@gowenc this does sound like baby working with your body to get your milk to come in. Cluster feeding can feel ridiculous but it doesn't last. All the things @maamawaabangi said
@gowenc Also know that all that time he's getting on your chest (bare/skin) will help you establish a great milk supply. It will help regulate him and you to each others needs. I'd settle down in bed or on your couch today and just "be"... rest lots and let people serve you if they are available. Nurse the day away. Sorry you had a long night!
. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe? 2 weeks PP on Friday. Physically I'm healing great, still some soreness but minimal bleeding. Emotionally I'm feeling a tad better but still sad and have periods of crying.
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? I do night feedings with formula because he seems to sleep better and for longer stretches. I breastfeed/pump during the day but not sure if I'm producing a lot - i know with PCOS and thyroid issues I've been told I may not have the best supply. Have a lactation appt tomorrow so we'll see. I honestly wouldnt mind doing formula.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? to those of you who are pumping, how mych are you getting? I'm getting about 125ml a day if that (2.5oz + maybe 50ml if i pump after each feeding). I feel like I should be making more than that by now. I'd love to have enough to store but am barely getting 2 feedings a day worth in pumped breastmilk.
Met DH - 9/2003
Dating - 9/18/2012
Married - 8/16/2014
NTNP - 7/2014-5/2015
TTC #1 - 5/2015 (CP October @ 4w2d)
*PCOS/Hypothyroid/Ectopic Kidney/High DHEA-S* HSG - All clear, ectopic kidney didn't affect uterus (yay!) CT Adrenal Scan - no tumors! SA - sperm count excellent, 2% Morphology March/April IUI scheduled - surprise BFP w/ help of Progesterone - 3/18/2016 Beta #1 @ 11dpo - 45.7 #2 @ 14dpo - 163 #3 @ 18dpo - 997 #4 @ 21dpo - 3799 EDD 12/1 based on O, 11/28 per Ob/Gyn (but he's wrong lol).
@juliehollz13 I have an oversupply -which I am ok with- but I get at least 2oz each breast per pump. After going 7 hrs overnight I got 12oz this morning.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@juliehollz13 I'm with you on so many things! I do formula at night as well but have had enough breastmilk through pumping for all day and evening feedings. My supply is coming up a little bit after switching to pumping every three hours instead of two. Right now I'm getting about 2-2.5oz total each session. BF isn't working for us and pumping is hard. I'm wanting to go to formula lately as well but DH asked me to try to keep pumping until I go back to work.
@juliehollz13 are you skipping pumping totally at night when offering the formula? I can't point to a source but I've read many times that MOTN pumps have a strong impact on supply. Should you want to continue nursing/pumping - it might be worth a try.
Yes im not pumping at night (im too exhausted and it takes forever to get what i do get out). In the morning i pump 2.5oz easy and then the redt of the day i produce small amounts per pump i have pcos and am hypothyroid, so i was told i may not produce a lot but this kind of bums me out.
Met DH - 9/2003
Dating - 9/18/2012
Married - 8/16/2014
NTNP - 7/2014-5/2015
TTC #1 - 5/2015 (CP October @ 4w2d)
*PCOS/Hypothyroid/Ectopic Kidney/High DHEA-S* HSG - All clear, ectopic kidney didn't affect uterus (yay!) CT Adrenal Scan - no tumors! SA - sperm count excellent, 2% Morphology March/April IUI scheduled - surprise BFP w/ help of Progesterone - 3/18/2016 Beta #1 @ 11dpo - 45.7 #2 @ 14dpo - 163 #3 @ 18dpo - 997 #4 @ 21dpo - 3799 EDD 12/1 based on O, 11/28 per Ob/Gyn (but he's wrong lol).
@juliehollz13 sorry . If formula feeding makes your life less stressful and you aren't hell bent on nursing/pumping there's absolutely nothing wrong with going that route. The best way is the way that works best for your family.
