Remember when I talked about my breastfeeding challenges a few weeks ago?
Well two weeks ago I returned to the pediatrician. I had been nursing solely with no formula supplementation for about two weeks. Elliott had been pretty fussy during that time, which was not really that different than before. He would go days where he just wanted to nurse all day and days when he was super gassy and would cry a lot.
When the nurse weighed him, I learned that he had gone back to only gaining half an ounce a day (not enough), which the doctor confirmed meant that I needed to put him back on formula.
I was disappointed. I really thought we were done with formula.
But this time, things were different. I felt a little better about supplementing with formula. Because as much as I wanted to solely breastfeed, I want my son to be healthy that much more. It hurts my heart that he was hungry those times he was fussy and we just couldn’t figure that out.
So, I’ve made peace with the fact that formula is our reality from now on.
I know that I’m doing all I can for him. And he’s getting at least half of his nutrition from breast milk, which right now, is the best I can do.
I’m still pumping several times a day. I’m still taking supplements. But at the end of every nursing session, I top Elliott off with about 2 oz. of milk. And man, have I seen a big difference!
For one, he’s happier. He used to be super fussy a big part of the day, especially in the evening. But now, he’s happier because he’s full and because he’s well-rested.
Which brings me to the second big difference — he naps now. Before, he barely napped at all. I just thought I had one of those babies that didn’t sleep. He doesn’t sleep a lot everyday now, like some infants do. But he does nap everyday and some days he sleeps most of the day.
Lastly, there’s the weight gain. In two weeks, he went from 8 pounds 6.5 ounces to 10 pounds 7.5 ounces. I’m so happy about how chunky he has recently gotten. He’s my little Chubbawubba.
So for now, this is the conclusion to my breastfeeding struggles. We’re supplementing with formula for the foreseeable future, but Elliott is gaining weight appropriately and he’s happier, and that makes me happy.
What type of formula do you use?? I’m having trouble finding one that doesn’t cause constipation
We use Similac Advance, but we used to use Similac for supplementation. Good luck!
He is so adorable – even more so in person. We loved seeing you yesterday!
Thanks so much! I wish we could have stayed longer. Hope Asher had a great birthday!
Good for you Mama! You gotta do what is right for you and your little one! Good luck with the future adventures! I’m enjoying watching him grow! They’re such little weeds – can’t believe we’re coming up on 1 year!?!?!
I think I said it on your last post, but I’ll say it again- it’s so refreshing to see a HLBer use, and accept, formula (even if it is just to supplement). I plan to breastfeed while on maternity leave but then transition to formula at three months and I hate this notion that breast milk is the ONLY way to go.