Six Month Check Up
Today Bridget had her six month check up. I had a few questions swirling around in my head and some concerns also. One issue I have been struggling with is her eating, of course. See, when I nurse her, she’ll eat for maybe six or eight minutes and then she’ll pull off and want to look around. Or she’ll eat really well for a while and then I can tell that she’s just suckling, not really eating. She’s done that for as long as she’s been alive, really, but then I noticed that for my parents she would hungrily suck down a six ounce bottle and not spit any of it back up. That worried me a bit, because I KNEW that there was no way she was getting six ounces from me.
Well, turns out the child has only gained a few ounces since her four month check up - not even a whole pound and has only grown one inch. I knew we were in trouble before the doctor even came in. And sure enough, he wants her at least supplemented with formula. He was very careful to say he was not telling me to stop breastfeeding, but was very clear that it’s not enough for her. It’s unclear whether it’s her lazy nursing habits or just that my milk doesn’t have enough fat or calories for her. But in any case, she needs the formula.
So, fuck. I feel like a failure. I know I shouldn’t. But wow, a lot of my mother identity was wrapped up in this and I wasn’t prepared for that. For now, I’ll try to nurse and then give her a bottle of formula. But honestly that dance is going to get really old really fast, if I have to prepare a bottle and warm it before I can sit down to nurse. Part of me just thinks if I have to give her formula, I’ll just give it to her and say so long to the boob. She’s had six months of breast milk, so hopefully any benefits that relate to allergies have been passed on to her. I know she’ll be fine on formula - millions of babies are fed formula and do just fine.
But also, I can’t help but think this is good news for me. My body could soon be my own again. No more considering how each and every thing I put in my mouth is going to affect Bridget. No more sore nipples (and damn, this girl is turning into a barracuda on one side lately). This also means that the elusive weekend away while Bridgie stays with my parents is closer than we thought it was. Ooh, and every now and then, on weekends, Jake can handle the nighttime feedings. If she will even need them, because maybe with a fuller tummy, she’ll sleep through the night now.
So I don’t know. We’ll have to see how this goes. I don’t think I’ve really thought this all the way through yet.
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I of course am no pro, but I can only think that there is no wrong or right, black or white here. There’s just what works for you and your baby. You’ll always give her what she needs - and that’s what matters. Formula…breast milk… watered down Jack Daniels in a bottle (just kidding there)… I couldn’t even tell you what I had. But I know I was loved and little Bridgie will know that too.
6 months is great! My son nursed for 15 months; my daughter weened herself at 9 there is proof right there that every kid is different. I did miss the nursing but it was SO nice to have someone else be able to feed her easily wth a bottle. If you switch to formula only, don’t feel bad. She got the good stuff for a decent amount of time. The only downside to formula is the cost
I was so happy when she finally switched over to milk.
Dude, you made it six months longer than I ever could have. You have something to be proud of. Also, yeah, warming up the formula bottles are a pain in the ass, but once you get it down to a system, it takes no time at all. If you need any quick tips, I’d be glad to share. Also, I have a few different kinds of powder. Enfamil, similac. I got a bunch of samples from the doctor. I’d be happy to pass them along if you need to try any. Hang in there. You can now drink without pumping and dumping.
Is it not an option to give her a bottle of your milk afterwards instead of formula??? It could in fact just be that she gets lazy at the breast but maybe if you put it in a bottle she will take it that way? I guess its not to big of a deal if she has taken formula before but dont feel bad you made it 6 months! Also I started giving my guy oatmeal with formula in it at night and he sucks down a half cup of that stuff. Maybe you could try that???
One more thing I was going to suggest before you take the Doctors advice which we both know how they know nothing usually about nursing..I would get a second opinion from an LC. I dont want to seem like I am pushing it on you but when my first weaned early I was soooooo sad even though I thought I wouldnt be and once you start supplementing your baby most likely will not want to nurse anymore so its a slippery slope to weaning all together. I would get in touch with an LC first.
I was also going to suggest getting a second opinion from a lactation consultant especially if you don’t want to give up nursing. Six months is a great length of time, but don’t throw in the towel just yet. When I had nursing issues at the beginning a doctor and countless people just told me that maybe breastfeeding wasn’t for me, but we pulled through and made it. I am no doctor, but did the doctor consider that maybe she just hasn’t hit a growth spurt yet? Kids are crazy sometimes and who knows she may grow three pounds this coming month and since she is now 6 months why not supplement with cereal? Hang in there.