One would think feeding a baby is cake. Speaking from experience – it’s not always that easy. With your first baby, if you were like me, you had this fairy tale vision in your head of holding your baby in your arms nursing them safe and sound until the wee hours of the night. Or maybe you knew from the get go that breastfeeding wasn’t for you, and you couldn’t wait to bond with them while bottle-feeding. Either way, something that’s rarely discussed – is making the decision to supplement with formula. To tell you the truth, I was completely clueless when it came time to make any type of decision around my feeding options with Garrett. I remember being 8 months pregnant, visiting a friend of mine in the hospital who had just had a baby, and seeing for the first time just how truly difficult it can be breastfeeding. I kinda had a panic attack. Maybe I should have signed up for that breastfeeding class instead of watching some 2 min “breastfeeding 101” video on YouTube.
Fast forward to Garrett’s birth, and there I was bound and determined to master this whole breastfeeding journey from day one. I logged every nursing session, every poo, every pee, every toot (ok, not really, but it felt like it). And boy did I have a wake-up call. One nurse said I had inverted nipples, another said no, you’re fine. My doctor finally came in and said – Honey, you might just have to supplement with formula until your milk comes in, or until you can really get him to latch better. By my reaction (complete meltdown of epic proportions), you would have thought she’d told me I’d have to feed my baby motor oil. But honestly, it was less about the formula and more about not meeting those high expectations I had set on myself. But I swallowed my pride and gladly accepted the free Enfamil® they offer you at the hospital, and spent the following days and nights alternating nursing and supplementing with formula. Before I went back to work, I tried pumping more to build that infamous “freezer stash” I saw all these moms posting about in my Facebook mommy group. But unfortunately, I never had a good enough supply. I would end up with only enough for 2-3 bottles for my mom to feed him the next day, and she’d offer him 1-2 bottles of formula before I got home. What was nice though, is that she’d always time it so that I could nurse him right when I got home – which was so special for me to still be able to do as a full-time working mom.
When it came to formula, I really hadn’t thought about which brand to use. However, Enfamil’s® strong reputation definitely gave me piece of mind – after all, my own mom used it back in the ’70s. Plus, I liked the added benefit of having different products to choose from based on my baby’s needs – especially since Garrett was colicky his first few months, and our Pediatrician recommended Enfamil Premium Gentlease®. I also appreciated Enfamil’s® dedication to serving moms, and how they continue to support expecting mothers both financially and emotionally through Enfamil Family Beginnings®. To have a community of moms to turn to, as well as expert advice, is so invaluable as a new mom. Not to mention it’s completely free, and the program offers so many ways to save money on formula – which can be such an unnecessary burden with all that comes with having a new baby. In fact, right now you can enter to win the Enfamil® Free Formula for a Year promotion (which is supplementary to Enfamil Family Beginnings® – see more details at end of post)
Now I know all of the thoughts and opinions that surround this topic, trust me, I had them all – fighting internally with myself day in and day out. Fast forward again to four years later, and I am here to say that my son is a living, breathing, walking, thriving proof that supplementing with formula is not the end of the world. I’m so glad I had friends who told me that very thing, when I was that overwhelmed and anxious first-time mom. Now with my second, Charlotte who’s 3 months old, I’ve had a much easier time with breastfeeding and I’m working from home so I don’t have the added pressure to pump. I am however in a bit of another pickle that I know a lot of moms who exclusively breastfeed get into – she won’t take a bottle, uh oh. Which means, mama is on call 24/7. Which also means, mama and daddy haven’t had a date night in over 3 months. Which also, also means, mama relates to a milk cow more than she’d like to admit. I kid, but seriously, I am so thankful for products like Enfamil® to have at the ready now that I’ve decided it’s time to introduce a bottle.
How have you struggled, or not struggled, with nursing/bottle-feeding? I’d love to hear in the comments, and I’m happy to offer up any more advice! Also, don’t miss your chance to win an entire year’s supply of your desired Enfamil® formula by signing up to Enfamil Family Beginnings®. Promotion ends Dec, 31st – so get on it mama!
*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Open to legal US residents 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Promotion ends on December 31, 2017. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. For full Official Rules, visit Enfamil.com/free-formula-year-sweepstakes-rules. Sponsor: Mead Johnson & Co., LLC, 2400 West Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47721
Pumping as I read your post. The irony. 🙂 The decision to breastfeed, pump or formula feed is a tough one. No judgement on any Mama and what they decide to do. I’ve done all three options with my three kids. One was breastfed, two had lip ties that prevented them from breastfeeding and two needed formula halfway through their first year. I’ve also pumped with all three at one point or another. It’s a messy and complicated journey, but I ultimately am trying my best!
Ha too funny! Very well said and thanks so much for sharing your experience – a mom of three is intense and sounds like you did what any mom would do and go with what works for you. Plus each kid is different as I’m leaving and you just have to let them lead you on this fun feeding journey ?
Breastfeeding was a struggle for me too. Pumping was also a struggle. I managed for a year but I did use some formula to supplement here and there. Enfamil is a great brand!
Yes and yes – but we do what works right? ?