Just finished DS's two week appt. Totally draining. First, the circumcision - which is so hard to put LO through, even though I know it's not that bad.
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
Not sure specifically what nursing issues you are dealing with so this may not work with your situation but one thing that came to mind was getting your DH involved in helping you nurse and increase supply. Could be tasked with waiting in you with drinks and snacks, and entertainment while you have a nursing lie in with LO. Spend a few days in bed, just nursing in demand as your LO will nurse both to build supply and help with weight gain. This is the only thing that worked for me to build supply with DS1. Your husband could be a big help if you tried something like this and them it might feel like more of a team effort. And he might be more understandings if you still need to supplement because he'll understand how hard it is.
So happy to see this advice and so much bf support on these boards. I think some pediatricians jump to formula as soon as there are any issues. Speak with a lactation consultant and absolutely get your DH involved. If he's anything like mine he feels a little left out and will jump at any opportunity to be really helpful.
Thanks! Yes, I totally appreciate the support. Definitely plan to see an LC at our Ped appt. next week. But we have houseguests staying until then which has made it really hard to dedicate the time needed to extra feeding and pumping. So that's why a temporary fix to ensure DS is getting what he needs kinda feels like a little weight off my shoulders.
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)
Baby acne? Leave it alone right, there's nothing that can be done to help it along?
Anyone else have a huge chunk? Born 2 weeks early. 7lbs 3oz at birth. Over 11lbs at 21 days. He looks like he could eat other newborns. I am really small. People are having fun teasing me but its making me a bit uncomfortable as people are basically discussing my boobs and milk. He does nurse constantly and I feed on demand but this kid is ridiculous. Breastfeeding is very painful for me (not the act of nursing but my chest was horribly painful throughout the year I nursed DS1) so I should probably approach this with pride rather than feeling sheepish. But I am a little embarrassed!
@henrytviii thank you. That made me feel a lot better. He is eating- every day he seems to get better with that. His doctor doesn't seem worried and did tell me to enjoy the time but I couldn't help but be nervous. I myself am a deep sleeper so he must take after me.
I'm just at the end of our first full day with LO. She is nursing like a champ BUT holy cannoli- it hurts when she latches, hurts a bit, then evens out. The "latching" pain was worse tonight, which I expected, but I looked at DH & said, "I am REALLY going to need your help and encouragement especially to get through these first few weeks figuring this out. It's gonna be tough." So happy to come on here tonight & read I have the support I need! Love it!
Also, at nurse switch- I got one that came in & talked me through some pain management techniques on top of the pain meds (cause they weren't enough) & sitz bath & hot shower on back! Yay!
Baby acne? Leave it alone right, there's nothing that can be done to help it along?
Anyone else have a huge chunk? Born 2 weeks early. 7lbs 3oz at birth. Over 11lbs at 21 days. He looks like he could eat other newborns. I am really small. People are having fun teasing me but its making me a bit uncomfortable as people are basically discussing my boobs and milk. He does nurse constantly and I feed on demand but this kid is ridiculous. Breastfeeding is very painful for me (not the act of nursing but my chest was horribly painful throughout the year I nursed DS1) so I should probably approach this with pride rather than feeling sheepish. But I am a little embarrassed!
I don't know her current weight but my LO was 7.9 at 9 days early and always is hungry! She dropped a lot of weight in first 3 days but was back to birth weight before day 14. I'm curious if she stays this hungry or just a growth spurt! Me and DH are smaller people so it was surprising how big she was. Docs said she would have been over 8 if full term - and even early, she got stuck and was a forceps delivery!
I think one of the reasons he's so big is that he got back to birth weight so quickly. 7-3 at birth, 6-9 leaving hospital. Jaundiced and highish % loss in 48 hours so I was instructed to nurse as much as possible for a few days to clear the bilirubin (baby made that easy by wanting to nurse as much as possible). 8-4 at 5 day appointment to check jaundice!