You guys... I literally need a group hug. The hits keep on coming - I have mastitis now. I started feeling flu like yesterday and having stabbing breast pain before bed last night. Waiting to hear back from my doc, but I had a case around 6 months with DS when I went back to work and changed my pumping routine. I know what this feels like and it's terrible. I'm ready to throw my pump out the window, forget my nursing dreams and go to formula exclusively. If all this happened with a singleton I would have by now but the sheer cost of two on formula has me hanging on by a thread... free food vs. $300-$400/month. I've cried numerous times in the past 12 hours. So overwhelmed by these struggles on top of having two newborns and a DS.
1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe? 1 week
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? We started off exclusively BF for the first 5 days. He was feeding multiple times an hour and basically cried when ever he was awake unless he was eating. Once we got to the ped appt, the doctor saw how "hangry" (actually unexaminable) he was and said he's not getting enough milk. Doc recommended to give him a sample formula bottle in the office. It calmed him down and he has been a new baby ever since! I got the ok to begin pumping (that's what my plan was til my full 3wk supply came in). I've been feeding BM in the daytime & formula at night. Mom & son are both happier with this way of life than exclusively BF.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? @juliehollz13Much like you, I refuse to pump overnight. I'm getting about 2oz total/pump. With my lifestyle I'm only getting to pump 3-4x/day. Not sure if that's going to effect my future supply once he eats more per feeding, but we'll see.
@DiFazette ugh! Sorry to hear that. I definitely understand why you would want to BF vs formula feed. If you do need to switch to formula, you can probably ask your ped for samples. They gave me a box of 8 pre-made formula bottles, 4 single powder packs, & 3 tubs of formula. It's a start.
****Siggy TW**** natural pregnancy: 2008 Me: 28 (Hypothyroid), DH: 35 Together since: 2010 Married: 2013 TTC: 2013 Infertility: severe MFI, low AMH (0.5) Met RE: January 2016 ER: 3/14 (4 follies, 6 eggs retrieved, 2 fertilized) fresh 3dt of 2 embryos= BFP (1 implanted) EDD w/ baby boy= 12/6/16
@DiFazette so many hugs, I'm sorry I don't have experience with any of that, so I have no practical advice for you other than to take each day as it comes and hopefully tomorrow will be better
I realized I started posting questions before I'd actually responded to the initial questions. I blame my hormones and lack of sleep.
1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe? 4 days. Physical recovery is going pretty well, I think. My bleeding isn't too bad, pain is manageable. I'm trying to take it easy but it gets hard sometimes, I definitely keep having to remind myself not to overdo it. Emotionally I am kind of a wreck, I've been crying all morning about various things, including....
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? We're breastfeeding, but my milk hasn't really come in yet - at least I don't think it has? It has changed color and is more milky white, but I have not experienced the engorgement that seems to accompany milk coming in. I'm hoping it will fully come in soon, as he's 4 days old, has lost over 8% of his body weight, and isn't filling diapers frequently enough. He breastfeeds regularly, I just don't know that he's getting enough to eat. I have a lactation consultant coming by today to check on his latch and hopefully she can offer some tips on getting my supply up. I'll also try pumping today and if that doesn't work we've got samples of formula we'll use. DH has LO right now so I can take a nap and all I can think about is what if I'm missing his feeding cues and he's hungry?
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? I'd say I'm more in the camp of needing advice at this point...I don't know if it's unusual for my milk to not have fully come in yet. All the women in my family have no issues with milk supply or breastfeeding, so part of me feels like my body is failing me in a way.
1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe? 1 week 3 days. I'm a happy kind of tired because I brought my baby home on Tuesday and have been making up for lost time with the snuggles and mommy time. I feel like this is what I was meant for - to be his mother. Physically I'm doing pretty good, I don't need any medicine for pain at this point, so healing feels like it's going well. Emotionally doing a lot better too. It was pretty traumatizing to have my baby away from me immediately after birth and not be allowed to touch or hold him for days. I'm having some issues with my narcissistic and estranged mother trying to see him and calling my dad and grandparents (his parents) non stop/coming to my house/ trying to get in the NICU/leaving things and messages, etc. that's pretty stressful. I'm afraid I'm going to have to end up getting a restraining order and I really don't want to have to go there. Sigh.
