June '07 Moms *July Thread* - Page 8

[momtokay]

wow! this group moves fast!! i'm recovering from a bout of mastitis as well. yeouch!!! i hate feeling that sick. i hope it's my last time dealing with it.

otherwise things are going pretty well. dd seems to have hit a growth spurt. she's nursing almost nonstop. she's also staying awake a ton. yawn!! i just weighed her today and she was 8lb 12oz according to my postal scale. she was 8lb 9oz last week. is 3oz in 6 days "okay" growth wise? my last baby put on about a pound a week (seriously!! ) so i was thinking lucy was closer to 10 lbs by now. i suspect with this growth spurt she'll catch up and grow faster, but just wanted to make sure i didn't need to be doing some research to have info available to placate the pediatrician tomorrow if she hasn't grown "fast enough". tia for any advice.

sorry i don't have more time to respond to everyone. once lucy is past her fussies and back to a more normal 1-3 hour nursing "schedule" i should have more time for two handed typing...

[txbikegrrl]

Originally Posted by wombatclay

I've never done it myself, but...HTH!

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...d.html#weaning

Thanks for the link. I've been trying to follow that advice already, but we haven't been successful -- yet.

The few times he has latched, it has taken SOO much time, effort, and repeat presentations of the nip that it wouldn't really facilitate NIP anyway. That's my main reason for wanting to get rid of that darn shield...

Anyway, I was hoping someone had IRL experience but it sounds like nursing is going pretty well (easy) for most everyone else. I can't imagine having an over supply and not having to worry about whether or not he's getting enough to eat at each feeding.

[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by momtokay

is 3oz in 6 days "okay" growth wise? my last baby put on about a pound a week (seriously!! ) ..

1 oz per day is "average", said my ped. He would've accepted 1/2 oz per day as a minimum healthy gain, and that was knowing we'd had slow weight gain issues with our first son. (He said 1 oz/ day is average, but some gain 2 oz per day and some gain 1/2 oz per day. Once we knew our child's tendency, we'd watch for a similar trend in future.)

Oh, and I just pumped 103 mL in one sitting--92 mL was my previous best. (90 mL=3 oz) Woo hoo!

--willo

[saratchka]

Originally Posted by willoLevin

He still largely blames my low milk supply for our early issues, though, because S. had to nurse round the clock to get enough nourishment... I think, maybe, he thinks that early "training" kept him acclimated to frequent wakings later on.

He's mistaken. DD1 woke every two hours to nurse, sometimes more often, and I always had an oversupply, so I don't think your supply issues are to blame. She didn't sleep regularly through the night until she weaned, about three months ago. :

Originally Posted by txbikegrrl

I'm so impressed by those of you who can nurse while slinging. I'm very envious...

Me too! I'm deeply impressed and extremely jealous. I've never been able to move much while nursing. It seems like even small movements cause DD to lose her latch even when we're sitting on the couch.

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Overall there isn't much in the parenting department he isn't supportive of. If anything, my real problem is I sometimes want to bounce parenting idas off him and he will sometimes just "opt out" with a "whatever you decide is what we'll do" approach. And I don't want to feel like I'm making all the decisions when it comes to the kiddos! But that's a pretty minor complaint.

Sounds like my DH, to a tee! I'm very grateful that he's supportive, but he's abdicated responsibility for some pretty big decisions regarding the children.

okay, I'm clearly too tired to type (I keep typing the wrong word as I slip into little, involuntary catnaps.

Hope everyone's feeling well!

[adoremybabe]

It's hard to catch up after being off the computer for 2 days! Annalise was baptised yesterday and we went to a wedding shower. So the prep for her babtism and our trip for the shower has really tired me out. Luckily both of the kids and I were able to take a nap together on the couch. It was bliss.

Dh has been getting William to bed since Annie was born (bless him) and tonight he came down to tell me what Will was doing. Will was "breast feeding" his baby dolls! I think that DH was utterly shocked. I will blame it on my indiscrete-ness while nursing at home. I don't bother to cover up because it takes too much time and part of me feels like it is a good learning lesson for Will. I had a good laugh after hearing the story and can't wait to tell my mom. She'll get a kick out of it.

Reading about everyone's back labor reminded me of my own trials. During both of my labors, my tailbone broke. With DS it took 9 months before I didn't have any pain/discomfort. For the frist 2 weeks or so it was excruciating to sit and bend over. Luckily, this time, by some sort of miracle I am almost pain free. I don't know why but I am not complaining. When I am too active the pain worsens a bit but it isn't anything to fret over.

It's time for bed....I can't think anymore!

[AdInAZ]

Wombatclay -- my husband is the same way. Anything child related he says is my decision. It is frustrating because I want to talk about stuff sometimes. But on the other hand, he is always supportive of whatever I decide.

