Done breastfeeding... =(

Well, that's it. Gracie's absolutely refusing the bottles of breastmilk now, so we're going to stop pumping, and go to just formula. I was really depressed about how this was going the last few weeks, but then I realized how happy she is with the formula, and how much she is thriving off of it. So I feel a little bit better about the decision to quit. My mom said that I was the same way, I breastfed for 6 weeks and then only wanted formula, and David was strictly formula-fed, and we turned out just fine!

I will still try to solely breastfeed our next baby, so it's not like I'm quitting forever. Next time I'll start pumping right at the beginning and working with a lactation consultant until we get it right so hopefully we won't have supply or latching issues. Thanks for everyone's support and advice on this the last few weeks, I appreciate it. Now I can put this stress behind me and focus on other things, like cutting Gracie's razor-sharp fingernails!

One month old today!

I can't believe it's only been a month, it feels like 6 months! I guess that's what happens when you don't sleep much, haha.

Well, the breastfeeding is still not going very well, and the pumping hasn't really helped to increase my supply. Gracie seems to like the formula a lot better, which breaks my heart. I really wanted to be able to provide everything she needs, but she just will not latch on! There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with her mouth or her reflexes, she just doesn't like it. It actually makes me mad, but I'm trying not to let it bother me so much. It's just frustrating.

Gracie is finally above her birthweight!

We've been having issues with her not getting enough milk. Her birth weight was 7 lbs even, at 5 days she was 6 lbs, 11 oz, which is normal, but at 2 weeks she was only 6 lbs, 12 ozs. We started pumping to keep track of how much she got, and unfortunately we had to start supplementing just a teensy bit, which I hated. But good news, at the doctor today she is now 7 lbs, 1.5 oz! (She wouldn't stretch out enough for them to measure her length, but we're sure she's grown a bit). So I guess we're doing something right now. We still need to supplement a little until I get my supply up to her demands, but hopefully we won't have to for very long.

Breastfeeding is very very hard, emotionally and physically, but the benefits to my body and the baby's are amazing. I hope to continue until she's at least 6 months old, and avoid going solely to formula at all. Thanks to those of you who have kept us in your prayers through these difficult last few weeks. It's getting better now, and she's worth every bit of effort!

Love y'all, and happy New Year!