I was recently surprised to read that, in the United States, only 33 percent of mothers “exclusively breastfeed [their babies] to three months of age…and only 14 percent to six months.”
Considering that a standard maternity leave is three months long, I find it really hard to believe that only one-third of mothers make it that long with breastfeeding.
I have to wonder, though, what constitutes “exclusive breastfeeding.” When Felix was a couple of days old, my pediatrician was worried about his weight and insisted I supplement with some formula. Looking back, I’m sure Felix’s health wasn’t in any danger (he has remained a super skinny kid, and our new pediatrician has never been concerned). At the time I was of course a nervous new mother, and I heeded the doctor’s advice.
Once we had that six-pack of Enfamil in our pantry, it was a slippery slope. I let Daylon give Felix the rest of the bottles over the course of the next month, when my nipples were bleeding on a daily basis and we feared that one was going to come off all together (true story).
So although Felix still nurses like a maniac at 26 months and hasn’t had any formula since he was four weeks old, I suppose that I am one of the majority of moms who didn’t EXCLUSIVELY breastfeed for even three months…in fact, I only made it two days!
For those of you who breastfed…how long did you make it? Did you ever give your baby any formula?
Stay sane,
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Angie says
Elizabeth, you rock! So many moms get upset and heart broken over being unable to produce enough milk, but then simply give up or move on. You worked SO hard to do what you could for your son. I don't think any mom every feels like she does enough, but you are doing so much that is good for your son, despite overwhelming pressures from your life and the world around you. I just wanted to let you know, you sound like a phenomenal person and a wonderful mom. I know how hard it can be to raise a child, and sometimes it's good to hear- even from a stranger on a message board 🙂
Maia James says
Wow, Elizabeth, what an incredible, inspiring story! First of all, I had no idea there WAS such a thing as a size J cup! ;). Anyway. While I am a vehement breastfeeding advocate, I can't honestly say that I would have persevered in your circumstances. Joshua is obviously a very lucky boy. Please keep in touch!
Jessica says
I am a new mom?Baby was born 9/22/15, she is 5 months today yay! Lol I have been exclusively breastfeeding since she was placed in my arms. the hospital where I delivered Saint Roosevelt in Manhattan are really pro-boob. Breast is best! I kept hearing this moto and so though it was excruciating and I cried soooo much I kept trying and working through the terrible beginning of breastfeeding. It’s so much better now sometimes I might add, it’s actually very pleasant. I was lucky to discover that my union allows 9 months maternity leave-of course there’s always a catch- I have no health insurance pass the 6weeks they pay for. It has been a lonely journey, my friends that are moms with children close in age don’t breastfeed and I breastfeed in public haven’t bumped into not One other mommy breastfeeding. Thankful that no one has stopped to say anything negative… Guess I got that New York look lol