Worries

I'm going back to work soon with Euna still 2 weeks shy of her 10th month. I'm worried that I might not be able to breastfeed her until she's 2 years of age (and beyond if I don't get tired/still have milk) as planned. Yesterday, we went to see her pedia and I found out that Euna only gained 100 grams since her visit 6 weeks ago. This is by far the lowest weight gain for my daughter given the length in between the checkups. I understand that at a certain point, a baby's weight plateaus but I guess I was just too used to her gaining weight. She already tripled her birthweight on her 8th month and I know that there's most probably no reason to worry since as far as her checkup went, it looks like everything is ok. Still, I worry.


Who wouldn't with a face such as this?


As a result, I had the doctor prescribe vitamins for her and asked him to recommend a formula milk - just in case. Now Euna is on Ceelin in the morning and Growee at night. I haven't bought formula milk yet. I already have some frozen expressed milk in the ref but I'm worried that that might not suffice. For the past 9 months, Euna and I have both relied on breastfeeding on demand. Though I have an Avent breast pump, there had only been an occasional need for me to use it and I'm worried that now with me away at work, it won't be enough even with me taking the time out to pump at work. Any advise breastfeeding working mommies?

The great thing is that I'd most usually be at home by 4 pm which means I'd still have 2 feeding sessions before the last one when she goes to sleep. That's why I've also entered Manila Fashion Observer and Baby Mama's giveaway promo (see below). They are giving away a Spectra 9 Breast Pump and 10 boxes of breastmilk bags! I hope that I'd be able to continue breastfeeding my daughter as long as planned with the help of these. The mechanic is just to send a picture with 1-5 sentences for a caption. I guess I sent in two?

I've just about breastfed my daughter everywhere that I could think of. From public places such as airports, airplanes, taxis, buses, bus stations, restaurants, zoo, church to the private such a restroom in Greenbelt standing up, our own bathroom/toilet because Euna and I were alone the first few months of her life and I couldn't very well let her cry when all she needs from me is to feed her. But the craziest/weirdest for me among them wouldn't be where but how.


One Sunday we were in Market! Market! when Euna started fussing, I made a beeline for the breastfeeding station on the 3rd floor only to find out that it's closed. I found an ultrasound clinic nearby and asked if the breastfeeding station was closed (I thought whoever was looking after it must be on a break or something). Turns out they only operate Mondays to Saturdays. The good thing is that the woman manning the clinic (I think they were closed already for the day), realizing our need, offered the clinic's backroom so that Euna and I could get some privacy.



That wasn't the only time. The same thing also happened at David's Salon in Waltermart Makati while my husband was having his hair cut. We were waiting for him at the waiting area when Euna started getting fussy. I went to my husband while the hairdresser was still cutting away his hair and told him that I needed to feed Euna soon. The hairdresser, listening in to our conversation, offered the salon's facial room so that my daughter and I could get some privacy.



What really strikes me among all these is the kindness of strangers. Normally, I'm used to indifference from people in big cities but when they see a child in need, these same strangers would go to lengths to satisfy/accommodate that need. Thank you for making life easier for us breastfeeding moms and breastfeeding children.

  

Or, I might just as well be suffering from separation anxiety. :/