- What Every First-Time Mom (FTM) Ought to Know About Breast Pumps
- The Truth Behind Why I Decided to Breastfeed My Baby
Breastfeeding my baby was the most affordable option for us as we are a cost conservative family and we knew that formula could cost us some extra money that we really did not have. Although federal programs like WIC exist to help in such situations, it is very likely that they would consider our low salaries to exceed the threshold for their eligibility. It boiled down to two plans for us; we would either coupon and buy formula if I couldn’t nurse for whatever reason or I could breastfeed and save lots and lots of money. And that’s not it, read more to learn about why I decided to breastfeed my baby.
Truth #1: So, we decided that nursing would be something worth trying.
The Truth Behind Why I Decided to Breastfeed My Baby
In addition to the financial reasons for why we wanted to go this route we found a lot of research out there about the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the nutrients and antibodies they receive from mom. It amazes me to know that something that my body makes naturally can fill up my baby and satisfy her hunger.
To be honest, I would have been upset if I was unable to nurse because there would be a sense of feeling of inadequacy in that I couldn’t do something that I believed God designed my body to do. Now, I realize that your baby ultimately just needs you to provide for their needs and if you have to formula feed versus breast feed that is okay because you are fulfilling your baby’s needs. I believe that was God’s intentions when he blessed children with their parents.
Truth #2: For those who breastfeed their baby and enjoy it, it is a rewarding experience. In the words of my mom, it is convenient.
This brings me to my next point. I hate when people say “oh you just nurse your baby so you can have this special bond.” I am sorry but to be honest I do not wake up at three in the morning and sleep deprived to nurse my baby because I want to bond with my baby. I wake up because I want to feed my baby and I want my baby to get a good night’s sleep.
Now do not get me wrong…I do believe bonding occurs when a mother nurses her child but it is not the main reason for why I choose to breastfeed my child. However, the bonding that occurs is an amazing benefit to the journey.
Truth #3: Nursing Baby Z for the first time was pretty amazing but it was also awkward for me.
Prior to giving birth, I went to classes on the matter and I felt very knowledgeable about the whole process. Once the baby got here, there was still a lot to learn. It was painful for me at first. Since I had a C-section, certain positions would trigger sharp pains. I would sometimes have to stop in the middle of a session because it was pretty tough.
Also, my nipples were tender and little babies have the capability to get a strong grip. When the latch is not right, you will definitely feel it. We both had to work together during this journey. It is just as much of a learning experience for the baby as it is for the mama. It took a while to get used to how to properly breastfeed but after about two weeks, I felt we had developed some healthy habits.
My pediatrician had an area of her practice that specialized in lactation. During the first two weeks, I took advantage of their services and saw a lactation consultant. It was nice to bring your baby in and do pre and post measurements (weight). This allowed me to see how much milk actually transferred from me to my baby. She also helped me identify the signs of an improper latch. I remember her saying that if the pain was unbearable, then something is not right. She was referring to the latch.
I encourage women struggling with breastfeeding but would like to continue soon after delivery to seek out help. It is not supposed to be extremely painful. Getting help was the best investment for me and it was affordable because my insurance covered it. Hang there my fellow mamas, it will get easier.
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Great post! I can definitely agree I have a 5 month old and she has been breastfed from day one. You are correct formula is so expensive especially if you want good formula. I had to buy one can of formula due to going back to work and not having enough supply and it was $30 for one can of formula!!!! My daughter is healthy, she’s never been sick! There are so many other great benefits of Nursing! Now my baby is 5 months with 2 teeth(she likes to bite) so very soon I will be exclusively pumping😂. Those lil teeth hurt 😣pray for me lol.
My friends tell me all the time how much they pay for formula and the frequency of their store trips. It blows my mind every time. I am very blessed to be able to nurse my baby but it gets tough. I am so excited about your baby having her first two teeth. My baby is still all gums and I am anxiously waiting for the next milestone whether it is teeth or crawling. However, I will pray for you and I hope she phases out of the biting stage. <3
I always thought I would breastfeed and never even considered formula or bottles until I had my first child and breastfeeding was almost impossible. I found out later that she has a high arch palate which made it very hard for her to latch. I ended up having to supplement with formula, but I breastfed for a year. Then my second baby came along and he HATED breastfeeding. Once again, I found out later that he had reflux, a high arch palate, and low tone in the jaw all thanks to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so breastfeeding just didn’t work for him. I switched him to formula and it made such a HUGE difference for him. He went from a scrawny baby to a healthy chubby one in just a few weeks. With my 3rd, I formula fed from the beginning and didn’t regret it as it was the first time I was able to actually bond with my baby while feeding her instead of having to fight to get him or her latched and sucking. With my 4th baby, I got a giant curveball when he was born medically complex and couldn’t handle eating. He got a G Tube at 2 months of age. All 4 of my kids and I have since been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which explains all of the feeding issues they (and I!) had as babies.
Oh my, you have been through it mama. That’s awesome you made it a year with your first. I think when we put the needs of our babies first, how we feed them does not matter as long as they are healthy and happy. I hope your little ones are doing amazing today and I think it is pretty amazing that you birthed and are raising 4 children. Virtual hugs to you!
Congrats on your journey! I didn’t think I’d breastfeed for as long as I have now.. it’s been 20 months with my daughter and now I have a 4 week old tagging along for the ride! I have tandem nursed and that was my goal when I became pregnant with my second. It’s all worth the struggle!
Thank you!
I have been fortune to be able to breastfeed my children, my first born for 22 months and now my 5 month old. Despite all the sacrifices or struggles that may come with it I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with breastfeeding with us! So many mommas need this encouragement right now.
Breastfeeding can be so challenging in the beginning. I can identify with your experience a lot, as I thought I was totally prepared, but I found I was anything but. We struggled so much in the first 6 weeks, but it was oh so worth it in the end. It is so wonderful that you had a support system in place to help you through the challenges. I truly believe that is the key. Even if women can’t afford and IBCLC there are many other options for support including international groups like La Leche League. Leaders are all over the world and trained to help many different challenges. Attending groups is so beneficial too because you get to hear the experiences of other moms and how they overcame their challenges.