Parent Chat

definitely not only for stay-at-home moms.  it could work well even for working moms.  i'm a working mom who was able to breastfeed exclusively for 2 straight years, started mixed feeding when my son turned 2.  he's now 3 1/2 years old, and he's still on bedtime nursing.  i prefer to follow the child-led weaning.

milk establishment is very important at the earliest stage.  this will ensure that your supply will continue to be very well established even if you go back to work with the help of your breastpump.

Relactation is still possible even after 3 months.  Most important in re-establishing milk production is the frequent and regular stimulation and emptying of the breasts. This would mean a job for
either your baby when you're with her or your breast pump while at work. Offer your breast at every chance you see --- kahit comfort sucking lang, when she's going to sleep or has just awaken.  Kahit kasi wala siyang naiinom masyado, the sucking will send the signals for your breasts to make
the milk. Pump at least every 2-3 hours, even if you see no milk coming out. Even if your baby is done nursing, pump both breasts for 5-10 minutes to further drain your breasts. Of course your baby will still need supplemental feedings of formula until you have fully established your milk supply again.
But offer the bottle only after nursing and use a slow-flow nipple.  The tendency with fast flow nipples would be the easy preference for it over the breasts with very little milk coming out. Pag na-establish na milk supply mo, switch to exclusive breatfeeding na.

Galactagouges like malunggay capsules (Natalac or Prolacta) 3 caps 3x/day will be very helpful. Fenugreek too.  And follow the usual tips for nursing moms -- water, shell soups, oatmeal with soupy milk.

my baby in his early months also thumbsucked.  i just allowed him to do it, but most of the time, i try to distract him.  after a few more months, he's done with it.  i read that we should be more worried if thumbsucking will continue until past 4 years old.  there will be dental and jaw problems to deal with by then.