Exhaustion

OK, I have to admit that having a baby is hard work and yes, you will be exhausted. But for me the exhaustion didn't set in right away. I always had a "mommy high" right after my babies were born. While everyone else was falling asleep sitting up, I was wide eyed and thrilled to be alive. After all, I had just given birth to an entire human being that I grew inside my body all by myself! OK, I had a little help. But after experiencing the marathon of childbirth, you won't want to acknowledge the donation either. (laughter from the audience)

You will also find there is a sense of satisfaction that you can give your baby something no one else can. And Im not just talking about breastmilk. Babies receive comfort from your breast as well. It is a natural progression from womb to breast. It is the way things were meant to be. For example, the rooting reflex. All babies have it. And it isn't there to grab a bottle. They turn their to head to the side when you hold them because that is where your breasts are. And your baby knows it!

You probably won't realize how tired you are until 24 - 48 hours later. But the good news is, brand new babies sleep a lot. Of course it is important to nurse frequently, but in between feedings your baby will sleep. Then you can too.

At this point you may be thinking I am a complete idiot. That I haven't figured out that Dad, Grandma, Aunt Sue even the nurse on duty could feed your baby with a bottle and let you get some much deserved shut eye. Right? Wrong. I realize that in the beginning there are swarms of people who want to hold, play with, feed and change the baby. And for some of you, your house will be a tourist attraction for about 2 weeks. But guess what gals? This honeymoon period ends. Oh yes, all those willing little helpers will eventually go home and leave you all alone with your baby. It is then you will really appreciate your choice to breastfeed.

It is so much easier to unsnap your bra then to mix a bottle. And in most cases requires only one hand, leaving the other hand free to hold a book or magazine. (or a pop tart) You can easily lay down to feed your baby and catch a nap together. And in the middle of the night, when Junior decides he is hungry,guess who wont have to get out of her warm bed, make her way into the cold kitchen, turn on the bright light and mix a bottle? YOU! Unless you're married to God, somewhere in the not to distant future it will be you. I don't care how great your partner is.

The reality is you will be tired for the next 18 years whether you breastfeed or bottle feed.

Here's a little homework for you and your husband. Grab a calculator and add up how much it will cost to feed your baby formula for the first six months. Here's a few numbers to get you started -

The average full term infant will consume 4 ounce of formula every 3-4 hours.

The average 12 oz can of infant formula cost between 13.00 and 15.00 dollars and will make about 86 ounces of formula.
* Don't forget to allow for waste. Babies don't always finish their bottles, and should never be forced to do so. Babies know when they are full and will stop eating. *
After you've done the math and you're husband stops hyperventilating, assure him that you will do whats best for your baby and your budget and breastfeed for at least six months.

This is also the time to explain to your husband that the money saved should be spent on the parent with the breasts.

Happy Shopping!