Babies: 0 - 3 Months
ChenilleSemple
member
Options
Feeling Deffeated
ChenilleSemple
member
Hello everyone
I just wanted to start a discussion for all those moms that might be feeling overwhelmed or a little stressed. My son was due January 6th and decided to make his debut October 27th. We spent 6 weeks in NICU. While he was in there I felt as all I could contribute was my time and brestmilk. I began to produce wayyy more milk than my son was intaking so my boyfriend told me to stop pumping at night to get some extra sleep. I was going to pick up once we knew when our son was going to be coming home. nearing the end of his stay at NICU we were not informed that he was going to becoming home until the day before. I was only producing 20-40mls per pump by then and was not prepared for baby to come home. But from once I had him till then nothing was as we planned.
Once he came home I had plenty of milk in the freezer but seemed as though I could not produce more that 20-40 mls. I began to become frustrated and am still struggling with my milk supply. It's been so hard trying to accommodate even one good feed for my son. I am supplementing formula; and I am okay with this but I am also sad that I cannot give my son something I know I can produce so much of.
On top of this I keep worrying about daily things as if I am doing all I can for him, offering him the proper things, giving him a chance to self sooth, am I doing what I should, should I do more, am I a good mom?
My boyfriend has been very supportive and behind me 100% but I just want to have some discussion with other moms seeing if they are worrying or possibly wondering anything like this.
I just wanted to start a discussion for all those moms that might be feeling overwhelmed or a little stressed. My son was due January 6th and decided to make his debut October 27th. We spent 6 weeks in NICU. While he was in there I felt as all I could contribute was my time and brestmilk. I began to produce wayyy more milk than my son was intaking so my boyfriend told me to stop pumping at night to get some extra sleep. I was going to pick up once we knew when our son was going to be coming home. nearing the end of his stay at NICU we were not informed that he was going to becoming home until the day before. I was only producing 20-40mls per pump by then and was not prepared for baby to come home. But from once I had him till then nothing was as we planned.
Once he came home I had plenty of milk in the freezer but seemed as though I could not produce more that 20-40 mls. I began to become frustrated and am still struggling with my milk supply. It's been so hard trying to accommodate even one good feed for my son. I am supplementing formula; and I am okay with this but I am also sad that I cannot give my son something I know I can produce so much of.
On top of this I keep worrying about daily things as if I am doing all I can for him, offering him the proper things, giving him a chance to self sooth, am I doing what I should, should I do more, am I a good mom?
My boyfriend has been very supportive and behind me 100% but I just want to have some discussion with other moms seeing if they are worrying or possibly wondering anything like this.
Re: Feeling Deffeated
You might get additional tips in the preemie forum. Preemies are nothing like any other baby. They often CAN'T self soothe because of sensory issues. Some of which you won't realize until later that it is sensory processing disorder! Our preemie had to be rocked to sleep. Had reflux and slept in swing or rock n play. Craved motion & a tight swaddle.
Remember to subtract 6 weeks from his age. You only have a 4 week old. Don't expect too much from him!
How many weeks PP are you? I had severe anxiety after my second child was born and actually had to go talk to someone because I felt like I was going crazy. I eventually got on meds which saved my sanity. With that being said, you are definitely not alone. So many women go through the exact same thing you are (especially the BF'ing struggles) but lots of us don't want to talk about it. It's normal to worry and to stress after having a baby but you have to be the one to determine if it's too much to handle alone.
Hang in there. It gets better. If it doesn't, then talk to someone. Reach out to your PCP or OB for a referral.
As for ways to help your milk- I'd reccomend the book Making More Milk. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/007159857X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452040203&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=making+more+milk
It has a lot of great info! But as long as your little one is fed, you are doing great!!