I Reminisce
The early days of my son's life are still vivid. Long sleepless nights, concern about doing things the "right" way and learning how to take care of a newborn. I was also extremely committed to nursing my baby. Raw, cracked nipples did not hinder me. On numerous times I called for backup, LaLeche League was great and Lansinol cream was my very best friend. I was extremely lucky that I did not get a yeast infection but I think walking around breasts out most days helped the situation tremendously. I was so comfortable in fact, when my aunt and mother were visiting they had to remind me to cover up which was hilarious. I was so entrenched in my responsibilities as a mother that I walked around oblivious to everything else.
My determination to continue nursing despite the pain of that first month hinged on my desire to provide the best for my son. The adage "breast is best" resounded loudly in the recesses of my mind and heart, not once did my desire to nurse waver. I know that there are many women that do not breastfeed, some have no desire and others try without success. Like everything else regarding parenting I believe this is an individuals choice and I do not judge others because of the decisions they make regarding this issue.
I do know that formula can be pricey. Obviously nursing is free but the few times it was necessary for me to supplement with formula I was amazed at the prices! Although I did not know it at the time, Consumer Reports actually recommends purchasing store brands because they are nutritionally comparable to brand name formula. Taking this action makes formula feeding more cost effective. Parent's Choice has a online baby formula savings calculator and I did a comparison - if I'd used Parent's Choice I would have saved over 11.00 per can of formula!
Even though I only purchased 2 or 3 cans of formula in total, can you imagine the savings if you formula feed exclusively? I never gave store brands a chance but now that I know the FDA requirements for formula are stringent, I will keep this info tucked away just in case there is a baby in my future!
Comments
Concerning formula, I think I tried it but it was a total was of dollars because I only used it once or twice. It should be more affordable for those who choose to use it. Expensive formula is yet another way new parents get bilked.
I have proof that breast milk is magic right here in my home.
Oh, and I heard about the store brand formula comparison when my baby was 10 months, wish I had known sooner.
Unfortunately for me and my daughter, our lovely nurses succeeded in giving her nipple confusion while in the hospital so she was never a willing participant of the breast. I was devastated, but both survived with a stint of homemade formula and store bought formula. Fortunately for my wallet, I was in a income bracket that allowed me to take advantage of the WIC program, so there was no cost to me for formula.