Still haven't figured out nursing in the sling. Although it was helpful to see the picture of the mom nursing in the ergo in the tummy to tummy hold. There is a LLL meeting tomorrow and an API meeting the next day, so I'll pack in my sling. I'm sure someone at one of those gatherings can help me. I hope! I've never been to either! One nursing in sling problem is that I'm so busty, I have to keep one hand supporting the breast at all times or ds can't keep a latch. My daughter always had a vice grip on my breast, but Sean is a little more loose.

Sean seems to be alternating between sleepy days and awake days. Today was a sleepy day. He was only awake in the evening for about 2 hours. Yesterady was an awake day. Seems like he didn't nap at all. Tired now...:yawning: Off to bed.

[vannienicole]

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[willoLevin]

Originally Posted by vannienicole

Okay all I failed yet again at breastfeeding . I gave up. I admit it. I completely gave up. It was so excrutiating to put him on my cracked, bleeding, scabby (possibly infected) nipples that I dreaded and resented every feeding (and in a way him). Pumping only made it worse. His latch was bad from the start I think, I am not sure. Either way, here I am, heartbroken and disappointed with myself feeling the first tinges of engorgemment coming. I know what I am in for because I went through it all with my DD.

I spent all day cry about this. DH supports my decision but thinks I will regret it. I may. I more than likely will. ...

I completely, totally, whole-heartedly understand why you would want to give up. I really, really do. I'm so sorry you are so miserable. And, believe me, I understand the misery, too, because, aside from my very sensitive nipples, I've had the misery of feeling like I'm starving my poor babies due to my low supply issues. So, I think I understand where you are coming from.

If you really think you will/might likely regret stopping now, is there any chance you could see a lactation consultant--like, TODAY? Some people quit and then change their minds and re-lactate, but that is very hard. Getting a little help today might give you another chance, if you want it. (You are getting no pressure from me either way! Just presenting the possibility in case you think you might regret your decision and beat yourself up even more later!!!)

What has helped me tremendously this time, as opposed to the long-term painful emotional/physical torture of my first bf experience, is that I gave myself permission to only do what I could do without being... well, tortured! I set myself a schedule of every three hour feedings (your schedule could be much less often, to safeguard a little supply but give yourself time to heal.) I offer the breast to A., then, if he isn't latching well within a couple of minutes, I just pump instead. So far, my supply seems to be steady or increasing, but I have FAR less nipple trauma than I did before.

Basically, I think I'm saying, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ALL OR NOTHING. If you quit nursing, maybe you could handle the pumping sensation? That might buy you time to find an LC to help you improve your son's latch, if that's what you want.

I find pumping too painful dry or with Lansinoh, but, with prescription APNO (All Purpose Nipple Ointment), I can pump without pain. I wouldn't say it feels good, but it is okay, and less painful than A.'s frequently poor latch.

Anyway, you have given your baby the best possible start by breastfeeding even this long. Every drop counts!

--willo

[todavia]

our power went out last night (the whole block) and con ed has about a million trucks parked outside but they still don't know what the problem is. not only is it very hot and uncomfortable but all our food and the meagre stash of breastmilk that i've managed to pump will be spoiled by the time they figure it out i know it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things (we can buy more food, we're all healthy and safe) but it still sucks. i guess that's life on the grid, eh?

hugs to all dealing with BFing issues. it can definitely be one of the hardest and most intense challenges of motherhood. hang in there and know that it will be okay, one way or another.

[Keeping up]

Vanniencole

I agree with willo - if you think you may regret your decision, speak to a LC soon. You may be able to find a balance and keep it going. I am also tortured by breastfeeding (this time a lot better than the last time)
but am happy I stick it out - I was so ready to quit last time but knew it would get better (and fed my first two with fewer problems).

I would imagine you may be able to supplement and breastfeed much less frequently until you heal and then you could try again.

No flames and no judgement (really). I would relate it to a bad birth experience with regrets on decisions. I would be afraid I would dwell on the breastfeeding decision.

Make sense - hugs to you.

[brittneyscott]

Having issues breastfeeding is hard. I haven't had any this time fortunately but with DD, I wasn't producing enough. I was working 2 jobs from the time she was a month old too so it only got worse. I would nurse her, give her a bottle to fill her up, and then pump for my supply. It was awful and I didn't feel like I had time to spend with my baby. I quit after about 3wks of that. (I didn't have a LC or any support either though) Trust your instincts. Just do what you feel is best for your baby. For DD I decided it was better for her to be bottle fed with an unstressed mama then breastfeed with a REALLY stressed mama. She's happy and healthy so I think I made the right decision. Do what feels right for your family.

Well I need to get some energy today and clean my house. Its getting really bad. Now that Connor isn't nursing every 1-2hrs maybe I can get something done today. I have to try to find our LC too. She never showed up for our appt yesterday.

I'm hoping it rains today. DH needs to get the day off so we can try to find him a new job. His check from Friday still hasn't been cashed. His boss's bank acct is empty. I can't take this anymore. I'm so mad. I have 2 babies here to feed or doesn't he know that?!? DH has to get a new job... one that actually pays. I'm really thinking about reporting his boss to the labor board. We have to find him a new job first though. I really don't want to have to get another job to help pay bills with my baby being so tiny. I'm already starting back to work on weekends this weekend. This really sucks.