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? Oh man, I'm so frustrated. My milk never came in to any satisfaction. Still pumping about 1-3mL combined if I'm lucky. I'm so tired of being told to chug water, to rest, to eat oatmeal, to relax. I'm doing that! Nothing is happening. I'm practically floating from guzzling water and I ate so much oatmeal it gave me the poops. I've meditated, I've visualized milk cascading into the bottles/feeding him, looked at pictures of him, stared at him, used hot compresses, worn a nursing bra 24/7, not worn a bra - nothing changes. Still the same amount. I can't get him to latch and try to nurse either, he hates it and gets so frustrated. He wants those bottle nipples with the instant gratification, not mama because he doesn't know what to do with my real nipples. Nature kind of got interrupted when he had to go to the NICU and I don't know if we can save it. Maybe it would have been this way anyway, there's no way to know. I've just been continuously pumping before every feeding and adding what I can get to his formula bottles. That way he's getting some breastmilk at the very least. That's gotta be better than nothing right? He's got a pediatrician appointment tomorrow and I'm going to see what she says. The lactation consultant at the hospital is so nice and so encouraging but hasn't been really able to help me either.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? As "complainy" as this post seems, I think I'm just learning about parenthood and making plans. I didn't get the birth I wanted, the skin to skin, the bonding, or the first week with him like I imagined. I didn't get to nurse him like I wanted or bring him home with me from the hospital. BUT I have this beautiful, healthy baby who is happy and sleeping next to me as I type this and I'm so thankful for him. He is the answer to so many prayers and I never thought I'd get the chance to be a mama. So I'm thankful. In spite of my frustration, I'm deciding to use this as a lesson to let go of the things that matter less and just focus on loving my little boy. It's going to be okay.
@Kate08Young literally an hour after I posted that I looked down and noticed that my right boob had taken on a...um...let's say porn star quality. Which was ideal, I was able to get a lactation consultant to the house and she gave me some pointers on some of my little guy's body language cues. He latches well but I was misreading him falling asleep as being satisfied, but really he was too tired to get what little milk was in there. I've got at least one boob working now and he had a really good feeding - we just have to catch up a little bit. I'm anticipating some particularly sleepless nights ahead as he plays catch up.
@DiFazette - so frustrating! Hang in there - as though twins aren't challenging enough when everything is going right...
@austenista - it's so awesome to hear about your time with Eaton home but man - I'm sorry you're having such horrific issues with your mom. Any reasonable person would be able to look beyond themselves and say "okay whether or not I'm ok with it, they clearly don't want me around now and their needs while caring for their newborn obviously are More important than mine here..." i cant imagine having to deal with that...
1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?
One week PP. Physically feeling good. Not too sore from my tear although I have one pesky hemorrhoid that is super painful! Emotionally I'm better today than earlier this week. See next question's answer.
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
I had really low milk supply with my two previous babies. Had to supplement early on (day 4-5) bc they stopped wetting diapers. I only ever produced about 30ml total per feeding with both kids and that is after ALL the tricks (Fenugreek, water, oatmeal, Reglan, pumping every 2 hours). Only nursed 2-3 months with them bc nursing and FF both is such a hassle. So I knew this time to be prepared for the same.
