I have decided to pass on the formula. I think formula — like C-sections — is a life-giving thing and I have no objections to it on principle. I have decided, though, that I am not compelled that she needs any right now, and I think giving it to her could mess with establishing breastfeeding. I also have concerns about overfeeding her, or having complications with formulas that upset her stomach or reveal allergies.

It really astonishes me when people suggest that motherhood saps your brain or reduces you to meaningless days of little responsibility. Figuring out how to feed a newborn requires brains and dedication and the ability to listen to good advice on little sleep. And in the end, the parents have to make the choice knowing that some people will think they’re wrong no matter what they do.

I find it more stresful than a day on the Hill, by a lot.

What a lovely sisters photo. Those beautiful bracelets on such tiny chubby hands representing so much of what is and what’s to come.

How are YOU feeling, Liz? Moving around as you should?

All those childbirth classes seemed a waste of time since I had c-sections until it came time to get up and moving around after the surgery. The breathing technique was certainly helpful!

i just saw your tweet and decided to de-lurk to share a few tidbits about jaundice from a medical point of view

neonatal jaundice in itself is normally just an underlying symptom of immature liver function, so with the formula you’re essentially just helping to flush out more bilirubin than her liver can process at any given time (it’s a combination of a very high rate of red blood cell breakdown and a low rate of liver function). formula, if she takes it, ensures that she’s getting an adequate milk supply, which the intestines emulsify with bile (so she is using more bilirubin, thereby increasing the liver function, and pooping more). this is why the yellow color will decrease, because of the lack of excess bilirubin in her plasma! and just as a sidenote, the phototherapy works because the uv light makes bilirubin more water soluble, helping the liver and kidney flush it out… anything the body can do to compensate

you have a gorgeous family by the way!

Instead of formula, just keep nursing her often to increase her pooping and sit in lots of sunny windows with her stripped down to her diaper. It is possibly the coziest thing ever!

As another poster pointed out, formula-feeding for jaundice is very outdated advice. Unless you are having problems with your milk supply, the best thing for jaundice is breast milk. Perfectly balanced just for Eden, lots of good antibodies, yum! It’s so cute that Eden knows what’s best for her too. No formula, no thank you!