Blocked milk ducts for company over the weekend

My breast friend ;)

I can't remember when was my last post on breastfeeding... (this blog is also to document my breastfeeding journey) For the record (my record) I have now breastfeed for 1 year and 3 months (almost). A few more months to go insyaAllah. Akif still bf on demand..anytime he wishes, anywhere he wishes... Though he has taken solids, his bf sessions never seems to lessen. He still wakes up once or twice for night feedings too. He musta love mami's milk very much, huh? Hehehe..

Anyway...last friday evening, my right breast felt lumpy & hard. I goggled and found related articles to help me find cure/ solutions. Through my readings, discovered that I had blocked milk ducts. Tried feeding Akif to reduce the engorgement but he eventually refused because very little milk came out. Pumping also did not worked. Nor did hand expressing. I was kind of in phobia because I had once experienced a bad case of mastitis 7 years ago. Praying very hard that this will not turn to that.

[ A plugged (or blocked) duct is an area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed. The nipple pore may be blocked (see Milk Blister), or the obstruction may be further back in the ductal system. A plugged duct usually comes on gradually and affects only one breast ] source : Kellymom

[ The common causes for blocked @ plugged milk ducts are....engorgement or inadequate milk removal, infrequent/skipped feedings, pressure on the duct or nflammation] source : Kellymom

Came Saturday, there were still no improvement. I heat compressed, massage, pumped.. After a few rounds, I finally saw the 'plug'. Tried to remove it but could not. And it was painful too (not kidding). But milk has started to come out again so I let the expert, Akif do the job. Alhamdulillah, though has not fully recovered, the engorgement has however subsided.

So..if you have a case of blocked @ plugged milk ducts, here are what you can do..
1. To reduce / prevent engorgement
     a. Continue to bf on the affected breast
     b. Bf on the affected side first
     c. Vary baby's position at the breast
     b. Hand express @ use a pump if the baby is not willing to nurse
     c. Heat compress - Hot shower @ try using a dispo diaper - fill it hot water. If the temperature feels  
                                     right (the wet diaper), press the inside against your breast. The warm stays longer
                                     compared to wet cloths.

2. Do not fall for myths such as the unremoved breast milk has turned bad@sour if your baby is unwilling to nurse due to plugged milk ducts. No such thing! Breast milk are sterile and they stay sterile as long as they are still in the breast. Baby refusal to nurse normally could be due to many other reasons such as difficulty latching-on due to breast engorgement or low milk flow as ducts are plugged/ blocked.

Lumps or bumps should go away in a day or two. If none of the above works, you should consider consulting a certified LC or your doctor.

For a better understanding and to read more on blocked @ plugged ducts, you can go to the links below
- Breastfeeding-mom.com
- Kellymom.com
- askdrsears.com
- Loveyourbaby.com

Love note : Breast milk is best!

Happy 1st Birthday Umair Akif!

picture credit to google image

Around this time, same date last year, i was waiting for my turn to see my O&G, Dr. Fatimah. It was on the 6th day of Syawal 1430. I was not due until another 2 weks plus. Akif was supposed to be due in mid Oct 2009. However during the check-up, I was already 4cm dilated. Immediately I was sent to the labour room. Skipping the in labour part, Umair Akif was safely delivered at 4.23pm on the same day.

Now, one year later, Umair Akif is one unstoppable little explorer! He started cruising at 10 months and were already running at 11 months. He also loves to wrestle with his elder brothers. And He loves to eat too. Tak boleh tengok orang goyang mulut, tup!tup! terus ada kat sebelah.Pandai minta pula tu. Kalau tak dapat...will sure to cry one hehehe.. He has even had his first taste of durian- which brought pleasure to his Ayah because Ayah is the only one in our little family who eats the king of fruits. Yup! My two elder sons and I don't eat durians.

This picture was taken this morning. 

He is giving others 'that' look..as if were we going to take away his biscuits.

Akif 's birthday also means our breastfeeding journey has successfully reached the 1 year mark. Half accomplished, another half to go. It has been a wonderful experience & journey so far. It took a lot of patience, determination, sacrifice and a lot of help for us to get this far. Alhamdulillah! Looking forward to more wonderful breastfeeding moments....

More pictures will be added later. Have yet to decide on the flavour for his birthday cake. Any suggestions? The birthday boy can yet eat the cake anyway.  Maybe just a taste. His two brothers have suggested a few flavours that THEY like though hehehe..