Well Parker stopped wetting diapers on day 3 so we gave a little formula after some feedings but not a lot- he was so fussy crying almost all the time Sat -Mon. Started refusing to latch too. I was depressed and crying constantly. We saw lactation on Tues. He is down >10% from both weight. He only transferred 10ml per side. I also had been pumping after feedings and getting literally 1 drop per side. LC asked me if anyone ever told me I have hypoplastic breasts. I said I had read about it and thought I did but never totally sure. She said that I mainly have mammary tissue right around my areola but none further back from there or up into my armpit like most women. She told me I could nurse and pump 24/7 and would never have enough milk. I was SO thankful to have an IBCLC tell me the truth and validate all the struggles I've had with BF. To know that it's not my fault that even though I have always done everything right (I'm a rule follower and have read and done ALL the things about BF) and still couldn't nurse anywhere near exclusively was so freeing. She said I need to focus on formula as his primary nutrition and breast milk as dessert. lol She said she doesn't see too many women with this issue but that when she does she wants to be honest because otherwise we will kill ourselves trying to achieve the impossible and feel so guilty. Exactly what I did and how I felt with my first two. So my boobs are duds but I am starting to accept it and move on.
So his latch on my left side hasn't been great (slight upper lip tie) since the beginning and now is worse bc he is drinking so many bottles. So I have decided to pump three times a day (I'm getting 0.5-1oz) and give that in bottles. And nurse once overnight when he's more sleepy and doesn't suck quite as hard and I can tolerate the discomfort. Parker is SO SO happy and content now that we are feeding him enough. And hopefully getting back on track weight wise. We have a weight check on Mon. I know my measly supply may not last long with this pumping plan but it's what I felt I could do right now (I have two other kids to run after!) to try to give him some more BM but not stress myself out.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?
I second the advice on Gel Soothies for sore nips. Totally give good relief! I also like Motherlove Nipple cream. Better texture than Earth Mama IMO.
Thanks for sharing your experiences @PharmDMom! I think that's why it SO important to have a LC person and to see them often in the PP season of time. So essential. I am so thankful that you and her figured that out. I also love it that she encouraged you to nurse to comfort and bonding, but also not to stress about it... that's beautiful and refreshing!
I've bottle/formula fed one of ours, and it was a challenge to me in bonding... but at the same time I am SOOOO thankful that it sustained her and we even had that unique and special experience together. When I see a bottle I think of her little face and getting up and feeding her and having my hand drop or my head when I'd fall asleep.
Ladies... you all rock! I mean, think about it, you all are doing what is best for you, your family, in line with what you value and most of all meeting the needs of your specific baby! How amazing is that? You are all doing HARD things. Nursing hurts! Pumping hurts. Giving up what you thought you wanted hurts... and even just getting up to make bottles hurts.
Keep asking (demanding) help. You deserve help. Help with nursing, bottles, meals, and rest. It's a shame we have to ask, but it's not just for you, it's in everyone's best interest.
Side note... My little tip on deciding to stop nursing/or not ... make a deal with yourself (if baby is gaining and having wet diapers and is ok, of course)... I told myself I would give it 3 solid weeks, I'd keep at it, keep going to LC people and keep doing it morning and night. If at the end of that time I didn't enjoy/feel ok or was still in pain I would give myself permission to move on to something else. By week 2 it was significantly better. Know also that days 5-9 are the hardest days... after that it (can) become very easy! Additionally, I still had times with my 4th nursling (really our 6th) that I curled my toes and reluctantly latched her on...
All that... you all are rocking it and doing a fantastic job!
@maamawaabangi You are such an encourager- D16 is so blessed to have you!!
I was actually so surprised, in a good way, with the LC I saw. It was so nice for someone not to basically just tell me to keep trying harder and send me on my way. She asked me what my goals were, and then recommended a plan based on her professional opinion of my breast issue and my goal, which was originally to nurse for two weeks. She said she wanted baby and me to both be happy and peaceful- and our plan is definitely achieving this!
I would also encourage our mamas who want to BF to seek out help from a LC because doing weighed feedings and getting feedback on baby's latch can be invaluable. And I agree that giving yourself grace and doing what works best for YOU is most important! For me, FF with a side of BF is what works. I know we won't be BF very long and I'm okay with that. I'm just enjoying all the baby snuggles and not stressing about what anyone else thinks I should or shouldn't do. (Easier to do with my third I will say!)
