Moo

As I previously mentioned, I am pumping in my attempt to be the best mom to my son. Not that those who use formula are less loving moms, I am just trying to follow all the advice out there. My husband and I are in slight disagreement about this. He thinks that my milk is giving our son colic, but I maintain that our son's immune system is not fully developed so my milk is essential. He thinks that an all formula diet would eliminate colic because my milk is the culprit. I found an article to use as ammunition (http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/is-my-breast-milk-causing-my-infant-to-suffer-with-colic/), but he will not totally believe me until our son outgrows colic but is still drinking my milk. For the record, I do not think my milk is giving him colic, gas maybe, but not colic. I have tried to remove as many gas producing foods from my diet as possible, but I need to eat vegetables!

When I began pumping for my son, my husband, Andy (the country boy that he is) was surprised that I had to pump as much as I did. According to him, cows are only milked twice a day, so I should only do it twice a day! Moo. Of course this is also the same person who, when I was pregnant, jokingly spoke to his friends about when I was due to calf. Moo again. He did not really see me pump much for my daughter because I was off for the summer (I'm a teacher) when she was born. When I returned to school, I only pumped for a short period of time before I had to give up nursing/pumping for medical reasons. He did not understand the time commitment to the whole process and still occasionally gets a little irritated when I need him to take care of the baby while I pump. Formula is easier, but more expensive. I am already supplementing, but I want to make sure my son gets some benefit of breast milk.

I recently read an article in Parents magazine (good articles for many age groups) about pumping. It discussed many of the problems I expressed (no pun intended), but went on to discuss different types of pumps. The author reviewed super cheap to very expensive, but did not say which kind she found helpful; if I was a new mom, I am not going to try all those varieties, it's too expensive. So let me tell you what kind of pump I use: an Evenflo comfort Select Dual. It was not the most expensive style, but it does the job. It can use a power cord or batteries (use the cord!). I am able to pump both breasts at the same time. I will admit to feeling like a cow when I am hooked up to it, but in 1/2 an hour, I can usually get between 3 and 8 oz. I take a little longer to pump because I need time to relax into it, plus I am trying to stimulate production. I am pumping three times a day so that I can provide enough milk for my son during the day. I am also able to store one 6 oz bag in the freezer every 2 to 3 days. It is not much, but I feel like I need to do something to overcome the guilt I feel about returning to work so soon after his birth.

The other day I opened the freezer door and admired all my hard work. I have managed to store a three weeks supply. If I continue what I am doing, I should have a month's supply soon which makes me feel a little more secure. What if something were to happen to me? (yes I am obsessed with this right now, darn those stairs!) At least I know that my son has a chance at more of my immunity and will hopefully survive the cold season.