And Then There Were 3

Well, it finally happened.  I gave Zach his first bottle of formula yesterday.  I was able to go almost 7 months without having to give him any formula at all!  He has solely been a breast-fed baby.  Working full time, it has been a real commitment to exclusively breast-feed.  It has meant pumping 3 times a day at work, every single day.  And, on some days, I have had to pump 2 extra times at home (5 times a day total) just to keep up with his demand.  He’s a hungry boy!  The past few weeks, I have really been struggling with my milk supply decreasing.  So, I have come to a decision.  I will still continue to breastfeed and pump the 3 times a day at work.  But beyond that, I may just continue to supplement with formula.

It is kind of sad in a way.  I really enjoyed being able to completely provide that for my child.  And I know my checkbook will not like the added cost of formula.  But, hopefully it will be a minimal cost, and hopefully I can still provide most of his nourishment through breast milk instead. 

I am still not ready to quick all together!  Zach’s daycare provider talked like I was weaning him off completely, and I about had a heart attack!  Even with the teeth, and the occasional biting (ouch!), I still enjoy the bond that it gives me and Zach.  I know I won’t breastfeed forever, but I will really miss it when I have to give it up entirely.