Susuibu 2nd Support Group Meeting : Myths in Breastfeeding

Joined my first SGM last Sunday. Excited sangat caused i got to meet many BF mommies. Exchanging stories & experiences.

Though the topic was Myths in Breastfeeding, the discussion was more on how to manage the myths. Byk sgt myth..antaranya banyak sangat pam akan menyebabkan susu kering, bayi lelaki lebih kuat minum dari bayi perempuan, susu breast kanan makanan dan susu breast kiri minuman, BM kalau tak diminum terlalu lama ( atau tak pam out) akan masam dll. Normally this myths comes from our elder i.e grandmother, mother, mother in law. So to simply answer without knowing the right facts would make make it hard especially for new mothers. Coincidently, an experinced mommy has written about all the myths she could think of. To read about them, please visit ibufarish's blog here and here.

Here are the pictures at the SGM..

Group Mama Kamariah

Mommies who came

Liza of Snuggbaby representing Malaysian Babyweares explaining on the Safety in babywearing

Mommies from the MBW

Demo on how to wear the Wrap

Can't wait for the next SGM :)

Jom kita pergi ramai-ramai...

I was that person..

...who thought i could not produce enough milk for my babies. But now...i don't believe in that CRAP anymore!

I can, not only breastfeed Akif until today..41/2 months to be exact, but i breastfeed EXCLUSIVELY ! All it takes was a some knowledge and a LOT of determination. Or the other way round...which ever that suits you hehe..



Why suddenly i 'm writting about this? Well, yesterday..nope..the day before, i met a neighbour who is a babysitter. She commented that Akif is very 'tegap'. Could be because he is fully on mami's milk, she said. Then..she said the baby she's caring for, a 9 months old boy is not yet 'keras' cause he is on FM. His mother cannot produce enough milk. After that..i was not paying attention to what she said anymore ;P

For moms to be, first time mothers, a mother who is trying to give breastfeeding a second try (or like me..this was my 3rd try) or a mother who simply wants to give the best to her baby, here are what you can do :-

1. Get some knowledge on BF-all about BF, maybe from reading but most effective is by taking a BF course conducted by certified lactation counselor (LC). Go to Susuibu for further info.

2. Be mentally, physically, emotionally ready because it won't be easy. Get all the support you need especially from your husband and your immediate family. Educate them if necessary. Let them know why you choose to breastfeed your baby.

3. Get all necessary gear ready : nursing wear, nursing bra, breast pad, breast pump, nursing cover (if you think it will help you) etc.

4. INVEST in a good breast pump especially if work and determined to feed your baby exclusively. Yes, it is an investment :). Some more...get info on how/when to express, how to store, thaw, anything related to EBM.

Breastfeeding is mastered through a lot of practise. And if you have high level of patience, it will take you far...

Good Luck!

I love it that i can feed my baby anytime, anywhere :)

*Love Note : Every mom can BF

Tina Scores!

Dah seminggu tak update blog hehe..
Bukan tak ada cerita, tapi tak ada feel lah hmmm..

Ni pun Akif tengah main dalam cot & Hafiy tengah entertain Akif ^_^

Back to Tina Nursing i bought from Fabulousmom...
Out of 10...Tina gets 8 yayyy..
Very comfortable..to wear on its own or as camisole (as innerwear)
Support is good..i'm on the busty side so..if i tell you it is good, means it is ;)
Easy for nursing

However...since the tank is kind of low neck (it's a tank, duhh ;P)..i made a small adjustment to the neck part. Added some lace so that whenever i wear my low neck shirt with the tank (without my hijab when i'm with my immediate family), my cleavage is covered.

The outcome...wallah!

Nursing Outside of Your Nest Essentials

From my previous entry here, here and here you would know that i'm new at this whole BF thingy despite being a third time mother. BF it self was not easy at first, let alone nursing in public (NIP).

So, let me share with you what TO ME are the most important things to have/do when you choose to NIP. (take note is a choice you make and there are other choices if you choose not to NIP).
1. Be comfortable
I wasn't a first. Akif was still too young at that time so he had to be guided to get a perfect latch. And it was impossible to do so without taking an amount of my breast out of my clothes. So..there i wa struggling to put my nipple into his mouth and at the same time trying to cover my breast and my tummy from getting exposed. My struggles caused Akif to be uncomfortable which at the end made him screamed his lungs out.

If you are worried about people staring, then what you should to is stare back at them. They will surely look away. Trust me..tried it and it worked!

