How do you feed your baby?

Question

I'm all for breastfeeding but unfortunately it's not working out. My lo has refused the breast for over a week now. I've been trying to pump, but am only getting enough for 2 feedings. (I'm pumping ever 2-3hrs). I'm feeling guilty as I breastfed my first 2 over a year. I'm just so tired of being attached to the pump all day and my poor nipples are so raw:/ So I was just curious to see how many other moms formula feed.

Answer

I formula feed! I felt terrible giving up on breastfeeding, like you, but it has been the best decision. I only produced 8oz a day at my peak and that was certainly not enough. I supplemented and tries to get my supply up, but with starting BC my supply dipped to less than 1 oz per day and that was with power pumping in the am, two oatmeal servings, 12 fenugreek pills a day and mothers milk tea. I did that for a week and nothing increased.

I now have more time with my daughter and not attached to a pump for 2 hours out of my day. I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to pump, my daughter sleeps longer in the day, my nipples don't hurt and I'm much happier.

Fed is best and so is a happy mommy!

Answer

I had major supply issues this time and with it being my first and everything was new. She was sick several times (she got an infection on her belly button) so we were in and out of the doctors and hospital...and her birth was rough (I had major tearing). I just couldn't emotionally and physically handle all that was involved in pumping, supplementing and BF. I had to give it up for my own health and hers too. I wasn't taking care of her as well as I should because of the stress and anxiety and pain I was in. And with how sick she was (she lost two pounds and had an infection) I needed to be 100% for her, but I just couldn't be. So I gave up on bfing. It was so hard and I felt (and still do) like a failure. Like I failed at the one thing I'm made to do, but in the end she is so much healthier and so am I. You have to do what is best for you and never compare babies even if you have two before. This one is different. Your body may be reacting differently to this one. It happens and it's normal. You need to also take care of yourself too. It may just not be working out his time. I had to tell myself that this is my first baby! It may not work with this one due to all of our issues, but our next two it may be totally fine! Just take it one day at a time lovely and NEVER feel bad for feeding your baby no matter how you do it.

Answer

I had supply issues after having to exclusively pump due to feeding issues with my 37w baby. At 9 weeks, I only make a handful of Oz a day but continue to pump to give him that as a figure a little breast milk is better than none. The rest of his feedings are organic formula.

How do you feed your baby?

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