My Breastfeeding Journey

Read on my article on breastfeeding published in www.amsterdam-mamas.nl
http://www.amsterdam-mamas.nl/stories/parenting/babies/my-breastfeeding-journey

In Vondel Park

Today I decided to take Mr Baby to Vondel Park. Before hitting the park we made a few short stopovers. All this time, he was really happy, enjoying his buggy ride. However, by the time we reached Vondel Park he became a little irritable.
I couldn't believe how crowded Vondel Park was today. I kept on walking looking for a place which is not too crowded, but not too secluded at the same time. I decided to sit myself in front of the huge fountain in the middle of the park. There was a woman with a small stand selling ice cream, hot dogs and drinks. I bought a choc cone and spread my red blanket under a tree shade.
Mr Baby was quite fascinated by the fountain and also by my icecream. He hasn't been eating much today. I tried to feed him just before we left, but he didn't seem interested. And now, even when I became a naughty mama and offered him some icecream, he didn't want to eat it. I thought he might be thirsty form all the sun so offered him a little water I had took with me. I let him hold the bottle, he played with it more than he drank it. His whole shirt got wet, but that's the best part about summer, I didn't have to worry about wet clothes, the sun can dry them out. I wanted to take Mr Baby to one of the play areas of the park, but he started becoming agitated. 
I thought he might be hungry, so I set off in a search of a quiet spot in the park where I could sit and feed him. But alas, it was very hard to find such a spot. Instead, I found the exit, and decided to head home. Park time is no fun with a wailing baby. Thankfully, he calmed down in the tram, and my little wallet kept him occupied too.
As soon as we got home I offered him some milk. He jumped to it excitedly, but just after a few minutes he started smiling and babbling and didn't want to eat anymore.
Wonder where his appetite has gone...
Vondel Park - I shall visit you again, hopefully if the weather continues to be as beautiful and sunny as it is these days.

Ramadan 2012

This is going to be my second Ramadan in Amsterdam, but the first one that I am actually going to observe.
Last year because of my pregnancy I avoided the long fasts and paid fidya instead. Fidya is the money you pay someone else to fast in case you are unable to do so because of sickness or travel. Pregnant and nursing women are also allowed to do this.
This year I was also sceptical about whether I would be able to observe the 18 hours long fasts while breastfeeding my baby. However, I decided I would give it a try.
By the grace of God, yesterday the first Ramadan passed without any difficulty. I carried on with all my daily tasks, nursed my baby and just felt a normal amoount of thirst and tiredness.
This made me realise that fasting in Ramadan is a special thing. If in any other month I would be hugry for even a few hours my head would start hurting and I would feel like I am going to dye of hunger. But in this Holy month, Allah gives us the strength to be hungry and thirsty for the whole day. Our energy for this month does not come through food, rather prayer and faith acts as a fuel for our bodies and souls in Ramadan.
I am excited that this year I would be able to keep all my fasts. Inshallah!