Babies are very sensitive. If we are not comfortable, they too will get uncomfortable. Hence resulting to a very disappointing experience/moment.

Practise how you would NIP before you go out. Practise makes perfect!

2. Good nursing bra
I don't know how some mothers can nurse without a nursing bra. Wouldn't folding/ pushing your normal bra to the side whenever you want to nurse can in the long run damage your beautiful bra?

Once you have mastered unfasten and fastening the clips, BF will be a breeze. It's good to have a well supported nursing bra and make sure you have some with padding to wear with your plain clothes cause nipples tend to perk up after nursing. You definitely don't want be caught 'perking' off guard, right?

3. Nursing cover (NC)
When i first started BFing, i know it is a must have. I'm very shy about my assets so NIP must be done discreetly ;). But because the ones i like were kind of out my budget and because i don't know how to make one, i end up not owning one, at first. Then i found a way to have my own NC without having to spend or do very much from mama shmontel.

It went well a first but not anymore. You see, my baby is the type who likes to roam his fingers around when nursing. So the NC often gets in his way therefore would cause him to get upset. So out of the list goes my NC. But i still bring it along whenever i'm going out,just in case.

4. Nursing tops
This is most essential i think. But believe it or not, i don't own one. Not because i don't want to but because i cannot find one that fulfill my requirements/needs. I want a nursing top that is..

a. Not tight..i.e generous cut
b. preferably long sleeve so i can cover my aurah.
If not then i have to put on my cardigan to go with it it.
c. Long enough that it covers and ends slightly under my bottom.. (approx. 32" to be precise ;))
d. Large enough to fit me..i'm a size 16

So far, there are local brands selling nursing tops but none really suits me. Sleeves are normally 3/4 and length wise, not long enough as they always fall on the hips..not below. In the size department..hard to find one that fits comfortably.

So, I end up wearing my normal t-shirt or blouse. But what's lacking when wearing these normal clothes is tummy easily get exposed when you lift it up to nurse. To solve that problem, i have ordered two Tina Nursing Tanks from Fabulousmom. They are on clearance sale @ 50% discount! They can be worn under any clothes, the bust part drops down easily for nursing and has a built in shelf bra which provides good support.

Last time i checked, they are on its way to my door step. Hope this will be the only next best thing i need to make my NIP a pleasant& enjoyable one-for me and my baby ;)

Will keep you posted on how the tanks scores.

* For more NIP tips, please go here

Happynye mummy

Semalam pegi 2nd month nye check up. Akif gained 1.5kg -> 5.5kg.
Mami orang yang paling happy.All those doubts have vanished. Bukan apa..sebab waktu 1st month dulu naik tak sampai 1kg.

Pada org lain maybe biasa je tapi pada saya it's a very BIG achievement for ME.Why? Sila baca di sini

Nak tahu berapa BF babies patut gain weight? Klik kat sini ek..

Banyak nye ujian perjalanan BF ku yang baru bermula

Panjang betul tajuk hehe..

I'm sooo..new with full time BF and yet have been tested so many times. Sejak dari Akif dilahirkan sampai la sekarang bila Akif dah 2 bulan.

1) Susu lambat keluar
Sampai nurse menakut-nakutkan nanti baby dehydrated, hipothermia so 'terpaksa' bagi consent utk mixed feeding.

2) Prolonged jaundice
Baby jaundice lebih 2 minggu dengan level yg sikit tinggi. Dah turun pastu naik balik. Membuat saya rasa susu saya tak cukup..Poor latching?..Mmm..baby latch ok je.

3) Slow weight gain
When Akif turned 1 months, berat dia naik 750g je. Again..tak cukup susukah? Tapi.. Akif kencing ok je. Hmmm..

4) Tak kerap poo poo
Biasanya baby BF poo poo sehari beberapa kali. Walaupun ada juga yang poo poo beberapa hari sekali. Normal for BF babies sebab most of the BM content diserap baby. Tapi ada juga baby yg kurang poo poo sebab kurang minum due to poor latching..or low milk supply. Adakah saya...tertanya lagi

5)Demam @ 2 months
Semalam tetiba je Akif terasa panas dari biasa. Mula ingat kot sebab dia tidur lama kat dlm carrier seat barunya yg penuh padding itu. Tapi lama2 BF dia terasa bahang plak. Rupa-rupanya demam. Sebab malam..so tak nak pape berlaku bawalah gi klinik amik ubat. Temperature nya 38.1.

