Breastfeeding for the First Time

Being a first time mom, I had no idea what breastfeeding really entailed. I thought it would be easy and thus, I did not even take breastfeeding classes. Actually, I did not also know that the mommy support group LATCH already existed at that time.

Good thing I had my sister Geraldine with me, who was trained under UP-PGH Neonatologist and another wonderful breastfeeding advocate Dra. Mianne Silvestre. While I was still in recovery, my sister gave strict instructions with the nursery staff that my son would be breastfed exclusively. My sister had already planned the feeding strategy without my knowledge. Hahaha!

Since my son was not immediately roomed-in with me, it took me about 3 hours after giving birth before I could visit him at the hospital's nursery. Honestly, I was more groggy, sleepy and nervous than excited. Good thing my husband and mom were with me when we first visited my son at the Nursery. My first time to breastfeed felt awkward since I did not know about proper positioning and latching then. My mommy could only say words of encouragement since my mom said that both my sister and I were both formula fed babies.

With a little struggle, my son was finally able to latch. He sucked a little and went back to sleep and that moment marked the beginning of our breastfeeding journey.

P.S.
I strongly encourage moms to read up or take lessons on proper positioning and correct latching as this would prevent breastfeeding problems on the long term. LATCH conducts FREE Breastfeeding Classes at the Medical City in Pasig, six times a year.