So is breastfeeding.  Let me tell you a short history.  With my first, which I almost passed away due to a complicated childbirth, I wasn't able to breastfeed him.  With my second child, I mixed-fed him and my breast milk lasted up to eight months.  My supply slowly decreased especially when I returned to work and hindi pa uso ang breastfeeding stations in the office.  

Nowadays, it's different.  

Moms are now more informed about the benefits of babies who are breastfed.  A lot of establishments as well are supportive of moms who breastfeed that they put nursing stations inside their buildings.  There are so many organizations who advocate breastfeeding.  Due to its popularity rise in this digital age where breastfeeding information are available both offline and online, moms are more encouraged, more motivated, and more supported in pursuing breastfeeding their babies.  I am one of those moms.

I choose to breastfeed my newborn, direct feeding at that - for the time being, for two main reasons:

• Because it's best for my baby, and I want to give my best.
• Because I want to make up for what I wasn't able to give my first two sons

But, amidst all those, it's the most wonderful feeling to be able to give God's specially formulated milk coming from you, to your baby.  After the toe-curling moment from the first latch, it eases as the baby gently (or aggressively) suckles milk from you.  It's a joyful feeling when you know you've fed your baby well and he's satisfied with what he's had.

Wait for two hours, then repeat the whole process.

There are things I do however, that help me get a better breastfeeding experience. That's what I want to share with you today.

• Find a quiet corner to breastfeed.  Find that nook in your room or even bed side where you're most comfortable to breastfeed your baby.  It also helps when your stuff (phone, remote controls of television or air-con) are nearby.  Ensure that the chosen corner is well ventilated, to keep both you and baby relaxed.
• Read info materials like books or on-line resources.  It pays to know essential information about breastfeeding such as Food and Drinks to Take/Avoid, different breastfeeding positions, how to increase supply, correct latching, breast massages, breast milk expiration and storage, and many more.
• Consult a lactation expert or mommy friends for advice.  There are groups also hospitals which organize events or seminars on breastfeeding where you could bring your baby for actual application of learning.  If these events are not possible for you to attend, you may always ask help from lactation experts via call or online or seek advice from supportive mommy friends.
• Equip yourself with breastfeeding support materials available in physical or online stores.  Breastfeeding is not an easy peasy thing, it helps when you have items which could make the experience lighter.  You could purchase these helpful items online or in stores such as nursing pillow, nursing cover, vitamins/supplements, breast pump, to name a few.
• Always eat a full and healthy meal. Since you're giving your baby something that comes from you, you better eat and drink healthy stuff.  You really have to, don't think of dieting first.  Because honestly, when you breastfeed, it helps you lose a few pounds.  Personally, I may still look big, but my tummy area has surprisingly shrunk a few inches faster than my first two post-pregnancies.
• Always hydrate yourself.  When you breastfeed, of course you give milk coming from your miraculous body.  This means, you have to bottoms up that several glasses of water so your system could replenish.
• Ask a gentle neck and back massage from your loving and supportive husband. Sometimes, when baby's resting position while feeding him gets the best of your arm muscles, neck, and back, a good gentle massage is all you need to feel better.  Ask your husband to help you out in this department.
• Always think positive and know that you're doing a great job for giving your best for your baby. No matter how painful or hard it is for you, the mere fact that you're still doing it because you want to give your best to your baby and no matter how short or long you've fed your baby the best milk there is, always think you're doing great!  Don't be too hard on yourself by blaming your breasts (some say, walang silbi ang dede nila, pang-romansa lang daw! lol!), never blame yourself nor feel as if you're not giving your baby enough.  Believe me, you are doing wonderfully! Give yourself your well-deserved credit.  

I know for certain that blogging is something that I could be doing for a long time because I have been writing on my diary since I was in elementary.  It's a passion that cannot be taken away from me and can you just imagine how young I started journal-ing?  I continued this in high school, which was more colorfully or artistically done on Trapper-Keeper then Filo-Fax (yung nakaka-relate, alam niyo na ang age/batch ko!)  In college, I wrote poems for our school literary issues and had interests in the field of arts.  Writing has always and will always be a part of me.  So as long as there is still at least one single reader, visiting and consuming my blog content (actually kahit wala eh!) I'll keep on doing what I love doing.

