I started bottle-feeding somewhere in mid August, in preparation of me returning to work on 17 Sep. (You're right, it's just that 5 days away). I replaced one feed in the afternoon with bottle, for a few days, before progressing on to 2 feeds, then 3 feeds and so on. Things were pretty smooth when it was just one bottle. But slowly, when more and more feeds were replaced by bottle, little PJ started to show rejection of the bottle, and declared war with us.
She would cry at the mere sight of the bottle, and cry even louder when the teat touched her lips. (In case you do not know, her cries are usually very loud and persistent, enough to bring the whole house down). And this went on for every feed, for more than 2 weeks.
There were a few times her sobs were so intense and heart-wrenching that I wanted to just give in and nurse her. Yet I knew that I must press in and continue the bottle-training, because I would not be able to nurse her when I start work. So my mum (she is the one feeding little PJ in the day - and will continue to do so after I start work) had to pacify little PJ and try her very best to make her drink.
Now, little PJ is at peace with the bottle. Just occasional fussings. The bottle battle has been won. But it's bittersweet victory because I do miss nursing little PJ. This is something that only I, her mother, can do. No one can replace me. Not Papa, not Popo, not Yeye. It's a special time that we spend together. Now that this time is greatly reduced (now I only nurse her once at night and when we are out), I do feel a tinge of sadness. Like, something special has been taken away.
Sighs, of a full-time working mum.
Now, my prayer is that little PJ can adjust to me returning to work and will not restart the bottle battle again. Here's a photo to end:
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| Mama, no more milk milk? |
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