Read on about Daphne Osena-Paez's thoughts on and experiences with breastfeeding.

I nursed my babies everywhere – in malls, restaurants, airports, cars, parks. I do not own a fancy cover-up bib. I simply used a shawl in places where I felt I required discretion. People are still not comfortable seeing mothers nurse in public. But it was comforting to get smiles and approving nods from other mothers (and fathers) who were going through the same thing as I was. It was like we had a secret code of approval and support. I wish to have a better culture of breastfeeding in this country.

I am far from being an expert on breastfeeding. I’ve read up on it, had a few sessions from experts, and the rest I’ve learned from just doing it. But all babies are different. With my second child I encountered some difficulty because I was doing things wrong. I fell into a trap. I thought an electric pump would increase my milk production, but instead I ended up with an infection. After three weeks of medication, I went back to breastfeeding again, got rid of my electric pump and stuck to my manual pump for when I was working. By the time I had my third baby, I learned how to hand express during the first month when everything was sensitive.

In a few months or maybe even weeks, my youngest daughter will start to wean herself. I can see the signs. She’s distracted. She’s got 8 teeth. She’s walking on her won. I’ve fed all three babies on demand. And I can tell that that with her newly-found independence, she is demanding less milk from me. I take cues from my kids and let the weaning process happen naturally. No pills, no medication. We go through it together.

It has been eight years of being a dedicated and hands-on mother. But this, obviously, is not the end. Mothering never ends. I know I can’t breastfeed them forever. With each weaning I felt extremely emotional. I had enjoyed every moment of being their source of nutrition and love. It may have been the first language of love between my kids and me, but, of course, there are many. Now we are all armed with a strong sense of security and an even stronger bond. And I know, in my heart, that I gave them the best start in life.

Daphne Osena-Paez is a television host, TV producer, former magazine editor and restorer of antique jewelry. She was tapped to join UNICEF as a Special Advocate for Children early this 2010.

Photos by Real Kids Photography