It has been a while, but I will be there again VERY SOON; I was reading some comments on a mom-networking site, remembering how difficult it could sometimes be to nurse in front of extended family. I am totally open in front of my own parents and sibling, because we are a very open family, but we typically spend almost every weekend at my in-laws & with my first child, I would usually go in another room to nurse.
Nursing & getting comfortable with it was hard work and not to be underestimated when you are working with a child who is dealing with Protein Intolerance. Especially in the beginning stages, when nursing is generally more of a struggle, but even at 10 months old, I remember we would have to change breasts back and forth (lactation consultant no-no / PI mom reality) & she would often suddenly detach, squirm, fuss, or want to play instead, leaving me very exposed and would react like a caged animal if I put a cover over us. Add the emotion of every time your baby seems a little disinterested- having to wonder "did I somehow eat something I should not have? Is she in pain?" Which often led me to - "would she be better off if I just stuck with formula?"
Due to her inconsistent interest in eating, & my inability to pump (will be talking to lactation consultants about this soon), I did not produce an abundance of milk & we would sometimes need to supplement with Neocate which she "tolerated." I feel confident that I gave her everything I could in terms of committing to nursing, and understanding our diet to provide her with digestible milk. This was the right choice & worthwhile for us, but is not possible for many moms of Protein Intolerant children who's lists of foods they can tolerate are shorter, or who simply fail to thrive while nursing.
In retrospect the nursing stage is such a short and wonderful time and being a mom, of even a healthy child, changes so many priorities in your life. I am thankful we were able to share that time! I don't think twice about the conversations i missed or how we would visit people just to spend half my time off alone with Lilly. The thing about family is- they will probably be having the same conversations next year or next week if you see each other often enough!
Nursing & getting comfortable with it was hard work and not to be underestimated when you are working with a child who is dealing with Protein Intolerance. Especially in the beginning stages, when nursing is generally more of a struggle, but even at 10 months old, I remember we would have to change breasts back and forth (lactation consultant no-no / PI mom reality) & she would often suddenly detach, squirm, fuss, or want to play instead, leaving me very exposed and would react like a caged animal if I put a cover over us. Add the emotion of every time your baby seems a little disinterested- having to wonder "did I somehow eat something I should not have? Is she in pain?" Which often led me to - "would she be better off if I just stuck with formula?"
Due to her inconsistent interest in eating, & my inability to pump (will be talking to lactation consultants about this soon), I did not produce an abundance of milk & we would sometimes need to supplement with Neocate which she "tolerated." I feel confident that I gave her everything I could in terms of committing to nursing, and understanding our diet to provide her with digestible milk. This was the right choice & worthwhile for us, but is not possible for many moms of Protein Intolerant children who's lists of foods they can tolerate are shorter, or who simply fail to thrive while nursing.
In retrospect the nursing stage is such a short and wonderful time and being a mom, of even a healthy child, changes so many priorities in your life. I am thankful we were able to share that time! I don't think twice about the conversations i missed or how we would visit people just to spend half my time off alone with Lilly. The thing about family is- they will probably be having the same conversations next year or next week if you see each other often enough!
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