My First Breastfeeding Experience

When the nurse first asked me.. 'How do you want to feed the baby? Breastfeed or Formula?' Without thinking another second, I quickly replied 'Breastfeed'. Yup, I have read all about breastfeeding and how it works. I know it's the best way to feed my baby and I was dead determined to make it happen.

And so, 2hrs after my delivery, the nurse knocked on the door and came asking if I wanted to give breastfeeding a try (apparently my baby has woke up from her sleep and started feeling hungry for the first time). Although I was pretty tired after a long day, my eyes gleamed with excitement. I stared at Ivan and he gave this nod to say 'Go ahead if I'm up to it'. So I said 'Let's try it!!'

When the nurse first brought the baby to me, I held the tiny wrapped bundle in my arms, in the position I always imagined I would breastfeed. Then like the book said, 'touch the baby cheeks lightly and she will open up her mouth'.. I did that and the baby did open her mouth.. okie.. that's good.

Next, 'gently put your breast to the baby's mouth and let her latch on'. So when I slowly edge myself closer to the baby, before I have time to figure the next move.. suddenly the baby latched on!!! And she sucked on really hard!!! I'm surprised at how natural baby rooting reflex was and how so strong! She sucked for quite a while, with me wondering if she's getting anything out from it. I mean I was supposed to hear gulping sounds or see if she's swallowing. But I couldn't quite tell.

I then tried to unlatch as I didn't think she was latching on correctly (excuse the over-excited mom). Like the book said 'put your last finger at the corner of her mouth to break the suction'... I put my finger in and tried to get her to unlatch. But instead, she sucked in my finger as well!!! 'Oh no.. baby baby... let goo.. mommy's not ready' was all I remember saying. In a panic, I pulled my breast out from her mouth and did it hurt!!

After a few latching and unlatching sessions (because I kept thinking the baby wasn't latching on correctly which later I realised she was actually), my nipple skin was slightly chapped. Like the book said, I could express out some milk n air my nipple with it to get better. And it did get better after a day. Surprise, surprise, no need to buy any creams.

And there it was, my first breastfeeding experience. I would say it was a truly memorable moment to see my own small baby latching for first time and then slowly falling asleep on my chest. She looked like she's found the most secured and comfortable spot right then. I beamed with pride as I held her close.

The baby arrives!

I'm finally starting a blog for baby Valerie. I know it's a few months late, but like the old saying goes 'Better late than never'. So here I am, doing the very first post. Hmm.. how shall I start? Okie, here goes...

Baby Valerie Chen Wei Yee was born on 26th Nov 2008 @ 3.0kg (although personally I have wanted her to be born 2 days later which is 28th, cos daddy and mommy birthdates are both 28th Sept and 28th Oct... and if she's 28th Nov.. how coool is that?? :) ) Oh well.. anyway, she ended up chosing birth date same as her 'yee yee' (my sis) which is 26th.. Not ideal but is fine really..

When she was born, I was partially conscious, due to the spinal injection and my belly was being cut open, all I could hear was 2 cries and then that's it. After that was total silent, except the doctors and nursers busy moving about (no idea what they were doing) I suppose they were sewing me back. I asked Ivan 'How come the baby doesn't cry anymore?' And he said 'She suck her own thumb and went back to sleep'. When the nurse finally brought her over for me to have a look, my first thot was 'There she is... my very first baby!!!... perfect with all her little fingers and toes... but she looks like daddy doesn't she??' I had so wanted her to look more like me... after all I carried her for 9 months and gave birth to her didn't I?? Anyway I know how baby face changes over time, so I secretly hope she will look more like me eventually :)