I am learing that many many moms can relate to my struggles with breast feeding. I like all moms desire to give me daughter the best start possible in life and for me that = breastfeeding. The problem is that when your child goes into the NICU for their first week of life things start of very backwards. To start Gianna was fed large amounts of formula (by bottle) because she needed to poop and get out the jaundice. When I did feed her they had me wear a nipple shield because they said my nipples were too flat. Today I know this was not really the case it is just something they hand out like candy to most new moms because it makes it easier for you to tubal feed your baby formula while they are latched on. I was also pumping at home while I was away from her and then again tubal feeding her my breast milk.
The reason why this has made things hard is that Gianna is used to getting her food very quickly and since she is so used to the nipple shield she get's mad when I don't use it. There have been times when I have fed her for an hour and a half with that dumb shield and she is still hungry afterwards. For the past two weeeks I have refused to use the nipple shield and have been doing a lot of pumping and bottle feeding. I do some breastfeeding but sometimes she get's so mad that it is not worth it. So my nights and days often consist of breastfeeding, bottle feeding and then pumping! This process is exhausting.
The other issue is that Gianna has stinky man farts and they are causing her pain. We are taking her to my chiropractor and he is helping her a ton. The use of the vacuum to get her out of me messed up her alignment and Dr. Shores says studies have found that most babies who deal with colic are out of alignment. He adjusted her on Friday and she was so peaceful and happy the rest of the day. Don't worry he does not crack her neck or back he uses a gentle tool that taps her bones into place.
I am working on getting Gianna as much breast milk as possible but I have to supplement with some formula. I just don't produce enough milk to support her needs. In the hospital she was on soy formula because I am lactose intollerant and I was afraid she might be also. I think this might be one of the causes of her gas. So as of 5 days ago she is only getting breastmilk and maybe 6 oz of Nutramgin a day. Yes, the super expensive stuff!
I have been given so much great advice and the thing that seems to be working the best is just trying to get her as much breast milk as possible. I feel like a cow pumping all the time but she is so worth it. I am so thankful for the friends and family who have encouraged me and helped me see that breastfeeding is not the end all. I just really like the idea of not having to pump, having her food with me at all times and not having to pay for formula. There is also something very special about connecting with her in this way. I am praying that once her gas get's under control and she is less colicky the breast feeding with improve but we will see. Every day I seem to have a new resolve based on how things are going and how tired I am.
So that is my new mom update! Sorry if this post was boring for most people. Here are some pictures of Gianna and her cousins.
Zachary and Cayden (born 10-10-08)
Cayden Edward Maguire 10-10-08, 10lbs 11 oz (my sisters son)
Cayden and Gianna
5 comments:
I'm glad to read an update on you and Gianna. For what you both went through, 6oz of formula a day isn't bad! I have a feeling that with your determination, Gianna will be breastfeeding full-time in not too long. Bless your sister and her big babies!! Love the pics.
wow julie you have been through a lot!! you're doing great making it through all this! my first baby had major gut problems, as he was allergic to my breast milk and was on nutramigin - yes, very expensive. i will be praying that things pick up for you with nursing, but i will just say that if it for some reason it does not work out - don't beat yourself up! i did when i had to stop nursing my son, but sometimes there is not much to do. i know your case is different so i believe with your determination things will work out fine nursing in time, but i wanted to make sure you don't beat yourself over it ya know. the important thing is your gorgeous little baby & your well being to take care of her! i will say a prayer for you for strength and patience in getting through these hard times - it really will get better!!
hey jewels,
I tried weaning caleb off the nipple shield with no luck, but my friend suzanne was successful getting her son off it around 2 months old....so don't give up. I have flat nipples too, but ethan is able to latch just fine. Gianna may get mad, but she'll eventually learn and get used to it. if you continue with the nutramigen, try checking ebay. that's all my friends were able to feed their son, and they said they got it for half off on ebay from a vendor, not just joe schmoe...so it's worth looking.
luv you jewels...go with your gut instinct on things...you will get tons of different advice from people, but i believe God instills in us what is best for each individual baby. don't second guess yourself. the first few months are tough...but things will slowly work themselves out. luv you!!
Hospitals are notorious for what I consider to be an abuse of power. They will tell you almost anything in an effort to make their jobs easier. It upsets me to know that you had to experience all of that for their convenience. However, I trust that overcoming these setbacks is the glue that makes bonding with Gianna all the more memorable.
Hey Julie...the best advice my mom gave me when I was swearing off breastfeeding for the 400th time was to take it "one day at a time." It sounds so simple, but it worked. Once I realized I could get through it, I would make goals for myself...like I will give it one more week. After I got through the week, maybe a month, etc. I ended up nursing Haley for a year, and Lexi for 9 months. It isn't easy, but if it is important to you, then keep trying. I will also say this though...since I dried up when Lexi was 9 months, I had to feed her for 3 months with formula, and it was SO easy...so there is that. You are doing great Julie....just hang in there!
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