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

Missing those moments with Kieona

Kieona was weaned off breastmilk at a time when I could no longer put up with the discomfort of nursing two. Although it has been more than half a year, I still miss those days as the one-to-one time I have holding her are so pathetic with her mobility and independence. So mommies, enjoy the moments as they do not last.

This photo won a contest!

No prizes for guessing who took the winning photograph. Such a close-up view of a child nursing can only be taken by her own mommy. What a blissful feed. :)

At home with no helpers

We did it without any help during the first few months. It was tough when daddy needed to work. Basically, mommy had no time to go to the toilet, eat or even drink water in those days. :) Looking back, we realised that breastfeeding the two little ones whenever they get cranky was mommy's best tool. And when mommy was tired and needed to just take it slowly.....

The Tired Mommy....

Tired mommy after the constant nursing, managing at home without any helpers at that time. Kieona at 21 months and Kierra at 2 months.

Almost forgot the first times with Kieona

Kieona, my first and only child then, nursing at 3 months. My, she definitely was a constant nurser, nursing as often as once every 15 mins!!! This picture was taken when Kieona was 3 months old - still a frequent nurser.

Tandem Nursing for the First Time

Mommy tandem nursing Kieona and Kierra at the same time while trying to keep her calm in front of the camera.

One of those First Times

The first time Kierra nursed in front of Kieona. This was taken when Kierra was barely a day old at the Raffles Hospital, Singapore.