Breastfeeding...
Before I had Alexis, I decided that I would breastfeed her. I read a lot of articles and talked to quite a few people and decided that breastfeeding would be best for her.
Since I had a c-section we didn't get to initiate breastfeeding right away. Once I was stitched up and in recovery they brought her to me and said "OK Mama here's your baby, time to feed her." Right. I didn't know the first thing about breastfeeding or latching or anything. All I knew was that boob went in mouth lol. We made it work though. The next day a lactation consultant came by and showed me the ropes, which was so helpful. They also showed me how to pump, which I'm not such a fan of. Kinda makes me feel like a cow. Moo.
I quickly learned, however, how painful it is to be engorged and when your baby doesn't completely drain your boobs...you are in agony. So while I may feel like a dairy cow, the end result is much better...so therefore I pump occasionally. I tend to do it every 2-3 days so at least it's not all the time. I got some storage bags and am now starting to store what I pump to have on hand.
In addition to the positive things I heard about breastfeeding, I also heard a lot of negative things. I guess that goes along with most things though. Everyone has an opinion. So many people spoke of how bad it hurt and how uncomfortable it was and not to mention a hassle. Thus far, it has been none of those things. I find it to be a nice connection time between me and Alexis. Sure it may be a little uncomfortable but seriously lanolin makes everything better. Rub some of that on, slap on a breastpad and boom. Ready to go. The only discomfort I've experienced is when they get engorged. Plus it's much easier to feed at 3 am...no prepping bottles!
Ok funny TMI story...we went to run some errands on Monday and I had to feed her in the car while we were out. I got into the backseat to feed her but I was seriously engorged so as soon as I got ready to feed her milk was spraying everywhere. I was slightly horrified. It was getting all over my dress, the car...not to mention hitting the baby in the face. All the while my husband is laughing so hard he can hardly stand it. Punk. We got my "leaky faucet" under control and "operation feed baby in the car" was a success overall.
Anyways...so breastfeeding has been a really positive experience for me. I enjoy the time with her and really feel good about providing for her. I feel like breastfeeding allows me to still be connected to her. It's a weird feeling. You carry them around with you for 9+ months and then all the sudden they are severed from you, but since I'm breastfeeding it's like I'm still giving her what she needs to survive and that makes me feel good. Not to mention all the nutrients and immunities she is getting.
My only problem would be that I really wouldn't be able to pump when I went back to work. I talked to my Mother-in-Law who said that she breastfed her kids until they were 6 weeks old and then transitioned them to formula since she also went back to work after her kids were born. She said she would still breastfeed in the morning and at night until her milk ran out. I figured this worked for her and her four kids so it would work for me too.
However now I'm feeling a bit sad that I only have 2 more weeks to the 6 week mark and then I need to work on transitioning her to formula. I know plenty of moms probably do this and plenty of babies are on formula. Alexis will be starting daycare at the end of July when we both go back to work and initially we felt it would be best to use formula for ease plus I don't have an office at work so where am I supposed to pump? My pump needs electricity so I need to be near an outlet. I'm not pumping in the bathroom 1. because that's gross 2. because there are no outlets. I could pump in my car using an AC Adapter but then I need to make sure the milk stays cool, which means I would need to keep a cooler in the car or at my desk. Then how am I going to clean the pump parts? Then I've got to get the milk home, stored, and get it to daycare.
It just seemed like more of a hassle and more time consuming than it was worth. All that time cleaning, storing, measuring and what not cold be spent with my little girl in the evenings. I mean she's getting breastmilk for the first 6 weeks of her life, that's got to count for something right?
I know it's a good decision for us and for her. I just can't help but feel a little sad that this little chapter is coming to a close. I know I'll still breastfeed her in the morning and at night until my milk runs out, but I still feel a little sad. I just don't have many other options and I have to do what's best for me and my family and this seems like it's it. Plus my mother-in-law did it and she has four very healthy kids. That's a plus in my book anyway.
So for now, I'm just going to enjoy these next two weeks and then take the next road as it comes. I have a healthy and beautiful baby girl and that's the biggest blessing I could ever ask for.
5 comments:
It is VERY hard to pump when you have to go back to work. Even if you are committed to doing it, it is physically difficult to keep your supply up when you are away from your baby. I was blessed to have 12 weeks before I went back to work with my first and I tried pumping at work, but only made it a few weeks before I just didn't pump enough and had to start supplementing with formula. But we made it to 10 months with breastfeeding at night and in the mornings and giving formula during the day. I think it's a very realistic plan!
I'm not a momma, so take this with a grain of salt, but: Check with your HR person at your office. I believe most companies are required by law to have a "lactation room" - a space where nursing moms can pump. There are at least two women in my office who pump daily. I often see them cleaning their pump parts at one of the sinks. They keep coolers with them to keep the milk cold. If it's an option, I'd look into it. If it doesn't work for you, that's fine, but it's worth a shot to see if it's an option, especially since it seems like something you'd like to keep doing! Good job mama and Lexie for making it this far!
Because I never really had a high milk supply I never got engorged. My boobs never hurt and I never really leaked.
Your "leaky faucet" story is too funny! I would have been horrified too but now its something you can laugh about.
I think its awesome you had such a great breastfeeding experience. Enjoy the next two weeks and remember to not feel guilty about putting her on formula afterwards!
I can't imagine how hard it would be to pump and go back to work! But I admire you for seeing both sides of the spectrum. I nursed Brayden for 9 months but I was lucky enough to be able to stay home. Just enjoy it, and take it as it comes! You will still get those connections feeding her formula- I promise!
It's awesome that you have done so well! It's totally a personal decision, you can for sure continue to nurse in the mornings and evenings, some breastmilk is better then none. The above poster is correct that most states have a law that companies must provide a pumping area, there are also wipes available for your pump parts for quick cleaning. I don't mean to pressure you to keep going because I too hated pumping and I am blessed that in Canada we gave one year maternity leave so I never had to face that issue, I just dont want you to feel line you have no options and regret your decision, it's much easier to start pumping and stop then to stop and go back!
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