January 28, 2010

Breastfeeding and a Chiropracter

Is a (slightly painful) adventure. I know it's not 'supposed' to hurt, but a lot of things aren't supposed to be the way they are. For me and my little barracuda, a little pain is a part of the process. And, I'll admit, sticking with it makes me feel like a little bit of a hero. Every time I go to the doctor or talk with anyone about breastfeeding, I'm congratulated and told how wonderful it is that I'm doing it. I really revel in that. It feels good to know that people know how hard it is and how easy it would be to give up.

Please don't get me wrong. I don't think formula feeding makes parenting any easier, and I don't think there's anything wrong with formula feeding. Whether breastfeeding doesn't work or isn't possible in the first place for whatever reason, the most important thing is making sure baby is fed. The only person I think worse of for not breastfeeding is my mother-in-law, but only because the only reason she didn't breastfeed was because she couldn't be bothered to educate herself. That said, if I switched to formula now, I would feel like I was giving up because it is working, despite the difficulties and minor pain.

Anyway, a great perk of breastfeeding is the group meeting I found for breastfeeding moms. If I find a job, it will definitely be at the top of my negotiation list to be able to continue going. Being able to pump at work will be more important, but hopefully I'll be able to find a job that will allow both.

That same group suggested I take Wesley to a chiropracter because he wouldn't eat on one side, sleep on his back, or eat without spitting up copious amounts. So I took him to the chiropracter, and all is solved. He still spits up a little, but not near as much. So my little squeaker is doing much better, and I am so happy! I know chiropractic care seems a little overboard for a newborn, but it is so worth it, and it was very gentle. It just looked to me like he was rubbing Wesley's back. :)