You guys... I literally need a group hug. The hits keep on coming - I have mastitis now. I started feeling flu like yesterday and having stabbing breast pain before bed last night. Waiting to hear back from my doc, but I had a case around 6 months with DS when I went back to work and changed my pumping routine. I know what this feels like and it's terrible. I'm ready to throw my pump out the window, forget my nursing dreams and go to formula exclusively. If all this happened with a singleton I would have by now but the sheer cost of two on formula has me hanging on by a thread... free food vs. $300-$400/month. I've cried numerous times in the past 12 hours. So overwhelmed by these struggles on top of having two newborns and a DS.
This.is.me. I have cried so much bc I cannot produce enough. I am a smaller woman and have already lost most of my baby weight. I am the only woman wishing to keep the lbs. I am even more upset that I'm probably going to have to go to formula only. We can cry together =(
5 days post c section and these are my morning feet. They will be double this size by nightfall. I did not have swelling in my feet during pregnancy and holy moly this hurts.
Oops it replied before I was done... I hope that's you pee or sweat all that out soon!!! If you wake up drenched you'll know where all the water went! I'm sorry.
Check out this pump bra ad I just came across... um... yeah... She looks SO happy to be pumping in her kitchen while checking her messages on FB! (I hope she isn't skyping)
@maamawaabangi I bought that pump bra. They have THE most ridiculous ad shots, but the thing actually seems like it will be legit! I'll have to make sure I look incredibly excited whenever I wear it
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I have that pump bra (and love it) but promise I do NOT look like that in it. I'm currently wearing it with hair that hasn't been washed or brushed all week, and watching Netflix.
Re: PP Healing & Wellness 12.5
Also know that all that time he's getting on your chest (bare/skin) will help you establish a great milk supply. It will help
regulate him and you to each others needs. I'd settle down in bed or on your couch today and just "be"... rest lots and let people serve you if they are available. Nurse the day away. Sorry you had a long night!
Due December 27th with baby #7
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? I do night feedings with formula because he seems to sleep better and for longer stretches. I breastfeed/pump during the day but not sure if I'm producing a lot - i know with PCOS and thyroid issues I've been told I may not have the best supply. Have a lactation appt tomorrow so we'll see. I honestly wouldnt mind doing formula.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? to those of you who are pumping, how mych are you getting? I'm getting about 125ml a day if that (2.5oz + maybe 50ml if i pump after each feeding). I feel like I should be making more than that by now. I'd love to have enough to store but am barely getting 2 feedings a day worth in pumped breastmilk.
HSG - All clear, ectopic kidney didn't affect uterus (yay!)
CT Adrenal Scan - no tumors!
SA - sperm count excellent, 2% Morphology
March/April IUI scheduled - surprise BFP w/ help of Progesterone - 3/18/2016
Beta #1 @ 11dpo - 45.7 #2 @ 14dpo - 163 #3 @ 18dpo - 997 #4 @ 21dpo - 3799
EDD 12/1 based on O, 11/28 per Ob/Gyn (but he's wrong lol).
*TEAM BLUE!*
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
HSG - All clear, ectopic kidney didn't affect uterus (yay!)
CT Adrenal Scan - no tumors!
SA - sperm count excellent, 2% Morphology
March/April IUI scheduled - surprise BFP w/ help of Progesterone - 3/18/2016
Beta #1 @ 11dpo - 45.7 #2 @ 14dpo - 163 #3 @ 18dpo - 997 #4 @ 21dpo - 3799
EDD 12/1 based on O, 11/28 per Ob/Gyn (but he's wrong lol).
*TEAM BLUE!*
1 week
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
We started off exclusively BF for the first 5 days. He was feeding multiple times an hour and basically cried when ever he was awake unless he was eating. Once we got to the ped appt, the doctor saw how "hangry" (actually unexaminable) he was and said he's not getting enough milk. Doc recommended to give him a sample formula bottle in the office. It calmed him down and he has been a new baby ever since! I got the ok to begin pumping (that's what my plan was til my full 3wk supply came in). I've been feeding BM in the daytime & formula at night. Mom & son are both happier with this way of life than exclusively BF.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?
