November 2012 Rockstar Mamas! - Page 7

[onetwoten]

I know some women just won't let down for the pump, since the mechanism is so different from the baby's jaw/tongue. I --have-- let down for a pump before though, I used to be ok pumping when she was little, so I think right now it's mostly my body not being used to it, and supply. I have enough for her. But my body (as it should) produces just enough for her, and since she never goes long without nursing, I haven't found any time when there's actually excess to pump out. So I pump for 10 minutes and get literally just a couple drops. I had one pumping session the other day that felt like I was actually getting a good letdown and should be a nice amount of milk... and then I looked down and there was like 1/3 of an oz. I was like ohhh. Well that's a confidence killer! lol. 

I've never been able to hand express more than a few drops either. You know how women talk about how the baby popped off, and they sprayed across the room? Stuff of myths to me! lol Even when I had a really good supply when she was little, I've never had my milk letdown like that. 

That said, I mean I definitely haven't given up either. I'm going to try a couple of the supplements, upping my water intake, oatmeal, all those things. I'm also going to change out a couple of the fittings in my pump and see if maybe they're just worn. I know I did let down for this pump before though, so I'm trying to stay positive that I can again... I'm just realizing that it's not going to happen in time for me going back to work next week. So in the meantime, I need something to get her through. I guess I'm more looking for something to offer as a 'comfort' item, rather than nutritional, like MW was tlaking about. I'm expecting that she'll pick up her nursing even more while I'm home, plus she'll be eating solids while I'm gone. It's just more something to offer for comfort to help her go to sleep, etc. I don't know if that makes sense? 

I'll have to look into goats milk availability here. 

[onetwoten]

Originally Posted by EuroMama 

Do you have a hospital grade pump?!!?? Do you know a nursing Mom who could pump for you?!!

I personally would be fine to give cows milk at a year old. What is the age recommendation for cows milk? Its been 10 years ago since the oldest started milk and I forgot. lol

I don't, I've just got a manual avent. I used to have an electric pump but I wouldn't let down for it either, so I sold it. If I don't notice a difference with working on supply, then I might look at borrowing a different electric pump. 

The current recommendations are a year (I think it's around 10 months that 'they say' they develop the ability to properly digest the proteins. I don't think milk at all though, other than chocolate milk once a month or something, so I mean I'm not -anxious- for her to start cows milk. It still -feels- a bit early, even though that's not based on research or anything, just mama's feelings. Most formula fed infants though, transition to cows milk at or by 1 year. But I mean... their guts have gone through totally different experiences, as obviously you guys know!

[MarineWife]

I'd keep using the pump, then. Maybe things will pick up after a while. I am one of those women who's milk sprayed everywhere. I still couldn't get more than a few drops when I tried to hand express.

For comfort, I don't know that it would matter what's in her cup/bottle. IDK...I always thought the comfort part comes from sucking and being close/held not from what is being ingested.

[Baby_Cakes]

How is she with a sippy cup?  Is she even going to bother with it?  I say don't stress about it, send water and solids, and keep trying the pump.

When I weaned off the pump when I was working, N was around 13-14 months, and down to just 1 4 oz bottle a day for an 8 hour day.  So I switched that 4 oz of breastmilk to 4 oz of plain fortified soymilk.  At that point she was also having soymilk in her cereal in the morning, and I was ok with it going into her straw sippy cup as well, so it didn't feel weird or like a "replacement" at all.  It was just, like you said, something to put in the bottle so she would relax and go down for her nap.

It's hard tho to look at your pump and see nothing come out!  I've been there and it's scary!  Is there any way you could somehow ... idk.... "skip" a nursing on one side, like block feed for a bit, and then pump the side you haven't nursed on?  Is she a one boob at a time nurser or does she always nurse on both sides?

[akind1]

I've nver had any problem pumping . . . so  I can't offer much help there. Norah stopped getting the bulk of her calories through breastmilk early, like around 9-10? months - since my supply was pretty much gone, even though she was still nursing some,and getting some. I really think as long she's got plenty of solids and water on offer while you are gone, she'll be fine, and you may react differently to the pump once you have a good space of time to build up some milk - like when you are away working. Manual vs electric - will you be able to get what want as quickly with a manual? for me, its the time factor as much as the effectiveness that made me choose electric over manual, plus not having to think while pumping.