This blog has also achieved quite a few flattering recognition from organizations and brands who believe in my blog's key messaging or what marketers would call "branding" which truly are both proud and humbling moments of my blogging career.  Since it also started, Mommy Practicality had gone through blog design overhauls.  I just want to make sure that I continue to improve this craft and ensure that I publish quality content for my dear readers (I really do hope I'm achieving this, though!)

2012 Blog banner designed by my colleague, Myzyl Choi.

2013, same design, cleaner color using mainly White, Pink and Grey.

2014 - 2015 Blog Design by Patricia Alix Villa of Fancy Girl Designs after consulting with my blog coach and dear friend Martine de Luna of Make It Blissful

2016 blog design still by Patricia of Fancy Girl Designs.  This time it's more intentional, colors of my liking, clean, simple, elegant, but still practical-looking.  The blog's description also changed and speaks more of what the blog is all about and what it intends to achieve or do.

If you would ask me about my blog's direction, I think I've said it earlier this year, that I do plan to take it to another level someday by branching out from online to offline.  How?  By offering workshops on anything that concerns being a mom, a working mom, a business wo-mom or a stay-at-home mom.  I also plan to have workshops to related to finances or budgeting.  Those are top plans, nothing really concrete.  But I do hope to be able to materialize these things before the year ends.  I also hope to have a regular meet-up or coffee dates with my readers, parang level-up giveaway.

The Blogversary Blowout
So speaking of a blog giveaway and celebrating this momentous blog event, I have one happening this blogversary month! :)

The rafflecopter below is will just serve as checking of qualified entries but the real purpose is, for me to get your feedback on how Mommy Practicality has helped, informed, inspired, or influenced you.  I would also like to know which areas I should improve on or which content would you like to see more of in the blog.  And lastly, but not really mandatory, is for you to leave me an encouraging, uplifting, inspiring or positive note.

Leave your answers to these questions on the comment box at the end of this post:

1) How has this blog helped, informed, inspired or influenced you?  Is there a particular blog post or blog category which touched or moved you the most? 

2) What type of posts or category would you like to see on Mommy Practicality in the future to help me improve the blog's content?

3) Any encouraging words for me?  Comments or suggestions (wag nang violent reactions ha!) are welcome. :) 

That's it loves!  I will be choosing two winners (with the best, sincere, and honest answers) of goody bags which contain the following:

Goody Bag #1:

• Lux Love Forever Body Wash
• Lux White Impress Body Wash
• Dove Powder Soft Deodorant Spray
• Astring-O-Sol Mouthwash
• Oilatum Soap Bar
• Belo Mason Glass
• Skinhouse Beauty and Laser Clinic GC worth Php4,500
• McDonald's Gift Certificate
• DMCI Notepad
• Fat Papers Notepad
• Muri + Malana Metallic Tattoo
• Smart Gym Bag (not in photo)

a Rafflecopter giveaway Terms and Conditions:

• Open to all readers residing in the Philippines.
• Mandatories should be met: kindly follow Rafflecopter tasks
• Answer all three questions listed above on the comment section below.
• No need to leave your email address or full name, your valid email addresses are shown in Disqus as a measure of content security.
• Feel free to share this giveaway to other readers and use hashtag #MommyPracticalityTurns4 (not mandatory)
• This giveaway will run until end of July.
• Winners will be selected within a week after the giveaway ends and shall be announced on or before August 5, 2016.
• Prizes will be couriered to the winners.

THANK YOU SO MUCH my dearest readers for making my blog survive four wonderful years!  I never had a doubt that I wouldn't keep up or sustain creating content that would bring relevant information, inspiration and hopefully influence readers to live a positive and quality kind of life by choosing a practical lifestyle, believe me it's possible!

I'm excited to read your comments, suggestions, and feedback loves!  Thank you once again!  Have a great week ahead!

Meet Damien Louie