I'm officially done with breastfeeding. It seems that I'm not made for feeding my kiddos. With Riley I was done at 6 weeks because of his issues with dairy. This time we lasted 7 weeks. And the reason you ask? Because Aiden decided he was a big boy and didn't need to nurse any more.
I realized early last week that my milk supply was getting lower due to Aiden not emptying them when he ate. That was partially my fault. After 10 minutes on the first side I would automatically switch him to the other so I was sure he would eat on both sides. Well that resulted in lazy eating. Once I started letting him stay on the first side longer he would only eat for like 2 minutes on the second and then cry. I could give him pumped milk in a bottle and he would still eat so I knew he was still hungry, just not wanting to work for it. Then it gradually got worse. The more bottles he had, the shorter he would nurse. Eventually he got to only eating for 4-5 minutes on the first side and then not even latching on the second. And not just not latching, but SCREAMING if I tried to give him the second side. Then if I gave him a bottle he would eat at least 2 ounces every time.
After a few days of that, I was exhausted! Nights were getting worse because it took so long to get him to nurse and then I had to make a bottle. And he got so worked up he didn't sleep as well. Once I started giving him strictly bottles, he didn't have any eating issues. I used up all my pumped milk (which wasn't much) to help transition him over to the formula. It only took like 2 days and he was good. He's now been strictly formula for 3 days. And not surprisingly....we are sleeping more!!!!!! He's sleeping in 4-5 hour stretches through the night. I realized this week that Riley did the exact same thing. He started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and that's when I switched him to formula.
I know I could keep pumping and give him breast milk, but honestly that's not realistic for me. I know there are women who can find the time and have the patients, but that's just not me. Plus I have one mostly formula feed kiddo and he's THRIVING so I'm not worried about it. Yes, the cost sucks but my sanity (and his) is worth it.
On the plus side, we are now starting to get into some what of a routine. Not a BabyWise one by any means, but it seems to be working. Last night was off because Aiden decided to be up late again, but hopefully I can get him to have some good awake time tonight and get back on track.
Totally random, but I'm so excited that my BFF, Patti, will be here on January 12th! And it's while my hubby is on his trip so I won't be alone the whole time and we get some good girl time. Fifteen more days!!!!
2 comments:
sanity is the most important in my book! That's why I quit at 9 months with Brayden... I felt like I was going crazy. I'm glad you're finding a rhythm!
The most important thing is that he's eating and growing and doing well. I was strictly a breast feeder but totally understand making the switch. I would have done the same if things weren't working out.
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