With Gabe, I stopped aroudn 11 months - pumping - he still had a 4 oz bottle while I was gone, and whatever solids he wanted, and just nursed when I was at home.

Dug through his newbie clothes, and discovered I have more that will work for this baby than I thought; March weather is fickle, so its hard to know what exactly the weather will be like when he's fresh born. Need to really go through and see how many sleepers/outfits/onesies/shirts etc I have. I'll need 3-6 month and 0-3 warm weather clothes I think.

Got Christmas pictures done! hooray! Norah was cranky and didn't wantt o smile or cooperate, Gabe did ok.

Looking forward to the short work week.

[onetwoten]

ARGHHHH!  Totally unrelated and pathetic venting:

So we didn't have a shower for Tenley. People barely acknolwedged her birth. We didn't get any big show of excitement, or anything. I got TWO flower arrangements, and one gift outside of that. Less than half a dozen cards. It was just such a non-event. It made me sad. I'm ALLOWED to be sad about that. I've talked to DH about this over and over and said that I wanted to do a big party for her first birthday. Yes, we'll be the one throwing it and paying for it-- but at least it'll give us a chance to invite people that we don't see all the time, and have a nice big party to celebrate her. 

So first we didn't have room in the house. Got it. So we decided to have it outside the home. Then that was too expensive/ not Tenley enough/ too much "flash" etc etc. So we decided if we were going to spend that much money then we'd just finish the basement and have it at home anyways, since with the basement, there would be so much more room. 

Sat down to try to do a little bit of planning tonight, and was told by DH that he still doesn't think there's enough room, and that he doesn't want anyone outside of immediate family there, because we already can't fit the people we have. So none of my aunts whom I'm close to, my cousin and her two little girls who we spend tons of time with, his cousin and wife and their son, who we see at all our playdates, etc. We can't invite people like that ONE couple who brought her a gift after her birth (and no, they weren't a relative!) And I KNOW that these people don't all need to be there, and she won't notice the difference, etc etc. 

Yeah ok... so I had to go soothe Tenley in the middle of that and now I'm all out of steam. I'm just so frustrated and disappointed. I don't see if as asking too much to throw a big party with all these people who love her. But I know he doesn't think he's being unreasonable asking for it to be small. We're at a standstill. Except we have to make a decision soon, because there's less than two weeks now. blah. I'm just... angry I guess. It doesn't seem fair that -again- we won't get that nice big celebration for her. 

[onetwoten]

Originally Posted by MarineWife 

I'd keep using the pump, then. Maybe things will pick up after a while. I am one of those women who's milk sprayed everywhere. I still couldn't get more than a few drops when I tried to hand express.
For comfort, I don't know that it would matter what's in her cup/bottle. IDK...I always thought the comfort part comes from sucking and being close/held not from what is being ingested.

Oh I agree, I mean I think it will be a comfort thing with being held and the sucking, I just think she's going to be going through so many changes, that trying to mimic what she's used to as closely as possible seems like it might help. 

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

How is she with a sippy cup?  Is she even going to bother with it?  I say don't stress about it, send water and solids, and keep trying the pump.

When I weaned off the pump when I was working, N was around 13-14 months, and down to just 1 4 oz bottle a day for an 8 hour day.  So I switched that 4 oz of breastmilk to 4 oz of plain fortified soymilk.  At that point she was also having soymilk in her cereal in the morning, and I was ok with it going into her straw sippy cup as well, so it didn't feel weird or like a "replacement" at all.  It was just, like you said, something to put in the bottle so she would relax and go down for her nap.

It's hard tho to look at your pump and see nothing come out!  I've been there and it's scary!  Is there any way you could somehow ... idk.... "skip" a nursing on one side, like block feed for a bit, and then pump the side you haven't nursed on?  Is she a one boob at a time nurser or does she always nurse on both sides?

She'll take a sippy, she's only had water in it though. 

 

I only do one side when she nurses, but even so, right now, it takes easily 5 hours + between nursing before I even feel the slightest bit full on that side. So I'm sure at work I'll be able to get a little bit during those longer shifts, I'm just not sure how much. 

 

With the manual, I used to be able to sit down for 15-20 minutes and get 3oz or so. So I mean not huge, but that's enough that I'd feel comfortable leaving with her for a day for comfort sucking at naps, etc. I'd feel good getting back to that. I'm just still crossing my fingers that I -can-. 

