2TM: Feeding any different this time?

Indiechixor

So, last pregnancy I was super gung-ho about BF and was so confident that we didn't buy ANY formula.

Once I got back to work, I was happy to bring home 9-12oz a day....until one weekend, about a month back to work, DS was extra fussy after each nursing session. I asked DH how much he's eating per bottle, and he said 6oz. LOL WUT?Apparently DS started eating waaay more than I was pumping at work, and I didn't know till it was too late...we stopped BF around 4months.

This time around, i'm making DH use a input/output chart, so I know how much I should be pumping. He's not very excited about the aspect, but I really despised having to buy formula...and I felt like such a failure with BF.

So...compared to your last pregnancy, what are you planning on doing differently?

NiniJ55

Your DH really should have been letting you know that you were not bringing home enough milk.  That's crazy... LOL.

And that's not a failure at all... you did great!  4 months is an accomplishment, mama not a failure.

Last time I started out EPing due to latch issues.  I was able to nurse witht he help of a sheild at 6 weeks (something made me try it again - even though I gave up on the prospect of nursing him).  I was able to nurse DS from 6 wks - 5 months old.  He seemingly self weaned so I had to EP for him until he was 12 months because he absolutely refused me after 5 months old.

This time around -- I bringing a nipple sheild with me to the hosp in case I need it again.  I'm really hoping to be nursing from the very start.  EPing is so hard and although I'm happy to have been able to provide the milk for him... I really missed nursing. 

Nursing my new baby is one of the things I look forward to most.

DEBBIE33CASEY

I EP'd last time and really have my heart set on BFing this time if at all possible.  I'm not sure what I could do differently.  I really feel like it's going to be up to the baby at this point. 

Stirpy33

I exclusively BF DS for 4 months, while having to use a nipple shield the whole time due to inverted nipples (sorry if TMI). Then he developed a milk allergy so stopped BF'ing and pumping and went to soy formula. This time around I plan to FF from the start. I KNOW its not best for the baby but I can't imagine BF'ing while chasing around a 20 month old and dealing with nipple issues and potential allergies again. It was just too much for me. When I told the OB nurse this at my last visit she actually said "good for you" bc she said a lot of women are afraid to not BF since its the norm lately.

MrsAMB07

I'm going to be much more diligent with BF. I was also so into it while pregnant, but had some unexpected issues and I too felt like such a failure. I ended up EPing and supplementing until 6 months. This time I won't hesitate to call an LC and get help when I need it.

I'm also trying really hard this time around to be more laid back. I have to remind myself that every stage eventually passes... the sleepless nights, fussy periods, growth spurts, etc.