Breastfeeding

KCMomma · #1 August 25th, 2009, 07:08 PM

OK so I've now made it 11 weeks of breastfeeding - grant it the last 2 weeks or so I've been exclusively pumping as she won't latch. I'm being so stubborn about this, but I'm refusing to quit. I'm so tired of people saying "Well, you've given it 2 good months" blah blah blah...I know this is SUPER hard especially now that I'm back at work, but someone please tell me it's worth it and I CAN do it?!?! I understand that I don't have a normal job and it's VERY unpredictable, but it's not impossible to want to continue this is it? I so want to do what is best for her, but I've only been back at work now for 2 days and it's stressing me to the max!! So far I've been able to get in my 3 pumping sessions, but we haven't been that busy yet. I just sneak away and when I come back my sgt will look at me and have this confused look on his face like "where has she been?" but doesn't really wanna ask!! It's kinda funny! Anyway, I know this is just a huge adjustment for us, but it's soooo hard! Any words of encouragement??? I'm also scared to switch to formula because I really don't want to make her acid reflux any worse than it already is. How much does it effect them when you switch from BM to formula??

Jeb-O · #2 August 25th, 2009, 10:21 PM

It's worth it and you CAN do it! My twins are nearly a year old and we're still EBF here!! Trust me, if I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT! Pat yourself on the back for making it through the toughest time, it will only get easier from here on out if you keep it up.

Etph007 · #3 August 26th, 2009, 06:44 AM

YOU CAN do it Gwen! And your persistence will pay off!! Good luck sweety!

Christine-MA · #4 August 26th, 2009, 08:58 AM

Good luck Gwen! I'm not experienced (yet) but I know you can do it. Check out the BF and the pumping boards here too, I'm sure they'll be very encouraging!

LuvMyToriBug · #5 August 26th, 2009, 09:07 AM

You can do it Gwen. You may need to speak with your Sgt. about your situation. I feel like he/she would understand as most good bosses do. Anyway, it is such a hard thing to do and as you know, so time consuming.

Not that I am advocating either way, but I just wanted to say that IF (and that is a big IF) you can't continue for whatever reason, then formula is not that bad. Many children are FF and do great. She is probably at the age now that her reflux will hopefully start improving more and more. IF (once again, a big IF) you have to go that route, Paige's pedi could recommend and/or prescribe the formula that he/she would like to have Paige take.

Again, you can do this!! I am sure that once you get into a routine, that it would be easier, also, as I said previously, speaking to your boss would probably make you feel better about "Disappearing".

Good luck.

courtneytcu98 · #6 August 26th, 2009, 09:30 AM

Girl, it is a major adjustment! You CAN do it. My job is also very unpredictable from day-to-day, and I figured it out for the most part. You have to follow your heart and what you feel is best for Paige. As for your work, they really can't say anything about it because of federal laws.

They have to provide you time and a place to pump.

Elliott gets a mix of formula and BM. For the first 3 months that I was back at work, I pumped 2-3 times per day so that he could have a bottle and a half of BM during the next day. I never could keep up totally with his needs while pumping. At his 6 month 'birthday', decided to wean myself from the pump. I was just so tired of it. Now he gets two feedings per day of BM (one first thing in the morning, and one last thing before bed) and the rest is formula. He loves both the BM and the formula and has never had any difficulty digesting the formula, but then again, he didn't have near the reflux issues that Paige has had.

YOU CAN DO THIS! Try to relax as much as possible. It sounds like you are really teetering of the edge of being super-stressed all the time. If taking something away or giving yourself permission to be imperfect will allow you to unwind, do it! You are a wonderful mommy and part of that is taking care of yourself so that you can be truly present for Paige. Going back to work is hard, but totally doable. You will get in a rhythm and find that it will just seem normal after a while.

Celry · #7 August 26th, 2009, 10:27 AM

You can totally do this. If you need inspiration, you may want to check out Astrid's surviving triplets blog Surviving Triplets. She BF her triplets by mainly pumping for 2 of them as those two weren't as interested in latching on. You'll have to go back a ways to read her posts on BFing.