 

Sooooo ok. Tomorrow I'm going to make soft chewy oatmeal cookies, and put some brewers yeast in them. I'm going to drink 80oz of water. I'm going to make arrangements to pick up that damn nursing tea I ordered. lol. What else? Oh, I'm going to switch the stupid parts on my pump and see if it makes a difference. 

[AnnieA]

I would pump every time you nurse her. I don't feel full when I pump and milk still come out. The only time I feel full is if I do the 11:30 PM-7 AM stretch w/out pumping in the middle.

[AnnieA]

And that's just shitty about the party. I say go big. You guys survived the first year. Celebrate!

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by AnnieA 

And that's just shitty about the party. I say go big. You guys survived the first year. Celebrate!

ITA!

[akind1]

ditto. also, we asked people to bring food and drinks instead of gifts, major help defraying the cost. go big!

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by AnnieA 

And that's just shitty about the party. I say go big. You guys survived the first year. Celebrate!

  Well said!!

That is such a downer!  Ugh I'd be upset.  I throw big parties.  I like celebrating.  I like the idea of having ppl bring food instead of presents.

Enjoy your cookies!  They will help.  I advise you to eat the whole batch to ensure you have plenty of milk when you need to pump.  

bbl - i have a shadow the size of a 4 year old who won't let me type!  

[EuroMama]

JJ- I would be so upset as well. We always throw big BBQ's and people bring a dish, it helps with the cost. Sometimes we don't have enough space but we make it work.

HUGS!!! i hope it all works out.

About pumping. I have that crazy let down you talked about in your earlier post, but had 2 oz in an hour when I pumped to go to a concert. I was so upset. I had to pump a lot just to get 4 oz.

I did end up with about 8oz which was enough for the 4 hours I wasn't home. But still. I understand your frustration!!

I think my DH may have talked to his MIL. She has been acting so nice all the sudden. SHE FOLDED MY LAUNDRY!!!!!!!! She NEVER does that.

Its either my DH talked to her, or she is scared we're leaving her because we're fed up with her mouth and her laziness. If we leave her, she will lose her house. She can't afford this house on her own.

I don't know. Whatever the reason, I'll take it. If this means one less load of laundry to fold, go for it!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOL!!!!!!

[akind1]

LOL, I am glad that she's helping!

FIL I guess really lit into MIL re: her attitude about baby #3; so she's been at least trying to act better. I think also, her sister has lost contact with 3 of her great grandchildren due to much less drama than what she did (well, it could be considered more or less. MIL's sister's husband "popped" the nearly 3 year old gr greatgrandkid bc all other discplinary methods had failed. If he had done it to Gabe, I'd be livid. In this case, it's a child that never gets discplined by grandma any sort of way, even though I am sure grandma does "pop" the nearly 2 year old. So I don't think it's the corporal punishment that bothered her, but the fact that he chose to this to her favorite), and I think it's made her realize she's lucky that we haven't done so (and would be justified in doing it)  - At any rate. I told DH I am going to talk about the baby, I don't give a (insert expletive of choice) - she has to get used to the idea. I frankly am tired of secrets and drama and all the other crap that is constantly going on with her side of the family.

Carrie; my shadow is gone to musik class with DH - hooray! - and the baby is napping! woohoo. I need to buckle down and work. and eat something . . .

[EuroMama]

Originally Posted by akind1 

LOL, I am glad that she's helping!

FIL I guess really lit into MIL re: her attitude about baby #3; so she's been at least trying to act better. I think also, her sister has lost contact with 3 of her great grandchildren due to much less drama than what she did (well, it could be considered more or less. MIL's sister's husband "popped" the nearly 3 year old gr greatgrandkid bc all other discplinary methods had failed. If he had done it to Gabe, I'd be livid. In this case, it's a child that never gets discplined by grandma any sort of way, even though I am sure grandma does "pop" the nearly 2 year old. So I don't think it's the corporal punishment that bothered her, but the fact that he chose to this to her favorite), and I think it's made her realize she's lucky that we haven't done so (and would be justified in doing it)  - At any rate. I told DH I am going to talk about the baby, I don't give a (insert expletive of choice) - she has to get used to the idea. I frankly am tired of secrets and drama and all the other crap that is constantly going on with her side of the family.

Glad MIL is at least trying to act better!!!

Family drama is the worst!!!! We're dealing with some of ours on the husband side (always) of the family between brothers. Oye. It would take a long post to explain this situation.

