Breastfeeding is worth it

As the global breastfeeding week wraps up, I thought it was a good time to appreciate all the wonderful mums here who have become ‘milk making machines’ for their kids. The amount of work you are putting in to ensure that your kids are well fed, that you are also healthy and that everything is going on well. We support your effort and we see how hard you work.

Breast milk is very important and essential for the growth and development of infants. Whether you choose to breastfeed directly or pump exclusively for your kids to get it does not exactly matter. What is important is that your kids get enough breast milk that lays the foundation for their immune system in life.

Research has shown that kids who are breastfed have stronger immune systems and are less prone to falling ill as those who were deprived of breast milk. There are so many health benefits to breastfeeding kids. So if you can, do not pass it up.

However, I am aware that the breastfeeding experience is not palatable for a lot of people. I experienced pains for most of my breastfeeding journey. Here are a few tips for you to get through the process.

• Put your infant to breast as soon as possible after you've had your baby. 

• Take lots of healthy fluids.

• Eat healthy.

• Nurse your baby as often as possible. 

• And pump as often as you nurse. Nursing and pumping signals your body to produce more milk.

• If you are experiencing nipple pains or mastitis, please speak to your doctor. Or try any of these remedies.

• Get enough rest. Stress affects your milk production.

• Do not be agitated about the experience. It's a beautiful process.

I do hope your journey is as beautiful as it should be. You are already kicking ass.

Well done, Mama.