When I was still pregnant, I heard lots of stories
about moms who weren’t able to breastfeed their children not because they don't
want to breastfeed but because according to them, no matter what they do,
"they don't have milk". To my surprise, even my OB-GYNE, who I
dearly love, confessed to me that she wasn't able to breastfeed her
children. She said she tried everything to have milk but all efforts
failed. Now, if a doctor wasn’t able to breastfeed, what are the chances
that I won't be able to breastfeed?
I diligently studied all that I have to know about
breastfeeding. I read books, articles in the internet, blogs and even
free leaflets. I interviewed mommy friends and relatives who were able to
successfully breastfeed their children. I attended countless
seminars about breastfeeding. I compared notes with other preggy friends
in case I missed something. Two months before my due date, I started
taking malunggay capsules prescribed by my OB-GYNE. My mother also made
dried malunggay leaves which I added to my food. I avoided vinegar and
anything that is sour because they said that it can lessen milk supply. I
bought all the necessary breastfeeding and pumping paraphernalia. In
short, I prepared myself physically and emotionally while I was still
pregnant to BREASTFEED! Why? Because I am full of doubts that I
will have milk! Eventhough I read that practically all mothers have milk,
still, what if I don't have milk or what if it's too painful for me or what if
baby doesn't want to latch? What if? What if? What if?