Saturday, June 13, 2009

Feeding Dilemma

Before I even found out I was pregnant I planned on breastfeeding my baby. I know Mother's Milk is best for baby and there is nothing better. I am glad that she didn't have any problem latching on from day one. But, by the time day two rolled around (around 2am at the hospital) I was so tired and in so much pain I sent her to the nursery and asked the nurse to give her a bottle. Until yesterday she had only had one ounce of formula. I've been mostly pumping my milk with a Medela double breast pump and feeding her milk from a bottle, and occasionally letting her take it directly from the source. As she is nearing 3 months in age, my milk supply is starting to decrease. Since she drinks from the bottle rather than the breast, my body is unsure of how much milk to make, hence the decrease. I realized it was time to start supplementing with formula, so I have been giving her about one bottle a day of formula, and breastmilk the rest of her feedings. After doing this little experiment, I really want to discontinue with all of my efforts to give her breastmilk. Making a bottle of formula is so quick and easy, versus the hours I spend pumping just to make sure she has enough to eat for the day (and worrying if I am going to be able to meet her quota each day.) I am seriously contemplating weaning from the breastmilk and switching to formula only. The main reason I am so okay with this decision is because I do not eat right. I drink caffeine and eat all kinds of junk, I rarely eat my healthy fruits and veggies. I think both my daughter and myself would be much happier (and less stressed out) if I didn't have to worry about making a 6oz bottle of breastmilk and then her deciding she wants to go to sleep, and I have to dump it all out. And don't even let me get started about the time I spilled an entire bottle of breastmilk on the counter. I cried for hours. Haley seems to like the formula just fine, and she is digesting it great. I wanted to give my daughter breastmilk for at least a year old, until she can have regular cows milk. As of today, I doubt I am going to make it to six months. I still feel strongly about not giving her solids (i.e. cereal) until she is 6 months old. She is just not ready for that yet. I appreciate everyone who supports my decision to formula feed my daughter. I can't wait until I can enjoy my life again and hold my daughter in my arms without the agonizing pain radiating from my breasts.



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