My Post Pregnancy Work-Out... Breast Feeding!

I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I enjoy breast feeding little Renzo... It's our exclusive mommy-baby bonding time and I love to cuddle him in my arms, listen to the sound he makes while he sucks and the adorable look on his face when he finally falls asleep.  

I have to admit that it was not easy at first, from sore/cracked nipples to low milk supply... Attending breast feeding classes and reading as much as I can about it, and even getting help from lactation consultants/Nurses does help. However, the first few days was a learning process for both me and the baby.  We both don't have prior experience, hence, patience is key.  At least on my part.  My little one, a growing boy that he is, can really wear me out.  Patience is a virtue he has yet to learn.

There are many benefits of breast feeding aside from the maternal-child bond it creates.  It helps improve the child's immune system to fight off infections as otitis media, pneumonia and meningitis.  They're also less likely to have allergies, vomiting and diarrhea.  It is also cheap and is very good for the environment.  For the mother, benefits includes reduction of risk of ovarian and breast cancer, builds bones and helps the uterus return to its regular size more quickly.  The plus is that it burns calories and helps one go back to prepregnacny weight faster.

Yes! Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day! And that makes it even more worthwhile for me. Wink! 

Ready or Not?

My husband and I have just finished attending all our prenatal classes.  It was a truly enjoyable way to bond together before the baby comes.  It also gave a certain degree of confidence since we don't know what to really expect once the little boy's finally here. 


There was a "childbirth preparation class" that taught us breathing techniques, floor exercises  and other "exciting" things that we need to do once labor and delivery comes.  It gave us a grand tour of the labor and delivery in the hospital as well as the maternal unit.   I could see that it has somewhat lessened the hubby's nervousness (even though he wouldn't really admit it).  Another good class was called "breast feeding your newborn" which taught us the fundamentals of the breast feeding process.  It enabled us to practice holding the baby with the use of dolls, proper latching techniques and all that... It was very informative and I'm more excited to breast feed now more than ever.  The hubby's most favorite class was about "baby care" which gave us information on how to handle our newborn.  It taught us how to change diapers, swaddle, give him a sponge and a full bath, take rectal temperature  etc. We had a good laugh since we were in this class with other first time parents.  You could just imagine how hilarious it was every time the men try to put  diapers on the baby and swaddle.  It was quite adorable.  They were all able to get the hang of it after several tries.  We also have an "infant emergency and cpr class" which is a must for all parents and nannies. We just love it!


Aside from these classes, we have several books on child birth preparation, baby care and others.  All the information we need on how to take care of our baby? Perhaps... But probably not!  Therefore, how could we say we're actually ready for our baby's arrival? Well...  Children doesn't come with owners' manuals after they're born.  I wish it's that easy. Every child is different.  As much as we have gathered the best information out there about child rearing, we could never be fully prepared.  There will always be moments that we don't know what to do in a particular situation... And that's all a part of the learning process.  


I guess, the best thing to do is to take one day at a time... A day at a time to get to know our babies and to give them the attention and understanding they need while armed with the knowledge that we have, parental instincts and of course, lots of unconditional love.