At four-and-a-half months in, I am so glad that I stuck with breastfeeding my baby. All the kinks have been worked out, thank goodness! My nipples are no longer sore; I don't have to use any type of cream on them. I pump twice a day at work, and once before bed. Pumping before bed keeps me from being engorged when I wake up, which is wonderful. As a result, I don't have to worry about blocked ducts or mastitis (which I had the first time my baby slept through the night a few months ago, not fun). My supply has regulated, so I'm not leaking through my breast pads, and my milk generally doesn't let down in between pumping/feedings. Nursing is so much easier than dealing with bottles. I could go on...
When I first went back to work, I was afraid that my supply would take a dip, but one thing that has helped me maintain my supply is drinking lots of water throughout the day. I have plenty of milk, which is great, because I can keep an extra few ounces in my refrigerator to mix with baby cereal.
Another thing that helped me with latch issues was to place my index finger on my baby's chin in the indention right under his lip, and pull his chin down so that his mouth would be open wide when he latched on. After a few days of doing that, he figured it out himself. I haven't had any problems with sore or cracked nipples since. If only I'd thought to do that sooner!
Though in the beginning breastfeeding had a steep learning curve, I'm glad I stuck with it. It is so worth it!
