When I was 33 weeks pregnant with my first son, we had the big stuff ready to go. The crib was set up, and the baby clothes were washed and folded (and even organized by age). By 37 weeks, my hospital bag was packed, and we had the route to the hospital memorized. I was ready. Except I hadn’t contemplated not being able to breastfeed or needing to find a backup option for my baby. I didn’t even bring a pumping bra to the hospital. I was certain that I’d be able to breastfeed, and if I couldn’t, surely the hospital would have great advice on what formula I should use. Right?
After delivering my beautiful, healthy son, we adjusted quickly to diaper changes, swaddling, soothing, and burping, but the feeding part didn’t go so well. My son couldn’t latch on. We tried everything, including a form of gymnastics that required at least three hands to get him thinking he was getting milk from my breast when it was actually dribbling through a dropper snuck into his mouth. It was exhausting and demoralizing. I felt like I couldn’t “mom” right.
Fast forward to today. At 33 weeks pregnant with baby number two (another boy!), things look very different. Nothing is ready or organized, and can someone please remind me what I need in my hospital bag again? However, there’s one thing I’m prepared for this time around – I’ve decided to go straight to formula feeding, specifically ByHeart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. It’s one thing I feel confident about this time: that formula feeding is the right decision for me, for my family, and most importantly for my son. I’m fortunate to have an insider’s view into this incredible formula, since I’ve worked at ByHeart for more than a year and seen up close just how good it is. Here’s why ByHeart is my choice:
- It contains the growth-supporting protein alpha-lac (included at breast milk levels), the number one protein found in breast milk, that research suggests supports easier digestion. That’s right, it’s gentle on tummies.
- It contains lactoferrin, the number one protein in colostrum, which supports a baby’s immune system and gut health.
- It’s proven for longer stretches between nighttime feeds at four months versus a leading infant formula – yay for sleep!
- It’s clean-label certified by the Clean Label Project and made with organic, grass-fed whole milk.
ByHeart
I can’t help but think back to the days with my first son and how challenging my feeding journey was. In those first few months, every time I heard the question, “Are you breastfeeding?,” my response would always be some version of “No, unfortunately, he couldn’t latch, but don’t worry, I’ve been pumping to get him as much as I can, and then I’m supplementing with formula. Fed is best, right?”
I always felt like I was giving an apology, and that crushed me.
It took me three months to finally stop putting so much pressure on myself and just commit to formula. We made it work. My firstborn did well on it and grew quickly – despite problems with gas and constipation. I was overwhelmed by all the formula options on the shelves, and everything felt like a trade-off, but I had to decide and move forward. Of course, I wish I’d had a formula like ByHeart. As I get ready to start my next adventure with baby number two, I’m thankful that we’ll have this amazing formula on hand, and hopefully a simpler feeding journey this time.
My feeding experience with my first son isn’t unique. So many things can happen to throw your plan out the window the moment your baby arrives. You just never know. But one thing I know for sure is we parents deserve to feel confident in our feeding decisions.
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Now if I could just remember what to put in my hospital bag.
Nancy Scioli
This post is sponsored advertising content for ByHeart.