Zanda – my breastfeeding journey
My breastfeeding journey was definitely not an easy one and it was third time lucky. I had a breast reduction when I was 21 for medical reasons and at the time I did not realize how frustrating it would make me feel not to be able to produce enough breastmilk for my baby. I was very determined with my firstborn Willem to try and succeed, and nonetheless, he was not a happy little man as my milk was just not enough. I was using the best hospital pump, I tried every trick in the book, but unfortunately, I did not make any breastmilk. I was so angry and upset and felt like a failure. I wanted the best for my baby and breast is best right!?
I remember a specific day where my husband found me in tears and pain pumping and the only thing coming out was blood. He said, “enough is enough” He went to the pharmacy and bought the best formula he could find. We gave it to Willem and for the first time he was happy, content and actually had a 3 hour nap. Sometimes we like things to work according to OUR plan and then life happens and we have to accept it and cope. Why did I feel like formula would be bad for my baby? Why did I put so much pressure on myself? he is a healthy 8-year-old boy now.
With my second child, I tried to breastfeed and mix feed for 3 or 4 weeks and then I stopped without feeling bad. Then 4 years later with my third son, someone told me that I should try to contact Anchen as she helped them with breastfeeding after a reduction. So I gave it a try. I made an appointment with Anchen 4 weeks before my due date and we discussed everything, she gave me breast exercises and ways to help stimulate colostrum production and within 2 weeks before little Andreas arrived I made colostrum, it was a eureka moment and I had hope that this time it will work!
Anchen came to the hospital where Andreas was born and she helped me with his latch and a few good feeding positions. I was so much more at ease and relaxed. She prepared me that I might still need to mix feed breastmilk and formula, little did I know with her help I managed to breastfeed 60% and top up with formula 40% for 6 months. What!!??
Thank you Anchen you are exceptional in what you do and I recommend her highly to any new mom and she can help you online now too. How exciting. You are like a best-kept secret. I hope we have many moms finding valuable information from our zoom session with you! It is filled with great info and with someone who has a great passion for what she does.
