Naptime Blog

My fourth child was born in September.  I decided that I would attempt to nurse him, taking it day by day from the very beginning.  I nursed my daughter for three months, my twins for two.  I had wanted to continue for longer, but I did my best with two at one time, and with one of the twins being a poor latcher, it was very draining.  I do believe that nursing for even one day has tremendous benefits, so at two months I knew I reached my limit.

When I was pregnant with my fourth and the twins were still so young (they are fourteen months apart), I worried that I would not be able to nurse him at all.  I know how much time and effort (and commitment) is involved, and I couldn’t figure out how to nurse one baby while giving enough attention to two others, plus my seven year old.

I decided that I would need to play it one day at a time, and whatever I could do I would do. When the lactation consultant came to visit me in the hospital, I explained my situation, and she agreed with me.  I also explained that with my older children I had rented a hospital grade pump and pumped to help with my supply and give them bottles of pumped milk alternating with formula for when I could not nurse.  She again agreed with me 100%. Plus, I’d be saving money on renting the pump!

When I went home, I felt very comfortable in my decision, especially since I was going to be supplementing with Parent’s Choice Gentle Formula and know my baby is getting the best of both worlds.  My twins did exceptionally well on it, so I was planning to switch from Similac Advance (what they give in the hospital) once I got home.  And I knew I would give it my all and if I could nurse him a week, great.  If I lasted a month, perfect.  If I went longer, awesome. 

Joseph just turned a month old a few days ago.  I am thrilled to say that I am still nursing.  I usually nurse him for about ten to twenty minutes, three times a day.  I know my supply is pretty good, but he is usually still hungry again within an hour after nursing, so I then give him formula. I know that the more I nurse him the more milk I will get, but for me, this is working.  Plus, he is one hungry boy! 

I am still playing it day by day, and I am happy with the way things have been going.  Joseph goes for his one month checkup this week, so I’ll get to see how he is growing.  I know my big boy is thriving!  

I find it funny how the big formula companies go about getting moms to use their product.  I cannot believe how many free cans of formula I got in the mail or at the hospital, the pediatrician’s office, even my obstetrician’s office!  And every other day I am inundated with mail from the major brad companies with coupons and checks to buy Similac, Enfamil and Carnation formula.  Even my mother and mother-in-law got samples at their houses!  I am assuming this is because they filled out for coupons in Babies R Us or something while I was pregnant.  With all the advertising and free products the companies give out, it is no surprise they charge so much for their formula!

Because of my great experience with Parent’s Choice Gentle formula with my twins only months earlier, I was certain that I would be switching over when I got home from the hospital.  But just to be safe, I approached the subject with Joseph’s pediatrician.  I explained that I would be switching over to PC, and she was fine with the idea.  She was very comfortable with the brand, and thought that since his brothers thrived with the gentle formula, chances are Joseph would, too.

I am happy to say that Joseph is gaining weight, he is a pleasant, sweet little boy, and he is even pretty much sleeping through the night!  For the past few nights, I am thrilled to say he goes seven hours between feedings!  I am thrilled that he is doing well on his formula, and I am thrilled that he is such a good baby.

Jennifer
Wife to Paul, Mom to Juliana (7), Anthony and Louis (1) and Joseph (Newborn)
www.nevaland.com