Last night was rough! LO was so fussy for 3 + hours straight; DH and I tried everything- swaddling, skin to skin, white noise, swing, walking around the house with him. We finally did a 2 am car ride and got him to sleep but it took a while and he was fighting falling asleep for a good portion of the ride. Today he is fine and totally chill. I hope I can get a nap in today!
On a positive note we went to our BFing class this morning and LO gained 10 oz this week so he is almost 6 lbs! It is still a 2 person job to feed him- I need someone to hold his hands back while he latches but it's nice to see that he is progressing!
Good luck everyone! Hope you are having a good start to your week!
Is anyone else having the issue of their little one sleeping in their own bed? Every time I lay DS down, especially at night, he screams. The only way I can get him to sleep and stay asleep is if he sleeps on my chest. I know it's a horrible habit but does anyone have advice?
The same thing happens with my LO. I can get him to sleep in the swing and bassinet during the day but at night he needs to be skin to skin with DH or me. We have tried swaddling but his hands break through even the nurses' swaddles. We tried the swaddles too but his hands break free and it's not safe to leave him in it over night if it's loose from breaking free. We have tried different sounds but those only calm if he is in our arms or going for a car ride and fussy.
I really don't have a good answer on how to address this because the literature seems to be contradicting depending on what you read and what philosophy you follow. So at this point I am taking pieces that work for my LO from the different philosophies out there. So in this case I am viewing this as part of the 4th trimester in that he is adjusting to life outside the womb and may need more cuddles in the evening.
Yes, same here. Spent a couple loooong, draining nights trying to break the habit and it was total failure,so we threw in the towel and went back to sleeping on mom - and the 7 hours (not consecutive) sleep I got last night was well worth it!
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
@esampson1983 awesome weight gain!! That's such good news! I giggled imagining the hands on LO because it is a constant battle (only on the R side?) to keep her hands back!
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Today DD turned 2 weeks, and I also COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF MY MILK. Wtf. I've been pulling 8-10 oz per 30 min pump and now I'm lucky to get .5 oz in an hour. 100% out of the blue. It began in the middle of the night last night, it started as supplementing formula for the first time. First it was 80% BM, then the next feeding was 70%, then 50%, and now it's just gone. Half an ounce? Seriously? So we've been on 100% formula since 10 a.m.. It's been 14 hours since my last pump and I don't even feel engorged, whereas yesterday, within two hours I had to pump or the pain was so bad I'd tear up. I don't know what to do.
And in addition, I'm feeling really guilty about the fact that I'm kindof enjoying FF for the moment. It's really easy... I want to give BM only for as long as possible, but WOW is it way easier. I'm struggling, ladies.
Is it too early for me to be ovulating? Or maybe PP hormones dropping off? I know milk supply regulates and the extra production slows down, but it's not like I've lost extra. I flat out do not have enough to give more than 1/5 of a bottle. :-<
If you are FF and not pumping while she's taking a bottle, you are essentially telling your body baby doesn't need that milk. There could be numerous reasons for halted production. It could be from something as simple as flange size either being too big or too small, not massaging your breasts while you pump, etc. I strongly believe baby is more effecient at removing milk. I don't know your reasons for pumping, but IMHO I would put baby to the breast while calm for a quick session as often as possible, if possible. While baby is eating from bottle you should be pumping so you aren't telling your body to skip that feeding. Exclusive pumping is very hard work. It is so easy to just throw in the towel, but If it's something you are really dedicated to doing, your supply can be brought back up. I would consider a board certified lactation consultant. Just my two cents!!
^^^^^ yes put babe back on breast a couple times a day. The natural hormone will help your milk supply better than pumping. Also up your water intake 3-4 liters a day
@esampson1983 awesome weight gain!! That's such good news! I giggled imagining the hands on LO because it is a constant battle (only on the R side?) to keep her hands back!
Have you guys tried feeding your babies while swaddled? Feels a bit like nursing a straightjacketed babe but I did this with DS1 quite a bit. This time I tuck the lower arm into my armpit and hold back the upper arm. Nursing thankfully is like riding a bike, easier the second time around because you don't forget how! It will get easier and the days when nursing is a team project will pass!
