14/05/2022
Warning: My intention is not to mom shame, I don't want to focus on the obvious. In such thing I want to be part of the solution.
Baby formula shortage is been a problem for a year now.The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials. The manufacturers are trying its best to produce more formula as they can to meet the consumers demand yet it is not enough. This problem will continue to rise until we find a solution.
I've been very vocal with my breastfeeding journey and my stand about it. I understand that not everybody will agree to it however I wanted to encourage more parents to push breastfeeding despite of the circumstances. I know it's not just pulling your shirt off and offering your breast, there is more to that. Breastfeeding is not easy. Alot of us mama experience discomfort in the first few weeks after giving birth. Adding to that are the unpleasant effects : blocked ducts, abscesses, cracked and bleeding ni**le and so much more. This is one of the crucial time that mothers need the full support of the entire household. I encourage everybody to assist all our Mama's in breastfeeding. Be more engage and be informed about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.Research has long shown that family is the main influence on breastfeeding. This is not only a mother and baby exclusive bond. This is a teamwork of the entire household and the community.
When I had my first child, one of my main goal is to give her the best milk, my understanding about the best milk is one of those expensive formula in the market. I was not informed about all these healthy benefits of breastfeeding. No one educate me about storing breastmilk. So right after my parental leave I spent most of maternity benefits on her milk. I normally spend 5000 pesos a month or $150 on formula alone. That was really hard for a single mom who's the only provider. Moving forward I met my husband, got married and I promise to myself that If God will gave me another baby I will breastfeed them. And Im grateful that despite of the obvious I remained and believed in my goal that I can exclusively breastfeed them two. With the right people around and some support groups in social media I continue my breastfeeding journey. I am always inspired with some mothers who are working full-time bringing their breastmilk storage at work. Some stay at home mothers who tandem feed their babies. Some mothers who still manage to breastfeed even after surgery while enduring all the pains inside their body. Those testimonys that ignites my goal to continue and hopefully inspired more mothers or the whole family to keep on pushing and normalize breastfeeding.
