms, the Breastfeeding Pinays. This is where I was able to learn the new updates on breastfeeding, laws and protocols, and breastfeeding accessories. I also get to share my learnings from the past experiences, being able to breastfeed for 3 years, to the new moms.
6. Ask God for Help and Favor - Pray... For patience, good health, and good supply of milk.
Every registered participant gets a copy of the book. Of course I didn't miss the chance to have it signed and have photo opts with the author together with my precious breastfed babies. It was so reassuring that what I did and planning to do again is the best choice I made for my children. Because kids don't come with manual, mothers like me should never stop learning new things. :)
About the Book
"Breastfeeding success stories of moms from different walks of life by Teresa Gumap-as-Dumadag. Text 09178345846 or email teresa@fulllifecube.com to order.
Mission
• To inspire more moms -- especially Filipinas -- to breastfeed their babies.
• To help educate more Filipino women on the benefits of breastfeeding.
• To help more Filipino babies and mommies to be healthy by encouraging a culture of breastfeeding.
• To equip and empower moms who have made the decision to breastfeed by providing them a simple guide that can help them get started.
• To support breastfeeding moms who have bravely taken on the challenge to breastfeed their babies by letting them know that even though it’s natural to encounter challenges along the way, they can succeed if they persevere and get help from the right people.
• To assure moms who are considering to breastfeed their babies that it’s possible to breastfeed and achieve their breastfeeding goals, despite whatever circumstance they find themselves in."
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