I need advice, help, whatever words of encouragement someone has to give!
We have a very petite almost-seven-month-old on our hands. Whenever someone asks how old she is they are shocked when I tell them, as though they were expecting the answer to be 3 or 4 months. I have asked her pediatrician, our naturopath, and our midwives what they think, and they all say she is happy and healthy and beautiful. but alas, I am a first time mama, so I still worry!
Here are my concerns (and I apologize if I ramble on, I have a tendency to do that sometimes!)
She nurses every two hours, on the dot, and is latched on for at least 30 minutes, if not longer. She never seems to get enough. She also spits up a lot (or so it seems). I burp her after each feeding for a few minutes, she'll burp a little air and spit up. When I think she's done, I'll hold her a different way or put her down to play with some toys, and she will spit up again. And again. And again.
Next, I recently started pumping so that we could teach her to drink from a cup. That way daddy can participate in the feeding process, and mommy can get a little time to herself if needed. But I only get a few ounces each time, and I usually pump for about 35-40 minutes. I have a friend who would fill a storage bag in 10 minutes! Does this mean I have a low milk supply?
Also, we started her on solids last night. We gave her some yam mixed with breastmilk. She really seemed to enjoy not only playing with it, but eating it as well. Shortly afterwards though, I read in the book "Take Charge of Your Child's Health" that you should wait to start solids at least until 8 months (ideally waiting a full year), especially carbs as they cannot properly digest them until them then. Needless to say, I am thoroughly confused since her pediatrician and our naturopath said now is a great time to start solids and yams are perfect to begin with because they tend not to cause any allergic reactions! Oh, and she still hasn't pooped yet...how long does it take to come out with solids?
Everything I read seems to contradict everything else I read. My husband says I read too much and don't trust my instincts enough. I just want to do what's best for my beautiful girl, but am afraid I don't know what that is! We live in Alaska, quite far from our family and friends, and have few friends here who are parents. So I am feeling a bit overwhlemed and alone. I would love to hear from some experienced mamas.
One more thing, I don't use the computer often, and am out of the loop when it comes to all of the abbreviations you all use, like dh, dd, ds...can someone explain?
Much love to all...
Kathleen:
We have a very petite almost-seven-month-old on our hands. Whenever someone asks how old she is they are shocked when I tell them, as though they were expecting the answer to be 3 or 4 months. I have asked her pediatrician, our naturopath, and our midwives what they think, and they all say she is happy and healthy and beautiful. but alas, I am a first time mama, so I still worry!
Here are my concerns (and I apologize if I ramble on, I have a tendency to do that sometimes!)
She nurses every two hours, on the dot, and is latched on for at least 30 minutes, if not longer. She never seems to get enough. She also spits up a lot (or so it seems). I burp her after each feeding for a few minutes, she'll burp a little air and spit up. When I think she's done, I'll hold her a different way or put her down to play with some toys, and she will spit up again. And again. And again.
Next, I recently started pumping so that we could teach her to drink from a cup. That way daddy can participate in the feeding process, and mommy can get a little time to herself if needed. But I only get a few ounces each time, and I usually pump for about 35-40 minutes. I have a friend who would fill a storage bag in 10 minutes! Does this mean I have a low milk supply?
Also, we started her on solids last night. We gave her some yam mixed with breastmilk. She really seemed to enjoy not only playing with it, but eating it as well. Shortly afterwards though, I read in the book "Take Charge of Your Child's Health" that you should wait to start solids at least until 8 months (ideally waiting a full year), especially carbs as they cannot properly digest them until them then. Needless to say, I am thoroughly confused since her pediatrician and our naturopath said now is a great time to start solids and yams are perfect to begin with because they tend not to cause any allergic reactions! Oh, and she still hasn't pooped yet...how long does it take to come out with solids?
Everything I read seems to contradict everything else I read. My husband says I read too much and don't trust my instincts enough. I just want to do what's best for my beautiful girl, but am afraid I don't know what that is! We live in Alaska, quite far from our family and friends, and have few friends here who are parents. So I am feeling a bit overwhlemed and alone. I would love to hear from some experienced mamas.
One more thing, I don't use the computer often, and am out of the loop when it comes to all of the abbreviations you all use, like dh, dd, ds...can someone explain?
Much love to all...
Kathleen:
).
Follow your instincts. If you think she's ready, she probably is. You know your child better than anyone else.
: Everyone has an opinion, it seems. And everyone also seems to be experts on everything.
: first-time-mama feel much better!i think being alone in my cabin all day with just my dd and no other adults to play with gets to me sometimes...i start thinking too much and constantly wonder...is this right? am i doing ok? will this screw up my dd when she is 13? anyhoo, feeling great after reading all of your stuff! thanks!
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