Formula Facts

I'll admit it. Before I had Eli I had a negative image of moms who fed their babies formula. I thought there were two choices moms had; either breastfeed your baby or formula feed. I thought that those who formula fed chose to do so. For whatever reason, they just did not want to breastfeed. I never realized that people did both, or more importantly, that some people HAVE to do both.

At my new moms luncheon at the hospital there are about 15 women that attend. I would say that approximately 80% are breastfeeding and formula feeding out of NECESSITY! While it is comforting to see that I am not the only person that has to supplement with formula, I wonder why this isn't made more clear to moms to be? I read a lot about breastfeeding, because I knew how important it was for the baby and I truly wanted to have that experience. Never did I read about potential supply issues or that supplementing with formula could be a reality.

I was so devastated when my milk supply decreased, and really still am. I never thought I would be buying formula and now bottles for my baby. But I don't have any other choice. The point is that he is gaining weight and doing well and that is all that matters. At his pediatrician appointment he weighed 10 lbs 12 oz today. I asked Dr. Wyatt if Eli was still getting the benefits of breast milk, even if he only gets 1 oz of it at each feeding and he said with a smile "absolutely." So even though I am fighting so hard to produce 1 - 1.5 oz at each feeding, it is totally worth it.

I guess my point is that I just want people to know that this happens and that it is common. It is unfortunate, but you are not alone. I really wish I knew that when I was pregnant.