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North Carolina Babies
Zoe Update and BF woes
I've been on and off the board, but have been too tired to type anything long. Due to my hernias, I had Zoe Melora via planned C-section on 7/28. No real exciting birth story as it was all planned. I had a few contractions the night before, but nothing really bad. That morning we went in, got my iv, and waited to go to the OR. I had a spinal, which wasn't bad at all. Very weird seeing people move and touch your legs and you can't feel a thing! Zoe screamed before they had her all the way out of me! She was 22 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 9.5 ounces.
?She had mild jaundice in the hospital and was very sleepy. It took a lot of work to keep her awake to try to breastfeed her. She wound up losing 10% of her body weight and we had to give her some formula, too. I was a crying mess since I felt like I couldn't give my daughter what she needed. I worked and worked at breastfeeding, but she had trouble staying latched on. I pumped for 15 minutes after each feeding and gave her that as well (usually an ounce). ?I saw the lactation consultant outpatient this week. Zoe gained an ounce since leaving the hospital. They weighed her before and after feeding for 20 minutes and she only took in 4cc. Again, me in tears feeling like I've starved my child. Apparently, she has a disorganized suck. I'm now only BF 5 minutes each side to keep her used to the breast and pumping at every feeding and giving her that plus a little formula when needed. I'm on medicine to get my milk supply up. We have exercised to do with the bottle and pacifier to strengthen her suck. She's now sleeping better now that her tummy is full. I feel much better as she now is peeing like she's supposed to and my milk supply has improved. We see the LC Monday to check weight and work on BF again.
On top of the feeding problems, we got a call that her newborn screen was abnormal. We had to go in the next day to repeat her thyroid tests. DH and I were wrecks for 24 hours until the repeat test came back normal. ?
?Everything seems to be on track now. DH and I are so in love with our precious little girl. Her eyes are blue for now and I'm hoping they'll stay that way. Oh, yeah, I'm recovering fine from my C-section. I felt great by the time I left the hospital. But as you ladies know, who has time to take care of themselves when they have a LO to take care of!
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Re: Zoe Update and BF woes
What a sweet photo! She has long fingers, huh?
How precious!
I'm sorry that newborn screening came back weird! I'm sure that was really stressful.
As for the BF, just keep working at it! It takes awhile before everything clicks into place, and those first couple of weeks can seem like they will never end. But I promise it does get better! Make sure to drink lots of water and to eat oatmeal. It really helps with your supply. I'm glad you're working with an LC. If you ever feel like you're not getting enough help/support from that LC, you can find an independent IBCLC or work with a LLL leader. There is a lot of help out there! And you can always post here and we can help you too.
You're doing great! Congrats again!
Blog
Zoe is beautiful!!!! Congratulations to you and your DH!
I am sorry to hear about the abnormal screen and BF trouble but it sounds like things are back on the right track now. You are doing great at keeping up with the BF and it will get better! I know it is tough but if you stay dedicated to it, it will all fall into place. We are always here if you need advice/support. Take care and get some rest when you can!
My Sweet Girls
AWW! She is SO beautiful! She's got some cheeks like my Keira does. Hang in there with the BFing. It takes a lot out of you, plus recovery from a c-section, AND all the other NB stuff. We are here for support! Make sure you take good care of yourself so you can heal up quick!
Oh side, note--my LC said that sweet potatoes can increase your supply. I eat lots of them and I can't tell if it really has helped, but it sure hasnt' hurt! Good luck!
Zoe is beautiful! Congratulations!
Good luck with the BFing! I know how hard it is to nurse, then bottle feed, then pump--been there, and you have my utmost respect! Try Quaker Oatmeal to Go bars if you get sick of regular oatmeal. Those became a staple when I was trying to up my supply, and I'm still in love with them now that I'm no longer BFing (had one today, in fact! hehe!)
I'm so glad her re-test came back normal. Enjoy that little beauty!
Zoe is so precious! I love the photo. I'm glad her test came back normal, that was definitely a stress you didn't need right now!
BF is so hard in the beginning. It all falls together after a few weeks. I'm really glad you're seeing a LC, that was the best thing for me. It really helped give me confidence that things were going well, and I needed the time she gave me vs. a 15 minute appointment at the pedi office. Anyway, definitely let us know if you have any questions!
Get some rest and enjoy your beautiful baby girl!
Congratulations! Zoe is absolutely beautiful!!!
Good for you for keeping up with BFing -- those first few weeks can be so difficult and feel so long, but it does get so much easier with time and practice. You will get there!
Catching up on sports news...
Good to hear from you! Zoe is so beautiful. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with BF. We had similar issues with Ella (jaundice, little sucking, etc). It's good you're see a LC though they should be able to help and as Zoe gets older it will get easier. I remember feeding in the middle of the night stripping her down, Nick stroking her feet and me stroking her ear to help her along! It's such hard, but so rewarding! We're all here for you. Oh - and I'm glad you're recovering well.
Thanks for sharing your story and checking in - Love that pic!
Hope all continues to improve on BFing. I have nothing to offer in that area just yet.
Love the picture! I always love seeing those first shots with mom and baby, it is so emotional and you can see the sheer joy and elation, love it
BF does get better! If you can stick it out, it is an amazing thing. All these recent weaners aren't sad for no reason, it is really wonderful even through the trials. Just take it one day at a time! We are always here, of course, as everyone else said.
Hang in there, my dear. The good news is that you know what the problem is and you can work on fixing it. Let me know if there is anything you need! Even if it's just some Gelato
)
Don't tease about gelato!?
Honey - the one reward for this very tiring day was the Cookout shake I got on the way home. Don't get me wrong, it was "rewarding" to play in the pool with my son and his friend and blah-blah-blah. But peanut-butter fudge shake!