The Food - Breastmilk or Formula

Things that I have been worrying about, has happened.

Before going back to work, I have spent most of my time reading up on parenting and baby related magazines and books, and hoping that I could squeeze in as much knowledge as possible within the short duration to learn to be a better mom (theoritically), and to be prepared of myself for changes that I'll be about to expose to. One of which I have worried most, is if baby Elliot can adapt to the change in the way that he is being fed (since he has been mostly on direct breastfeeding during my 4 months of maternity leave).

Somewhere, somehow... I have remember reading that some babies may have nipple confusion. They will be confused when the original breastfeeding has been replaced by bottlefeeds. I believe most of the mothers would know that breast milk is better than formula because it is the most complete form of nutrition for our babies, which is needed for the baby's growth and development, and is easier for babies to digest as compared to formula. Thus I have opted for breastfeeding as well, hoping that I could provide Elliot the best. However, while I am away for work, I do not have a choice. The caregiver will have to bottlefeed baby Elliot with the expressed breastmilk, thus he may experience nipple confusion. Both hubby and I have searched around for bottle teats which is close to breastfeeding, so as to minimise the difference which baby Elliot might be experiencing. There is only a few occurance of him not wanting bottlefeeding initially, and he has seem fast adapt to it.

However, he has behaved differently today. He has seemed to be confused on breastfeeding instead. I am upset in the beginning, and has kept asking myself why has this happened and wondering if I have ate anything wrong today or if I have not latched him on properly. He has kept crying, and pushed me away. I am heartbreak by his little act of pushing me away, when I know that he is hungry. I can sense his hunger, and I know he wants his milk. I just know it, and don't ask me why. But my hubby is like saying perhaps he wants to sleep, and ask me to try pat him to sleep instead. I suddenly recalled that he may be nipple confused and asked hubby to make formula for him instead. I do not want to give up on breastfeeding him, thus has requested for only 30ml of formula. I just put the bottle next to me and pretend that am breastfeeding him. I then switch to breastfeed him once he has finished his formula. And my method works, it succeed. I have watched him peacefully in my arms, drinking and fast falling asleep.

Mission accomplished. As finally, I have managed to figure out my way to provide him the better option.

I believe in: When there is a will, there is a way =)