World Breastfeeding Week Exclusive Interview - Doris Winata! August 14, 2015 10:34

Happy World Breastfeeding Week Mamas! We are ending our series of breastfeeding mummas with yet another amazing Mumma - Doris Winata who marks her 1 year of breastfeeding today!

Just a little background - as a tribute and a mark of respect to the dedication mothers in Singapore put in to their breastfeeding journey, we have spoken to a few mothers and gathered their thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding in Singapore. 

Doris Winata shares her story, her tips for overcoming challenges and even some pictures of her handsome lil fella who is wearing Bestbaby's Signature Pro-Breastfeeding Romper and totally owning it!

1. How has the breastfeeding journey been for you? What do you like the most about it?

Breastfeeding for me personally has been a tumultuous roller-coaster journey with panda looking eyes due to insufficient sleep, mastitis, fever ironically mixed with indescribable joy and pride when I see my boy grow up healthily day by day.

2. When and why did you decide to breastfeed?

I decided to breastfeed before giving birth simply because breastmilk is the best nutrient for baby.

3. How many months has it been? What has kept you going up to this day?

Counting down to 12 months on 14th August 2015! I wanted to wean off at 6 months but baby Loewe was unable to drink formula. I’ve bought every brand of formula milk available in the supermarket but couldn’t find one that is suitable for him ie hard poop, allergy, vomiting, diarrhoea even when mixed with breastmilk.

4. Who has been your biggest supporter?

My hubby! He would wake me up in the middle of the night to pump, wash my pump parts and bottles, bring me water when I’m thirsty and cook noodles when I’m hungry. Having friends who are experiencing similar situation also helps to keep me awake with the whatsapp chats at odd hours of 3am or 4am. Joining Breastfeeding Mums facebook group also encourage me to keep going with so many amazing testimonies and milk-booster tips.

5. What are your top tips for other breastfeeding mothers and aspiring breastfeeders?

Keep pumping; it gets easier over the months. I started with small goals; aiming to breastfeed for 3 months, then 6 months, then 10 months and eventually 1 year.

6. How do you manage as a working mum? 

Freemie! I was blown away by how quiet Freemie motor is and little pain during pumping when introduced by BestBaby owner, Kamenii. I work in an open concept office with no partition. With Freemie, I can pump while working quietly without anyone noticing.

7. What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Loads of challenges! Managed to sail through all of them eventually though :)

  • Blocked ducts: shower and massage breasts in hot water
  • Mastitis and fever: engage breast massage lady and take medicine
  • Overseas business trips: pump, store and freeze breastmilk. Then fly them back to SG via cold box
  • Worry that my boy isn’t getting enough nutrients as his weight is only between 5th - 10th percentile; encouragement from my PD that Loewe is growing healthily. 
  • Desperate need to sleep & endless tiredness: telling myself it’s just xxx months to go!

8. What do you feel about the support and culture in Singapore with regards to breastfeeding?

Support for breastfeeding mums is growing with greater awareness via media. Eventually, it depends on the individual to support breastfeeding mums to keep going.

9. Do you ever nurse in public and if so, how was the experience?

No, I usually pump in the car with freemie to save time.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

To all breastfeeding mums-to-be, sometimes down the road, it may feel like a lonely tiring journey but it is not; similar to a marathon, sometimes you can sprint but sometimes, you just wanna jog or walk slowly. Don’t stop, just keep walking, keep drinking water and eat nutritious food. The finishing line is drawing nearer with each step you take.