I Breastfeed Because I am a Geek and Love Science and Science says Breast IS BEST.

I want to say that I breastfeed because I love my babies but this would offend other women would take take it to mean something I don’t intend it to mean. If you could understand the struggles, tears, pain, blood, and costs that go into simply being able to nurse my babies then perhaps you would see those words in the light I wish to express them in. For me, breastfeeding is hell. It is torture and most days it seems hopeless. My babies on just breast milk always end up failing to thrive and my husband and I always end up trying everything under the sun to change that, to give them the best.

I have Mammary Hypoplasia

Basically while I have large breasts, they do not have the milk making tissue required to support a fully breast milk supply. I have to fight for every drop and I have to at some point supplement my babies or accept donor milk for them. I have seen so many experts over the years, lactation consultants, and have yet to meet an informed doctor on the topic. The doctors never fail to push formula and have near nothing helpful to say about breastfeeding. I have tried every herb and even medications from out of country to have a good enough supply. It isn’t every just a supply issue, there has also been latch issues and tongue ties and a whole host of challenges. I am not alone in this, challenges are not uncommon! Still, I push and push myself to do the best I can. Every drop counts! I wouldn’t though put myself through all this for anything short of doing the best for those I love the very most in all the universe. I wouldn’t do all this for my own health even and I know it. I do it for them.

Right now I find myself pumping for our new baby, born at just 35 weeks who has no latch or instinct to nurse. It is draining feeling like I am always on the pump. It is crushing to not be making enough yet to cover all her feedings. We are making small progress though and I will not give up. It just isn’t an option.

I am a Mother who must to some extent use formula and I 100% support Breastfeeding.

Do you have a story about why your breastfeed?