Comments on: A Possibly TMI Post on Breastfeeding

By: Karunia

Karunia — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 02:28:07 +0000

I am just now experiencing the same demlmia! As a matter of a fact, I just went online to find some sort of discussion on this topic. My son is 2 months old now and I’ve been breastfeeding him almost exclusively for this time. I have 2 other boys and so breastfeeding has been more difficult. Additionally, three weeks ago we found out he’s allergic to the milk I was ingesting, which gave him an allergy-induced acid reflux. I had my mom give him soy formula a few weeks back just to see how he tolerated it and he actually seemed more content on the formula. Didn’t spit up nearly as much, didn’t seem to have the same tummy problems, and just seemed happier. The same thing happened with my husband this weekend. This shouldn’t be such a struggle since breastmilk is the perfect food.’ But I just want my baby to be happy! And seeing him more content on formula really gives me the incentive to switch completely. I went through this same demlmia with my second, and couldn’t believe how much better he was once I made the switch. But making that leap is such an emotional one (guilt, misgivings, etc.) I have his 2 month appt today with his pediatrician and will be talking to her about it. I will be going back to work in 3 weeks too.I don’t have any advice other than to say to go with your gut! Yes, breast milk is best, but it isn’t best if it’s providing an additional stresser on the family. Any text book answer will tell you that some breast milk is better than no breast milk, but that needs to be a decision you need to make. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it, it’s too personal.Remember, whatever decision you make you and your baby will be just fine, maybe even better! Let us know what you decide. Good luck!!

By: Trina

Trina — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 20:19:17 +0000

First you are a great mom and person. You are amazing Keri so get rid of the guilt. You have been through so much, please just enjoy your time with squishy.

In terms of breastfeeding advice, More Milk Plus from Motherlove seems to help everyone in my mom support groups with their supply. I would also recommend attending a breastfeeding support group. It will REALLY help with the guilt feeling etc. I swear some women in there had mastitis like three times!

I know pumping sucks, but if you get a hospital pump rental, it’s a smoother pump and it is the only way to increase your supply. Regular pumps only maintain. It’s just an idea for another route to go. I’ve made it 8 months pumping and plan to try to get to one year before weaning her off.

Good luck hon and remember…get rid of the guilt.
<3 you!!

By: Jill Schott

Jill Schott — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 04:38:59 +0000

Hey! I rarely read anyone’s blog, but I saw your title referencing breast feeding and decided to give it a look. Whatever happens with your supply, you can continue to be a great mom to both your boys. I totally understand what you describe about meal stress. When Henry came home, after having fed through an IV and tubes for a month, the adjustment was so hard and my anxiety actually diminished my milk. Pumping, while initially painful and admittedly time consuming, actually helped me calm down. But I had a high quality double electric pump, which helps. It’s not for everyone though. The liquid supplement “more milk plus” at Central Market also seemed to help stimulate milk supply, if you’re looking for anything else to try. I will be thinking good thoughts for you!

By: beth thames

beth thames — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 22:16:19 +0000

Kari, Hi, it’s Katie’s mom. I am a big fan of breastfeeding, but what good are you doing you child if you are not 100%? The most important thing he needs is is Mom holding him, breast or bottle.

By: Suzanne McGlothlin

Suzanne McGlothlin — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 03:01:50 +0000

Agree on all points. You will do the right thing.

By: Keri

Keri — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 17:20:03 +0000

In reply to Suzanne McGlothlin.

Suzanne,
You hit on something that I’ve completely overlooked–enjoying being a mom. Since my milk supply decided to dive, I dread every mealtime. I stress if I’ll have enough, I’ll stress over how long it will last, I stress over wondering if I should get a bottle ready…you get the idea. How can I enjoy being a mom or enjoy my baby with that kind of constant stress, since feeding is rather constant at this stage.

And btw, pumping BLOWS. I know plenty of moms who have had great success with it, but for me, it was extremely painful and I could only produce 2 ounces on a good day. I smashed the damn thing with a hammer when I was done.

By: Suzanne McGlothlin

Suzanne McGlothlin — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:34:22 +0000

Girl, DO NOT feel guilty! I feel the same as you.

I wouldn’t say I was ever “comfortable” with breast feeding, and baby wasn’t taking to it well. I tried exclusive pumping, but that is SO MUCH WORK. I’m not a lazy person, but it is SO MUCH WORK. I gave him breast milk and just supplemented with formula as long as I could, and that was only about 6 weeks.

I felt guilty at first when I returned the breast pump to the hospital. I felt like a failure. Like, “This is my CHILD. I should try much harder than this.” But the relief and stress-reduction with not worrying about it anymore was worth more to me. I felt like with all the pumping/feeding stress, I couldn’t enjoy my child and enjoy being a mommy for the first time. I’m not looking back now. Both my husband and I were bottle-fed babies and we are happy, healthy individuals.

I enjoy reading your blog, by the way!

Suzanne