KCMomma · #8 August 26th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Thanks everyone! I so needed this encouragement! Courtney, you are so right it's a HUGE adjustment coming back to work. Plus the stress of trying to keep up. Why is breastfeeding so freaking hard? Why is nothing easy that is the best for your baby??!?! I know I'm just going through a rough time so thanks for listening ladies.

I just know I'm putting a ton of added stress on myself too. I'm trying to breastfeed, see my husband, go back to work AND workout like a madwoman with this personal trainer to get back in shape! I know it's too much on my plate right now, but being out of shape and not fitting into my clothes makes me crazy too! UGH...anyway, thanks again for listening ladies. I'll try to keep everyone posted.

Val, I'm a little familiar with Astrid's story and that does make me feel a bit silly for being stressed after her story! She's a rockstar!!!

courtneytcu98 · #9 August 26th, 2009, 12:34 PM

Astrid is a rockstar, and one that is totally down to earth! She's the co-host of the Pumping Mommies board and is super-helpful.

I am stressed just reading all that you are worried about! The BF'ing stress leveled out for me around the 3-month mark. By then, your supply is fully established and you'll not have to work so hard at keeping your supply up.

Doing what's best is often the harder road, especially in the world of modern convenience. Once I get into a groove, though, much of the difficulty falls to the back of my mind. If it gives you hope, making my own baby food has only taken more time, it isn't difficult at all!

Celry · #10 August 26th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCMomma

Val, I'm a little familiar with Astrid's story and that does make me feel a bit silly for being stressed after her story! She's a rockstar!!!

I didn't mean to make you feel silly. I just thought it may give you inspiration. She is a rockstar. I can't imagine feeding 3 kiddos at once. Everyone's situation is different though. You may only be feeding one, but you're back at work and don't have the convenience of being home to pump in privacy.

KCMomma · #11 August 26th, 2009, 04:58 PM

Oh it's ok. Don't worry I wasn't offended or anything! I knew what you were saying!!

samspain · #12 August 28th, 2009, 10:47 AM

I am in awe of anyone who goes back to work soon after having a baby (BF or not) Ana is 5 months and I still find it hard to EBF her and we are at home together all day.

You are doing an unpredictable job (both at work and with Paige!!) you have just had a massive lifestyle adjustment and you cant expect things to just fit back so easily, I second just mentionning it at work and try not to stress, that makes everything harder. Goodluck and you are doing a fantastic job.

Carmela · #13 September 3rd, 2009, 09:05 PM

You can do it. I went back to work when Blaise was 6 weeks and he is still EBF now at 7.5 months. Pumping at work is a pain, I hate having to stop seeing appointments and go lock myself in my office twice a day to pump. I normally take records with me to write on so I at least feel productive while I do it.

The couple of people that said it are right, your supply levels out and pumping gets faster. It is a pain in the rear to get you through work, but it is all worth it when you get home and look at your baby nursing. It gets even better as she gets older, she will look up and meet your eyes while she is nursing and smile at you, you will be the first person she learns to reach for, the bond it all creates is unbelievable, as cliche as that sounds.

stlgirl · #14 September 4th, 2009, 05:51 AM

You can do it, momma! BTW, have you tried getting help with the latching, like from La Leche or another BF group? (pardon me if you already discussed that in another thread). I know that won't help you when at work, but during your off hours I'm sure it would be nice if Paige would take the breast again.

KCMomma · #15 September 4th, 2009, 11:05 AM

Thank you all so much! I'm still pumping away!!! She still isn't latching, but honestly I haven't tried that much lately. She just gets sooo fussy. I know I should contact someone and get some help for the latching, but for my sanity I'm just pumping and doing bottles. And just see how all that goes. I soooo appreciate all the encouragement and support. Truly means a lot and helps me keep going!!!