Recently, Dh and I have been through the same thing. Our little guy was delivered at 36 weeks, had breathing problems (NICU for 24 hours) and I simply couldn't produce enough/caloric enough milk to feed him. We went down the struggle of finger feeding and supplementing via SNS before going to the bottle. We finally decided, together, that baby's health was more important than my pride over breastfeeding him or not.
He is now 4 months old and in the 75th percentile for growth, solely bottle fed, and although I do miss that nursing time with him, we snuggle up often, and it's a blessing to my dh to also have the chance to feed him in that close way. He still will snuggle up as if he's nursing, to fall asleep, it's a very comforting position to him, I suppose.
It IS okay to not nurse. And he will be okay. Support your wife, love her, and continue to do what you can to care for your little guy!
Blessings! |