“Formula feeding saved my mental health…
From the moment I got pregnant I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I didn’t know for how long or in what quantity but I knew I wanted to. When Eliora was born, she latched almost instantly & it was a strong latch! I decided right then and there that I would breastfeed as long as my body would let me. That bond I created with her was like no other. I grew her inside of me and provided her with everything she needed, then coming into the world I was able to continue that. But that quickly changed. On day 5 postpartum my milk came in, but not a lot. A few days went by, I never felt engorged, I never had a let down & Eliora was constantly feeding on me. Her latch weakened. I had extremely low quantity. I was seen by public health nurses and a breastfeeding clinic to be diagnosed with insufficient glandular tissue in my breasts. I simply wasn’t producing enough for her. I was breastfeeding, topping off with formula & then pumping at EVERY SINGLE FEED. I was exhausted. I was pumping about 2 oz in a day! She was eating 2 oz in one feed! I had no choice but to supplement with formula. My mental health was quickly taking plunge,
So when Eliora was 4 weeks old, I put the pump down and stopped breast feeding. I felt so guilty. Did I not try hard enough? Could I have upped my supply with supplements? Could I have pumped more milk for her? Truth is, yes I could have done all those things, but it would have ruined me. In the words of @happilyeverelton “formula feeding made me a better mom.” Eliora is in the 90th percentile for weight. She is nearly 12 lbs. Shes healthy and thriving. I can sleep at night knowing she’s fed and well. Formula feeding may not have been my plan, but it saved my life.
Instagram: @tromans.journey.to.3
Leave a Reply