Moms and Dads
What These Moms Have to Say About The Challenges of Breastfeeding
Kylie Padilla, Katarina Rodriguez, and Joanna Tolledo share their stories on breastfeeding in celebration of Breastfeeding Week.
Mothers face a lot of challenges — including and especially breastfeeding their children. But many moms agree that breastfeeding helps them bond with their babies and gives them the right nutrients to grow up strong and healthy.
Young celebrity moms — Kylie Padilla, Katarina Rodriguez, and Joanna Tolledo — recently shared their insights about breastfeeding as well as the challenges as the world celebrated Breastfeeding Week.
Kylie Padilla
Actress Kylie Padilla shared her thoughts about breastfeeding her two children Alas and Joaquin.
“I remember part of why I delayed going back to work right away was because I wanted to breastfeed my kids directly,” she shared on Instagram. “Personally, I hated pumping. For me, the intimacy and connection I built with my kids through breastfeeding were so hard to give up kahit sobrang hirap to be available anytime and all the time.”
The Bolera star added: “I had no control over my body but the eye contact, the skin to skin, and slowly watching my kids fall asleep and feeling their heartbeat slow is the closest physical feeling of love I’ve ever experienced. Now when I look back on it, I’m happy I did it.”
Kylie was able to breastfeed her sons for a year and considers it her favorite part of being a mother. “[I] would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
Katarina Rodriguez
Model, actress, businesswoman, and beauty queen Katarina Rodriguez also shared her thoughts about breastfeeding her son Quino and how a support system has been helpful in understanding its benefits. She first greeted all mothers and those who have been providing breastmilk to kids.
“Twelve months of breastfeeding, and going strong. I tried to not put too much thought into it. Instead, I listened to my mother’s instinct on what’s best for my son and myself,” she wrote.
She mentioned how the team from Save the Children, the organization she volunteers for, and her doula were able to help her understand breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding isn’t easy for everyone, particularly in emergencies. In these specific times of difficulties, mothers need access to skilled and basic support. If you believe breastfeeding is the best choice for you and your child, my advice is to create a small support system, it could be as simple as your own mother, sister, or friend, who can assist you through the challenges that this amazing bond between you and your child could potentially go through,” she said.
“Always remember at the end of the day to listen to your instinct mamas, cause as they say, mother always knows what’s best.”
Joanna Tolledo
Beauty queen, model, and new mom Joanna Tolledo posted her experience of breastfeeding her daughter Zailey.
“When I was pregnant with baby @zaileyzalamea, I told myself that I’ll do everything that I can to breastfeed her. I didn’t think much of it anymore,” she said. “When I gave birth, I had no milk! I thought it was easy. I was really stressing out. How can I feed my daughter? She might get hungry. Am I giving her enough? My doctor said that my baby is getting milk. I just don’t see it yet. But there is, and her stomach was a size of a marble so I shouldn’t worry that much because stress reduces milk supply. I told myself that I have to keep on trying! We need to make a demand to get milk supply.”
Joanna then recalled how her daughter was attached to her every hour for her to get some milk and admitted it was not easy.
“Sometimes I feel like giving up on breastfeeding, but every time I look at my daughter, I always say that it’s all worth it. The benefits to our children will outweigh all the sacrifices and problems we might encounter. For the past 7 months, she never got sick, she is very, very healthy and very close to me.”
Joanna added that she was able to breastfeed Zailey until she started her solid food. Nevertheless, the experience made her see the importance of it.
“I salute all of you #breastfeedingmoms! Breastfeeding is a selfless act, offering ourselves to our children with nothing in return for us. It is not an easy job but still, you did it! #Respect to you Momma!”
Know more about the importance of breastfeeding:
12 Must-Have Breastfeeding Tools for Every First-Time Mom
23 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
Breastfeeding Guilt: The Pressure of “Breast Is Best”
