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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

My Breastfeeding Journey

When I became pregnant with Kendall, I knew that I wanted to breast feed her.
I was disappointed with my breastfeeding journey with both Kaylee and Keira, as I was only able to breastfeed them for 4 weeks.  I had told myself that I wanted to breastfeed them for at least 6 months, but I'd be happy if I was able to longer.  I was so upset when I only made it to the 4 week mark. 

With my 3rd pregnancy I knew I wanted to breastfeed and I knew I didn't want to put a lot of pressure on myself.  I wanted to take things day by day and not set a crazy goal, to just be upset when I didn't reach that goal.  Before Miss Kendall made her appriance I searched around on the internet to find ways to boost milk production and keep it going.  I wanted to make sure I knew all the important things before she arrived.  With Kaylee and Keira I didn't really pay to much attention to that stuff.

I was worried because both Kaylee and Keira only would eat off one side {I have an inverted nipple}.  They would not for the life of me eat off the other side, so I had to pump.  I think that may be why it didn't last as long with them.  They would both get frusterated and then get really upset.  So after 4 short weeks they had to start on formula.  So I was really worried that Kendall would be the same way and that our journey would be short lived just like her sisters.

 Kendall was born and she did awesome breastfeeding.  Much to my surprise she ate off both sides.  I was just hoping that it would stay that way.  I was extremely happy when we made it to the 4 week mark and my milk was coming in strong and my girl was doing an awesome job eating on both sides.  I made sure to drink a lot of water after each feeding, I made sure to feed every couple hours, I ate veggies that helped with milk production.  I was determined this time around to breastfeed longer than 4 weeks.


We continued to do everything right.  Then she started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks old when I started her on a schedule.  So I would wake up each morning extremely engorged and hurting.  I had pumped a few times and put it in a bottle, for if I was out or someone else was watching her.  But my little boob lover wanted nothing to do with bottles.  She would get really upset and very mad.  I just kept trying and finally she took the bottle, which was a relief.

She eats each night at 9pm and wakes up at 7:30am.  I've noticed that I've been waking up and I haven't been that engorged like I use to be, so I know my milk supply has dropped due to her not eating through the night any more.  But I am really happy that I've made it to the 3 month mark.  It feels amazing to be able to give her the best.  I honestly didn't think it would last this long and I'm greatful it has.

 But at 3 months 10 days old our breast feeding journey has sadly come to an end.  I am beyond happy that we made it this far.  I'm sad that our bonding time has come to an end.  There's just nothing better than breastfeeding her and having her take a break to look at me and smile so big.  So we will start feeding her formula and I will pump that last remaining bit of milk I have left.

6 comments:

  1. I understand your sadness. I had to switch my oldest at 4 months. Just a tidbit of info... Your supply didn't necessarily drop because she was sleeping through the night; it regulated itself. (supply and demand) Your body knew she wasn't eating during the night, so it didn't make milk for it.
    If she was having enough wet diapers during the day, you were making enough for her.

    Making it as far as you did is awesome though! Great job!!!

    If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at leah204@hotmail.com. I'd be happy to help answer any questions.

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  2. You did great making it this far with her!

    I agree that it is such a special bond to have with them. I am so sad this time around that I have to pump and feed him from a bottle because of his reflux. :( I miss that bonding time.

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  3. Great job Mama making this far! I understand your desire to breastfeed her. Carleigh wouldn't latch on at all. I pumped for the first 7 weeks so she could get my milk. After that I just couldn't do it anymore. It was exhausting and my supply was so low I wasn't getting a lot to even freeze anymore for her. I prayed so hard to be able to feed Davae and thankfully she loved the breast! Then at four months she absolutely refused to latch on anymore. I have no idea why. I took her to the doctor thinking something was wrong, talked to lactation consultants, and tried every feeding position out there. But, she was determined to not nurse anymore. It shattered my heart. :( But, I am so proud of making it four months with her!
    Great job, and as you know since you formula fed the older girls, there is still bonding time with the bottle. :)

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  4. You did an awesome job momma! All you do is give it your best and it sounds like you did just that! I love the bond that comes from nursing as well but she's your little baby and you guys will find other ways to bond!!

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  5. That's awesome you were able to make it further this time, just like you wanted to!! I know you'll always have sweet memories of that special time with her!

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