I was three months post-partum when we found out I was pregnant with baby number two. It didn't matter how much (or what) I ate or how often I pumped (or prayed); my milk supply continued to drop. My body simply couldn't keep up with running a human (who was also growing a human) and feed a third. It was my body's way of saying, "Twos a party, threes a crowd, and I don't do crowds."
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, but sometimes that just isn't possible. As my milk supply dwindled, we supplemented with formula mixed with milk I had pumped and stored when my supply was ample. By month five, we had burned through our reserves, and our firstborn was on a full-formula diet. And guess what...she's incredible.
There is no doubt breastfeeding has undeniable benefits for both you and your baby but it's not an all-or-nothing deal. Here's what to know about breastfeeding to help you figure out the best plan for you and your baby.
