Formula Feed or Breastfeed? – Amanda and Braidyn

It wasn't until the end of my pregnancy that I considered whether to formula feed or breastfeed. I thought it might be difficult to breastfeed, and I didn't have a whole lot of information on which would be better. My husband has two older sons who were breastfed until they were toddlers, so he was definitely pro-breastfeeding.

I looked into the benefits and very quickly it was clear that I wanted to breastfeed. My mom was supportive of me breastfeeding as well as my aunt who was also my doula. I had intended on having Braidyn naturally at a birthing center, but due to complications I ended up having a C-section. I made my wishes clear from the beginning about breastfeeding and skin to skin as soon as possible, and the hospital staff worked with me to get that accomplished. He latched really well the first day. I thought I was pretty lucky because in my research on breastfeeding I found a lot of horror stories.

Then came day 2, somehow I guess he forgot how to breastfeed. He had a terrible latch and was making a clicking noise with his tongue when he tried to feed. I had several nurses and Lactation Consultants come by, but they weren't much help (not for a lack of trying). He injured my left nipple to the point where I couldn't stand him nursing on that side. This was the same day I was released from the hospital, so when I got home I started pumping on that side exclusively to make sure I established a good milk supply. I think it wasn't until he was a week old that I could feed him from both sides. Because of my pumping, I established too much of a milk supply (pretty sure I could have fed twins!). I talked to my Lactation Consultant and she shared ways in which I could decrease supply, so that took another couple of days to get worked out.

Ever since then we have been doing great! (except he has 4 teeth now and occasionally bites, ouch!) My supply is still good after ten months of nursing. He drinks milk that I pump when I leave for work in the afternoon as well as solid foods now, even though he seems to only like sweet potatoes and bananas. As we transition to additional solid foods I am hoping to donate my pumped milk.