I have never been one to advocate breast feeding and shun the bottle. I never really gave it much thought until we started trying to have a baby. Even then, my attitude has been that I am certainly going to give it my best effort and hopefully be successful at it.
That was until now. Now I have this perfect little person in my arms that I want so badly to nurse. For a little while any way. Maybe even an entire year. Now that I am faced with the struggle of having an early baby that may not have the energy just now to work that hard. Now that I am faced with the information that it could be difficult because I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and it could be difficult because we had a C-section. Now the desire is so strong and I pray that Piper and I can pull together as a Mommy and Me team and get there.
She has to be either breastfeeding or bottle feeding exclusively for 48 hours with weight gain before she can come home with us. Right now we are working on increasing our breastfeeding sessions, I am pumping round the clock and they feed her with a tube in between.
On Monday during my labour the nurses kept talking about how much determination I had. I am determined to give breastfeeding all of my effort but if Piper isn’t thriving we will make the decision to bottle feed and get her home with us. I just love that little girl and I could hold her in my arms for the rest of my life if it were an option.
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Great photo, Nicole…I can imagine how hard all this is, especially pumping around the clock when you aren’t always near her (since having them nearby stimulates the your milk)….
I nursed Lauren for just over a year and wouldn’t trade it for anything…BUT…
IF I had to get her to thrive and get her home with us, I would do whatever needed to be done to make that happen…
You’ll make the right the decision…and in the meantime, it sounds as though you are both as determined as a team could be. 🙂
Oh Congratulations! I’ve been away a few days and so much has happened. She looks beautiful. I’m sure all will be well soon, eat little girl eat!
I feel the same way. I’m going to do all I can to breastfeed. If I’m unable to do it, I will still continue to pump as long as my body will let me. I hope Piper is doing well. Your family is in my prayers.