Keeping up with Breast-feeding week (1-7 August) campaign on Women Fitness caught up with Tiffany Porter, track and field athlete to share her experience with her baby girl, Chidera to help women understand the key essentials especially, the working ones who fail to realize the significance of feeding their babies.
Tiffany Porter is a track and field athlete with joint British and American nationality who specializes in the 100 metres hurdles. She married American hurdler Jeff Porter in May 2011. In 2012 Porter was nominated for “European Athlete of the Month” twice. She reached the final of the 100 metre hurdles at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Read on to learn more about Tiffany, the star mother.
N.N:
Breastfeeding rates are still low across the globe. Your message for all women, especially mothers-to-be on “Breastfeeding Week 2020”?
T.P:
Breastfeeding has been an incredible experience for me, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to breastfeed my child for going on a year now. I would encourage mothers if they’re interested in breastfeeding to give it a shot and really commit to it.
The first few days/weeks can be a bit overwhelming, especially as a new mom trying to figure it all out, but if you make it over that hump it usually gets better.
A few tips that I learned that helped me:
- I consulted a lactation consultant for questions and advice,
- I watched numerous videos on YouTube from other mamas that offered words of wisdom,
- I invested in a great breast pump (I personally love the spectra portable pump), and
- I was committed to the lifestyle change that comes along with nursing and pumping.
N.N:
How do you balance time between being a mom, property manager, pharmacist and being an athlete?
T.P:
I have been very fortunate with a fantastic support system with my cousin Jordan who helps out with Chidera, my husband who is an incredible father and very hands on, and mother-in-law who came to Michigan to also offer her support. That truly helps me have the time and ability to juggle all that I have on my plate between being a mother, professional athlete for Adidas, pharmacist, and property manager. I make lists of daily tasks and I rely very heavily on my calendar to help keep my tasks organized.
N.N:
How has breastfeeding proved to help in boosting the immunity of your baby and your own physical recovery?
T.P:
Breastfeeding has truly helped with my child and her immune system because she seldom is sick, and when she’s a bit under the weather, it never lasts for more than a day, thankfully.
It has helped me also in my post pregnancy weight loss journey as well. I gained 55 pounds during my pregnancy, and to date I’m down 65 pounds, so I have exceeded my goal and I am leaner than I’ve ever been before.
N.N:
How old is your baby girl/boy?
T.P:
Chidera is 11 months and will be one on July 25th. I have thoroughly enjoyed breastfeeding, and I think I will be sad when she finally weans. It is incredible to know that my body is able to produce the perfect nourishment for my child, and I live for the cuddles that come along with nursing. It’s a sacrifice, but one that is well worth it.
N.N:
Share your input on your diet pattern you followed while breast-feeding. How long do you think it’s important to breast-feed a baby?
T.P:
Once I delivered Chidera I knew that I wanted to lose the pregnancy weight, but I had to do it as healthily as possible. I couldn’t go on a crash diet, and I couldn’t severely restrict calories because I knew it would have a detrimental effect on my milk supply so I committed to eating a well balanced diet and being as healthy as possible.
I ate lots of oatmeal (which many mamas agree is not only healthy, but it also helps with milk supply), I drink lots of water, I eat lots of salad, and I just try to be mindful of what I consume. A good diet not only has implications on my ability to nurse my child, but it also directly impacts how I feel on the track during my workouts so it’s imperative that I eat healthy.
The common understanding is that breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories per day and my appetite is definitely always high, so I try to also keep relatively healthy snacks around me as well.
We are grateful to Tiffany porter & her team for their support in spreading awareness on Breast-feeding the baby for a better future generation.