(I realize I don't have to explain my reasons, but the #1 reason is that my husband has been my hero for sticking with me through often severe depression during four pregnancies and three births in not-yet five years of marriage, and I am ready to give him a better side of me, if it exists. ;) So the sooner hormones return to normal, and the sooner we can hand a baby and some bottles off to a grandparent and get out by ourselves for a bit, the better. Also, i cannot pump enough milk to feed my kid. Hard to believe, i know, but it's the truth.)
Anyway, pains first: the obvious is engorgement with no relief. That only was really painful for one night, but is bearable right now. Just put on a sports bra and leave it on day and night...except, of course, to change into a clean one after your baby has spit up down the front of your shirt a few times. (And admire your extreme cleavage while it lasts!). Turns out that it can take over a week for milk to dry up, which is not information anyone gave me at the hospital. They were all nice about it, but seemed unsure of what to advise. You would almost think no one had ever voluntarily chosen to bottle feed before.
But it's also challenging just figuring out how much to feed the little guy. Sometimes he needs almost four ounces - he's not that little - and sometimes he wants one. That isn't a problem exclusive to formula-feeding, though!
But the joy on Kaylen and Penny's faces when they get to feed him? Totally worth it. And asking Jason to stay up and feed him while i go to sleep? Again, it's great. Also, I love holding that snuggly little newborn, so bonding is not exactly an issue. Really, i think a picture says it best:
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