So, before I had DS, I was committed to breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Then he was born. And breastfeeding was terribly difficult and painful for me, even with multiple lactation consultants and numerous calls to La Leche League. When he was two months old, we found that he had dropped from the 50% weight at his 1 month appointment to the 16%. Obviously, breastfeeding wasn't working for him either. So we threw in the towel, he was happy as a clam after that and started sleeping through the night, I sh*t you not, the next day. So now Baby 2 is on the way and honestly, breastfeeding the the #1 thing I'm dreading. I know every pregnancy is different but I want to give it a shot but I just don't know if I can deal with the physical and emotional distress of it all again. Thoughts? Advice?
Re: To breastfeed or not to breastfeed?
I Take Lots of Pictures: www.camerahappymom.com
This time, I'm going in with the mindset that BF doesn't have to be all or nothing, there is nothing wrong with supplementing, and I will switch to formula if it's what is best for my family.
Sorry to hear that you had such a challenging BFing journey. But who knows, you might have a different experience this time around. While I ended up BFing DS for a year, it never came easy and was really, really hard for a loooong time, so I understand how it can be nervewracking to think about going through it again. Like you said, there was a lot of physical and emotional pain at times. It ended up being totally worth it for us, but I am hoping for a better experience this time around.
I've found a lot of great resources along the way - the BFing board is great, and my hospital has a BFing support ground and listserv that is pretty active. So no matter how BFing goes the 2nd time around, I know I have resources and I'm going to be more willing to use them. I've also learned to just trust my gut - I felt very strongly that DS had a lip-tie but the pediatricians and LCs said it was fine. Well, it's a lot more obvious now, and I definitely think it contributed to our BFing struggles. So next time I will definitely be more vocal.
And while BF has its benefits, at the end of the day, if you are feeding your kid, you are doing just fine.
I say, give it a try. If it doesn't work, then that's that.
Married: August 2012
DD: 9/22/2014
By the way, you women who exclusively pump, that impresses me to no end. I hated pumping so much, and feel like you all must be rockstar moms to deal with that for your kids.
https://m.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/307311/
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
I'm not even thinking about it because my son has an immuno condition that causes severe allergies and it is genetic, so my next child will go right on medical food to preempt it. BUT there is a chance I can go on a complete elimination diet and get my milk tested for proteins. If my milk is safe, I will continue with medical food and add in some pumped breast milk. I can confidently say I have ZERO desire to nurse again.
T 2.12 | W 5.14