Newborn/Postpartum Thread

WVUPetunia

Since we have a several babies who are on the outside now, maybe it's time for a thread like this?

I'll start. I have had the worst time sleeping, especially in the hospital... And it's not her keeping me up, but my own racing brain. I had both kids asleep at the same time yesterday and tried to nap, but I just laid awake instead. I'm not really worrying about anything in particular, just can't doze off. Anyone else have insomnia?

deuxbouledogues

I'll share! Our breastfeeding experience started out terrible. The on staff lactation nurse was no good. She didn't seem to "get" that I knew nothing about feeding. She brought me spoons and told me to self express if some other techniques didn't work. Um....WTF do I do with a spoon and how do I self express!? I struggled the next three days at home with him screaming and me crying until I saw another lactation specialist and my milk came in. My nipples were chewed to bits and had blood blisters and big engorged torpedo boobs. Then she weighed him and he had lost more weight and I just sad there and sobbed. I felt like a terrible mom, I had basically just starved my kid for three days. She was wonderful and helped me figure things out and its a whole new world now. I think as a FTM I was severely underprepared for breast feeding. I did some reading and knew what I wanted to do but that was it. I wish seeing an expert lac. specialist was a requirement before being discharged.

WVUPetunia

 @theshannondee I am so sorry you had that experience! I seriously think the hospital is the worst for nursing. I had so much trouble with my son in the hospital that I almost gave up, too. With this LO, most of our problems have that she was too sleepy to eat and latch at first. The lactation specialist at the hospital had me trying all sorts of weird, uncomfortable holds ("put your finger in her armpit"... Uh what?). I basically begged to be released at 24 hours because I couldn't sleep, and I was miserable in there with everyone bugging us. The staff pedi didn't want me going before 48 because I was breastfeeding, and I was thinking uhhh, why, because I'm getting such great help here? I made an appointment with the lactation consultant (same one who helped us with my son) at the pediatrician for yesterday and told him I wanted out.  She did a great job latching and feeding there when we did a weighed feeding. She was just new and sleepy at first. Now we are feeding fine, my milk is coming in, and I'm not holding her with my finger in her freakin' armpit. LOL. 

Serpica

Ah yes BFing is off to a really rough start for us as well!! I did meet with a lactation consultant at the hospital but I don't think she prepared me for the fact that it would take a whole week for my milk to come in... and when it did it was extremely painful!!! Even with supplementing with formula the little nugget still lost 10% of her weight in the first four days so I hear you... I know it's normal but we still end up feeling like we did something wrong... well it's 10 days later now, I have been pumping as much as possible and she has regained enough to be at her birth weight again, yay! We mostly use expressed milk in a bottle but also do some nursing at at the breast everyday to see if we can increase that, but she falls asleep reaaaally fast at the breast and doesn't take as much in... so all in all things are moving in the right direction but it it is slow and exhausting!! Hugs to you all, the sleep deprivation isn't helping!!

abpl2014

All you mamas that are breastfeeding you rock! I am slightly jealous of you because since Henry was born so early I couldn't breastfeed him since he only started eating on his own and not from a tube 3 weeks ago. It takes Henry so much energy to take a bottle and even more to breastfeed. I plan on trying to start breastfeeding once we get home and I know he is at least able to get all of his feedings from a bottle for sure. I don't want him to struggle to gain weight because I want to breastfeed. I have been pumping for him l since the day he was born and they put my milk mixed with a fortifier for extra calories in his feeding tube along with formula because my supply isn't very good. The lactation consultants at the NICU have told me it's pretty common for some moms to struggle with milk supply for preemies. All of the stress, not getting the typical bonding time right away with Henry after he was born and the hormones not fully preparing my body for milk production can cause a low supply. I have been struggling with the horrible guilt that I have about  #1. my body not being able to carry Henry full term and having to watch him go through all of these struggles. #2. Not being able to nurse/provide my milk for him exclusively. 
Mom guilt is real everyone and it's a horrible feeling! Sorry this turned into such a long post it feels good to let some of this out! Thanks @WVUPetunia for starting this thread great idea! 

