I get asked, "don't you want to nurse?" or "why don't you just try to nurse her?"
I did. I tried and tried. She was born five weeks early and was taken straight to NICU. She wasn't able to nurse right away but we tried a few days later. We thought it was just hard for her because she was early and didn't have the sucking part down. I saw a lactation consultant and basically left with the advice, "just keep trying and she will get it". So we did. After about 2 months of trying we found out she has reflux. She would literally scream every single time I tried to nurse her. So, after about 9 weeks of trying, lots of talking, prayers, and tears we decided that pumping was the best decision for Audrey.
It has been a hard journey and we are no where near the end. Breastfeeding is very common and popular here and I often start believing the lie that I am less of a mom because I don't nurse. I can rest in knowing that I tried everything I could and this is a trial that God is using to teach me more about Him. I have to take a step back and remember I have so much to be thankful for.
A couple things have helped tremendously in this journey are these products I use every single day:
At 4 months, I pump four times a day around 7am, 1pm, 5pm, and before bed. I am very grateful that my body responds well to pumping, I know that isn't the case for everyone. I have been able to donate around 300-350 oz and still have about 1700 oz stored.
I use the Tovolo Perfect Cube Silicone Trays to freeze the milk and then I put 30 oz (2 trays) in each gallon Ziploc bag. I bought these trays for making baby food but they have worked perfectly for milk as well. These stack neatly in the freezer and it is easy to thaw out exactly what you need.
I have also seen milk trays like these that make 1 oz sticks that you can use if you have a smaller neck bottles.
I have also seen milk trays like these that make 1 oz sticks that you can use if you have a smaller neck bottles.
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