This is why I don't want to have anymore babies. I never get to enjoy the babymoon because something always happens. I'd rather focus on taking care of the 2 I have then be stressed even more by worrying about more kids. Its sad I won't ever have another baby but I can't take the stress that always seems to happen when I have one. I just hope I don't get PPD this time from all the stress.

[wombatclay]

Hugs Vanessa... I hope you find the balance that will nurture you as well as your family.

So it happened...I put Rowan down in the pack n play (in the living room) and went into the dining room to help DH find her social security card (the living/dining room is connected with a big open doorway). Well, inside a minute there was a sudden scream from Rowan...seriously not a sound I've ever heard from her before. I ran into the living room and...

Laia had pulled herself up the side of the pack n play and fallen into it, right on top of Rowan. Laia's feet were up in the air and she was yelling, and Rowan was screaming from underneath. DH was just frozen but I grabbed Laia (pulled my butt...ouch) and swung her out and then grabbed Rowan. DH came in to hold the sobbinng toddler and Rowan calmed down quickly but, oy. I'm still shaking over the potential "worst case scenarios".

I was literally 15 feet away for less than a minute.

So here's hoping the day improves!

[brittneyscott]

Oh no wombat! That's terrifying! It's hard staying on top of a toddler and a newborn isn't it? Let's just hope all our new little babies survive their older siblings!!!

[wombatclay]

Laia just wants to hug and kiss and "pet" and cuddle Rowan...so she can't figure out why we're so antsy about everything. Toddler love is a hard thing to survive sometimes.

I think Laia understands that she scared me this morning...she's been very cuddly, sitting with me in the armchair. Of course, she's worried she did something wrong by trying ti kiss Rowan on her own this morning so that's part of the cuddle need I'm sure. We've nursed a lot today! And I'm still checking Rowan's every move/noise to see if there are any boo-boos from her squish.

[momtokay]

Originally Posted by willoLevin

1 oz per day is "average", said my ped. He would've accepted 1/2 oz per day as a minimum healthy gain, and that was knowing we'd had slow weight gain issues with our first son. (He said 1 oz/ day is average, but some gain 2 oz per day and some gain 1/2 oz per day. Once we knew our child's tendency, we'd watch for a similar trend in future.)

Oh, and I just pumped 103 mL in one sitting--92 mL was my previous best. (90 mL=3 oz) Woo hoo!

--willo

congrats on pumping so much!! i've never been able to pump much of anything. and thanks for the weight gain advice. lucy put on 6 ounces the week before so i think she's still okay. i'll just make sure to feed her right before they weigh her today.

[wombatclay]

I love the kellymom site

They have some weight gain/breastfed baby growth charts http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns...ight-gain.html and a "Is my baby getting enough milk" FAQ by Dr. Newman http://www.kellymom.com/newman/04enough_milk.html

[Jilian]

OMG Clay, that must have been scary. I'm just waiting for one of those moments to happen here, DS loves to try to kiss Evan but he's really rough.

We had our post surgery follow-up today with the cardiologist and it went well. DS had an echo and his heart looked good, he had an EKG and it sounded good, then he had a chest x-ray. His lungs still have a bit of fluid and haven't cleared up from being stressed when his heart was failing so he needs to stay on the lasix (diuretics) for another 2 weeks at least to try to lower his fluid. But his lungs sound really clear so that is good. He's also up to 7 lbs 14 ozs That is a whole pound more than he was when he left the hospital after surgery! It's funny though, people still ask me how many days old he is because he's smaller than most babies at birth. He's 5 weeks old today.

DS1 is out of control. He was so off the wall at the hospital today. I think he's having a really hard time with all of the attention being on Evan. I feel so bad and am trying to have some one-on-one time with him, but he's really acting out. It took all of my energy not to flip out and scream at him today in the doctor's office.

We've also been having a lot of TV time and computer time here. It's so unbelieveably hot here in FL and DS2 cannot be in the sun because he's on lasix so we're limited in what we can do. We did find an indoor playground that we go to sometimes at our local mall and that is nice. Poor DS1 needs to get out and burn some more energy.

This too shall pass right?

[Jilian]

Ohhh, I forgot to mention: I'm no longer shy about NIP. I NIP all over the place today at the hospital. I covered up most of the time with a receiving blanket then I was in the hall alone without the blanket and DS needed to nurse so I popped him on and walked through the halls of the hospital nursing him. I walked all the way to the entrance to meet DH and there was a gigantic spider on the car so I wouldn't get in and made DH come out to kill it. I forgot all about NIP and DS popped off so there I was outside the main entrance of a major hospital with my boob hanging out and I didn't even care much. Looks like my modesty is gone - yay!

[dara00]

went to ikea - I liked their nursing corner sign - if you want more privacy you can nurse here - not that it was the required place to do so!

[vannienicole]

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