aimz2377

@abpl2014 I know it's easier said than done, but no mom guilt for you. You are doing a great job for Henry.  Do not doubt yourself for one second! Lots of hugs to you. 

deuxbouledogues

@WVUPetunia Thanks... I know its a common thing to struggle with, I appreciate hearing your story too! I know next time around I will need to remember "not all kids are the same!" 
@Serpica I agree! It has been a slow and exhausting learning curve. Glad things are on the right track for you guys.
@abpl2014 Oh girl I hate to hear you have some mommy guilt! It's hard! Henry is growing wonderfully now and I am sure you guys will figure out the feeding that works best once he is home with you. I love hearing updates from your prospective as a NICU mama!

Serpica

@abpl2014 I agree with what everyone else said, you're working so hard and doing so much for Henry! Sounds like he's getting stronger everyday thanks to your efforts and love! 

abpl2014

@aimz2377 @theshannondee @Serpica thanks for the words of encouragement! I love sharing my story as a NICU mom! If my experiences can help someone out in the future( I hope no one has to experience the NICU) but if you do I'm glad to have shared my story! Keep working hard mamas! You are all doing a great job with your little ones! 

TiffRox81

Love this thread and reading all your insight!! Not going to lie, I'm starting to worry about the breast feeding. I was counting on the hospital to be more knowledgable. Guess we will find out!! 

What at about newborn photos?! Would any of you moms be up for sharing those (if you're doing them)? I LOVE newborn photos!!!

abpl2014

I'll gladly share off my little cutie ha! while in the NICU we found an organization called The Tiny Footprints project. It is a national organization that finds photographers across the nation to volunteer their time and talents to help document the NICU experience for families in the NICU. It is free of charge to families and is a wonderful program! Here are a few from Henry's photo shoot! He will also get his original newborn session when we get home since we had that scheduled already! (Edited because I can't type) 

deuxbouledogues

Here are some test shots of Elliott... She's coming back next week for more. Did we ever decide on where to post birth stories? I would be happy to post mine if anyone would want to read it.

rakel88

@theshannondee I can't remember if anything was decided but I LOVE reading birth stories so I for one would love to hear yours maybe a new Birth Story post? Will keep me excited until my baby decides to make his appearance..

PinkLady2015

I think most boards do the birth announcements as a picture and birth story post

Kellyj103

I would love to read birth stories from you guys!!! I love the pictures too @abpl2014 and @theshannondee

LDSJM123

I love reading the birth story and the picture being at the end in the announcements thread. The picture is like a prize at the bottom of the cereal box  

LadyFleck

I second (or maybe third or fourth?) birth stories as part of the announcement. And I said it once before but I'll re-request that people put how far along they are when their little ones are born. I love knowing the whole story and I think that's important. Plus any lurkers from August will def be looking to see how many babies are born before their due date lol.  

blissylissy86

I agree with everyone. Throw birth stories on the announcement thread with the pictures. Otherwise we have a bunch of SS posts. It is funny to see how the other boards deal with that. May is A ok with the separate threads, with lots of positive responses on each, where as when someone posts one in June, no one really responds. I feel like that is how our board would be. 

whataboutscience

Love this thread! So exciting to see babies out there!

DD was not nursing properly and the hospital was no help for me either. They just said she looked great and I was in bad pain from her latch. I highly recommend seeing an LC ASAP if you have any questions or concerns.

bunkie999

Breast feeding is going actually well for us, the first few days were super stressful cause our little guy had jaundice and they were worried about how much he was getting.. But after my milk came in and the engorgment settled (ice/hot packs were the best relief for me) he's eating like a champ! Now these hormones are what's getting me! I CRY all the time!!!! I'm a emotional mess! Hopefully that gets better.  

