The breastfeeding post
Oh yea, I could not not talk about breastfeeding. The most controversial topic for some unreasonable reason. Like, why can’t everybody just be happy about the fact that the child is being fed regardless of the method used. Many would love to be able to use breast milk, but the truth is that it doesn’t work the same way for everyone. Some women never produce milk, some need to supplement, for some the pain is excruciating, and some simply choose not to. And guess what, that’s fine. What matters is that our babies get the nutrition they need in order to continue their growth and development. Ugh okay short rant over.
Anyway, I have always had a bit of a struggle breastfeeding. I just haven’t been too lucky when it comes to keeping up my supply and I was nowhere near keeping up with my kids demand. So, I breastfed for as long as I could with each one. I don’t think I made it past a month maybe two with them. I pumped, ate oatmeal like crazy, drank funky teas, slept, and chugged gallons of water, but it just didn’t work out for one reason or another.
Currently, I am breastfeeding 3-4 times a day and the rest is formula. This is such a big win for me! I know most of her nutrition is coming from Enfamil, and I don’t care. But, knowing that she is my last baby I want to enjoy this and milk (pun totally intended) every minute of it. This is the only reason why I am trying so hard to keep my supply for a little while longer. I’m not stressing over it though. I’m not baking magic cookies or force-feeding myself oatmeal all day anymore. I drink my tea, and chug water like I’m recovering from a week long bender and that is it.
And whoever said breastfeeding was easy, it’s not. And it’s definitely not one of those “one size fits all” type of deals. You have to pump like every two hours, drink a ton of water, eat a ton, not be stressed, and get lots of sleep.
Funny, sleep? Who does that? Not parents.
This is all pretty hard to do with two other children who don’t appreciate being neglected and a newborn. I can’t even imagine how stressful this is for you working moms. Props to you ladies! You guys are strong as hell.
P.S. Whatever you choose, you’re doing great mama.
So, I want to update you on this post. I wrote this back in January and I want to let you know that I am no longer breastfeeding. I could not bring my supply up and was not keeping up with Ophi’s demand, so I stopped. As heartbreaking as it was to stop because I knew it was the last time I’d ever get to breastfeed, it was best for us. For me and her. I no longer have the stress or beat myself up over not producing & she is a very happy and healthy baby. Fed is best guys, fed is best.