Why I Believe My Breastfeeding Journey Was Successful

I'm back! Hahaha! It's been a while. For some reason, I couldn't find the words or topics to write.  Writer's block. Uninspired. Whatever. But I'm not happy with that. I miss writing. I miss this space. And what better way to come back than to write something about a topic that's so close and dear to me. Breastfeeding!

It's Breastfeeding Month again and I couldn't help but remember my first experience in breastfeeding. I have written about it here. 

When people ask me to share about my experience, I am glad enough to oblige. I believe that our little family's breastfeeding journey was a success and should be shared so others could be encouraged.

It was successful because of the following reasons:

1. We were informed (I must say though, it was not enough. See my second reason). 

Just like an engaged couple preparing for their wedding, my husband and I prepared for the coming of our baby. I searched high and low what was the best thing (in terms of milk) we could give our baby. Honestly, we looked for the best (and not to mention the most expensive) formula milk available in the grocery store. However, we found out that nothing beats the real thing, that is, the breastmilk. So, as soon as we knew the value of breastmilk and breastfeeding, my husband and I decided to simply breastfeed our baby even though at that time she was still in my womb.

2. We were determined.

My breastfeeding experience at firs was not a walk in the park. I didn't know that my nipples were inverted. And though we did our assignment, we forgot one single thing that would make breastfeeding a breeze. Proper latching. We didn't know how to do it. I relied on what an obstetrician told me, "It's a natural thing. Babies would naturally latch." But she was wrong. Due to improper latching (which we didn't know at that time), I had difficulty breastfeeding my daughter and she couldn't get the best from my breasts. I had sore breasts, my baby was already getting blood, and I was crying all the time, whenever I feed her. I was torn between wanting to nurse her and saving my body from pain and hurts. BUT I love her. My husband and I were determined to give her our very best.

3. We had support. I had support.

The number one support we had at that time, that we were so thankful for, was our paediatrician. She is a breastfeeding advocate. Our family encountered all the bumps in the road but our paediatrician had been our constant and consistent encouragement. When I doubted myself, if I would be able to breastfeed my daughter because of inverted nipples, she was there. When my baby's weight suddenly dropped from 8.4 kgs to 7.2 kgs, she was there. When my breasts were bleeding and so painful, she was there. She's really a blessing to us!

I had support. I have a super supportive husband. I will never forget our feeding time and how he showed his love. As I breastfed our baby, my husband would hold my hand and I would press it so hard. He told me to squeeze it and put the pain that I feel into his hand. Isn't that sweet? I would cry buckets. Afterwards, he would prepare a simple snack for me with a glass or two of water. As I ate my snacks, he would "burp" our baby.

My husband and I

My husband showed his love and support in more ways than one. And for that, I'm forever grateful. Since then, we know that breastfeeding is not just a mother's concern. It's an active love effort from husband and wife. :)

My husband during a breastfeeding class as he encourages other husbands to support their wives in breastfeeding their babies

4. We were shown and given grace.

I was able to breastfeed my daughter for 4 years and 8 months, a feat that would not have been achieved without God's grace. Everything was by His grace - the knowledge and information, the determination, the support - all of these, I would acknowledge, His grace that is ever-present and available for us.

With my sweetheart

My daughter "self-weaned" from breastfeeding. It was on Mother's Day 2016 when she told me she wanted me to be able to eat fish and dairy products. She has food allergy and that means whatever I eat would also affect her when I breastfeed her. So I avoided the food that would affect her. But on that day, a day that brought me both tears and smile, sadness and joy, she told me she would stop breastfeeding but she would surely miss it.

With my sweetheart

Any mom's breastfeeding journey could be successful. Fortunately for moms these days, there are a myriad of breastfeeding groups. Due to my desire to encourage my friends and relatives who are in the crossroad whether to breastfeed or not their little ones, I joined a breastfeeding group that "takes guesswork out of breastfeeding". We regularly hold breastfeeding classes to inform, encourage, and support families and communities. If you are a breastfeeding mom or on the family way and would like to know more about breastfeeding and how to be successful in your breastfeeding journey, please feel free to comment your concerns on the comment box. It would be a pleasure to help you! You may also visit and like our Facebook pages, LATCH Los Banos and LATCH Philippines for more information and events on breastfeeding. 

May your breastfeeding journey be a success too! 

Victory: My One Word for 2016

Have you ever heard about the "one word"- this is the word that you set for the coming year and make it as your guide. It brings you simplicity and focus so that whatever happens throughout the year, it'll be something to remind you to go back to how you would like your year to look like or what you want to be or even accomplish. It gives you more clarity, passion and purpose for life.

I started using "one word" in 2014. It was "hope". It was also a very trying year for me and my family but never did I lose hope. I remember I always used (hashtag) #hopefulin2014. I was not disappointed. Because hope doesn't disappoint. I didn't lose faith. Because hope enabled me to keep believing. Then came 2015. The Lord impressed in my heart the word "grace". And true enough, His grace is abounding and sufficient. A lot of changes occurred and it was God's grace that saw us through. There were times this year that I felt like we were walking through the tunnel. It was God's grace that served as the "light at the end of the tunnel" that enabled us to continue and hold on. This year, 2016, the Lord has put in my heart the word VICTORY.

It was in September 2015 when the Lord gave me His word that "He will restore what the locusts have eaten." Then the following month, He placed the word "victory" in my heart. It was confirmed then by our church's theme for the year. It was a heart-warming revelation that I was in tears. All I could say was, "Thank you, Lord."

Victory over sin and death (Salvation of my soul).
Because of God's amazing grace and through my faith in what the Lord Jesus Christ had done on the cross of calvary, I receive His gift of salvation. Jesus had already overcome sin and death, it has no more sting in my life. When life is through this side of heaven, my eternal dwelling is with Jesus in heaven. I have also overcome; Jesus has given me victory over sin and death.

