I think I can make it all the way to six months with exclusively breastfeeding! I know that they say that we can introduce solids (ie, rice cereal) at 4-6 months, but from what I understand, there is less of a risk of allergies when a baby is introduced to solids closer to the six month mark.
There was a point in time when I first started back to work and daycare was feeding Ella more than what I was pumping, and I was just praying that I would get to four months. But then we got into a routine and figured things out, and I seemed to be breaking even every day. As long as I went and fed her during my lunch break, I could get about 10-12 ounces in my 3-4 pumping sessions, and this would provide two 5-6 ounce bottles--one for the morning and one for the afternoon.
Now that Ella is sleeping through the night, I'm coming out ahead on the bottle count because I'm pumping in the middle of the night. So I'm essentially producing three bottles' worth per day, and she is going through two. There are still some days when I can't make it in to see her at lunch and she'll take three bottles, but let's just say that I'm running out of space in the freezer.
In fact, I've switched up my routine when it comes to prepping her bottles. Up until recently, I always fed her the "oldest" stuff--meaning, I froze whatever I pumped, and defrosted a bag for each bottle over night for the next day. But then I started thinking--why not just give her the "fresh" stuff? It's probably better for her in a lot of ways (and saves me a few steps as well). I can freeze any surplus and use that on days when I can't join her during my lunch break. I wish I had thought of this sooner...but I guess it's just part of the whole "figure it out as I go" mystery that is breastfeeding.
Today's blessing was the chance to chat with my sister-in-law. Yesterday was her first day at home alone with my niece. It's so nice to be able to have "mommy conversations" with her as we share this new adventure of parenthood together.
Right at about five months, I was starting to get really burned out on BFing. Then when we introduced solids it has taken a lot of the 'pressure' off of me and meeting the demand. I remember feeling the same way with Cameron the first time around too.
ReplyDeleteWith both boys my goal was 6 months. While I wasn't exclusive with Cam (supplemental formula bottles since my pump couldn't keep up), I still made it to 11 months. THis time at 5 months I was literally counting the days until I could be done but now that he is officially 6 months old, I feel like I could do this forever! Funny how that works.
You are doing great! I am super impressed with your persistance - because I, for one, cannot stand pumping. Keep it up!
Way to go! Sounds like you'll easily make it to your 6 month goal - and maybe even farther than that.
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing you've stuck with it for this long! You have an amazing dedication waking in the middle of the night to pump. I loathe pumping & don't even have a supply because of it (not smart I know).
ReplyDeleteHey when I pump I give my little one fresh Tues -Friday. I freeze what I pump on Friday, and on Monday I give the oldest frozen. That way it does not store to long, but at the same time I am able to use fresh milk for most of the days..Just a thought. Good Job sticking to breast feeding pumping can be hard, and easy to miss a session when you are at work.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Pumping is tough and I say the same thing. I think I can! Each time I think I'm going to lose the milk it somehow come back. I pimp about 10-12 ounces in 5 pump sessions a day. Approximate 2 to 2 1/2 per pump session. Hang in there. You can do it!
Janet