For those dealing with supply issues demand feeding your LO as often as they are willing is my only piece of advice. And enhance that with periods of just lying around in bed, skin to skin, letting them nurse freely. If you are pumping I believe you have to replace this with power pumping (look up for more information) which seems challenging when carrying for a newborn. I'd second the idea of getting them back directly on the breast to stimulate your natural hormones and milk production but I imagine this conflicts with your reasons to EP. Definitely contact a LC right away while there's still a good chance of getting supply back.
Today DD turned 2 weeks, and I also COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF MY MILK. Wtf. I've been pulling 8-10 oz per 30 min pump and now I'm lucky to get .5 oz in an hour. 100% out of the blue. It began in the middle of the night last night, it started as supplementing formula for the first time. First it was 80% BM, then the next feeding was 70%, then 50%, and now it's just gone. Half an ounce? Seriously? So we've been on 100% formula since 10 a.m.. It's been 14 hours since my last pump and I don't even feel engorged, whereas yesterday, within two hours I had to pump or the pain was so bad I'd tear up. I don't know what to do.
And in addition, I'm feeling really guilty about the fact that I'm kindof enjoying FF for the moment. It's really easy... I want to give BM only for as long as possible, but WOW is it way easier. I'm struggling, ladies.
Is it too early for me to be ovulating? Or maybe PP hormones dropping off? I know milk supply regulates and the extra production slows down, but it's not like I've lost extra. I flat out do not have enough to give more than 1/5 of a bottle. :-<
This happened to me too! I was EP for my twins for 3 weeks every 2 hours and it was exhausting. Once my nipples became so sore and my supply dropped I just gave into formula. I feel so much better and I'm not draining myself. I had high hope to BF longer but I know this sounds bad but it was so time consuming that it seemed impossible for us. Babies are doing great with FF and I feel an ounce more sane just do what you can and don't be so hard on yourself.
@henrytviii I wish! She falls asleep within a few minutes and our constant battle is keeping her awake (she does meaningful non-comfort sucks with swallows just at a much slower pace). If she has any cloth on her it's lights out. I can't even cover us with a light blanket. This is with burping, diaper changes, and stimulation throughout feeding.
EtA: thank you for all your advice, it's great and encouraging!
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
I'm 4 days postpartum, and since LO and I were doing so well after delivery, we were able to leave the hospital after 28 hours. We got home on Friday late afternoon, and on Saturday, I found myself with the chills, and a headache. I just couldn't get warm. I went to bed with socks, sweats, a hoody...it's in the 80s here. So I woke up around 2am, took some ibuprofen, went back to sleep and woke up at 4am with LO drenched in sweat. I think it's safe to say I had a fever.
Anyway, now we are on day 2 and I still can't seem to shake the headache and chills. Is this all due to my milk coming in? Just trying to see if anyone else has experienced this.
I'm so sorry to hear about some supply issues some of you are facing. PP gave some good advice! It's not to late to get it back. There's usually an influx of milk in the beginning and it tapers off after a while. Keep pumping even if nothing comes out. Applying heat sometimes help too. You can use a warm washcloth on your breasts, do some masaging and then pump or nurse.
Right now I am so glad DH is on a break. Between him and my mom to help out I've been able to get some good sleep the past couple days. I also co sleep so my LO sleeps on top of me or I'll do the side lying nursing thing and we'll both drift off to sleep. I'm not too worried about sleep training yet. He's a preemie and I want to give him all the snuggles and cuddles I can.
My main concern nowadays is the balancing act between my toddler and the baby. Since bringing the baby home DS1 has been acting up and seeking attention more than usual. So I try to comfort him, spend some one on one time together and let him hang out with the baby. It's been about 3 weeks since we've brought the LO home and the toddlers been slowly but surely adjusting to the changes. However, with my time being split (laundry, pumping, cleaning, cooking,etc) I'm not giving enough quality time to either kid. Maybe I'm still hormonal but I'm feeling some mom guilt. The preemie newborn needs so much attention yet the toddler demands it! Since he's been acting up there are times when only I can console him. While I appreciate being the toddler whisperer, it's taking a toll on me and I end up feeling like I'm not doing enough for both kids. Right now I have some help but there will come a time when it's just me and my little boys. Those of you that have 2 or more kids, how do you do it?
