I never really "got" breastfeeding before I had Brynlie. I semi breastfed/pumped and supplemented with Isabella. Madelyn refused to breastfeed and that was fine with me. Leo loved to help at feeding time and I got somewhat more sleep after Madelyn was born.
Brynlie is a different story entirely. Up until Leo got back from his deployment I never considered breastfeeding. My OB didn't ask me until Leo arrived home coincidentally. When my doctor asked me that afternoon--the very day that Leo stepped off that plane--how I would be feeding our newborn, I, without thinking twice, answered "breastfeeding".
Leo asked if I was sure, I nodded yes, I would love to try with Brynlie. I wasn't going to go down without a fight--and this fight was definitely worth fighting for.
I'm not going to lie, it was hard at first. Really hard. I felt like all that I did was nurse--around the clock. It took awhile before my milk came in so we would give the occasional bottle of formula. I know it's silly, but every time I gave her a bottle I felt guilty that I wasn't the one feeding her. I blame mommy guilt 100% for this thinking. After all, I did give my other two formula and there is nothing wrong with formula! It's just I wanted to breastfeed so badly with Brynlie.
As the days turned into weeks Brynlie and I became better and better at breastfeeding. I started listening for her cry when she wanted to nurse. Her formula supplements became less and less. I was getting happier and happier with each day that went by with no bottle.
Now? I am happy to say that Brynlie is 100% breastfed. She hasn't had a bottle in weeks. No formula, just momma. It's the best feeling to know that I did it. Believe me when I tell you that it was hard in the beginning and there were more days than none that I wanted to quit, give up. But I didn't. I pushed on. My body has kept up with a great supply for her demand. Brynlie is happy, healthy and thriving on the milk that my body makes.
I love watching her nurse. Her big eyes stare back up at me, her hand grabs onto my shirt. I love when her eyes are half closed and she drifts off to sleep. I love it when she smiles at me with that milky mouth (her nickname is milk mouth) and just beams up at me. It's heart melting. Love it. Love breastfeeding.
I didn't write this post to pound "breast is best" into your head or to knock formula. I formula fed all of my girls at some point, but now that I know that I can breastfeed? Ah-mazing. Do what's best for you, your baby, your life. Do what works for you, because we all know nothing is easy about being a mom.
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11 comments:
Awesome hon! I had a tough time getting the hang of things with Ilana, and only nursed her for 4 months because she got sick (multiple things) from daycare and only gained 9 oz from her 2 mo to her 4 mo appt. I eliminated EVERYTHING that could possibly be the cause, though I knew it was the sickness. As soon as my milk dried up I was sooo sad, I really wasn't ready to quit. I nursed Shawn for 9 months, he came out a natural nurser. :) I plan to nurse this time as well...I figure with all the illnesses that breast feeding is supposed to stave off, I HAVE to try it. :) I too don't pound breast is best, BUT I do provide lots of support because I know how it feels to want to give up!
I plan to breastfeed this baby. I tried with Bailey but I gave up after a few hours. I wasnt providing milk and he wasnt latching i felt terrible about it. He was a month early so I dont know if that had something to do with it. I definitely plan to try my hardest to do it with this baby :) Way to go!
you know how much i love this :) and seriously i can't even tell you how sad i am that our time is coming to an end...ugh. i am getting teary eyed again!!
so glad it's working for you mama :)
You give me hope Chelle! I know once I start training after #2 is born it might be hard to completely breast feed, but I am going to give it my all. And not be disappointed if I can't.
So glad it's been working for you. And you're right. It's tough to adjust to having to be so available for feedings. Breastfed babies seem to eat more frequently than formula fed babies.
Good for you mama!! I nursed both of my girls for over a year- so rewarding. and you are exactly right that not only does it get easier as time goes on, you get to a point where you can't imagine it any other way.
I LOVED nursing Carter. It was something that only I could do and it was such a great bonding experience for us. I am so glad that you are experiencing that same joy!
I'm nearing the end of BFing with Edith, the longest of any of my kiddos. Congratulations that you are finding success this time around... it *is* so rewarding!
I'm so glad you wrote about this. It is a hard thing to do, but you wrote so well about the wonderful emotions and bond. Well said!
My first didn't want to nurse, and at 6 wks he went to the bottle, my second was much better and went 9 months before going to a cup. Our third was another story. I wasn't able to hold him or nurse until he was 12 days old, so I had to start out with a pump at Children's Hospital. I left 30 days after he was born with 3 GALLONS of breast milk - most of which was not used because I nursed him exclusively until he was 18 months. He was the sickest then, but the healthiest now.
So happy for you!! I wasn't able to breastfeed with Lu because she was so small and didn't take to it at all...then when Bubba came I just figured I'd go straight to the bottle and not try. Maybe with #3 it will be different...whenever THAT is!
WM
Awesome girl!! I BF all 3 of mine for a year. And one of the best "side effects" RAPID weight loss with my third!!! :) Glad to hear/see all is going well for you! It's been a crazy summer, but now that school is back in, I hope to keep up more with my friends!! xo
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