Retained tissue

[mesa]

I went to my 6 week pp checkup today and mentioned that I'm still having red bleeding. They did an ultrasound, and sure enough, I have a pretty good sized chunk of placenta retained. I had a manual removal after Shelby was born, and I really think it was because my OB was so impatient for the placenta to be out. This is something I've never had to worry about before, but I certainly will be thinking about cord traction before my next birth. I have to have a D&C (my second ) on Thursday.

I am not supposed to nurse for 24 hours after the procedure. Does anyone have any advice regarding pumping? Do I need a really good pump? I have a Lactina from WIC but it doesn't work AT ALL for me. I'm soooooo worried about this.

[mandalin24kd]

Wow! The lactina should work! Try pumping on one side while your feeding on the other. That way baby can get your let down going. Do you know how to store your milk?

I'm sorry you have to deal with this!

[mandalin24kd]

Oh, yeah, if it's a supply issue, you can always try beer. Preferably something iported like Newcastle becuase the hops is still live.

[balancedmama]

So sorry you're dealing with this! It is lucky that you've had a milk supply - sometimes retained placenta keeps your milk from coming in fully.

What was the reason for not being able to nurse for 24 hours? You might double-check this. In general you should be able to nurse as soon as you are not under anesthesia anymore.

[elfinbaby]

How are you doing? Did everything go ok??

HUGS!

[mesa]

They told me that the anesthesia would stay in my system for up to 24 hours. I'm note even supposed to drive. Everything went great, except I'm SUPER sore down below...not crampy or anything, just really raw and sore. I guess it is probably from the speculum. Goodness I hate those things

I went ahead and ponied up the cash for a PIS advanced. I need one anyway...I've been having some minor supply issues before this even happened. Maybe the placenta had something to do with it. It's working MUCH better than the Lactina. With the Lactina I was only getting 1/2 to 1 ounce (both sides!) at a time. I just pumped (and dumped ) 5 ounces. I think it has something to do with the phases the Advanced has...it cycles through a "stimulation" phase and then a normal slow strong suction phase. My lactina doesn't have a speed control, and even on the highest suction it doesnt suck hard enough for me.

I'm glad it's over. And here's to hoping that I NEVER have to have a D&C again. They really suck. Today sucked because the nurses in the OR kept giving me their "sad eyes" over their masks, until they realized that my D&C wasn't for a miscarriage. It brought back so many sad memories for me.

[balancedmama]

Unless you had an unusual type of anesthesia, you do NOT need to p & d. They have sadly misinformed you! http://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/mom-surgery.html

[elfinbaby]

[mesa]

Well, I only pumped and dumped that one time. She wanted to nurse soooo bad last night, she'd start to whimper whenever she heard my voice ...so I gave in at about 6 pm and let her nurse. I was so nervous, though. I watched her carefully, and she seemed fine, so we spent most of the night marathon nursing in bed. I picked up some fenugreek today and ordered some more milk plus from my natural food store which should be in sometime next week. Between the herbs and my new pump, I think I will be well on my way to increasing my supply pretty soon

Thanks for all the support, guys.