(ETA I was trying to section my post into coherent paragraphs but this damn app won't let me! Argh!!!)
@CillyMama I would say from the sounds of it you are doing a great job! All I did was sit down with my oldest son and explain to him that he's a big boy and he can do a lot of big boy things the baby cannot do, (Use the potty by himself, feed himself, etc) and mommy needed his help sometimes which included being on his best behavior because he was older and though mommy would always love him, the baby needed my attention more often than he did. Involving him where I could to help with the baby was my way of including him. I also had a csection and honestly needed his help. He alternated days at a learning center and days home with me. He was also 4 when I had DS2, but he understood that just because he wanted my attention right away sometimes, he couldn't always have it. I tried my best to stifle my guilt and he was still disciplined if he acted out simply because he knows how to manipulate me. That is the last thing I needed with a newborn and no one to help during the day.
I'm hoping DS2 will cope with DD well when she arrives. I will have help this time, though I can resonate with you, it's not easy!
I'm 4 days postpartum, and since LO and I were doing so well after delivery, we were able to leave the hospital after 28 hours. We got home on Friday late afternoon, and on Saturday, I found myself with the chills, and a headache. I just couldn't get warm. I went to bed with socks, sweats, a hoody...it's in the 80s here. So I woke up around 2am, took some ibuprofen, went back to sleep and woke up at 4am with LO drenched in sweat. I think it's safe to say I had a fever.
Anyway, now we are on day 2 and I still can't seem to shake the headache and chills. Is this all due to my milk coming in? Just trying to see if anyone else has experienced this.
This is happening to me and and im 3 weeks PP. I still have the night sweats and chills. I called my doctor and she said it is normal and it is just due to hormones. She suggested to keep drinking lots of water which I'm sure your doing of your BF. I was even sweating in between the back of my knees!
Also no one ever told me about the cramps Id have during breast feeding! Sweet Jesus. They are calming down a lot already but wow at first it was hell
Uh, ya….OMG. That was the worst part for me after DD….for like a week, I would cry and double over several times per day because of the cramps/contractions/whatever the heck was going on inside me! Going to try a girdle-type thing this time to see if it helps, or just make sure I'm taking ibuprofen around the clock. Yikes!
A few nurses mentioned to me that the # 1 cause of a fever after child birth is due to Mastitis (blocked milk duct) which often requires antibiotics, so you may want to talk to your doctor about that.
Thanks everyone for your advice. I've just given in and let him sleep on my chest. I was BF him and I'm pretty sure he's not getting enough. He was on the breast for about 2 hours and just kept crying every time I thought he was finished. I gave in and supplemented and he took 2oz. I am getting so frustrated with breast feeding I'm considering switching to formula.
Just went on our first walk with LO. I thought we'd have to turn back early because of him but no, DH had an emergency bathroom attack lol. I think we walked about 10 blocks total..... I guess it's start!
@btm013 i'm feeding the orange tub of similac. The gas and fussiness one.
Thanks for all the advice guys, but it seems it may not be needed thankfully! My supply has gone almost back to normal today and I and her pediatrician think I just let myself go too far. I've been too focused on her to adequately take care of myself. I got some good meals in me and a lot of water, and things seem to be going back to normal!
And for those who were curious, I exclusively pump because LO just never really took to actual BF. She was very small at birth, I have small slightly inverted nipples, and had to use a nipple shield. I'm not ashamed to say that I had no "magical experience" with BF and found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth. Bottle feeding 100% BM was the best of both worlds to me, and I honestly don't see any use in stressing myself and her out by trying to keep her on the breast. Kudos to those of you who don't use the bottle; it's definitely not easy.
