Suzette's Parenting and Breastfeeding Blog

2 weeks ago when I was in Singapore, I met up with a few ex-colleagues. One has two children already and she is still breastfeeding her second child, 6 months old. A great job! And I think generally breastfeeding awareness and supports are better in Singapore compared to Malaysia.

Well, actually none of my ex-colleagues in Singapore know that I am married and have 2 kids. None know that I have breastfeeding experience. That’s because we didn’t catch up for so long! The last time we met was like 6 years ago!!

Anyway, when I was chatting with her, she complaint about night feeding, that she actually pumps before sleep and then after she wakes up in the morning. The baby is taken care by the maid in another room, and is fed from bottle.

Well, when I talked to ‘experienced’ breastfeeding moms like this, it is hard to give opinion, coz she would disagree with every suggestions or opinions I give. Yes, instantaneously. Not to blame her, because none of them know of my breastfeeding journey (chewah! like very self arogant… :p).

Anyhow, this prompted me to write this post about breastfeeding at night.

Yes, it is individual preference to co-sleep with the baby, or have separate bedrooms. I wasn’t comfortable co-sleep with Ian too, and he was my first child I didn’t have any experience - not only in terms of breastfeeding, but also childcare!

Continue Reading »

Though I am a breastfeeding supporter (note I no longer call myself a ‘STRONG’ supporter), I have given up in ’selling’ it outside of my blog now.

Through out the years, I’ve realized and accepted one truth - if a mother is not willing to suffer for her child, no matter what you say wouldn’t change her mind, even a little.

Yes, breastfeeding is not easy. If you want to do that, be prepared to face a lot of challenges, especially for a working mom. But for a mom who wants the best for her child, she would try to conquer those challenges. I am one of those who have lots of challenges, as I have a high flyer career, with global responsibilities, used to travel twice a month, have regular off hour telecon and meetings, etc. I nearly lost my job in my effort to provide the best for my children, and even if I did I still wouldn’t regret it, coz I trully wanted the best for them.

Continue Reading »

When I was helping a friend looking for breast pump options, I remembered reading from MMB forum, a member numom mentioned that she purchased Ameda directly from UK, which is a lot cheaper compared to Medela.

I contacted her and on top of that made some further research before sharing with this friend. My friend ended up bought it and used for nearly 3 months now. It seems to be a great option, for mommies looking for an affordable dual pump.

System
Ameda uses the ‘Hygienikit Milk Collection System’, which is FDA certified becoz the milk doesn’t back-flow into the tubes. It is electrical dual-pump, which can save pumping session by half. Continue Reading »

When I had my first baby, I read from somewhere that breastfed babies do not need to be burped. The theory: when a baby is fed directly from the breasts, they don’t drink in any airs, so there is no need to burp them.

Is it true?
I followed the same, coz I didn’t know how to handle a small baby at that time. Skipping the burping routine is like a breeze for me, and further more it was really hard to burp up a gas for Ian - it could take up to 30 mins!

And the results?
I had regurgitating baby who threw out many times after feeds.

Later, I read from different sources, a different theory and opinion on this.

Continue Reading »

I’ve read about this somewhere long time ago but can’t remember the source. It kept ringing in my mind and I really have to share it.

Imagine in poor third world countries, where living condition is poor and food is generally insufficient, mothers who were traditionally breastfeeding their children were given free formula sample for their babies. Without clean water, without good knowledge on cleaning and sterilizing their equipment (bottle, nipples, etc), can you imagine how badly contaminated the milk for their babies?

Continue Reading »