Welcome to The Lullaby Letters, often penned in the quiet hours next to my sometimes snoring toddler. In each edition, I curate useful prenatal and postpartum resources, and in "Meet our Mama-Kind", I invite inspiring mamas to share their journey and perspectives. This month, I chat with Nisa Zulkifle, a fellow mama who's leaned in on her own breastfeeding experience to help fuel other mamas on their journey.

If you found this newsletter helpful, I would love for you to forward it on to other mama friends. :)

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This Side, Mama

As a first-time mama, breastfeeding was easily the most challenging part of my transition to motherhood, having experienced Mastitis, blocked ducts and milk blebs. Yet here I am now, surprising even myself by still breastfeeding my second born, my almost two-year-old. Unlike a newborn, he climbs onto me and can chase after me for milk, but is also patient enough if I ask him to wait. He now dictates his preference by declaring "this side", and made me chuckle the other day, when his little voice piped up with an "all done" under my nursing top. 

Tbh, I relish the closeness and comfort we get from each other. At this point, it is really more me than him; I breathe in his sweetness during the night feeds, wondering when he might not fit into the crook of my arms anymore.

Here are three things which helped me thrive this time round:

1. Discovering the ease of side latching, especially as I try to get more rest with my toddler still waking up for multiple night feeds. 

2. Building the foundations of my breastmilk supply, by prioritizing a balanced diet with fresh, whole foods and minimally processed foods. With breastmilk consisting of 87% water, I also made sure that I hydrated myself well by drinking 3.8 litres of liquids a day. That's 12 glasses of water, soups, or juices in a day.

3. Progressively dropping my pumps to zero by the time he turned one, because I enjoyed breastfeeding so much more. By then, he'd already weaned to solids, and transitioned to UHT milk in daycare. I continued to latch him on demand, whenever he's home in the evenings and on weekends. It's amazing how the body regulates your supply (no engorgement!) to produce breastmilk for part-time latching. :)

Here are some resources I hope will help you on your breastfeeding journey, whether you're a new mama or a seasoned mama needing a refresher:

The backwash effect when breastfeeding

How to hand express and harvest colostrum

How often should I feed my baby?

Different ways to position baby for breastfeeding

[Video] How to ensure a deep latch

How to check if you've the right flange size for your pump

How to manage Mastitis, blocked ducts and blebs (updated guidelines)

Why some mums think they've a low BM supply when they don't

Meet Nisa :)

Hi! I’m Nisa Zulkifle — a mom of two, a breastfeeding advocate, and the founder of Milkforbubs. I started the brand out of my own struggles with breastfeeding, and it’s grown into something much more meaningful: a way to support moms through the ups and downs of motherhood, one treat and tool at a time.

1. Can you tell us about your personal breastfeeding journey, and how that inspired you to start Milkforbubs?

I started breastfeeding in 2020, and to be honest — I had no idea what I was getting into. I thought it would come naturally, just like pregnancy did. But the reality was tough. I didn’t attend any classes, didn’t have a strong support system, and I genuinely believed I was doing fine because no one told me otherwise — until I landed in the NICU with a dehydrated baby. That experience was a wake-up call.

Through all the trial and error, I started baking lactation cookies for myself at home, using ingredients I trusted. Slowly, I began sharing them with other moms, and that’s how Milkforbubs was born. It wasn’t just about the cookies — it was about creating the kind of support I wish I had.

2. What sets Milkforbubs apart from other lactation brands out there?

We don’t believe in quick-fix marketing or bold claims like “boost your milk supply overnight.” Breastfeeding is so personal — what works for one mom may not work for another. At Milkforbubs, we focus on nourishment, convenience, and honest support. Every product we make — whether it’s a treat, a breastfeeding tool, or a resource — comes from lived experience and a real understanding of what moms go through. We’re here to make things just a little bit easier and remind you that you’re not alone in this.

3. What is something you wish someone had told you about breastfeeding/ pumping?

That it’s not all or nothing. That using formula doesn’t mean you’ve failed. That it’s okay to ask for help, and that struggling doesn’t make you any less of a mom. I wish someone had sat me down and said, “Whatever you’re doing to feed your baby — it’s valid, and you’re doing your best.”

4. What is your approach to parenting?

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned in parenting is the importance of relinquishing the pursuit of perfection. With my first child, I was determined to adhere strictly to every parenting guideline and placed an immense amount of unnecessary pressure on myself. Over time, however, I’ve come to realize that children don’t require flawless parenting; what they truly need is our presence, our engaged attention, and our love. My focus has shifted from striving for control to nurturing a deeper connection with my children.

P.S.: Nisa has kindly extended an exclusive promo code for readers of The Lullaby Letters. Enjoy $5 off $55 for her lactation treats with code "LMP5" (valid till 30 Sep 2025). I highly recommend the sea salt dark chocolate cookies!

Love,

Gayle 

Creator of Dear Postpartum Mama