Well Eli was born 8lbs even and chubbed up real quick, I breastfed him for only about 6 weeks and then switched to formula but its not a fair comparison lol considering Tyler was only 6lbs 14oz. I am still breastfeeding him, its going mostly good but we have actually had some problems, its been a little rough at times. He had serious latch issues in the beginning and his mouth was like so tiny that I could NOT get him to latch right, it was awful. Even if I got him on there semi-good he would still end up on the tip only moments later. This is TMI for any guys reading lol apologizing ahead of time but it got so bad that my nipples were bleeding a LOT. Like, he would latch on, suck for a minute, and then let go to spit out a mouthfull of blood. It was like something out of a friggin horror movie. DH and I were freaking out. So I got a couple of nipple shields and that worked out great for a while, I healed up and breastfeeding was a lot easier and less painful. HOWEVER, I recently found out that they were causing my supply to decrease pretty bad (as they apparantly never allow the breasts to completely empty, which tells your body each time that it needs less etc etc) and he wasn't getting enough to eat - UGH! So I had to get rid of the nipple shields, and he HATED going back to the bare breast since he wasn't used to it, but it only took a couple of days to get him used to it again (there was a lot of fussing involved). I also have to work my supply back up so I'm taking like a zillion Fenugreek/Milk Thistle pills a day and eating oatmeal and everything else you can think of lol. So far, so good. There were actually a couple of days I had to supplement with formula (4 ounces for a couple of days, then 2 ounces a couple of days, now I usually don't have to. I was worried because I really didn't want to give him any formula but I had to, trust me. I seem to be getting back to normal now, and one thing I can at least say out of all of it, is I don't have to mess with those stupid shields anymore and Tyler has fixed his latch. My supply seems to be getting better everyday, so hopefully its smoother sailing from here.
Yes, I am in it for the long haul dang it!! lol I would like to go for at least a year, that would make me so happy. If we go longer, that would be cool too. I know what you mean about the relaxing effect - breastfeeding always relaxes both of us. He falls asleep for his naps and bed time at the breast every time, works like a charm and a million times easier than all the crazy stuff I had to do to get Eli to sleep when he was formula fed. Sometimes its a pain because I'm trying to stay awake while feeding him and it makes me even more tired so I'm like nodding off haha.
I may have had some trouble, but the pros FAR outweigh the cons anyday (compared to my formula fed baby). Plus I lovelovelovelove the bonding/cuddle time.
