Guide to a Breastfeeding Newbie

August 4, 2011 § 2 Comments

I know new moms have so much on their mind and even those who are dead set on breastfeeding sometimes fail because there’s lack of preparation and all sorts of reasons come in. Some find it hard to actually pursue because they thought it will come naturally like pregnancy & birthing. Well it is but there are several bottleneck on the breastfeeding journey that I would advice new moms to learn about it and find out as much as they can. Yes online reads are very helpful but to actually join a support group is the most ideal, aside from you actually get inspiration from those who were able to do it you also get to find your support group. There is nothing more powerful than knowing people who actually did it, I think about my friend who did it and tell myself doable yan ang daming naka gawa eh.

Here are ways to arm yourself with breastfeeding knowledge before birth. (I personally think the work is 5x harder if you start seeking help when you are actually there na. I even think that is 95% why breastfeeding fails, the other 5% is medical condition na.)

1. Attend classes to learn how to breastfeed

a. L.A.T.C.H. (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) is a hospital based non-profit organization established in 2006 that offers quality lactation education and peer counseling services to mothers who wish to breastfeed.

LATCH will have a FREE breastfeeding talk at The Medical City (TMC) this August 13, 2011 from 9:00-12;00 nn. Best to attend with partner/support person.

Read about What to Expect During LATCH Classes. I have never been to their class so I have no first hand info.

b. Medela Moms – they are the exclusive and authorized distributor of Medela Breast Pumps here in the Philippines, they also accept repair and check ups for pumps even if bought abroad or thru online sellers. They hold breastfeeding classes in 3 modules. I will try to get hold of their modules and schedule and price too. ~~Will update this as soon as I get them.~~

Breastfeeding 101: Sept. 10 (1:30pm-3:30pm)
Breastfeeding 202: Oct. 15 (9:00am-11:00am)
Breastfeeding 303: Nov. 19 (8-10am)

To register, just email back or text 0917-5614366. Indicate if you will be accompanied or not (for the snacks’ headcount :). Fee is P500 for 3 classes

c. Join birthing classes, usually those who are interested to do birthing the natural way are also the same people who are very interested in breastfeeding. I know of two groups that offer birthing classes. That of Chiqui Brosas-Hanh & the one from Rome Kanapi. I recommend these classes to first time mom, we took it when we had Kite and we learned a lot, you dont have to want to do Lamaze or anesthesia free birthing o join the class, we joined it to learn about birthing and just know more. Classes included newborn care & touches on breastfeeding too.

Chiqui’s Prepared Childbirth Class
PCC 202
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER CLASS 2011 (4 Sundays)
DATE: (Aug. 21, NO CLASS), Aug. 28, Sept. 4, 11, 18
TIME: 2:00-5:00PM

Prepared Childbirth Class
PCC 203
SEPTEMBER- OCTOBER 2011 (4 Sundays)
DATE: Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 (or 23, not confirmed which of the two dates)
TIME: 2:00-5:00PM

NOTE: Please complete contact information so we could inform you if there will be any changes in the schedule, venue or time.

GLOBE: Olive +63917-4770628
EMAIL: birthtimes@gmail.com

2. Join breastfeeding support meet. This is to make the journey fun and to have some people to talk to for support when the going gets tough.

a. La Leche League Phils is formed by Abbie Yabot it is an international support group organization for expectant and nursing parents. Meets twice a month, every 4th Saturday at Mothercare Greenbelt 5 at 1030am, join their facebook page to get latest update re meet schedule it changes sometimes eh. (I attend this one as much as I can)

b. The BreastFriends Support Group – join their YahooGroup for meet update, though the mailing list is inactive you can still post your questions and get the ball rolling. The group meet every 2nd Saturday in Baby & Co. Podium at 10:30am confirm muna if there is a class before attending, they require registration thru text too. (I attended this one a few times)

3. I got Nanay Lita Nery to massage me to prepare me for birthing and also massage me to help me relax and guide me in breastfeeding Kite the first time and again when I had Laya. I heard she no longer accepts pre natal massage because of her busy schedule. Actually I tried getting her services when I wanted to relax but she couldn’t fit me in her schedule. But am glad she made time for my friends who were in dire need, so I am assuming she picks whom to go to base on the urgency of the case and I commend her for that 🙂 Call Nanay Lita at 0918.5557565

Now that you have armed yourself and prepared for it. Here naman are the list of people to go to if you encounter problems Breastfeeding Counselors in the Philippines or if you need to consult or ask for help call the Latch Warmline 0917.5325643 (pls remember the people in Latch are ALL volunteer moms so there might be days when it takes a while before a reply is given) start rate for home visit consultation with Latch volunteers is at P500.

In case you are wondering what you need to buy to prepare for breastfeeding well NONE, you dont even need to buy a breast pump. Pumping is suggested when you reach 6 weeks na so wait for the need to buy before you go and buy one. I am also asked what pump I used I used Medela Freestyle Pump, I got it from an online seller. I am very happy with my choice and have recommended that too to several friends. But that doesnt mean it is the only good pump. I am actually now on a hunt for cheaper pump.

Hope this gives you a headstart for now. See you in one of the meets I hope 🙂

Mga breastfeeding friends, if you are willing to accept emails from people you dont know please leave your name & contact info or blog info sa comments so they can also go to you if ever.