In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I decided to write a blog on the reality of breastfeeding. It is so hard!!!!! Before being a mom, I was secretly judgmental of mothers who resorted to formula. I thought, "why on Earth would any mother CHOOSE to formula feed?" Oh I get it.
Don't get me wrong, it took some time and now I really do love it. But man those first couple of months were so brutal. And when I go back to school and work in a few weeks, I may hate it again. No one tells you what a full time job it is. I am so confused when I hear stories of mothers being asked to breastfeed elsewhere; are they supposed to sit in the bathroom stall for an hour? People don't realize how long it takes and how often it needs to be done. I had no clue!
My girl loves to fall asleep every feeding, which is why it takes her so long per session. She will latch on for five or ten minutes, fall asleep, latch on, and so on and so on. She loves the sensation of a nipple in her mouth but hates every pacifier known to man. She loves to be fed, but hates having to use the bottle. I didn't give her an option on that one though, even if it takes forever I make her drink from the bottle every day to prepare her for daycare.
People tell you about sore nipples, but you can't understand the pain until you're going through it. I used to cry every time I had to feed her because I knew it would be so painful. I thought about giving up so many times.
I came home one night after having a few drinks and had to give her formula. I cried for hours feeling like I had failed her as a mom, but in reality... she was fine. She actually slept the entire night that night! I decided that it would be OK if I needed to breastfeed and formula feed. June would still be getting her nutrients and I wouldn't lose my mind.
That's when she decided she wouldn't take formula anymore. Ha! She is a funny girl. And so I had to go back to my original commitment to exclusively breastfeed my daughter. Now that I have the hang of it, I'm so glad I didn't give up. I absolutely love the bond we share. I love that I am giving her everything she needs to develop into the strong, smart, sensible girl she will be. It's also nice to not have to spend money on formula and feed her for free!
The fact that women still have to deal with people's comments and insults is outrageous. I'm still waiting for it. So far, I have gotten nothing but support and maybe a few odd looks in public. But man oh man, I am waiting for the day that some stranger opens their mouth and unleashes the wrath of Megan!
So mamas, do what feels right for you. If you can get past those first couple of months and stick it out, great! If not, that's fine too! You haven't failed as a mother, you know what is right for your child. Don't let anyone else make that decision for you, and support any other mom in her journey along the way.
#WBW2016 #NormalizeBreastfeeding
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