All I know is. I am just going to stay out of it. My lips are sealed. If it doesn't concern me or my boys, I will not participate

My SIL threatened my oldest son once that she was going to spank him, I went off on her. I don't handle situations like that in a classy way. My BIL & SIL (Husband's middle brother) and I get into a ton of arguments about that. They think, their house so they get to discipline! BS! My kids, you lay a hand on my child you are messing with the wrong mother. My husband was raised around spanking and swatting or whatever ya wanna call it, was spanked as a child. He has threatened our son with spankings before, he has spanked one time in 10 years and I went off on him. He hasn't done it again. He doesn't believe in it, but because he was raised with spankings its very easy for him to threaten to spank. 

I was raised around spankings too, my biological father spanked me, but my Dad (Step) never laid a hand on me, EVER. My Mom spanked me. 

I just don't like it. Teaching a child not to bite, by biting them is so ass backwards. Makes no sense to me. 

[akind1]

I was raised with spankings, as was DH. And honestly, it's something we've tried when at our wits end with DS (doesn't so well in actuality, but the threats work, funnily enough) I don't agree with it, and need to work on more techniques. My issue was, even if you DO spank, I would think that you would a) want it used as a last resort and b) want measure of control over who is doing it. My parents spanked me, but never would have allowed any of the various caregivers we had permission to do so.

Yes, I try to stay out of family drama - I like to be a neutral party, esp when it's DH"s family. But some things! OMG.

I have a headache - waited too long to eat this morning I think.

[EuroMama]

Originally Posted by akind1 

I was raised with spankings, as was DH. And honestly, it's something we've tried when at our wits end with DS (doesn't so well in actuality, but the threats work, funnily enough) I don't agree with it, and need to work on more techniques. My issue was, even if you DO spank, I would think that you would a) want it used as a last resort and b) want measure of control over who is doing it. My parents spanked me, but never would have allowed any of the various caregivers we had permission to do so.

Yes, I try to stay out of family drama - I like to be a neutral party, esp when it's DH"s family. But some things! OMG.

I have a headache - waited too long to eat this morning I think.

I have threatened and done it myself too when the oldest was really pushing every button possible and those are not my proudest mommy moments. But, it makes me feel so horrible in the end. I just don't do it anymore. I feel horrible even admitting this. 

Eat something, and maybe a nap if you can squeeze one in. Feel better mama!

[akind1]

I have eaten, might need to eat more. nap isn't going to happen. I need to work. and kids aren't going to cooperate enough for work and nap to happen. I will push through.

And yes, not my proudest mommy moments. I really don't my kids to fear me. But I do want them to pay attention to what I have to say, and sometimes fear is a boon. (not of me, but of the consequences of not listening - like cars coming, smashed fingers, etc. Those things, they should have a healthy fear of)

[Baby_Cakes]

I never hit.  If I feel my hand going up I hit myself.  I've done that a handful of times, and it always startles me how much it hurts!  I can't imagine striking a child with that force. 

But I do yell and I Hate myself for it!  Every day I try to Not Yell.  I had a bad episode of yelling this weekend and today I feel much more at peace and calm and am handling things with much more grace.

I hate that my kids have a mom who yells.  Trying to be better every day!!

Family drama is everywhere.  Since cutting myself off from my family my life is free of it but I can't say that's the best choice for everyone!  LOL!   Now I just have annoying friend drama.

Chris is going to run to the food store for thx giving stuff so I don't have to go with the kids!  yay!  I just have to finish the shopping list!

[EuroMama]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

I never hit.  If I feel my hand going up I hit myself.  I've done that a handful of times, and it always startles me how much it hurts!  I can't imagine striking a child with that force. 

But I do yell and I Hate myself for it!  Every day I try to Not Yell.  I had a bad episode of yelling this weekend and today I feel much more at peace and calm and am handling things with much more grace.

I hate that my kids have a mom who yells.  Trying to be better every day!!

Family drama is everywhere.  Since cutting myself off from my family my life is free of it but I can't say that's the best choice for everyone!  LOL!   Now I just have annoying friend drama.

Chris is going to run to the food store for thx giving stuff so I don't have to go with the kids!  yay!  I just have to finish the shopping list!

I'm a yeller too. :( Trust me I feel bad I have ever laid a hand on my oldest son. It makes me want to cry. I feel so guilty!!