FEELING FLABOULOUS

Just brought Nunu for her 4th month check-up. And my, my - she's 6.2kg now. And what about her mummy? Erm, truth is, I've lost track.

The baby tummy is still around, the big pants are getting tighter and I'm still wearing those baggy granny pantys which I had for maternity wear (hey, they're comfortable) . I should be freaking out. The last time I weighed myself is 3 months ago, at 60kg after a 10kg post-partum loss. However, in the abundance of good, fattening food around, it's easy to succumb to a voracious appetite.

OK, OK - this time I'm serious. Compulsory evening walks around the neighborhood with Nunu. Starting from today. And no more french fries or burgers or chicken nuggets (but that protein whattt??) for midnite snacks. No more Gardenia bread with butter or peanut butter (yeah, thnks a lot Claire). And only half-plate-full of rice. From now on, healthier snacking it is. Stock the fridge up on fruits and oats and cereals.

Note to self - better get that weighing scale.

On to other topics. Found this really useful website here for the La Leche League, (pronounced "la LAY-chay) an organization supporting breastfeeding mothers. So to those who are expecting, please give this site a visit coz it does help me understand a lot of things about breastfeeding and the challanges. Especially helpful is the FAQ page. This site tops my choice for best information source for BF mummies.

Since my mammary glands are working efficiently now (less of the painful lumps) and breastfeeding Nunu gives me immense sense of joy and pleasure, I've thought of being a BF crusader myself. Well, in my own way, at least. Joining an organization full of overzealous personalities (MLM orgs especially) is juz not my thang.

Anyway, it's easy for me to say since I have the time and luxury to stop at whatever I'm doing at work and juz pump, pump, pump away. What about mummies with a demanding deadlines and unsupportive working environments? How are they going to cope?

The trick is to just pump for a few minutes every time. It can even be done during those usually lazy tea-breaks and leisurely lunches most Malaysians are accustomed to . Keep the expressed milk in the fridge, or if a fridge is unavailable, a cooler, or in my case, a plastic container full of ice bought at the minimart next door.

Believe me, it's not a hassle at all if you think of the best for your baby. I keep hearing mothers whining that their milk dried up quickly when there are definite ways to maintain good supply. Can't blame them, really when they lack information. BF mummies need support and info just as much as they need, erm, nutritious food.

To me it boils down to only one thing, it's a matter of will, not wits.