Kris Bernal: 'Hindi Ko Pa Na-Master Pag-Latch. Pero Pinilit Ko Talaga Kahit Nag-Susugat Nipples Ko'

Kris Bernal just gave an update on life with their newborn, Hailee Lucca.

In her vlog posted on September 3, Kris provided viewers with an update on how she and her husband, Perry Choi, are adjusting to life with their newborn baby, Hailee. The actress also took her audience behind the scenes of Hailee’s newborn baby shoot.

The first set-up had a sunflower theme, which Kris revealed to be a favorite. She affectionately refers to Hailee as their “little sunflower.”

In the next scene, 10-day-old Hailee can be seen peacefully napping in a bathroom-themed layout.

Milk-break

After completing the first two sets, Kris then took Hailee for her milk break. Here, the actress opened up more about their breastfeeding journey.

Kris says that her daughter’s “walang kabusugan.” She explains that Hailee has been exclusively breastfed since birth and admits, “Hindi ko pa na-master pag-latch. Pero pinilit ko talaga kahit nag-susugat na nipples ko.”

Despite this, Kris expresses her happiness with her breastfeeding journey with Hailee so far, saying, “Happy ako kasi maganda milk supply ko. Buti nalang din nag-take ako ng malunggay capsules nung pregnant ako.”

"So, I started taking malunggay capsules at mga 34 weeks pregnant ako, up to now. I take 3 to 4 capsules per day pero sabi ng lactation consultant ko na I have to minimize it to 1 to 2 capsules per day kasi ang lakas na nga ng milk supply ko. Hindi ko na din daw kailangan mag-take ng mga lactation cookies, kasi nga overflowing with milk na ako. And soon, syempre, mag-breastpump na din ako. So gusto ko i-donate iyung mga excess milk ko in the future sa mga milk bank, sa mga nanay na nangangailangan ng breast milk. That’s something I want to do in the future."

Kris is also thankful for her husband, Perry’s help in taking care of their baby. She shares, “Responsibility ni daddy Perry magpa-burp. After feeding, binibigay sa kanya si baby.”

How to prepare for your breastfeeding journey while pregnant

If you are due to give birth soon and would like to prepare for your breastfeeding journey, here are a few simple steps that you can do:

Talk with your OB-GYN about breastfeeding

It's advisable to discuss your breastfeeding plans with your OB-GYN before giving birth. Your OB-GYN can provide guidance and address any potential health issues that may impact your breastfeeding journey, such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can lead to low milk supply.

Your OB-GYN can also teach you how to hand-express breastmilk to boost production and relieve engorgement.

Plan for skin-to-skin contact right after delivery

During your breastfeeding discussion with your OB-GYN, express your desire for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your newborn after delivery. This practice helps bond with your baby and signals your body to start producing milk.

At the same time, Smart Parenting Board of Experts Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, recommends that mothers begin breastfeeding one hour after giving birth. She explains, “That’s because we want her baby to get the colostrum or the first milk that comes out, that is full of antibodies. This is what will help your baby fight infection and will definitely help with immunity. So in the first 24, 48 hours, the colostrum is just going to come out as drops, and you don’t want to be worried about this, because that is all your baby will need. But by the third, fourth day, that’s when your milk will actually come in.”

Consider eating more lactogenic food or taking breastfeeding supplements

You can consider including lactogenic foods or galactagogues in your daily diet. While their ability to increase breastmilk supply is not scientifically proven, these foods can support your overall health during your breastfeeding journey.

Try to include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables:

• Yams
• Beets
• Carrots
• Dark leafy greens such as kale, arugula, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens
• Green papaya
• Fennel and fennel seed

Grains, nuts, and legumes:

• Grains such as brown rice, oats, and barley
• Chickpeas and lentils
• Brewer’s yeast
• Nuts such as cashews and walnuts, sesame seeds

Consult your OB-GYN for guidance on the proper use of breastfeeding supplements. Commonly prescribed supplements include malunggay capsules, fenugreek, brewer’s yeast, and blessed thistle.

LATCH Philippines peer counselor and a group administrator of Breastfeeding Pinays on Facebook, Mec Camitan Arevalo also previously answered food-related questions and shared other tips here.

Watch Kris Bernal's full vlog here.

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