Another update..!

JulyMomma2U2 · August 2013

So, things have been going so much better since switching over to bottle feeding. DS2 is actually acting like a real newborn! Eating, sleeping and pooping! He's taking ~4oz per feeding and is eating every 2.5-4 hours. I'm not positive on his weight (will check at our 7am feeding), but I think he's around 7lbs6oz now.. which means in like 3 days he's gained 6oz! Most of all.. he's just.. happier.. content.. his belly isn't growling.. he isn't acting like he's starving, etc. I've continued to keep dairy out of my diet (and have been pumping when I find the time) and we're supplementing with Isomil (soy) and that's helped him tremendously. Also, I found a preemie size nipple to go with my bottles and he seems to do so much better with that.. I guess the flow of BM was much slower, so using the preemie nipple is a more comparable transition -- at least he's spitting up a lot less. I'm doing ~ 1/3 BM to Formula ratio.. I could do more, but I want to keep BM in his diet for as long as possible, so I'm using a little less in hopes that I'll eventually be able to start freezing some to use once I dry up. Right now I'm still getting around 3oz per pump session.. and, I also still have the fenugreek I purchased last week, so if I notice a dip in my pumping, I can always try taking some fenugreek and see if that will boost me.. I took it for 2 or 3 days while nursing, but didn't notice much of a difference.

Anyway, overall, things are going much more smoothly here. I've tried putting him back to the breast 1-2x a day.. usually for "hold me over" or "top me off" type feeds.. where I know he's already got close to a full belly, so he's not going to be looking for a whole lot from me.. I definitely think our issue had a lot to do with his suck.. he doesn't "suck" as much as he bites, if that makes sense.. I have an appointment on Thursday of next week for his 1 month where I can talk about this some more with the pedi. Also, I might contact an LC (again!) after he's a month and see if we can start working on his nursing skills to improve.. if not, I'm okay with that, too.. at least I know he's still getting my BM.. at least 12oz a day are coming from me, and I'm also seeing him starting to thrive.. that is what was most important.. seeing him look more "healthy".. not so scrawny.. not constantly screaming in hunger.. I feel better knowing he has a full belly.. and, clearly so does he.

Thanks for all the help/support over the past few weeks!!! I always thought our biggest BFing challenge would be me getting over "the pain".. I really wasn't prepared for the "baby not gaining weight" scenario! Big hugs to all ya'll

Updated!! He weighed 7lbs 9.5oz!!!! Yay!!!

Mmm79 · August 2013

So happy to see this update! I have been catching upon the board and was reading about your struggles. Poor mama and baby! But that weight gain sounds great and you seem to have found a balance that works for you.

FmrAFBrat · August 2013

I'm so happy you found a balance that works. Sometimes it's not all one way or another. I hope it continues to go well.

orangegoggles · August 2013

Yay! So happy to read this! I'm glad you came up with a plan that works for you. You sound a lot less stressed and at peace with your decision. I hope you see some awesome weight gain!