For the breast start in life

No matter how far technology advances, there will always be some things in life that nature just does better. When it comes to our children, all we want for them is to have the best start in life. One way to achieve that is through breastfeeding.


When I was pregnant with my first child, I was determined to breastfeed her for as long as I possibly could. My mum had gently reminded me that she did not have any milk to provide to my brother and I, thus if the trend runs in the family, that means I won't have any milk in my boobs too. Thankfully, they literally rose up to the challenge and breastfeeding became one of the best parts of the motherhood journey.


 Did you know? 

There are plenty of facts as to why breast is best but here are what I like best.

1) It is easily digested
Breast milk is designed for a baby's sensitive digestive system, for instance its protein and fat are more easily absorbed by the baby than in cow's milk.

2) It is safe 
There is no worrying that the milk is not properly prepared or contaminated. Moreover, breast milk is always readily in stock, warmed, clean and ready for use.

3) It is convenient
When we go on road trips, I don't need to bring any bottles, powder or warmer. Regardless of whether we are on the road, at a hotel or in the restaurant, all the baby needs in order to be nourished is me. 

4) It is customized
Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients that are not found in cow's milk and cannot be synthesized in the laboratory. In other words, it suits your baby perfectly.

5) It is absolutely free
Need I say more? Now I can use the savings for a family vacation instead.


6) It bonds you like no other

Last but not least, the most important point of all and the one thing that makes me wish I could breastfeed forever, is that strong mother-baby bond. The feeling of your baby's soft skin against you, the gaze of her eyes into yours, the pleasure of cuddling and the soft loving touches as you hold your little one's hand and feel her suckling away, that is heavenly. While bottle feeding might generate similar pleasures, it will never be the same.

The good thing about bottle feeding, however, is that it gives daddies a chance to be mummies. While they will never know how it feels like to have the real thing, bottle feeding, or at least attempting to bottle feed before the baby rejects it, is a great way for the daddy and baby to build up a special bond too.




Perhaps I am one of the lucky ones who never had much problem with breastfeeding, other than the one time when I had a bad case of nipple infection and seriously, that hurt more than delivering a baby out of my uterus. However, other than that, I am blessed to be able to enjoy every breastfeeding session with Angel till she reached 16 months and now with Ariel, I actually look forward to every feeding session too

To know that whenever she is hungry or in a crying fit and Mummy is the only one in the world who can soothe and satisfy her, that feels pretty awesome. Even if that means my sleep gets interrupted in the middle of the night or that I usually hear the door banging when I am taking a bath.

Thankfully, I have a hubby who is fully supportive of breastfeeding and even though he cannot take my place, he helps out with the household chores or look after the elder sister and give me, and my boobs, more time and space to breathe. It may get a tad tiring sometimes for both of us but when our baby breaks into that gorgeous, wide, contented smile, it just makes everything worthwhile.

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While I might not be a lactation expert, I strongly believe that breastfeeding is good for both mother and baby and having the below three 'P's might get you off to a better start.

1) Be prepared
Read up on books and online articles on breastfeeding. It is always good to be knowledgeable and be ready if you encounter situations of mastitis, blocked milk ducts or sore nipples. Also, stock up a good breast pump and feeding bottles, for instance the Philips AVENT comfort pump and Natural bottles, because you never know when you might need them. Learn about the different breastfeeding positions and try them to find out which works best for you and your baby.

2) Be perseverant
I honestly believe in when there is demand, there will be supply. If your milk doesn't come, seek help from an expert instead of lamenting or giving up. When pain occurs, clench your teeth and hang in there because it will eventually pass. When you get weary from being a feeding machine, look at your baby in the eyes and let him/her be your source of motivation. Be strong, be firm, be tough.

3) Be positive
They say a happy mum makes a happy baby. In order for your child to benefit and enjoy the breastfeeding journey, as a mum, you must first be able to derive pleasure from it too. Don't think of it as a chore, think of it as a chance for you to be the most special person in the first couple of years of your baby's life. A change in perspective might do wonders.

To my baby, it is an indescribable joy watching you grow up day by day and knowing that we have that special, irreplaceable bond between us.

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As a leader in parenting and baby products, Philips AVENT strongly advocates breastfeeding and provides mothers and babies with solutions that give the little ones the best start in life, seeing them through to the growing stages and beyond. Look out for more to come from Philips AVENT and visit www.philips.com.sg/avent for more information.

Disclosure: This review is part 3 of a series of sponsored conversations between Philips AVENT and A Happy Mum. All opinions are my own.