Just had a very unsuccessful bottle experience.... Baby only wants the breast. What nipples/ bottles have been successful for breast fed babies ? Currently tried Medela which DS accepted with no issues.
With my DS1 the only thing that worked were the tommee tippee anti colic bottles. We tried everything and these were the only ones he took.
I'm just at the end of our first full day with LO. She is nursing like a champ BUT holy cannoli- it hurts when she latches, hurts a bit, then evens out. The "latching" pain was worse tonight, which I expected, but I looked at DH & said, "I am REALLY going to need your help and encouragement especially to get through these first few weeks figuring this out. It's gonna be tough." So happy to come on here tonight & read I have the support I need! Love it!
Also, at nurse switch- I got one that came in & talked me through some pain management techniques on top of the pain meds (cause they weren't enough) & sitz bath & hot shower on back! Yay!
If you can, try to get help with the latch asap. I waited too long and now my nipples are so injured, it's taking them a long time to recover. I wish I hadn't just waited for things to get better, and had been more proactive about getting help before things got bad. (Not saying they will get bad for you, but I wish I knew at the beginning that pain wasn't normal.)
@mcknzzee not sure if it was this thread or another, but you asked if The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding would be good for a pumping mom. The index includes many many pages of reference to pumping... But I gotta say, the book is so very pro-breastfeeding that you may dislike that viewpoint of you are pumping. I don't know. I do find it a helpful book, though. Maybe check it out of the library instead of purchasing?
Ok ladies....I'm desperate. Talk me off a ledge this morning. I need some positive stories of having your babies in your arms!!!!!!!
I carry my baby in a Moby wrap, and when I peek down in to kiss him, there is the sweetest baby smell you can imagine.
My mother and MIL are here, and they're great with him, but sometimes he just needs his mama. There is nothing in the world like having your newborn stare at you, and being the only one able to console him. Completely heart melting.
Oh also......... I'm a nerd and made a "breastfeeding" station in the nursery by the recliner with breast pads, nipple cream, burp clothes, my cover, and a few binkies and washclothes. Would anyone recommend me making one for the living room, bedroom or public areas of my house? ........... Is this a must to make life easier?
Oh also......... I'm a nerd and made a "breastfeeding" station in the nursery by the recliner with breast pads, nipple cream, burp clothes, my cover, and a few binkies and washclothes. Would anyone recommend me making one for the living room, bedroom or public areas of my house? ........... Is this a must to make life easier?
I have a station in my bedroom but I also made one on the first floor. I hated going upstairs every time I had my mom go out and get extras of everything bc trying to remember to bring the cream for my nipples down or up was driving me crazy. Also have the two spots for changing diapers as well.
@klkonwi still at hospital, but I made one here for night feelings so it helped me. At home I have a basket in living room (for there & nursery since I'll only be feeding there if we have guest/it's right off LR) & by my bed. & @virginiaunicorn11 thank you! One side seems like normal pain from what she said yesterday, other side HURTS! So I'm gonna check when she stops by today.
Just finished DS's two week appt. Totally draining. First, the circumcision - which is so hard to put LO through, even though I know it's not that bad.
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
Hopefully DH can come around a bit. Formula is not breastmilk, but it's not poison either, and if for some reason you guys need to, or choose to, use it, for your health or sanity, he needs to be supportive of you and the choices you guys make together. Good luck! Whatever happens, baby will be healthy and fed!
@klkonwi don't overthink it. My station is a pillow and something to drink. I hate my boppy.
I am sleep deprived beyond all recognition and I'm still over the moon to look into my daughter's eyes.
This! I am committing to the relaxed approach while breast feeding and it's made a world of difference... With my first I stuck to all the rules and was miserable... This time I am just feeding her when she wants to eat and making do with whatever pillows and supports are in my reach at the time. And I don't wake her just because two hours have passed!
Ok ladies....I'm desperate. Talk me off a ledge this morning. I need some positive stories of having your babies in your arms!!!!!!!