Victory over sicknesses and diseases (Physical wellness).
Last year was the year I felt our health was being challenged. It was God's grace and faith in His word that sustained us. Every time I felt there was something wrong in my body, God's word was always on time to remind me that, indeed, Jesus is my Great Healer. This year, I am walking on the Lord's promises that, yes, I have already overcome! My family and I are healthy and well!

Victory over "supply and demand" (Financial breakthrough).
It was also last year that my husband and I were both unemployed. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 4 years now. It was the first time for my husband to be jobless. We took a different route last year, believing that it was where the Lord was leading us. One of life's sweet blessings though, is, when you made a detour, God will always bring you back to where you are supposed to be. And that is because of His awe-mazing grace! This year, my husband is employed again. Slowly but surely, we are making our way to clearing out all debts. We believe that before this year ends, victory is ours! 

How about you? Are you also looking for that one little word of you this year? Or do you have any habit or routine you do at the beginning of the year? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Happy victorious and blessed 2016 to you all! 

How's Your First Week of 2015?

Most blessed and blissful new year to you! I know I should have said it a day before the first day  (or on that day itself) of this first month of 2015. I intentionally controlled myself from doing it. I would like to do it differently by letting the first week go by. And in case (well, just in case) your first week didn't go the way you dreamed or planned or envisioned it to be, then let my new year greeting now inspire you to move forward in spite of.

To answer my own question (if it so happened that you think you missed my question, just take a look again at the title of this post.  ;)), please allow me to give you a brief rundown of what transpired in my life during the first week of 2015. 

December 31st - My family and I were fetched by my husband's cousin to go to Pasadena and witness the Rose Parade the next day. It was a short road trip (thank goodness for very light flow of traffic) with side trip to the Blue Yonder of Los Angeles. It is 3,000 feet above sea level. You can see the whole city of LA and it's just stunningly beautiful.

With my loves

Spot the moon

We stayed at my cousin-in-law's cozy house for a night. Our little ladybug enjoyed not only the company of her uncle, aunt (my husband's cousin's wife), grandma (my husband's aunt) but also Leo's and LJ's as well. Leo and LJ are their cute and charming shih tzu puppies.

Our little ladybug as she watched with amusement the moving train

January 1st - We all got up early including our 3-year old. I could tell that she was really excited for this. It was freezing cold (at least for me) outside. The temperature dropped to 13 degrees (Celsius) if my memory still serves me right. Good thing we were ready for it because our generous hosts provided the jackets/sweaters, gloves, bonnets and ear warmers that we would be needing. We were even served with hot arrozcaldo (rice porridge) before we were dropped off at the site. Below are some pictures I and my husband took during the course of the Rose Parade. We enjoyed watching the parade for about 2 hours or so.

New Year's Eve

After the parade, we were fetched, brought back to our hosts' house and served with a very hearty meal. Although the food were not cooked at home (they ordered it from a hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant), it was really scrumptious. Everyone loved what was on the table. We were all filled and satisfied.

Right after that sumptuous meal, we headed back to our place. Once again, my cousin-in-law drove for us and made sure that we're back home safe and sound. 

 January 2nd - My husband, our daughter and I went to the mall to buy a simple orange juicer. We have an orange tree in the backyard and it produces tasty, sweet and juicy orange fruits. Our daughter loves to drink freshly squeezed orange juice. She doesn't just enjoy drinking the juice, she also wants to make it herself.

At the mall. One of her simple joys.

Pretend play at the grocery store

"I'm helping Daddy make orange juice, Mommy."

Tot in the kitchen

January 3rd - It was Make-A-Meal day for our little ladybug and her cousin. I found this Melissa and Doug Sticker Pad in a shop at the mall. It includes 15 place settings and over 225 stickers. The kiddos had fun doing it together. My husband was around to guide supervise them. ;)

It was also our laundry day. One of the things I am proud about my daughter is her willingness to help. Since she started to walk, she would always offer her help no matter how "big" the work to do is and how "little help" she could offer. That attitude is so natural in her.

"Daddy, you need my help?"

"Ako na po dyan." (I'll take care of it)

January 4th - Sunday is always worship day. We went to Inland Hills Church and heard a life-changing message from the senior pastor. While the grown ups (that include my husband, my brother and I), were listening attentively to the message, our little ladybug was quietly busying herself with some "writing/drawing" activity. 

 January 5th - The household (husband, daughter, niece and sister-in-law and I) were busy preparing for the 3rd birthday of my niece. The five of us went to Baskin and Robins to order an ice cream cake; Walmart, to buy party food ingredients and some party supplies; Michael's store, for other party paraphernalia. It was a busy and productive day.

 January 6th - The day we're all busy and had a fantabulous time. The birthday party was a success! Kudos to my sister-in-law who worked in the kitchen all night (January 5th) and all day today to make sure that the menu she planned for her daughter's birthday will definitely be prepared and served. My husband (although he's not really feeling well) helped me in putting the decoration. We're all happy with the turnout, specially the birthday princess (Disney Princesses is the theme) my niece and my daughter as well. We only had 3 guests (2 adults and one kid) since we're new to this place and don't have friends yet in the neighborhood.

The birthday princess with her parents

The birthday princess with my family

Princess Ariel, Mama, Me and Queen Elsa

So, that's pretty much how my year started. I'm looking forward to making more memories, learning from life's experiences and becoming a better (that is, more grateful, more patient and more loving) person this 2015. Of course all of these will happen with His amazing grace showered abundantly in my life.

Blessed New Year everyone! How is it so far? I would love to hear from you.