Car0liiine

@LadyFleck Lurking from August - thank you! lol

mckcak23

Breast feeding did not work for us. I saw the LC's in the hospital and the LC that is part of our pediatricians group. I took it hard at first but Lincoln is growing and gaining and that is the part that matters. I was driving myself nuts trying to pump but I just wasn't getting anything. 

WVUPetunia

These are a couple of my favorites from the sneaks I just got from our newborn shoot yesterday.

WVUPetunia

mckcak23 said:

Breast feeding did not work for us. I saw the LC's in the hospital and the LC that is part of our pediatricians group. I took it hard at first but Lincoln is growing and gaining and that is the part that matters. I was driving myself nuts trying to pump but I just wasn't getting anything. 

That is ALL that matters. We can only do so much. Hugs to you because it sounds like you had quite a journey, but the most important thing is a happy mama and a healthy baby!

foxa319

ugh breasfeeding is hard! Hoping as a second time mom it would be a little easier this time since I know what I'm doing but little Landon does not! And as a 37 weeker his suck reflex isn't great. I pumped to try and give him a bottle of colostrum and was able to pump a few mls but he really didn't get the bottle nipple at all! So I've been hand expressing and feeding him and that seems to helping his sucking. 

Ds is sick at home. Had a 102 fever last night so dh is staying with him at home today. Sure hope he's feeling better by Monday when we are discharged! 

My happy to join this thread! We're all doing great mamas and the pictures of the lo's posted are so cute! 

karabby

I'm still at the hospital, going on day 5 now. It gets pretty boring but I've got a little tv here & lots of naps since it's hard to sleep at night with all the nurses coming in and me pumping every so often. Since LO is in the NICU I asked for a breast pump & a lactation consultant to show me how to use it as soon as I could after my c section. I was able to get a couple millimeters at first but nothing was coming out after that until today when I got 15 ml. Just keeping trying, whether you're pumping or breastfeeding, every 2-3 hours for 15 minutes at a time. That's what the LC told me to do. It took me 5 days for anything to come in.

karabby

Update on LO: they've taken his tubes out of his nose and mouth. Doctor says at the rate we're going we may both be discharged in a few days. He was born June 16.

foxa319

My milk has come in in an absolute fury! Dis was in the nice and I was pumping for him so I really didn't expect it to happen this quickly as I have done no pumping yet this time. Lo just got the hang of latching and I feel like we're starting again as my boobs have become monstrous and the force of the ejection of milk chokes him! I'm trying to hand express first to make it easier for him but he will only latch onto left boob since this morning. Hopefully things will balance out soon. 

Also my Virginia and butt hole are killing me! I had a 2nd degree tear which was repaired and man oh man does it hurt just to sit down! I'm outta ice packs from the hospital so I'm making some padsicles tomorrow! 

deuxbouledogues

@foxa319 your autocorrects gave me a good laugh!  I'm sorry you're in pain though. Hopefully  things get better soon!

foxa319

@theshannondee I re read and laughed so hard! Lol my Virginia! That's what I'm gonna call it now! 

LDSJM123

deuxbouledogues

Proud mama brag! After going from 6lbs13oz at birth down to 6lbs4oz last week, Elliott is up to 7lbs5oz! Despite a rough start, breastfeeding is going well and I'm really grateful he's gaining now.

To be honest I am also pretty pleased with my own weight. I gained exactly 20lbs in this pregnancy and I am down 25! I have struggled with my size and being overweight for years and the loss is really emotionally encouraging right now. It makes me want to focus on being healthy for my family. I know everyone's weight is different with pregnancy and it's a very personal thing. I had the expectation that I would need to be kind to myself and accept some weight hanging around. I just hope this is the push I needed to change some really bad habits. Now if only my rings would fit...