Newborn snuggles are the best! My LO squirms and worms until he finds a comfortable position and then chills there. I can feel so much love between the two of us during those times! Sometimes he will make little noises as he sleeps. They are the cutest noises ever and it always melts my and DH's hears when we hear them!
It's also so cool to see when your LO recognizes you and your voice and calms. It makes me see that he already knows just how important I am in his life... He knows his mama!
Haven't checked in here in a few days! My mom and sister are still visiting and it's been so nice to have their help. My mom keeps LO at night until her 2AM feeding, which guarantees me and DH around 2-3 hours of sleep. She's also been keeping the apartment in shape for us... basically I feel super duper spoiled with her here! I'm going to be so sad when they leave on Friday but I'm grateful that they've been able to be with us all week.
Breastfeeding is continuing to improve for us. I'm trying to get my oversupply of milk under control and I've been mainly just feeding LO on one side for each feeding, rather than doing both sides for each feeding. It seems to be working! STM+ who've breastfed - at some point, my nipples will stop being sore, right? Or is this just something that I'll be dealing with for as long as I'm breastfeeding? I don't feel the pain as she latches on that I did when her latch was off, but I'm definitely still sore just from the constant sucking.
Major accomplishment today!! Went to the embassy to get my boy's passport and report of an American birth abroad. Soooo much paperwork and the consulate is 45 minutes away by public transport. Appointment was at 8:30 am, and it was the only window if we wanted to keep our flights home at the end of July.
1) DS was a little angel, never cried and actually opened his eyes when needed for his passport photos! 2) DH and I nailed the paperwork 3) I fed the baby at the consulate, and both LO and I were able to be chill about it
@klkonwi don't overthink it. My station is a pillow and something to drink. I hate my boppy.
I am sleep deprived beyond all recognition and I'm still over the moon to look into my daughter's eyes.
This! I am committing to the relaxed approach while breast feeding and it's made a world of difference... With my first I stuck to all the rules and was miserable... This time I am just feeding her when she wants to eat and making do with whatever pillows and supports are in my reach at the time. And I don't wake her just because two hours have passed!
I've been taking a relaxed approach too. I was miserable as well with my first sticking to the rules and tracking every feeding/ diaper change. It's so much better this time around and less stressful. I was thinking of having stations but I have a little diaper/ breastfeeding caddy that I carry around with me. I didn't like the idea of having to replenish the stations if I run out of stuff it seems like more work. So the caddy is more efficient for me. I don't have too much in there. A few diapers, wipes, burp cloths, diaper rash cream and nipple butter.
Ok ladies....I'm desperate. Talk me off a ledge this morning. I need some positive stories of having your babies in your arms!!!!!!!
Whenever I'm tired, cranky and feeling overwhelmed watching my LO's fluttery smiles in his sleep makes everything better! Oh and he does this cute little sigh after he sneezes. Every. Single. Time. And the little baby coos whenever he looks at me, I can't get enough! I'm so in love!
My little guy only poops when he is eating?? 15 mins of nursing, poo, change diaper, nurse again. It makes nursing an hour (+) deal.
I'm also holding him on my chest for the first time without him trying to scramble for boob. Snuggles >:D<
Mine only poops right after a diaper change! I get the clean one on, pick him up, and he lets it loose!
I haven't posted in forever. I literally fall asleep with my phone in my hand. Our LO has jaundice so we've been back and forth checking his bilirubin level. His pedi recommended formula for 24 hours. I cried because BFing is going well for us, and I was worried he would stop latching. He didn't thank goodness. Anyway, hoping his count is down today!
My engorgement is starting to settle and LO is getting better at feeding, which meant I finally managed to get my breasts feeling like they did prebirth. Well, only one at a time post feeds, and they blew up pretty quickly again, so I spent the day with one soft normal brrast and one implantgonewrong-like breast, alternating throughout the day. Still felt pretty damn awesome!
I'm very very biased, but I really think I have such a beautiful little son. He's changing everyday, but I think that my favourite part of him is his eyes. They're so bright and expressive and he just has this way of looking up at you that makes me melt. At the moment they're dark grey, I wonder if they'll turn brown like his dad's though.