And update; LO had her 2 week appointment today and is growing like a weed! She was born 5 lbs 14 oz, left the hospital at 5 lbs 12 oz, was the same at her two day appointment, and now on (basically) EBM, she is 7 lbs even, and grew an entire inch. This is amazing news for us after being induced for IGUR. I'm so proud that my body was able to do exactly what it was meant to do with the induction. Over the moon today!
I need to get LO up 3 0z by Thursday or I need to do some sort of supplementing. That doesn't make Feedings stressful at all. Think we will be alright as all was going well now but paying consultant to come out today to make sure. I am tired to as lost all my nap times with dr appnt and other tasks.
I thought I would share this since I know some of you said LO would only sleep on you. It's a co-sleeping article from an anthropologist's perspective.
Just my 2 cents, you can't start bad habits in a 2 week old. Do what you need to and get some rest. I will absolutely be napping with LO on my chest when she arrives. Good luck mamas!
@Sammy K I agree. I always say you don't see any 16 year olds napping with mom or needing to rocked to sleep. The only thing it makes challenging is getting anything else done! I say this with mine napping on my chest...but mostly she naps in her pack n play I just didn't want to give up the cuddles this AM.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
@btm013 i'm feeding the orange tub of similac. The gas and fussiness one.
Thanks for all the advice guys, but it seems it may not be needed thankfully! My supply has gone almost back to normal today and I and her pediatrician think I just let myself go too far. I've been too focused on her to adequately take care of myself. I got some good meals in me and a lot of water, and things seem to be going back to normal!
And for those who were curious, I exclusively pump because LO just never really took to actual BF. She was very small at birth, I have small slightly inverted nipples, and had to use a nipple shield. I'm not ashamed to say that I had no "magical experience" with BF and found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth. Bottle feeding 100% BM was the best of both worlds to me, and I honestly don't see any use in stressing myself and her out by trying to keep her on the breast. Kudos to those of you who don't use the bottle; it's definitely not easy.
And update; LO had her 2 week appointment today and is growing like a weed! She was born 5 lbs 14 oz, left the hospital at 5 lbs 12 oz, was the same at her two day appointment, and now on (basically) EBM, she is 7 lbs even, and grew an entire inch. This is amazing news for us after being induced for IGUR. I'm so proud that my body was able to do exactly what it was meant to do with the induction. Over the moon today!
I'm exclusively pumping also. BF wasn't happening in the hospital. I tried several times, but my nipples are flat and short, but he also has a smaller mouth and I have large nipples. We tried shells, but it still wasn't happening. It definitely wasn't worth the stress on both myself and LO, and the bruising was horrible.
The bright side to bottle feeding is DH can help with feedings which he loves to do.
Good and bad to report today... good: we went to the pediatrician yesterday for a follow up on DD's weight. She has gained 9oz since Thursday, putting her at 8lb5oz. She is officially past her birth weight! LC approved my plan to pump and bottle feed at night and nurse during the day. Very happy with how this appointment turned out!
Bad: last night didn't go as well as previous nights. DD still is sleeping well, only waking up for bottles and diaper changes, but last night that meant waking up for a 2AM feeding and a 3AM diaper change. Thankfully I'm getting better at soothing her so she went back to sleep pretty quickly. Unfortunately, DH slept through her 4:30/5AM feeding, which was supposed to be his turn. We think she did too because her crying usually wakes us both up and she was still fast asleep when we woke up at 830AM, but still... poor baby went 6.5 hours without eating! Pediatrician says she'll be fine, she's not fussy at all and was content with 3oz instead of the usual 2. I'm still annoyed with DH though. I'm trying not to be since he's seriously been amazing and this is the one thing he's slacked on but still... baby eating is pretty important!
We also were just informed that his mom and sister most likely are not going to be coming out to help as planned. His brother has a cold and his mom thinks she's getting it. Even if she's not, they've been around him and exposing a newborn to those germs is basically asking for her to get sick. So starting tomorrow, I'm on my own with DD while DH is at work until my mom comes out on June 22. Again, I'm trying not to be annoyed with the in-laws since it's totally not their fault, but there's a part of me that is just like, "this is SO typical!"