@juliehollz13Much like you, I refuse to pump overnight. I'm getting about 2oz total/pump. With my lifestyle I'm only getting to pump 3-4x/day. Not sure if that's going to effect my future supply once he eats more per feeding, but we'll see.
@DiFazette ugh! Sorry to hear that. I definitely understand why you would want to BF vs formula feed. If you do need to switch to formula, you can probably ask your ped for samples. They gave me a box of 8 pre-made formula bottles, 4 single powder packs, & 3 tubs of formula. It's a start.
natural pregnancy: 2008
Me: 28 (Hypothyroid), DH: 35
Together since: 2010
Married: 2013
TTC: 2013
Infertility: severe MFI, low AMH (0.5)
Met RE: January 2016
ER: 3/14 (4 follies, 6 eggs retrieved, 2 fertilized)
fresh 3dt of 2 embryos= BFP (1 implanted)
EDD w/ baby boy= 12/6/16
I don't have experience with any of that, so I have no practical advice for you other than to take each day as it comes and hopefully tomorrow will be better
1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?
4 days. Physical recovery is going pretty well, I think. My bleeding isn't too bad, pain is manageable. I'm trying to take it easy but it gets hard sometimes, I definitely keep having to remind myself not to overdo it. Emotionally I am kind of a wreck, I've been crying all morning about various things, including....
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
We're breastfeeding, but my milk hasn't really come in yet - at least I don't think it has? It has changed color and is more milky white, but I have not experienced the engorgement that seems to accompany milk coming in. I'm hoping it will fully come in soon, as he's 4 days old, has lost over 8% of his body weight, and isn't filling diapers frequently enough. He breastfeeds regularly, I just don't know that he's getting enough to eat. I have a lactation consultant coming by today to check on his latch and hopefully she can offer some tips on getting my supply up. I'll also try pumping today and if that doesn't work we've got samples of formula we'll use. DH has LO right now so I can take a nap and all I can think about is what if I'm missing his feeding cues and he's hungry?
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?
I'd say I'm more in the camp of needing advice at this point...I don't know if it's unusual for my milk to not have fully come in yet. All the women in my family have no issues with milk supply or breastfeeding, so part of me feels like my body is failing me in a way.
1 week 3 days. I'm a happy kind of tired because I brought my baby home on Tuesday and have been making up for lost time with the snuggles and mommy time. I feel like this is what I was meant for - to be his mother. Physically I'm doing pretty good, I don't need any medicine for pain at this point, so healing feels like it's going well. Emotionally doing a lot better too. It was pretty traumatizing to have my baby away from me immediately after birth and not be allowed to touch or hold him for days. I'm having some issues with my narcissistic and estranged mother trying to see him and calling my dad and grandparents (his parents) non stop/coming to my house/ trying to get in the NICU/leaving things and messages, etc. that's pretty stressful. I'm afraid I'm going to have to end up getting a restraining order and I really don't want to have to go there. Sigh.
2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
Oh man, I'm so frustrated. My milk never came in to any satisfaction. Still pumping about 1-3mL combined if I'm lucky. I'm so tired of being told to chug water, to rest, to eat oatmeal, to relax. I'm doing that! Nothing is happening. I'm practically floating from guzzling water and I ate so much oatmeal it gave me the poops. I've meditated, I've visualized milk cascading into the bottles/feeding him, looked at pictures of him, stared at him, used hot compresses, worn a nursing bra 24/7, not worn a bra - nothing changes. Still the same amount. I can't get him to latch and try to nurse either, he hates it and gets so frustrated. He wants those bottle nipples with the instant gratification, not mama because he doesn't know what to do with my real nipples. Nature kind of got interrupted when he had to go to the NICU and I don't know if we can save it. Maybe it would have been this way anyway, there's no way to know. I've just been continuously pumping before every feeding and adding what I can get to his formula bottles. That way he's getting some breastmilk at the very least. That's gotta be better than nothing right? He's got a pediatrician appointment tomorrow and I'm going to see what she says. The lactation consultant at the hospital is so nice and so encouraging but hasn't been really able to help me either.
