Regine Tolentino fell into a chaotic state of crisis while breastfeeding

Regine Tolentino, a well-known Filipino actress and fitness enthusiast, has shared her emotional and challenging journey of breastfeeding her third child, Rosie. After giving birth to her first two daughters almost two decades ago, Regine faced the daunting task of restarting her motherhood experience from the beginning. This time, however, she was more aware of the complexities and difficulties, especially when it came to breastfeeding.

She described her journey as a mix of mental and physical sacrifice, with many ups and downs. Regine mentioned that the process was not easy, particularly in the beginning, as it involved a lot of learning and adjusting. There were moments of physical exhaustion and emotional strain, especially as Rosie had to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth. Regine recalled how they initially had to extract milk using a syringe to feed her baby in the hospital. Despite these difficulties, she found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in breastfeeding, which she attributed to the strong bond it created between her and her daughter​

Regine emphasized the health benefits of breastfeeding, calling it the best nourishment for babies. As recommended by health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is vital for a child’s development. Regine extended this practice for two years and expressed pride in reaching this milestone. For her, the rewards outweighed the sacrifices, especially as she saw how strong and healthy Rosie became. She credited her commitment to breastfeeding for Rosie’s good health​

Regine’s partner, Dondi Narciso, also recognized her dedication, expressing pride in her efforts. He shared how he witnessed the entire journey, from the first drops of milk in the hospital to the daily feeding routine, and he was deeply moved by the bond it created between mother and child. He praised Regine’s determination and hoped that her story would inspire other mothers to embrace the challenges of breastfeeding​

In her reflections, Regine acknowledged the challenges that come with breastfeeding, especially for mothers balancing multiple responsibilities. However, she believes that despite these challenges, the experience is incredibly fulfilling. She extended her gratitude to all breastfeeding mothers, celebrating the community of women who dedicate themselves to nurturing their children through breastfeeding. For Regine, the experience has been both difficult and rewarding, a journey filled with love and care​