We went to the Dr. office on Thursday for baby E's two month check up only to find that she is not gaining enough weight. Apparently my milk supply is too low and my poor baby has been starving. There was no way for me to know this since she was never super fussy after a feeding but it is true. So the Dr. had me pumping like crazy to find out exactly how much milk I was producing and it was a measly 2 ounces and Elizabeth eats at least 4. Luckily I had some stored up in the freezer to feed her while I pumped. I pumped so much I made my self sick. So then came the decision. Should I feed her formula? After thinking it over and talking to many different people I decided to supplement her after she eats from me. What's more important, her eating from me or her getting enough to eat? Many people are against formula but as long as my baby gets food, that makes her and me happy. In the meanwhile I am taking Fenugreek and am considering the mother's milk stuff. They should help beef me up. Now Elizabeth smiles more and sleeps for 11 hrs at night instead of 9. I vote yes for formula.. . . . This whole experience has been exhausting and enlightening. I thank my friend, Taylor, who took baby E so I could get some rest and all those who support me. When it comes down to it, do whatever is good for your family. You can listen to advice but you don't have to take it!!!
9 comments:
OH!! YOU GO GIRL! You go.
I went through that same thing with my oldest, Trevor. Now I do formula after nursing from the beginning. It's a tough decision, but I like the way you put it about "what's more important?"
You need to do what you need to do for your baby! Do not listen to what other people say just do what you need to do for your cute little baby!
I used to think that there was only one way to feed your kid but as I've had one and learned more about being a parent you have to do what you can. Luckily I never had a problem with supply but like you said you need to keep your baby healthy. Take care of yourself too! Don't let people guilt you! :)
I am SO glad you've figured out a solution...poor little Elizabeth! And poor you...you are such a good mother and there is nothing like the dr telling you that something is wrong your baby! I remember when they told me Jayden was anemic...I felt like the worst mom ever! And by the way, that's why they make formula honey! I'm glad you're doing what's best for your baby!!!
I have had that problem with Garrett lately, and it is heartbreaking to think that you can't give your baby all that he/she needs. Luckily my milk supply is back up, but this is twice now that I've had issues and had to supplement with formula. If a mom doesn't support you, she obviously doesn't understand what you're going through. Hopefully that mother never has to understand it. You are oh so wise and thank you for your post!!
I feel it too D. I have only breastfed my girls til 4 months as well. I just have an EXTREMELY hard time feeding them...1. inverted nipples (TMI?)so they can't latch on properly and 2. supply is always low. So, I went with formula, Goodstart. They couldn't digest the other kinds of formula, so we went with that one, and I don't regret it. Of course I'm gonna try to breastfeed as long as I can with future kiddies, but who knows how long I'll last!? =)
Hey - It's Leah. I was just looking over your blog and reading different posts. And this one I just had to say something. I had the exact same thing happen with Adi. In the end I chose what you did. I would nurse her and than usually immediately have to supplement with formula for her to get really full. This really isn't changing anything as far as the benefits that Elizabeth gets from being breast-fed. She is still enjoying the bonding time with you and getting all those great breast-fed-baby benefits, she just has a bigger appetite than you can provide right now. I enjoyed being able to do both, I had the comfort of nursing and snuggling with Adi but also the connivence of a bottle when I needed it. I did this until I was completely dry (she was about 7 months). And almost every study about the benefits of nursing has only been tested up to the 6 months point - interesting little tidbit.
And you never know what will happen with your next. Ella never had to be supplemented at all. She exclusively nursed (more because she was so stink'n stubborn and refused any bottle, pacifier or anything that was not me) until 13 months when we switched her directly to solid food.
Your doing great little mommy. Just follow your own promptings. Everyone has a story, but those stories are not you... You do what you FEEL is best. From my experience, as long as I listened the Spirit always told me exactly what to do. Whether in the middle of the night when I didn't know why one was crying or about something like this.
This is likely an old issue by now, but I wanted to add my two cents. When Addi was two months old I got way sick and ended up in the ER hooked up to IVs to rehydrate me. The Docs said my body was extremely dehyrdrated and I needed to stop nursing for a week to increase the level of fluids in my body. "But won't that mean I can't nurse anymore?"
"No. You can always pump your supply back up."
After a month of frustration and constant pumping and lots of tears (which probably led to more dehydration) I gave in and from then on out Addi was solely bottle fed. It was really difficult for me - I felt like a failed mother. But Addi needed the food, and I no longer made it in the quantity she needed. Now, many moons later, she's happy, healthy, and huge.
Good job to you! Elizabeth loves you all the same, and knows you love her in her little baby way.
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