3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?
As "complainy" as this post seems, I think I'm just learning about parenthood and making plans. I didn't get the birth I wanted, the skin to skin, the bonding, or the first week with him like I imagined. I didn't get to nurse him like I wanted or bring him home with me from the hospital. BUT I have this beautiful, healthy baby who is happy and sleeping next to me as I type this and I'm so thankful for him. He is the answer to so many prayers and I never thought I'd get the chance to be a mama. So I'm thankful. In spite of my frustration, I'm deciding to use this as a lesson to let go of the things that matter less and just focus on loving my little boy. It's going to be okay.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@austenista - it's so awesome to hear about your time with Eaton home but man - I'm sorry you're having such horrific issues with your mom. Any reasonable person would be able to look beyond themselves and say "okay whether or not I'm ok with it, they clearly don't want me around now and their needs while caring for their newborn obviously are More important than mine here..."
i cant imagine having to deal with that...
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
I think that's why it SO important to have a LC person and to see them often in the PP season of time. So essential. I am so thankful that you and her figured that out. I also love it that she encouraged you to nurse to comfort and bonding, but also not to stress about it... that's beautiful and refreshing!
I've bottle/formula fed one of ours, and it was a challenge to me in bonding... but at the same time I am SOOOO thankful that it sustained her and we even had that unique and special experience together. When I see a bottle I think of her little face and getting up and feeding her and having my hand drop or my head when I'd fall asleep.
Ladies... you all rock! I mean, think about it, you all are doing what is best for you, your family, in line with what you value and most of all meeting the needs of your specific baby! How amazing is that? You are all doing HARD things. Nursing hurts! Pumping hurts. Giving up what you thought you wanted hurts... and even just getting up to make bottles hurts.
Keep asking (demanding) help. You deserve help. Help with nursing, bottles, meals, and rest. It's a shame we have to ask, but it's not just for you, it's in everyone's best interest.
Side note...
My little tip on deciding to stop nursing/or not ... make a deal with yourself (if baby is gaining and having wet diapers and is ok, of course)... I told myself I would give it 3 solid weeks, I'd keep at it, keep going to LC people and keep doing it morning and night. If at the end of that time I didn't enjoy/feel ok or was still in pain I would give myself permission to move on to something else. By week 2 it was significantly better. Know also that days 5-9 are the hardest days... after that it (can) become very easy!
Additionally, I still had times with my 4th nursling (really our 6th) that I curled my toes and reluctantly latched her on...
All that... you all are rocking it and doing a fantastic job!
Due December 27th with baby #7
I was actually so surprised, in a good way, with the LC I saw. It was so nice for someone not to basically just tell me to keep trying harder and send me on my way. She asked me what my goals were, and then recommended a plan based on her professional opinion of my breast issue and my goal, which was originally to nurse for two weeks. She said she wanted baby and me to both be happy and peaceful- and our plan is definitely achieving this!
I would also encourage our mamas who want to BF to seek out help from a LC because doing weighed feedings and getting feedback on baby's latch can be invaluable. And I agree that giving yourself grace and doing what works best for YOU is most important! For me, FF with a side of BF is what works. I know we won't be BF very long and I'm okay with that. I'm just enjoying all the baby snuggles and not stressing about what anyone else thinks I should or shouldn't do. (Easier to do with my third I will say!)
5 days post c section and these are my morning feet. They will be double this size by nightfall. I did not have swelling in my feet during pregnancy and holy moly this hurts.
Goodness!
Due December 27th with baby #7
I hope that's you pee or sweat all that out soon!!! If you wake up drenched you'll know where all the water went! I'm sorry.
Due December 27th with baby #7
Check out this pump bra ad I just came across... um... yeah... She looks SO happy to be pumping in her kitchen while checking her messages on FB! (I hope she isn't skyping)
Due December 27th with baby #7
Due December 27th with baby #7
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Due December 27th with baby #7