“A mother’s worth is measured in love, and not ounces.”
– Stacey Stewart, Founder of Milkology
ONE of the many new responsibilities that come with motherhood is ensuring your newborn is well-nourished – whether through breastfeeding or formula feeding.
For many new mothers, this decision is deeply personal and sometimes even emotional.
Some are guided by medical advice, others by their circumstances, and many by their instincts.
One thing is clear, though. When available and possible, breastmilk offers remarkable benefits that science is still trying to understand fully.
The early days after childbirth can be overwhelming.
Between physical recovery, emotional adjustment, and sleepless nights, feeding often becomes a source of stress.
What seems like a simple biological function quickly becomes a subject of planning, worry, and – especially in the digital age – comparison.
Breastmilk is often referred to as “liquid gold” – and for good reason.
It is nature’s perfectly designed food for babies, uniquely tailored to their developmental needs.
It provides the ideal mix of fats, proteins, vitamins and antibodies, all while being easy to digest and constantly adapting to the baby’s growth.
No formula, no matter how advanced, can fully replicate it.
One of the most powerful components of breastmilk is colostrum, the thick, yellowish fluid produced in the first few days after birth.
Sometimes called “the first vaccine”, it’s packed with antibodies- particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – which helps protect the newborn against viruses and bacteria.
It lines the intestines, seals the gut, and kickstarts the baby’s immune system.
But as incredible as breastmilk is, breastfeeding is not always easy – and the pressure to “succeed” at it can be intense, especially online.
In recent years, social media has become a double-edged sword for new mothers.
On one hand, it’s a place to find support, share tips, and feel less alone.
On the other hand, it has created a culture of quiet competition – especially around milk production.
It’s not uncommon to scroll past photos and videos of freezers fully stocked with neatly labelled milk bags or videos where mothers casually reveal they can pump 10 to 15 ounces in one session.
While these posts may be well-intentioned, they often leave others – especially first-time mothers – feeling anxious, discouraged, or like they’re not doing enough.
As a new mother myself, I have had my fair share of those feelings.
I have sat through 20-minute pumping sessions only to produce two to three ounces and wondered if something was wrong with me.
I have questioned whether my baby was getting enough.
I have stared at my pump parts, half-washed in the sink, and felt a wave of guilt wash over me for dreading the next session, and I know I’m not alone.
Breastfeeding – whether through direct latch or pumping – can also be an incredibly lonely journey.
There are nights when the whole house is asleep, but you’re awake at midnight, then again at 3:00 am and 6:00 am, attached to a breast pump with eyes barely open, trying to maintain supply.
You do it in silence, often without thanks or acknowledgement, driven by the hope that the milk you collect will be enough.
While your baby and husband sleep soundly, you’re sacrificing sleep and comfort to keep up with the body’s supply-and-demand cycle.
It’s an act of love that many never see – but it deserves to be recognised.
Breastfeeding is not a measure of motherhood.
It’s a process that is influenced by countless factors – hormones, stress, hydration, baby’s latch, medical history, sleep, and even genetics.
The internet may make it seem like high milk supply equals success, but the truth is, every drop counts.
And while breastfeeding provides immense benefits to both baby and mother, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone can, or will, breastfeed exclusively.
Some mothers face issues like low milk supply, latching difficulties, or medical conditions that make breastfeeding unfeasible.
Others may have to return to work early or juggle multiple responsibilities with limited support.
In Malaysia, efforts like the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), increased advocacy by healthcare professionals, and public awareness campaigns have made significant strides in encouraging and normalising breastfeeding.
But at the same time, we need to create space for mothers who choose a different path – not out of convenience, but out of necessity or for their well-being.
Let’s not forget: a fed baby is a loved baby.
Whether that’s through direct breastfeeding, pumping, formula, or a combination of all three, what matters most is the health and bonding between parent and child.
For mothers who can breastfeed, the benefits are numerous, such as promoting faster uterine recovery, burning extra calories, and reducing the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases.
For babies, it reduces the risk of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and gastrointestinal issues.
And there’s the intangible beauty of it too – the quiet moments in the early hours of the morning, the way your baby looks up at you mid-feed and the comfort they find in your arms.
These are memories that linger long after the feeding journey comes to an end.
So, to all the mothers out there – whether you’re measuring ounces, sterilising bottles, triple-checking latch diagrams, or simply doing your best on two hours of sleep – know this: you are not failing.
You are showing up every single day for your baby, and that is more than enough.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
