Wednesday, February 10, 2021

A mom's determination knows no bounds




Story of Kadambari Oturkar: mom of a 3 month old


I am a mom of 3 month old baby boy. From the beginning, I had plans to exclusively breastfeed my baby for the first six months had contine as long as I can. But, somehow my journey did not go as I had planned.


Earlier I was having an issue of low milk supply and my baby had started refusing my breast. I seeked help of a Lactation consultant and she motivated me to work on reducing my baby's breast refusal and gave me tips for enhancing my milk supply. She said that she suspected my baby had a posterior tongue tie, which can also be the cause of pain while breastfeeding.

I kept trying really hard, but baby wasnt ready to open his mouth wide and continued to have a very shallow latch. Breastfeeding was getting very painful for me. I was feeling exhaused and both baby and I were getting frustrated.

Inspite of all the problems I was determined to give him my milk only and so I started pumping. Earlier I was able to pump and express around 600 ml per day and I was getting worried, if I would be able to suffice my baby's hunger as he grows.

Thanks to my Lactation Consultant, Rashmi ma'am for continuously encouraging me for breastfeeding but I guess it wasn't for me, so I had to opt for pumping. She respected my decision and encouraged me for giving my milk to the baby. She said "it doesn't matter how he is getting your milk, what matters is he is getting your milk and that you tried your best." She told me that "Many moms face similar problems and breastfeeding success is all about making the most of your situation and trying your best!"

At present, my baby is 3 months old and he is completely on my milk. I am now producing around 875ml of milk in 24 hours. I started using an electeic pump and have been pumping 8 times a day with one power pumping session. My baby sleeps throughout the night but still I wake up every 3 hours and pump so that my milk supply is maintained.

I could not breastfeed directly but the satisfaction I get in knowing that I managed to provide my baby with only my milk, cannot be expressed in words. I plan to exclusively pump and feed him only breastmilk for entire 6 months. I would like to tell other moms too that you know what's best for your baby and you should trust yourself and your ability to do that. With patience and determination everything is possible. 

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