Ugh. I guess I'm just in a bitchy mood today. All I can really do is appreciate DH's last day off before I'm on my own!
ETA: Also, I've been struggling with... not exactly body hate (that term seems too strong, to me), but general body dislike postpartum. I guess I should've expected this to some extent, but the aversion I feel every time I look in the mirror and see my stomach or saggy boobs is definitely more than I had anticipated. I also am not really accustomed to my clothes not fitting right and I'm having a hard time dealing with that, too. Trying to remind myself to be kind to myself since I only just had a baby eight days ago, but it's been easier said than done! My main method of coping with this so far has been to just keep repeating to myself, "9 months to put the weight on, 9 months to take it off." It hasn't totally made me okay with all the changes to my body, but it's helping a little bit. Anyone else have strategies for dealing with not feeling comfortable in your skin postpartum?
@kkdb14 & @SweetnessG I also exclusively pump for different reasons, she gets too tired trying to take the boob and with a slight heart problem the dr was more concerned with her eating then feeding. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty its hard work pumping and then feeding your l/o. And your baby is getting good nutrition.
Holy crap the baby ktan just changed my life. Not having to carry that stupid car seat insert was the most liberating feeling ever. And getting ready to leave the house and brushing my teeth all with a content baby....AHHHHHH
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
I'm not ashamed to say that I had no "magical experience" with BF and found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth. Bottle feeding 100% BM was the best of both worlds to me, and I honestly don't see any use in stressing myself and her out by trying to keep her on the breast. Kudos to those of you who don't use the bottle; it's definitely not easy.
THIS! I really wish I enjoyed it b/c the downfall is washing all the bottles!
@btm013@kkdb14 I've told everyone I talk to..I can see why people stop breastfeeding. It is freaking hard. I have a ton of resources and support and it's still really hard. I know I know, it gets easier. But these first few weeks in addition to all the other changes as a FTM, it is really a challenge. I do really like it though so that keeps me going.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Holy crap the baby ktan just changed my life. Not having to carry that stupid car seat insert was the most liberating feeling ever. And getting ready to leave the house and brushing my teeth all with a content baby....AHHHHHH
Yes! I was going to post the same thing - started using mine this weekend and love it! DS fusses a little then falls right to sleep.
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
Holy crap the baby ktan just changed my life. Not having to carry that stupid car seat insert was the most liberating feeling ever. And getting ready to leave the house and brushing my teeth all with a content baby....AHHHHHH
Yes! I was going to post the same thing - started using mine this weekend and love it! DS fusses a little then falls right to sleep.
I LOVE the baby ktan!!! So much easier to use than the Moby and great for skin to skin.
@karaelaine1991 sorry about your in laws. It's probably for the best but still annoying since you were counting on them. I'm sure you'll do fine when DH goes back to work. Which is easier said than done because I have yet to find out how I'd handle a newborn and a toddler on my own.
I also know what you mean about the postpartum weight. I have days where I just want to get rid of that "shelf" above my csection scar. I didn't lose all the weight after having my first. I was still wearing a few of my maternity clothes for about a year after and when I got pregnant with my second, I was like "oh well!" Anyway the way I see it is that I have a little extra cushion for my LO's whenever I hold them and cuddle. I also see my scars like they're battle scars. In a good way 'cause I grew two humans in my body and my stretch marks are like tiger stripes.
Took my first outing solo with LO today. He did perfect! Slept the whole time and I even got to make a bonus stop at Target! Woo hoo! The hard part was hauling purse, diaper bag (Awesome JuJu backpack with anchors and stripes on it-I love it!!!), and car seat in everywhere I went. I got home and was exhausted. I may need to look into a ktan!!! BFing is getting better and better every day. I don't think I could survive without my cooling gel pads though. They make all the pain go away!
