A Short Story
So, cutting to the chase, I happily and excitingly made the decision that I wanted to exclusively breastfeed, and despite my lack of opinion prior to making a decision, I was very knowledgeable about many benefits of breastfeeding. I am going to do this!
Well, a few days later after giving birth to my beautiful baby boy, Li'el, I picked the best pediatrician ever, and he seen him the next available business day after the weekend. My mom pointed out that Li'el's skin color was very yellow, along with the white of his eyes. The pediatrician sent us immediately to the hospital to do blood work, where he would contact me, even after business hours to let me know the results.
I had to take him BACK to the hospital. This time for 3-4 days.
The bilirubin level (jaundice) in his body was beyond the threshold.
I got teary eyed, but quickly gathered my emotions up, because I knew he was going to be just fine.
Through each rotation of nurses that came in, I explained that I wanted to exclusively feed him breastmilk. Well that only lasted so long.
I was being rushed through each feeding... he wasn't suppose to stay from under the light after 15-20 minutes.
I was pumping, sweating, sleepy, sad, happy, cold again, showerless, hungry but not hungry...
I was all over the damn place!
I began to emotionally and physically sway into autopilot...
They gave him formula.
My heart sank.
I'd failed him.
That's what I felt.
I still pumped, but he would receive formula after the breastmilk as well.
So aggravated.
I understood that the point in giving him the formula was so that he would poop and pee more to reduce the bilirubin level in his body, but still... I'm pissed!
After a few days when he was released, I would continue with the battle of letting go of formula for almost 3 months.
I was addicted to the thought of letting my boobs rest.
I was addicted to the same excuses I've heard others make.
Did my excuse also include that I was a single momma? Possibly.
Which would be an even greater reason to use breastfeeding to my benefit...
Every day and each week I decreased the amount of formula he would receive.
The thing is, family had gotten use to the idea of preparing formula-made bottles, in which I had allowed that to continue to happen.
Then I started getting blank stares about me wanting to exclusively breastfeed...like it was some sort of extraterrestrial activity that humans are not suppose to take part in.
Or that it was too late to turn back on my decision on accepting formula to be given to my baby boy.
Well, I'm here to tell you it's not too late.
Momma, if you desire to breastfeed your little squish, then do so!
It does't matter how long you've been supplementing. As long as your milk is still coming in, and you are healthy, take that step, and nurture your baby with the best!
After all they say, "Breast is Best!"
Exclusively breastfeeding is one of the best decisions I've made.
Our bond is so strong.
Li'el is a little over 4 1/2 months now, and I've exclusively breastfed him for the last 2 months!
...And I plan on continuing this journey until he's ready to do otherwise.
As a way to support breastfeeding mommies in need, don't forget to pass by the Giveaway tab to check out Cover My Heartand their new Mommy/Baby gear!
Stay tuned for #TipTuesday next week on the topic of Breastfeeding!