Orang kata kalau fully BF baby susah nak sakit. Ada yang dah setahun pun tak pernah demam. Tapi baby saya? Terlintas...susu mami tak cukup antibodi ke?

Akhirnya..untuk setiap dilema diatas..saya simpulkan....Allah menguji saya. BF anak ni perlu determination & strong will. InsyaAllah mami akan sentiasa berikan yang terbaik untuk Akif.

Akif, please recover soon. Sian mami tengok. Tido je...Abang2 sume tunggu nak tengok Akif senyum & 'sembang' balik :D

BF : is not an easy thing OR is it?

I have been breastfeeding for 60 days now. WOW! A very huge achievement for me. Never thought i could get this far. Bukan takde keyakinan cuma tak nak letak harapan yang tinggi.

Sebelum-sebelum ni, saya rasa saya adalah incomplete mother sebab tak boleh BF anak. Sangat jealous pada kawan saya Nadiah yang mampu BF both anak dia sampai 2 tahun. Saya...hampeh.

Tahu tak, saya tak percaya tin FM yg saya beli sebagai standby andai kata saya tak mampu nak BF, telah saya buang dengan isinya hampir tak luak :D (tergunalah sikit pada minggu awal bersalin dulu sebab ta tak berdaya (?)). Buang sebab dan expired - once open must be consumed in 30 days...siap dan berhabuk tin tu.

Setelah 2 bulan fully BF, i kinda get the hang of it. Dulu rasa susah sangat. Susah sebab sebelum ni dah biasa dgn bottle feeding. Memang bottle feeding leceh sebab kena cuci botol bla bla bla.. tapi senang sebab orang lain pun boleh tolong beri kalau kita nak berehat, nak keluar pun senang tak perlu pam susu...nak feed di mana-mana pun senang.

BF ni...walaupun a little tiring...tapi advantage nye (selain drpd kelebihan susu ibu) ia lebih dari segi emotional..Memberi terapi selain daripada bonding. It is an describable feeling when Akif latch on, suckle and drinks...Hanya saya yang mampu beri apa yang Akif perlu..Saya orang yang paling penting dalam hidup Akif..the ultimate feeling :)

Hmm..tak sabar rasanya nak tengok Akif jadi gebu. Bukan dengan FM tapi dengan susu saya :D

Akif's 1st experience drinking EBM

Semalam mami had to work- kelas swimming cuti sekolah start semalam so mami kenalah turun padang. Akif tinggal dengan tok. Mami awal2 lagi dah start expressed BM walaupun dapat ciput je. Mami tak tahu exactly berapa Akif minum coz selama ni bagi direct je. Mlm sblm tu mami thaw kan dlm fridge ada 5 botol semuanya. 10ml + 10ml + 20ml + 30ml makes about 70ml = lebih kurang 2.5oz. Dan ada spare 1 botol 30ml in case tak cukup.
Alhamdulillah, tok kata Akif minum elok, cukup dan tak yah tambah...Lepas minum terus tidur balik.

Goodboy Akif :D. Mami suka kalau anak mami tak susahkan orang..

Mami balik kerja..tunggu kejap je..pastu Akif pun bangun. Apa lagi...direct feed la...miss Akif walaupun kejap je tinggalkan..

My challenging breastfeeding journeys

When i got pregnant with Akif, i planned to try to breastfeed him for at least 6 months. Eksklusif ke tak, itu decide kemudian. Bukan tak nak..tapi ada byk obstacles yang perlu ditempuhi.

Some may say..apa yg susah sgt breastfeeding ni. Well, to me bukan susah tapi mencabar coz 2 anak sebelum ni tak berjaya. First baby - Lack of knowlegde, kurang support led, to poor latching to mastitis and failure to breastfeed. Second baby - had a good start yg mula di labour room...tapi because mixed feeding so baby got nipple confused. Alhamdulillah went to see a lactation counsellor so dapat la menyusukan semula. It lasted for nine months tapi mixed feeding jugak la.

Kali ni determined to do better. Did lots of reading. So lepas bersalin je, BF di labour room. Tapi susu lambat jugak datang. Nurse advised to mixed feed sampai susu established. Mula2 reluctant tapi bila nurse cakap nanti baby hipotermia la..kuning la..tak poopoo la so..akhirnya setuju dengan syarat, bila baby lapar, let me BF dulu. Kalau nangis baru bagi FM.

Tapi..kali ni cabaran lain pulak datang. So..i decided to share my BF problems, segala kemusykilan that i had, with other mommies that might be going through or are having the same doubts themselves.

Happy reading!