Lillian Grace's Breastfeeding Story
I am nursing my third baby with great results, after feeling disappointed that
the first two times didn't go as I had wished. My 1stborn was a "happy-to-
starve" baby, who would suck contentedly on a pacifier even when he was
hungry. Everyone told me how lucky I was to have a baby who slept through the
night so soon, and wasn't demanding during the day. The doctors were
concerned about his low weight gain, and had me giving him formula and solids
from six weeks - never suggesting that I could have nursed him more than the
5 or 6 times per day, and see how he did. I weaned him "cold turkey" at 4 1/2
months, feeling like I'd starved him by trying to breastfeed.
Before our second child was born, I tried to read up on breastfeeding some,
but not quite enough to make me confidant to challenge this doctor's
suggestion to supplement with formula and add solids young. I felt that my
milk was obviously not the best thing, since the doctors hadn't backed up what
the books said (certainly they knew more?!). I weaned her at 9 months,
feeling better than after weaning my 1st, but not really satisfied with the
results of try #2.
When I became pregnant with my third baby, I read like crazy, I attended
breastfeeding classes, and I discovered La Leche League! I considered the
genetic factors contributing to my children's thin frames, and determined not
to obsess over where they placed on the growth charts. I was now confidant
that I could breastfeed this baby exclusively and that s/he could thrive on my
milk. I determined to nurse Lillian Grace by her schedule - on demand. When
she awoke throughout the night, I was glad to be able to nurse her. For the
first time, breastfeeding was more than nutrition, it was joy. She has been
my success story. She is 14 months and has never been given formula. She has
had the best weight gain all along of my three children, even though she was
nearly 7 months when she started solids.
Through it all, I have discovered that I know in my heart how to best care for
my babies. I feel so much better nursing on demand than making a hungry baby
wait until 3 hours have passed just to maintain schedule. I have found that
there are physicians who are informed and supportive of breastfeeding, and
those who are not. I no longer feel compelled stay with a physician who
undermines my self-confidence about breastfeeding, thinking doctor knows best.
I have learned to relax more, and am treasuring this fleeting time when her
needs are so lovingly and easily met by breastfeeding.