Hows we everyone else doing with their babies weight and their own? This is not meant to be comparative and nasty- just supportive and encouraging at this delicate time. I hope everyone is feeling good! 

abpl2014

 @theshannondee That's awesome about Elliot gaining weight! Way to go mama! That breast milk is doing its job! Way to stick with it after a rough start!
And awesome work on your weight loss after baby! I can relate to being overweight and struggling with my body image so I can totally relate to feeling awesome about loosing baby weight! At my 6 week appointment I was down about 10 lbs and I had only gained 5 through my pregnancy. Maybe we can help each other to loose that extra weight and encourage healthy a lifestyle for our new families! 

deuxbouledogues

@abpl2014 thank you! I'm glad things are going great with you as well! I love the idea of healthy accountability support post baby. I know many of us were lucky to just survive eating whatever during pregnancy so it's a nice fresh start!

mckcak23

Lincoln was born at 6 lbs 8 oz, was 6 lbs at discharge and at our two week apt this morning he is 7 lbs 11 oz. I switched to formula feeding exclusively about a week ago. I gained about 20 lbs during my pregnancy and am down 22 lbs as of yesterday. I am extremely overweight and am hoping that this is the kick in the pants that I need to drop down to a healthy lifestyle. Basically I'm super stoked that he is gaining and I am loosing!!

Serpica

Mmm you are all very inspiring... So glad to hear things going well! Baby M went back to her birth weight last week so that was good (that was 2weeks after her birth), but I'm not sure where she is now. She seems to be eating well though - we've continued doing mostly expressed breast milk that I pump, with occasional nursing at the breast, but she doesn't seem to get enough from it when we nurse at the breast and it takes forever. Also I developed a clogged duct which basically cut my supply in half over the past few days, so we've had to supplement with formula and I've been in horrible pain, so that's been discouraging. Lots of crying, because it doesn't take that much to make me very emotional right now! Objectively though things are still going good. Weightwise I gained 40 lbs during pregnancy and have lost 25lbs already without doing anything, so that's good. I'll wait and see what happens for the rest. And last week the swelling in my feet, legs, and other places completely disappeared on its own, that was cool! Hugs to everyone and their little ones  

WVUPetunia

We were 2 oz. from birth weight at today's 1 week appointment, so we are getting there! 

I gained 9 pounds with this pregnancy. I actually got to the point of losing some weight each week on the gestational diabetes diet. I've lost 17 lbs. so far. Problem is that I was already at my highest weight ever when I got pregnant (except when I was pregnant with my son when I gained 38 lbs). I unfortunately lost it with him, stopped breastfeeding at 7 months, didn't make lifestyle changes, and gained it all back and then some... So, that's definitely something I want to avoid this time!

mrsmommya

Although I don't want my DD to come before she is full term and ready, but reading all this talk about having ankles again is very exciting that I am almost to the end!!

brittanym211

guess im joining this thread Had Archer yesterday at 1:12. He was only 34w3d and got taken imediately 45 minutes away to a bigger hospital! I discharged myself 4 hrs after having him and me and DH sped to him. He is doing great now and should be able to go home with in a week or week in a half. On oxygen and a feeding tube right now. My colostrum is in great but just waiting for the milk to come in. Im doing great for not staying at the hospital and hoping to be home soon! Did anyone else's DH cry more then you? This is the most emotional I have ever seen him! 

deuxbouledogues

@mckcak23 and @WVUPetunia glad things are going well for you guys! @Serpica oh man a clogged duct sounds terrible. I feel you on the super emotional thing. Last night we got like zero sleep and I have been emotional all morning. Hang in there. @brittanym211 I love his name! Yep one of the few things I remember from my c-section was looking up and Tyler (hubby) crying holding Elliott. He got to to the skin to skin based on my preference and it was so sweet to see him snuggled with Elliott and emotional like that. 

brittanym211

Thank you! He just melted and then I did too! It was so sweet! How long did it take you ladies to get your milk in? I'm still on colostrum and looking forward to start stocking up on milk for little man.