Having a baby comes with many responsibilities. There is more to the cute face, soft skin, lots of hair and new baby smell. There is the decision to place them in daycare or stay at home with them, use formula or breast milk or supplement, choose which brand of diapers to use or use cloth diapers, prepare the home for their arrival, decide on a name, etc. You attend different classes to learn the best practices for taking care of this precious gift that will be entering the world. The classes range from labor and delivery, breastfeeding, circumcision options, use of a midwife, explanation of the different stages of labor, shaky baby syndrome etc. There is a lot of information thrown at you immediately. You may also receive lots of books to read about taking care of your little one. At the end of the day decisions must be made.
Whether you are a new mom or an existing mom of several children, we want the best for our children. As the saying goes breast milk is the best milk. We all have a choice to breastfeed only, breastfeed and supplement with formula, or strictly use formula. Either decision is not a bad decision. Most consultants would say it is best to breastfeed. For each one of my kids, this was my desire. I never knew stress would cause your breastfeeding experience to be null and void. I always heard drink lots of water and pump as many times as you can. Mentally I was ready. My first born latched on perfectly. Because I was a new mom I was unfamiliar with colostrum and that in the beginning it was sufficient enough nutrients for the baby before your milk came in, so I requested formula in the hospital. It was the fear that my baby wasn’t getting enough milk that I requested formula. I pumped for two weeks getting an ounce from each breast and continued with majority formula and minimal breast milk for 3 months.
My second born received breast milk while in the hospital, but I wasn’t educated enough to maintain. I went to work after 6 weeks and was only allowed to pump once a day. I only pumped a ounce and never stop daily until eventually I dried up.
My third born I breastfed as well and still operated from fear that I did not have enough milk for my baby; needless to say I continued for 3 months producing only 2 ounces at the most. I was told any breast milk was still needed.
My fourth born, I went to the classes, asked the questions, asked other moms that were solely breastfeeding what did they do. I read articles on Facebook. I was determined this time. The lactation nurse in the hospital reassured me that I was doing a good job and everything was happening according to plan. My baby had bowel movements and wet diapers and that was the reassurance that I was producing enough milk. I started pumping one ounce after latching on until one morning at about 5am I looked down and my nipple was bleeding. I woke my husband up and said babe something is wrong. I had formula and I was frightened, in pain and knew he still needed to eat. I latched him on to the other breast to ensure he was fed. My husband got up and went to the store to get me a nipple shield and some lanolin cream. I had to pray because I was afraid to feed lil man. The pain was unbearable. I asked several moms is it supposed to be this painful? It felt like fire rushed through my breast each time he latched on. I even went to a lactation nurse and she said he may have a tongue tie which may be causing the pain. She said it could go away in a few weeks if I did not want him to have surgery. Due to the scare I added some formula while breastfeeding and pumping. Pumping is a job within itself but needless to say I kept trying. The cluster feeding was draining at times but I kept pressing. With 3 other kids it was a challenge to continue. Receiving the gift of Kiinde breast pump accessories was a lifesaver throughout this entire process. The link is below and I recommend it to every mom that is breastfeeding. I also recommend the breast pump bra to allow for hands free pumping. Milky Mama was a lifesaver as well. I ordered the drinks and the cookies.
I may not have breastfed as long as I wanted to, but I breastfed as long as I remained persistent. He is a healthy baby and I am proud of what I was able to accomplish. At 5 months he is over 18 pounds and very solid. You can not pick him up with one hand. I say he is spiritually fed and heavy. Ladies never give up and you can do anything you put your mind to. It is a combination of a healthy diet, lots of water, a stress free environment, latching on and pumping consistent to keep the flow. All the mommies that are breastfeeding; hats of to you. Breast milk is gold! 