Carine: Perseverance

Who says breastfeeding your baby is the most natural thing to do? They must have missed out on nipple pain, long 45 minutes of nursing whilst waiting for your milk to come in, and sleepless nights from engorged breasts and a baby who can't seem to get enough. Not to forget the strict diet mummy has to adhere to due to baby's food allergies! Ever seen a rashy, eczema-inflicted 'burn-victim' baby? Everytime I miss my black-pepper crabs, lattes and cheesecakes, I'll just whip out the picture.

Struggling with the first month and many visits to the lactation consultant, I made myself promise to keep it up till his third month. Three months turned six, and nine, and now, I'm racing towards the first year. I still sleep less than 2 hours at a stretch, but when it's all dark and quiet at night and I'm feeding him in bed, I'll bury my nose in his hair and smell his baby-scent. I'll know it's all worth it. After all, mommy's breast milk is the most natural baby food, right?

Submitted by Carine Woon, Singapore