Please help me.
So we are adopting a baby girl who is about 9 months old. She has never been nursed, but has a huge need to suck. She is lethargic all day and restless all night (at least the days I have been around her). We go back for our court date in late October!
I've noted a few things with us (both of us). 1. She is a harder baby for me to feel bonded with. She is really clingy but also very demanding. I am having personal issues feeling bonded to her (to be honest). 2. She is a horrible sleeper. I don't do good co-sleeping, but in my gut I think it is what she needs to feel safe at night. So I am willing to try it. But I fear her falling off the bed because she is so restless. 3. I think we both need to go back to being a newborn and mother together to help us both feel right about each other. I want to give her the grace and nurturing she deserves and I think that is the most natural way to do it.
Also, nursing is a big deal to me. I think I did a good job of "bottle nursing" her, snuggling in close, having her face me, and making it like a nursing experience. I might even put a blanket up over her next time. I think she will like that.
But I am considering trying to breast feed or soother her at night or other times.
I wanted to, but felt sort of weird about it... for one she has some sores in her mouth... and I am concerned about that... It might be herpes or something less concerning, but I need have that checked. It is like a popped blister on her tongue.
Also, I get all nervous trying to introduce nursing... how should I do that... just pop her on?
Also, I am not interested in doing the whole relactation thing. I don't pump well at all, my milk gets a weird taste after only hours in the fridge or freezer and I don't think I will do well on meds that mess with my hormones... that could get really ugly for me.
But when I express (even now) I always get some drops of whitish liquid... perhaps I will jsut produce again or satisfy her need for soothing...
thoughts? Ideas?
I might also consider a suplimenter... ideas about that?
