The End

Well, we have come to the end of our breastfeeding relationship. On Friday the 12th, Libby was diagnosed with a respiratory virus and double ear infection. She lost her appetite and nursed poorly for a couple of days. When her appetite came back late this week, I couldn't keep up. My supply tanked from lack of demand. I realized on Thursday or Friday that she wasn't getting enough and started offering a bottle after each time she nursed, and today she is still sucking them dry. I'm worried that she's sometimes still not getting enough with the bottle because I'm only making 4 oz, and my supply doesn't seem to be improving (since she's still taking 4 oz of formula after nursing), so I think it's time to quit and go to bottles.

I'm kind of sad about it, but we had a really good six months. It was rough in the beginning, and I think a lot of women would have given up, but I persevered. I am so glad I did. It really helped us bond, and was such a rewarding part of our relationship. Plus, breastfeeding is so much easier than taking formula and bottles everywhere, not to mention cleaning the bottles! Libby going to formula may expedite our getting a dishwasher. :)