Grow Baby
My baby boy really hasn’t grown well since birth. (It’s only a half sized footy in the lower pic!) During his first 4 months of life we have had to have him weighed weekly or fortnightly to monitor his weight gain, and I have done my darnedest to boost my milk supply. Mums hear the message loud and clear that “breast is best” so it’s hard not to feel guilty about going to Plan B.
For me Plan B is a combination of breast and bottle feeding, using either formula or expressed milk. After only two weeks of topping up his feeds he is looking better, seeming more settled, and pulling a much weightier number on the scales. In fact, over the last two weeks he gained more than the six weeks prior to that combined!
As I give my little boy a bottle at home, I feel bad that I haven’t been able to feed him entirely myself. When I give him a bottle out I feel much worse though. Other mothers give me that look and I wish for a sign that says, “I gave my baby breastmilk before this bottle!” Despite how I feel in my heart about going to Plan B, my head tells me that I have made a good choice on my child’s behalf. He is healthier and happier, and that is what is important.
I have put a lot of time, effort and thought into my son’s physical development. I have tried different strategies and sought the counsel of friends and professionals all in a bid to do the best job I can at providing for my baby. But it strikes me that his overall development involves so much more than just his physical growth. I wonder if I will approach his mental, emotional and spiritual development in similar ways. I wonder if they will receive the same attention from others. And perhaps hardest of all, I wonder if I will always be able to prioritise my child’s needs over my own feelings.
Oh Cath, I feel your angst. I remember what it felt like to have to make that choice. After a while, though, I got to thinking that maybe I was meant to go through that experience to help me gain a deeper understanding of what other mums have been through, and the inner turmoil they probably went through to come to whatever decision was best for themselves and their bubs. Don’t worry about what other mums might be thinking; do what’s best for your little man, because ultimately that’s best for you too!
I could never think anything other that ‘What a wonderful Mummy’. You have put your career on hold, run MOPS, Provide all that your children could ever need and want. It would be neglegent not to offer him a bottle. You are doing a fantastic job, #1 is a beautiful lillte girl and I have no doubt that #2 will be a wonderful little boy. They would not sell formula if it was not safe. I have put my bub onto food already. He feeds non stop – I dont have a milk supply problem, I just have a bottomless pit of a child. That was a hard decision to make too as people look at you as to say – “That baby is to young for food.” Yet he has teeth and is the size of a 1 year old.
Thanks for your comments. Your encouragement to me as a mum means a lot!
Hi Cath, I totally understand about the sign around your neck (or boosies!) `The Bulk of the Feed Came from Me….Really!!’ I had to comp. with the twins and it was one of the hardest things to do! I hits right on the `guilty mother’ nerve! You do whatever is the best for a healthy happy baby. If you would feel better with organic formula….there is a brand called Bellamy’s that’s made in Tasmania. It is at some Coles and Woolies.
On Nicole’s comment, ;there is a theory that teeth indicate readiness for food. They show that the digestive enzymes in the baby’s gut have changed to accept solids. The age thing is fairly arbitary, go by the teeth! Sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing. Some babies are just ready earlier than others.
Cheers