Breastfeeding is not for sissies!

by Andrea
(Southern California)

With my first daughter, my milk didn't come in for 5 days... so finally on day 3 I called the pediatrician in tears and she suggested I give her some formula. I did, and she gulped it down and promptly fell asleep. (Sigh).

Luckily, we did get the hang of it, and once my milk dropped, we were good. I never made quite enough to satisfy her, so she was about 80% breastfed and 20% formula.

My second daughter was easier, thank goodness! Although I'd forgotten just how bad it hurt those first couple of weeks.

I tell people who ask that breastfeeding is a commitment of the highest order. And there are definitely easier ways out. But as a parent, it's our job to keep our children the healthiest possible, and that means some sacrifice or some inconvenience.

I'm glad I stuck it out, and cherish the memories of laying with my daughters and watching their beautiful, peaceful faces.