I am so much in love with this little girl, she's likes to nurse on the left side, it's more comfortable for the bother of us, so we will be working on the right before I leave the hospital
Hello moms! My LO was just born Saturday so this is my first post on your threads, It's been really encouraging reading through these posts today.. I am struggling to get the hang of breastfeeding too, I actually took baby to the pediatrician twice yesterday because I was scared she wasn't peeing enough and they had us supplement formula for the day, I'm hoping she won't need that anymore after her weight check tomorrow.
I've been feeling pretty weepy which I know is normal but still disappointing and I'm a little nervous because her daddy goes back to work tomorrow so it will just be us, I'm still really swollen and in lots of pain so I'm not looking forward to having to do it all alone! I'm also nervous for him going back to work because he drives a lot and baby is nocturnal, he's going to be exhausted behind the wheel.
Are you guys swaddling at night? Our LO loves her hands so I was thinking of just going right to the sleep sack instead of swaddle but I have really intense anxiety about SIDS, not sure which is a better option!
Anyway I hope everyone is having a wonderful day with your babies, looking forward to joining in the conversation!
LO had her 2nd hepatitis B vaccine today at 5 weeks. She has slept constantly since her shot. I had to wake her up to feed her which we haven't had to do in weeks. Any moms have this experience?
LO had her 2nd hepatitis B vaccine today at 5 weeks. She has slept constantly since her shot. I had to wake her up to feed her which we haven't had to do in weeks. Any moms have this experience?
I did with my first after his shots but he's always been a sleepy eater. As long as there's no fever I think your LO will be fine.
Hey ladies just a PSA : I ended up getting unexpected minor surgery on Monday night because my placenta didn't come out all the way at birth. Sometimes a little piece detaches and sticks and the doc can't tell. After 8 days of diminishing blood (lochia) I had a ton of blood clots and gushing blood plus bad period-level cramps. Went to the hospital - had to take LO and poor DH on no sleep - and they put me under and basically did a "dilation and extraction" to suck out the remaining placenta and blood. It was pretty scary even though a minor procedure.
On possibly a positive note, my lactation consultant says that might be why my milk production sucks - my body still thought I was pregnant! So now I'm pumping every 3 hours with fingers crossed. Giving it until Friday to decide if this will work or if we are officially calling it off and going with formula only. So many issues these past 10 days that establishing breastfeeding was very difficult.
I haven't been very active on the board for awhile, as I'm still getting the hang of things with my 4 day old. I'm really worried I'm going to get ppd. I'm prone to depression and I'm already starting to feel pretty down. I feel terrible because I haven't felt that connection with my baby yet. I feel like a terrible mom. Whenever she cries I don't feel the maternal instinct to go take care of her, I feel like I don't want to do it and it's just my job. We switched to formula because I couldn't take all the pressure to be the one responsible for feeding her. While that's helping me feel better, I haven't gotten a lot of support from my doctor or her pediatrician. Hopefully this all passes soon.
Re: New Moms - Weekly June 6-13 Updates, Issues, Accomplishments
On a positive note we went to our BFing class this morning and LO gained 10 oz this week so he is almost 6 lbs! It is still a 2 person job to feed him- I need someone to hold his hands back while he latches but it's nice to see that he is progressing!
Good luck everyone! Hope you are having a good start to your week!
If you are FF and not pumping while she's taking a bottle, you are essentially telling your body baby doesn't need that milk. There could be numerous reasons for halted production. It could be from something as simple as flange size either being too big or too small, not massaging your breasts while you pump, etc. I strongly believe baby is more effecient at removing milk. I don't know your reasons for pumping, but IMHO I would put baby to the breast while calm for a quick session as often as possible, if possible. While baby is eating from bottle you should be pumping so you aren't telling your body to skip that feeding. Exclusive pumping is very hard work. It is so easy to just throw in the towel, but If it's something you are really dedicated to doing, your supply can be brought back up. I would consider a board certified lactation consultant.
Just my two cents!!
For those dealing with supply issues demand feeding your LO as often as they are willing is my only piece of advice. And enhance that with periods of just lying around in bed, skin to skin, letting them nurse freely. If you are pumping I believe you have to replace this with power pumping (look up for more information) which seems challenging when carrying for a newborn. I'd second the idea of getting them back directly on the breast to stimulate your natural hormones and milk production but I imagine this conflicts with your reasons to EP. Definitely contact a LC right away while there's still a good chance of getting supply back.
