Prior to Mungee's birth, I decided that I would breastfeed her for at least 6 months. I knew it would be of great benefit to her and help us bond. It also made sense from a financial standpoint since I had quit my job to stay at home with her. (That was a very secondary reason).
Breastfeeding was very rough at first ... my milk took almost a whole week to come in since Mungee was in the NICU for four days and was receiving formula. She was born on Monday and my milk didn't come in until Friday. I had a very hard time trying to figure out how to get her to latch on. It didn't help that she was hooked up to several monitors/wires that we had to try and keep untangled while I nursed her. It was hard to find a comfortable position for both of us. I consulted with two lactation experts at the hospital, but their advice went in one ear and out the other because I was exhausted!
Once we were home, I experienced a lot of pain and sleepless days and nights trying to balance nursing and pumping so Mungee's Pa could give her a bottle and give me a break every once in a while. I finally decided to stop supplementing with formula when Mungee threw up like a fountain after breastfeeding following a formula feeding. Things got easier from there. As I was able to relax, so was Mungee and she latched on more easily. Breastfeeding also got easier when I realized that I no longer had to keep my hands over my chest when I showered. It didn't hurt anymore!
Once we were home, I experienced a lot of pain and sleepless days and nights trying to balance nursing and pumping so Mungee's Pa could give her a bottle and give me a break every once in a while. I finally decided to stop supplementing with formula when Mungee threw up like a fountain after breastfeeding following a formula feeding. Things got easier from there. As I was able to relax, so was Mungee and she latched on more easily. Breastfeeding also got easier when I realized that I no longer had to keep my hands over my chest when I showered. It didn't hurt anymore!
I am proud to say that with the exception of formula supplementation for the first few weeks, and the introduction of rice cereal and yesterday's sweet potatoes, Mungee has been exclusively breastfed for 6 months now!
Feeding Mungee by my own body has been our way of life for so long that I don't see myself discontinuing because I hit an arbitrary number that I had set out for us. My decision is to continue breastfeeding as long as it works for both of us and Mungee's nutritional needs continue to be met in this manner.
Did you decide to breastfeed your little one? How did it go? Please share your story.
Did you decide to breastfeed your little one? How did it go? Please share your story.
4 comments:
I aimed for 6 months and stopped at 17 months when my supply tanked due to meds my doctor prescribed me.
You're doing a wonderful thing for your beautiful girl!
You go girl! We are almost to 9 months and still going strong. I'm so happy I decided to breastfeed, and I honestly don't see us stopping until she decides that she's done with it all.
It's an incredible feeling when you realize that you have sustained a life fully on your own for that little ones entire life. God's perfect gift.
Keep going girl! You are an amazing momma!
My goal was also 6 months, but things were going so well at that point I saw no reason to stop. I did wean my daughter at 11 months b/c I was having surgery. I was very upset about it being forced on me and it was extremely emotional. But I think one or both of us would have been ready shortly thereafter anyway. And I'm glad I did it as long as I did.
Congratulations on overcoming the obstacles!! I know it couldnt have been easy - so good for you!!
I am currently still breastfeeding baby #3 - she is 16 months old. When i was starting out i was just giving myself small goals. 2 weeks, then 1 month then two etc. I didnt want to commit to a term because i wanted to be proud of how ever long we went.
Thanks for sharing your story :)
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