Convenient for Whom?

When I found out I was pregnant there were two things I was completely sure of:

1. Cloth Diapers
2. Breastfeeding

Purchasing the cloth diapers turned out to be quite an easy task, but I knew that breastfeeding would bring with it challenges, triumphs, tears and yes I had some fears.

You hear the horror stories of babies biting the nipple, not latching on properly, not having enough milk to supply for your baby, etc. However, when you go into breastfeeding, and parenthood for that matter, you must understand that it is NOT about YOU, it is ALL about the BABY! Period! If you are not willing to swallow that pill and let go of the ME in the Mommy, then I do believe the road will be a bit more bumpier than usual.

I of course had a plan. I was going to only breastfeed Sloane for the first month, no bottle feeding until she was two months old, and only use bottles during the day. Well, after Sloane was born I changed my mind. She was doing so well! She latched on 30 minutes after being born, and after a week of sore/cracked nipples and 2 consultations with the AMAZING Lactation Specialist at the hospital, we have had NO problems whatsoever! Thank you Sloane! I am Blessed!

So, I changed my mind about introducing the bottle at 2 months because I had read about babies going through nipple confusion and then not eating well at all and losing weight. I figured why am I really introducing a bottle? I'm not working. So why do I need to make this convenient for me and not for Sloane? My schedule revolves around her anyway, so if I need to leave the house to do something for "me" then I will have to make it work and make sure she is fed and taken care of. Isn't that my job? Isn't that what I am supposed to do with this gift that God has Blessed me with? YES!

I believed before having Sloane that pumping my milk would be simple. It isn't! The pump is not the same as a baby sucking therefore the results are not the same. Yes, I have pumped my milk to relieve myself when Sloane is not ready to eat. After each pump I cannot feed Sloane from the pumped breast because your nipple does not look or feel "normal" to the baby. I wish I would have taken a picture of Sloane's face the time I offered her milk from my pumped breast. HILARIOUS! I know women who have to pump because they work and I applaud them because they are determined to provide the wonderful milk for their children. That is a TOUGH job! I however, do not have to pump my milk for Sloane, and I'm not going to do it to simply make it convenient for myself. My Husband has allowed me to control this part of our raising Sloane and I thank him for that.

Breastfeeding is NOT for everyone and that is ok. If you must or you choose to give your baby formula just do your research and do what is best for your baby.

Sloane is 3 months old and has never had a bottle or pacifier and she is doing GREAT! Guess what, so is Mommy! So that "plan" changed. The plan to use a bottle when teeth come in has however NOT changed! Lol! Stay tuned for that story...

I think the best advice to expectant and new Mother's is to just wait and see how your story and plans play out. I'm sure you will have rewrites to your book as have I...

Forever I am...Sloane’s Mommy