EtA: thank you for all your advice, it's great and encouraging!
Anyway, now we are on day 2 and I still can't seem to shake the headache and chills. Is this all due to my milk coming in? Just trying to see if anyone else has experienced this.
I'm hoping DS2 will cope with DD well when she arrives. I will have help this time, though I can resonate with you, it's not easy!
@kkdb14 I agree with PP about putting baby back to breast. I've also heard that drinking a beer can help with milk supply. Good luck!
She suggested to keep drinking lots of water which I'm sure your doing of your BF. I was even sweating in between the back of my knees!
I was BF him and I'm pretty sure he's not getting enough. He was on the breast for about 2 hours and just kept crying every time I thought he was finished. I gave in and supplemented and he took 2oz. I am getting so frustrated with breast feeding I'm considering switching to formula.
Thanks for all the advice guys, but it seems it may not be needed thankfully! My supply has gone almost back to normal today and I and her pediatrician think I just let myself go too far. I've been too focused on her to adequately take care of myself. I got some good meals in me and a lot of water, and things seem to be going back to normal!
And for those who were curious, I exclusively pump because LO just never really took to actual BF. She was very small at birth, I have small slightly inverted nipples, and had to use a nipple shield. I'm not ashamed to say that I had no "magical experience" with BF and found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth. Bottle feeding 100% BM was the best of both worlds to me, and I honestly don't see any use in stressing myself and her out by trying to keep her on the breast. Kudos to those of you who don't use the bottle; it's definitely not easy.
And update; LO had her 2 week appointment today and is growing like a weed! She was born 5 lbs 14 oz, left the hospital at 5 lbs 12 oz, was the same at her two day appointment, and now on (basically) EBM, she is 7 lbs even, and grew an entire inch. This is amazing news for us after being induced for IGUR. I'm so proud that my body was able to do exactly what it was meant to do with the induction. Over the moon today!
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7119782
Just my 2 cents, you can't start bad habits in a 2 week old. Do what you need to and get some rest. I will absolutely be napping with LO on my chest when she arrives. Good luck mamas!
The bright side to bottle feeding is DH can help with feedings which he loves to do.
I LOVE the baby ktan!!! So much easier to use than the Moby and great for skin to skin.
@karaelaine1991 sorry about your in laws. It's probably for the best but still annoying since you were counting on them. I'm sure you'll do fine when DH goes back to work. Which is easier said than done because I have yet to find out how I'd handle a newborn and a toddler on my own.
I also know what you mean about the postpartum weight. I have days where I just want to get rid of that "shelf" above my csection scar. I didn't lose all the weight after having my first. I was still wearing a few of my maternity clothes for about a year after and when I got pregnant with my second, I was like "oh well!" Anyway the way I see it is that I have a little extra cushion for my LO's whenever I hold them and cuddle. I also see my scars like they're battle scars. In a good way 'cause I grew two humans in my body and my stretch marks are like tiger stripes.
I've been feeling pretty weepy which I know is normal but still disappointing and I'm a little nervous because her daddy goes back to work tomorrow so it will just be us, I'm still really swollen and in lots of pain so I'm not looking forward to having to do it all alone! I'm also nervous for him going back to work because he drives a lot and baby is nocturnal, he's going to be exhausted behind the wheel.
Are you guys swaddling at night? Our LO loves her hands so I was thinking of just going right to the sleep sack instead of swaddle but I have really intense anxiety about SIDS, not sure which is a better option!
Anyway I hope everyone is having a wonderful day with your babies, looking forward to joining in the conversation!
On possibly a positive note, my lactation consultant says that might be why my milk production sucks - my body still thought I was pregnant! So now I'm pumping every 3 hours with fingers crossed. Giving it until Friday to decide if this will work or if we are officially calling it off and going with formula only. So many issues these past 10 days that establishing breastfeeding was very difficult.