Although I am very determined to breastfeed the Little Man as long as he wants to, there are still times (lots of times!) that I wanted to switch to formula.
The first time that I wanted to switch was during Caleb’s first week… because it hurt like hell! My breasts were engorged and my nipples were sore and had cracks. I cried every time he breastfed, but I knew I had to keep feeding him if I wanted to keep my milk flowing.
If you search online, a lot of articles will just tell you that your baby is probably latched on incorrectly. Some sites will even show a video of how to get your baby to properly latch on. Believe me, I tried my very best to copy the videos, but breastfeeding still hurt! Although books, articles and videos are informative, the information and answers they gave weren’t enough for me to want to keep breastfeeding.
I think what really kept me going during this time is the support I received from Daddy A and fellow breastfeeding Mommies. When Daddy A saw that I was in pain, he immediately bought an electric pump (because we can’t get the manual one to work properly plus it hurts) for me even though it was a bit pricey compared to just buying a can of formula. The breast pump was a huge help because it gave my nipples a break. So, the cracks and milk blisters eventually healed and I was back to feeding the Little Man directly from my breasts.
Note: Instead of feeding pumped milk through a bottle, use a feeding cup. This will prevent nipple confusion.
It was also during my first week of breastfeeding that I kept exchanging messages with Happy Mommy Adventures about my breastfeeding concerns. Having a fellow Mommy that I can talk to made me want to continue breastfeeding. It is always good to have someone who can relate with what you are going through. When she told me that she experienced the same thing during her little dragon’s first week, I knew I can keep nursing. She did, I can too!
My most recent concern is that the Little Man is always on the breast. It’s frustrating because I never get to do anything. I also feel guilty because he takes up the time I usually give to his older sister. And so I told Daddy A that I’m thinking of switching Caleb to formula. Hassle na eh!
It’s a good thing I saw an article from La Leche League about babies feeding frequently. The article discussed all the signs that the Little Man is showing: he nursed all the time, fussiness between feedings and comfort feeding. I had an Aha! moment while reading it — actually, a lot of Aha! moments. If you’re experiencing the same thing, read the article. It has a very good explanation of what’s going on and how you can correct the problem. 🙂
My last issue, which I think is very mababaw but worth discussing with other Mommies, is that I’m finding it hard to nurse the Little Man in public. Why? Because he now moves a lot and often pulls the nursing cover away. I’m scared that he’ll pull the cover fully and expose my breasts. Eh hello! May cover na nga ako pero may mga matang parang gumagamit ng x-ray vision (true story). Do you experience that, too? I’ve experienced guys watching me while I nurse. May iba pa na dadaan sa likod ko, as if trying their hardest to take a peek. Kadiri diba? Nangyayari tuloy sobrang hapit sa katawan ko yung cover para walang butas na masisilipan. Problema naman doon, kawawa si Caleb kasi saradong-sarado.
What we do now is we only go to malls with a nice breastfeeding station (Eastwood Mall is our favorite go-to within our area) OR we don’t go out at all.
Share your thoughts and experiences, Mommies! I’d love to hear from you.
At first, I thought to breastfeed was easy but I was so wrong when I’ve experienced it. The first month was the hardest cause of unbearable pain. Ugh. There was a time I don’t want to offer my breast to my baby and I’m just crying. Thank God, I didn’t give up and up until now, I’m still breastfeeding my 2-year-old daughter and my six months old son.
That’s awesome! Breastfeeding really is a challenge, but well worth the pain and tears.
Breastfeeding is a tough yet a really worth it experience. Thanks for sharing yours. In addition to the healthy tips on lifestyle of a mom is the probiotics, it can be added on your daily supplement to fight the bad bacteria, Thank you
Hi mommy, are you letting him drink formula too? Kasi baby ko alternate bf and formula because he’s having a hard time to latch on me kasj maliit nipples ko 🙁
Hi Marjorie! I started introducing formula to my baby later on (around 6 months, if I remember correctly). I think it’s okay as long as you have a go signal from your pedia.