The Breasts and Me!

"Welcome to the first Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (March). To celebrate National Women's Month, our participants share how breastfeeding has changed them as a woman. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

Breastfeeding has been such a wonderful experience. I'm still breastfeeding Y, who's now six and a half months already! I never thought I would reach this far, let alone breastfeeding. No one in my family did thought I would last this long. My mom was not supportive at first, because we were all formula-fed, but now she is. I think she did her own research, she now also encourages my younger sister to breastfeed her baby. Now my goal is to breastfeed Y until she's a year old.

Four-day Old Y

When I was pregnant, I read a lot on breastfeeding. I bought books, read kellymom, forums, and blogs, and even attended a LLL (La Leche League) meeting. I was gearing up myself for this new chapter I was going to embark. Breast pumps, nursing wear, nursing cover, nursing bras... all those stuff.

I thought I was all ready but... nope! I was not! Well, actually I was ready, I already anticipated the pain, the waking up in wee hours of the morning, the fussy baby. What I was not ready for was the change of my breast size! (Yeah, my breast became bigger during pregnancy but all I was worried and thinking about was the baby inside my belly.) Now, it's a size and cup bigger than my pre-pregnancy bra size! (And yeah, I read about the breast size will be bigger when breastfeeding) Ok, I always have small breasts. I was happy I didn't have big boobs because I don't have to worry about the clothes I wear (cause there's nothing to see) or if guys are oggling at it. Nowadays, I have to think about those! I miss my small breasts. But I'm not complaining! I'm used it now and big boobs means I have milk and that's good!

With the change, and since I haven't gone back to my pre-pregnancy weight yet (Kelan kaya?), my clothes don't fit anymore. Some do fit but it's fitted on the chest area, and so the need (emphasize on the NEED! LOL!) for new clothes! My shopping style now is different unlike before. Now, I have to consider if I can nurse when I wear it. The style choices are limited for normal clothes. Yes, there are nursing wear available but I haven't found anything that I like (one that fits my style and would go well with my current wardrobe, yes I'm maarte that way too!). I hope I find something soon because we're starting to take Y out, and of course I have to feed her while we're out. I may be comfortable popping my breasts out at home but not in public, the BOS would kill me if I do that! Haha! And I think I need to buy a proper nursing top or dress.

Buttondowns are the way to go.

I can't breastfeed in this. I didn't bring Y with me, hence the outfit!

Back to topic.. Still, I like to shop! Now I'm more excited and look forward on Expo Mom, any mom fairs, and Baby Fairs than the Rockwell Urban Bazaar! I like going thru toy stores than Topshop or Zara. Ok, I still like going to Topshop and Zara but I think about buying for Y first before me. And that's a change! Haha! Now, I'm beginning to be obsessed with baby gears, baby toiletries, cleaning stuff, feeding utensils, cloth diapers, baby slings.. anything and everything for Y! Who isn't an OC mom?! Right? And given that my baby is girl, it's more fun to dress them up than baby boys! That means more shopping for Y than me! LOL! I'm not complaining (really!) because there's still the joy of shopping! Haha!

Breastfeeding is my bonding time with Y. I'm a working mom so I only get to see her in the morning before I go to work and when I come home at night, she's already sleeping. I nurse her whenever I could. I was never close to my mom as a child, we are closer now, but wished we were close when I was young. I want to be close to Y and to my future daughters or sons, I hope breastfeeding is a step to that. Breastfeeding is my best gift to Y.

Breastfeeding has changed me a lot, not only physically or on the shopping side. It taught me to be more patient. It made me stronger and confident It has made me appreciate other breastfeeding moms and soon-to-be moms who's decided to breastfeed too! Breast is best! I'm really thankful that the BOS opened my eyes to breastfeeding. It really makes me proud that I made the decision to do it. It really is a commitment! And as time passes, I became passionate about breastfeeding, even considered to be trained as a lactation counselor! I'm still considering it when my schedule permits. I want to encourage other women to breastfeed, I want to inspire. I guess the whole experience changed me as a person, as a woman, as a wife, and of course as a mom.


Please take time to visit other Milk Mama Diaries Carnival Participants!

The Breasts and Me! at Apples & Dumplings

The Choice to be More Than a Woman at Mec as Mom [@delisyus and Facebook]

Breastfeeding made me a better and stronger mom...and woman at Ethanmama: The Working Mom...Finding Balance [@ethanmama and Facebook]

Feeling Fab at 40 at I'm Perfectly Created

Supercow Isn't Sexy at Rainy Days and Mom Days [Facebook]

Of Nursing and Self-Awareness at Changing Nappies in High Heels [@Lilly_pad and Facebook]

Same Old Brand New Me at the odyssey of dinna

Juggling Mommy Act: Fully Breastfeeding while Caring for "ME" at Handy Mommy

Breastfeeding and my self-image at Topaz Mommy [@FrancesASales and Facebook]

My Breastfeeding Story at Manila Fashion Observer [@cd_mfo]

Breastfeeding and My Career at Soprano Mom Writes [@touringkitty]

Joining the milkwagon at domestication of dotty b

A Love Story at Misis Teapot [@stellapastores]

Breastfeeding Has Made Me a Better Woman at Truly Rich Mom [@tinasrodriguez and Facebook]

Please think before you comment at Chronicles of a Nursing Mom [@MamaBabyLove and Facebook]