First day without DH going ok. Got a shower, ate both breakfast and lunch. She slept pretty well most of the day until 1 pm, when she then had 90 minutes straight of fussiness, eating like a horse, gas pains and poops. Like, kicks herself in her own poop so it's up and down her leg. Sigh. I am a little concerned at how runny her poop is. Not sure if should call the doc. No fever from what I can tell.
We also did get a walk in, after one false start - I put her in the car seat (that attaches to the stroller) and she projectile spits up. Neat. Take her out. Calm her down. After another 45 min, we try again. She spits up again, I say screw it. We have a nice short 30 minute walk, and now she's snoozin' in her car seat on the ground in our living room. DH gets home in roughly 2 hours, hooray!
@dancegurl1118 sorry to hear it, hopefully he tired himself out by now! I wonder what makes them sleepy... or not... at a given time.
First day without DH going ok. Got a shower, ate both breakfast and lunch. She slept pretty well most of the day until 1 pm, when she then had 90 minutes straight of fussiness, eating like a horse, gas pains and poops. Like, kicks herself in her own poop so it's up and down her leg. Sigh. I am a little concerned at how runny her poop is. Not sure if should call the doc. No fever from what I can tell.
We also did get a walk in, after one false start - I put her in the car seat (that attaches to the stroller) and she projectile spits up. Neat. Take her out. Calm her down. After another 45 min, we try again. She spits up again, I say screw it. We have a nice short 30 minute walk, and now she's snoozin' in her car seat on the ground in our living room. DH gets home in roughly 2 hours, hooray!
@dancegurl1118 sorry to hear it, hopefully he tired himself out by now! I wonder what makes them sleepy... or not... at a given time.
Day one is the scariest, sounds like you're doing great! Almost done!
Today's definitely tough as the first full day DH is back to work. With LO not sleeping and fussing all day, and I'm stomach sick on top of it (I guess you don't know motherhood until you're breastfeeding on the toilet)...I texted DH telling him to bring me home a snickers bar, I need it!
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's definitely tough as the first full day DH is back to work. With LO not sleeping and fussing all day, and I'm stomach sick on top of it (I guess you don't know motherhood until you're breastfeeding on the toilet)...I texted DH telling him to bring me home a snickers bar, I need it!
I'll be continuing to send good vibes your way today! Everyone is telling the first day is the hardest so tomorrow can only be better for us!
Do we have a breastfeeding trouble thread? If not we should have one I know I like reading it all because for me it's so very painful, cracked nipples and bleeding, reading others that have the same troubles as me gives me hope that it won't last forever lol
@hoodoll82 Sounds exactly like my day! Poor DD was rushing to get her tennis shoes on because I had to take LO on a walk like yesterday. He has been sooo fussy all day and the second we went outside he stopped. I got him back home and he is currently out in his crib! Yay!
@dancegurl1118 Boo on stomach bugs! I can't imagine that right now. I wouldn't be able to handle it! T&Ps that it will stop soon! I hope you get that Snickers! King size
I had a huge day today. I got LO ready to go out on my own while getting myself ready for a job interview. Took him to a very good friends and left him alone for the first time so I could really quick go to the interview ( hated leaving him but did it) and went on a job interview. Big stuff today : ). Let's hope I got the job!!!
Do we have a breastfeeding trouble thread? If not we should have one I know I like reading it all because for me it's so very painful, cracked nipples and bleeding, reading others that have the same troubles as me gives me hope that it won't last forever lol
I think that's a great one, I'll happily start it.
So I'm struggling a bit. My little man drank through what little milk supply I had on hand this morning (I'm a low producer). I pump around the clock but we supplement as needed. My husband usually handles that because in my hormonal state it really affects me. It's the whole "I cant feed my baby" thing. Completely irrational, I know!! Well, I had to make my first bottle of formula today and let me tell you, it was a heck of a lot easier to do than hooking myself up to the "dairy farm machine" and pumping it out! It's been a month of me agonizing over every ml/ounce that I may be done and start the weaning process. I always said that when LO starts catching up to my production that I would stop. I wish I could have produced more and I feel like such a failure that I can't. It's such a psychological/hormonal thing that I can snap myself out of it. Ugh...
