Nicole Tang - My Breastfeeding Journey

To Nicole,

I am touched with all the dedication you put in. God Bless you all.

Su Li



Testimony from Nicole Tang dated April 2013.

I equipped with the proper breastfeeding technique and knowledge, I struggled at beginning of my breastfeeding journey. Well meaning relatives informed me that exclusive breastfeeding will not provide enough calories to my baby. Whenever I nurse my baby, female family members will question how much milk baby was taking and why do I need to nurse for so long and so frequent. I was misinformed that my baby was using me as a dummy if she nursed for more than 20 minutes. Being a first time mother, I was very confused. So I took their advice and unlatched baby before she was thoroughly satisfied. I was then told to express my breast milk to gauge the volume I was producing at the time.

I was devastated when I saw the little amount I managed to pump. But I still withheld supplementing my baby with formula because deep down, I know breast milk is the best for my baby. However, when I took my baby for her checkup, the pediatrician informed me that my baby was not thriving. I remember feeling just horrible that day because I thought I had foolishly starved my baby. I immediately started to supplement according to the pediatrician’s advice and that decision actually made my breastfeeding journey even more challenging.

Each time the baby gulped down the formula right after nursing, I was told “See, I told you that breast milk alone is not enough.” I felt like such a failure. I wanted so much to exclusively breastfeed and yet, I really believed at that time that my body was not able to produce enough for baby. With time, my confidence in breastfeeding began to diminish.

Not wanting to give up, I went to see a lactation consultant. She told me the only way to increase my supply is to completely remove the formula from my baby’s diet. When I got home, I tried very hard to not give formula but my baby was already used to drinking large volume of milk. She was very frustrated and cried after nursing. I was mentally and physically tired. I was really upset but I just bottled up all my frustrations. I fear that my family members may try to convince me to give up breastfeeding after seeing how emotionally troubled I had become. I had no one to turn to.

One fateful day, I decided to visit Su Li’s shop because I needed nursing wear. I knew Su Li when I first purchased my breast pump. First impression of her is that she is very down to earth and honest. She did not persuade me to buy expensive breast pump instead she had advised me according to my needs. I informed Su Li my trouble and she really took her time to help me. She taught me how to cut down the supplement and to start a breastfeeding journal.

I thought I kept a straight face throughout the session with her but somehow she managed to detect my negative feelings. All it took for me to reset my mind and confidence was a word of encouragement and a hug from Su Li. I felt much better after crying. I cut out one formula feeding per day and after 1 week, I was exclusively breastfeeding.

Su Li called me when I was at home to check on my progress and she told me that she was praying for me. God answered both of our prayers. To this day, my baby is 3 months old and I am still exclusively breastfeeding despite working full time. I will try my hardest to continue nursing for as long as I can. To new mummies, never give up on breastfeeding and always remember that our body can provide enough for our babies!