Stay Social My Friends

For those of you who are swearing off social media, and I know there are many, I have evidence of why websites like Facebook, ok specifically Facebook, are worth keeping. 

First and fore most, when you live far from so many loved ones, it gives you a way to keep tabs on everyone. But here's the beauty, after posting my latest blog I got so many different moms giving me advice, commiserating, or just sit giving me what they have experienced in their parenting. One such friend and I had an entire conversation so that I came to a conclusion on what to do for my little baby.

Harper is nine months now, and eating solids like a champ. Why not just let him continue eating solids and give him more? Isn't the end goal to have him eating just solids anyway? So why go backward? I know pediatricians have  a lot to say about this stuff, but I don't believe that pediatricians always have the right answer. 

So, he will get more solids, and as much milk as I can pump out. 

Thanks to my good friend Akiko, for helping me decide what is best for my little one!

Formula is a Four Letter Word

Every mom I talk to has a comment about pumping. Not one of them has ever said, "Gee, I just loved pumping! It came so easy for me. Gosh I miss it!" Most of them have stories about how difficult it was, how they weren't able to pump enough for their babies, how it tore up their nips, how it was difficult to work it into their work day, or some other complaint. 

With Gideon, I never had an issue. Did I enjoy it? Hell no! No one wants to feel like an effing cow hooked up to a milking machine. But, I was lucky in that I produced plenty of milk. I mean I had tons. I think Gideon drank "mommy milk" for about a month after I stopped pumping because I had so much stored up. So when it came time for this baby, I just assumed I would have the same good luck. 

Yeah, not so much.

While breastfeeding, I produce enough for him. He is clearly getting enough when he nurses. He releases with a happy little smile, milk dripping down his chin. But, I have found lately that my ability to pump enough milk for him is not working out so well. It's seriously upsetting. I know that the only people who will understand my plight are those moms who were/are dead set on feeding their babies solely breastmilk. 

That was me. I didn't want to taint my babies by giving them some horrible poison. And while we know that breast is best, no one ever said formula is from Satan. 

I understand completely when women need to use formula. It makes sense. I never judged any mom for giving her child formula. But for some reason, when it came to my kids, formula was a curse word. That's why the thought of giving my baby formula is something that I have been wrestling with. It has not been easy. I have had to let myself off the hook. I'm still pumping. In fact I'm pumping not only at work, but anytime I have a moment at home I'm pumping. But when you sit for 20 minutes hooked up to a machine that is quite literally sucking the life out of you, and you get a mere 5 ounces total, it is extremely frustrating. When I sit in my classroom, half naked, hooked up to a machine during my break times and produce only a total of 8 to 10 ounces a day, I find myself discouraged. I have to admit that my little guy needs more. It has become not a sign of neglect, but a necessity. He simply needs more.

I'm not sure if any other moms have encountered this same guilt of supplementing formula to their breastfed babies. If you have, what formula did you use? How did you come to terms with it? How did you feel after allowing your child to have formula?