@btm013 the worst part is, stress effects milk production so it's a vicious cycle. Don't get down on yourself! You are feeding, and loving your child and a happy mama is a million times better for baby than one that's stressed over every feeding!
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 feel the exact same way. Iike a failure I sat at the pump for 20 min and barely enough to cover the bottom of the bottle. Then he wanted to eat again and I know I had nothing to give him. I cried... Bf is hard with these hormones...
Re: New Moms - Weekly June 13-20 Updates, Issues, Accomplishments
Anyone else have a huge chunk? Born 2 weeks early. 7lbs 3oz at birth. Over 11lbs at 21 days. He looks like he could eat other newborns. I am really small. People are having fun teasing me but its making me a bit uncomfortable as people are basically discussing my boobs and milk. He does nurse constantly and I feed on demand but this kid is ridiculous. Breastfeeding is very painful for me (not the act of nursing but my chest was horribly painful throughout the year I nursed DS1) so I should probably approach this with pride rather than feeling sheepish. But I am a little embarrassed!
So happy to come on here tonight & read I have the support I need! Love it!
Also, at nurse switch- I got one that came in & talked me through some pain management techniques on top of the pain meds (cause they weren't enough) & sitz bath & hot shower on back! Yay!
Good luck! Keep trying!
I need some positive stories of having your babies in your arms!!!!!!!
My mother and MIL are here, and they're great with him, but sometimes he just needs his mama. There is nothing in the world like having your newborn stare at you, and being the only one able to console him. Completely heart melting.
& @virginiaunicorn11 thank you! One side seems like normal pain from what she said yesterday, other side HURTS! So I'm gonna check when she stops by today.
I am sleep deprived beyond all recognition and I'm still over the moon to look into my daughter's eyes.
It's also so cool to see when your LO recognizes you and your voice and calms. It makes me see that he already knows just how important I am in his life... He knows his mama!
1) DS was a little angel, never cried and actually opened his eyes when needed for his passport photos!
2) DH and I nailed the paperwork
3) I fed the baby at the consulate, and both LO and I were able to be chill about it
Feeling quite proud of all three of us :-)
Has slept 30 min since 6 AM. YIKES.
I haven't posted in forever. I literally fall asleep with my phone in my hand. Our LO has jaundice so we've been back and forth checking his bilirubin level. His pedi recommended formula for 24 hours. I cried because BFing is going well for us, and I was worried he would stop latching. He didn't thank goodness. Anyway, hoping his count is down today!
Hang in there ladies!
I'm very very biased, but I really think I have such a beautiful little son. He's changing everyday, but I think that my favourite part of him is his eyes. They're so bright and expressive and he just has this way of looking up at you that makes me melt. At the moment they're dark grey, I wonder if they'll turn brown like his dad's though.
We also did get a walk in, after one false start - I put her in the car seat (that attaches to the stroller) and she projectile spits up. Neat. Take her out. Calm her down. After another 45 min, we try again. She spits up again, I say screw it. We have a nice short 30 minute walk, and now she's snoozin' in her car seat on the ground in our living room. DH gets home in roughly 2 hours, hooray!
@dancegurl1118 sorry to hear it, hopefully he tired himself out by now! I wonder what makes them sleepy... or not... at a given time.
Sounds exactly like my day! Poor DD was rushing to get her tennis shoes on because I had to take LO on a walk like yesterday. He has been sooo fussy all day and the second we went outside he stopped. I got him back home and he is currently out in his crib! Yay!
Boo on stomach bugs! I can't imagine that right now. I wouldn't be able to handle it! T&Ps that it will stop soon! I hope you get that Snickers! King size