KC and the bottle

since i am due to go back to work in a few weeks, i have started using my medela pump in style advanced breast pump to collect and store milk for kirsten.

it's a real challenge from the start since i don't know how the pump works (ganun pala yun haha!) and how i can get as much milk as i can. the first few times were darn frustrating, i only got less than an ounce to an ounce on both boobies! every drop counts! but i guess as i can continue to pump frequently and regularly the milk comes flowing more and more (yey!). i also make sure to drink lots of fluids (water, fresh juice, soups with malunggay) and eat oatmeal (i read somewhere it helps increase milk production) everyday. i am actually considering taking supplements, like malunggay capsules (natalac?) and fenugreek, as well as buy lactating cookies from mommy treats, but i will still have to check with my pedia.

with my limited milk supply, we tried to give kc the medela bottle (we used the medela bottle as she doesn't seem to like the avent ones [yet]!) last week when i had to go out for lunch with my bosses. and she took it like a pro!



i had my sisted give it to her i also read that she may reject the bottle once she senses i am the one giving it to her (hey mom can i drink from you instead!?).



actually, i have tried giving her the bottle and she rejected it! but during the few times my sister or her tita/yaya ana gave it to her while i was away, she took it! haaay.



o diba? anong nipple confusion!? :) thank you, sweetie, for cooperating. great job, little one! i am so proud of you! but please don't think that i am giving you the bottle so i can go out and make lakwatsa or for my own convenience ( i love breastfeeding you!). of course, if your mama had it her way, she'd stay with you 24/7 and be a stay-at-home mom (oh langga i wish you knew how much it saddens me to think that i'd have to leave and be away from you for 8 hours or so starting mid-nov! it breaks my heart!). but mama needs to go back to work so she can help dad provide you with everything you need and more. we both want the best for you. this arrangement is only during my work hours, anak. when i get home (i will leave the office as early as possible, i promise!), tayo na ulit magkadikit and you will feed directly from me. i have committed myself to breastfeed you as long as possible, so we can both get all the benefits it has in store for us.

good luck to us both, sweetheart. together, we can do this! :)