Having an oversupply of milk is HARD. As I enter my third trimester of this being pregnant, I’m going to organize myself with the perfect feeding plan doable this subsequent time round, for my child, my household and MYSELF. Maintain studying under to search out out why I’m selecting to method feed from the start with my second daughter due in September.

As I simply entered my third trimester, a flood of feelings and ideas about breastfeeding have come over me. Will I’ve an oversupply once more? Will I continuously be engorged once more? Will the infant choke on my breast milk? Will I be capable of feed in public as a consequence of my oversupply?

My expertise with an oversupply

I wrote this weblog publish about my postpartum nervousness after having my daughter, Palmer, 2.5 years in the past. As I replicate on that point, I noticed that one of many principal culprits contributing to my postpartum nervousness was breastfeeding with my oversupply of milk. I didn’t know that I had an oversupply and an irregular quantity of milk till a buddy of mine who occurred to be a NICU nurse came visiting to satisfy my child.

She was shocked at how I crammed a whole haakaa and extra at every feeding and my breasts had been so huge and arduous to the contact that I had to make use of a nipple defend for my child to even be capable of latch. I keep in mind not having the ability to nurse in public as a result of throughout my letdown, the milk would spray all over the place like a sprinkler (not kidding ha!). I felt confined to my residence as a result of the considered giving her a bottle and never getting reduction from the fullness of my breasts from nursing sounded overwhelming to throw pumping into the combo too.

I used to be misplaced and I wanted to cease breastfeeding for my psychological well being, however I felt trapped. Many suppose an oversupply of milk is a blessing and would make feedback resembling, “wow, you’re so fortunate!” LUCKY? These feedback made me really feel responsible for stopping to nurse as a result of I knew so many pals who had a tough time maintaining their provide, so I caught with it and solely breastfed for six months. Once I began to wean, I felt a way of freedom. I might lastly get again to actions I loved resembling going to the health club or assembly pals with out having to fret about my breasts or breastfeeding.

Why I’m selecting method

Based mostly on my feeding expertise with Palmer, I’ve determined to set myself up for fulfillment as a part of my postpartum care plan with this new child. I want I might go to Deema for consults by means of Bumblebaby such as you all can, however sadly that will not legally work since we’re coworkers (and pals!), so I’m going to a brand new therapist that I see as soon as per week and who’s going to assist me by means of this transition into postpartum with this new child.

Once I discuss to my therapist about feeding this new child, I immediately really feel overwhelmed and I’ve some adverse and darkish recollections that flash again from my prior breastfeeding expertise. It’s holding me again from being enthusiastic about bringing this new child into the world and becoming a member of our household.

Due to this, I’ve determined to provide method to the infant beginning evening one and to provide myself some extra choices in terms of breastfeeding. If breastfeeding goes properly, then I’ll keep it up so long as it’s working for ME and my household. If it turns into overwhelming and never serving me, I’m open to stopping and weaning ASAP (see our weaning e-guide right here which I might be utilizing).

I really feel so lucky to have Kate, Natalie and Lauren on my aspect to assist me provide you with a sport plan this subsequent time round that works for ME. I’m very open to method feeding evening one on the hospital and even addressed this with my supplier at my final appointment. He was very supportive, however did point out that the hospital I’m delivering at would possibly push again somewhat, however to remain agency and to make it identified to all the nurses as quickly as I arrive. I learn by means of our “find out how to strictly method feed at start” weblog publish to organize myself and my physician for method feeding from the beginning.

I wish to give breastfeeding a shot once more, however I’m actually hoping to finally get to 2 breastfeeding periods a day and the remainder I’ll method feed or complement. I additionally would possibly simply not breastfeed in any respect after beginning if it’s inflicting nervousness and adverse emotions and that’s okay! I’ve discovered a lot from working for Kate and I want I had Bumblebaby as a useful resource once I had Palmer.

It’s okay to method feed and it doesn’t make you a nasty father or mother in the event you select to take action. The way in which you select to feed your child is your selection and I’m now assured sufficient to make the choice to cease breastfeeding altogether if it’s not a constructive expertise for me and my household.

The uncertainty of what’s going to occur is contributing to my nervousness, so I’m going to have Kate, Natalie and Lauren provide you with completely different feeding choices for me and find out how to execute every state of affairs in the course of the first few weeks (they will do the identical for you too in the event you guide a seek the advice of with them right here). I do know that I might be method feeding from the very starting (which I didn’t do till month six final time) and might be coaching my physique to solely breastfeed 2-3 occasions per day). I’ll preserve you all posted on what occurs when the infant arrives!