Warning: This post is not for those who have no interest in nursing.:)
So, I finally decided to share my nursing woes on my blog because it rules my life. For those who nursing comes so naturally and easily you should be grateful (you know who I'm talking about- you are the ones knitting while your babe eats in the mothers lounge at church.:)) My experience has been less than ideal & here you go...
#1 My babies are born starving. Poor Ethan...he was screaming at us for days until we realized he was starving. Before I had Ethan I took 3 different breast feeding classes and they all said I'd have enough for whatever my babies needs are...
However, I don't produce enough milk to fill these little tummies. So this time after pumping like a mad woman to stimulate production in the hospital & using the SNS technique we decided poor Aidan just needed a bottle to eat. We only fed him after I nursed and he was still yelling- which was about 2 times a day.
#2 My babies are also very sensitive to what I eat...they are full of colic so I have to cut out all dairy, broccoli, chocolate, anything even a bit spicy or favorful, etc...you get the picture. I also use gas drops every feeding in the beginning (thanks to poor Ethan who taught us the hard way).
Sidebar: At this time I was also pumping 5-10 minutes after nursing to get my milk production up.
#3 I have to eat and drink like I'm at chuck-0-rama to even get milk I do!
So, we were getting along okay but I wondered if there was anything else I could do to get more milk. So when Aidan was about 2 months I went to the Lactation Station (love it) and talked to a consultant. I told her my story and she (to my surprise) said it sounded like I knew what I was doing and tried everything & that I just had bad luck. (Nice, I know.) But she did say that herbs can work to stimulate milk production for some women. Of course I thought it was worth a try!
I took Fenugreek which actually started to increase my production in about 3 days!! I was so excited. Then Aidan and I actually nursed exclusively for about 1 week!! And as much of a beast that nursing was for me I actully started to simi-like it. But of course it couldn't last...
When Aidan was almost 3 months we took a road trip to St. George. For whatever reason(new place, new smells, my hormones (I started spotting), etc)he went on a nursing strike (refused to nurse!). I kept nursing him at night and called Le Leche, the hospital lacation nurse, & the lacation station. They said to stick it out and he'll come around. After 2 weeks of pumping I started to get sore from the pump I was using so I went back to the Lact. Station to rent a pump.
While there the consultant told me that at about 2-3 months babies start to get picky. (Nice.) She also took a peek at me and said that my nipples may not be long enough to be stimulating his suck reflex. Wow!! Finally some method to my madness! All this time (with Ethan too) it may just be me!
So, with my rented pump in tow I headed home to be the pumping princess. Aidan has since refused to nurse completely (after many frustrating session for both him & I). So I pump. Don't think I'm that cool...I just can't deal with sick babies. The antibodies in breastmilk are my motivation to keep it up. I figure if I can get through the winter pumping it would be best for Aidan & I.
I've actually gotten used to pumping...I just have to plan my schedule around it since I don't have the luxury of my baby relieving me while I'm out. The worst is having to clean the parts each time I pump. But other than that I don't mind...Bob can feed the baby which is great & I don't have to nurse in public (which I was terrible at!)
So there you have it. If you ever wonder what I'm up to there's a pretty good chance a pump is involved. And when Bob sends Ethan in mooing I just smile and know that "this too shall pass.":)
Ethan took this one...we love the bumpo!
We are thankful for...Ethan:"my teddy bear. "
Emily:"bob has a job & that Ethan is such a good little guy."
Bob:"pink floyd" (He just got back from the Pink Floyd Australia concert)
PS SIRI: Do you recognize this little onesie? You gave it to me for Ethan!!:) Thanks!!
12 comments:
You are such a trooper! I have to tell you I am the worst when it comes to nursing. I truly only nursed the boys...not sure why? Anywho...even that didn't last very long. I hated nursing in public also. So all I can say is you go girl!
I've had my own nursing nightmares! Before I had my first one, I wasn't too sure about it, but as soon as I held him in my arms, I knew that I would be ok with it! So, there in the hospital, I gave it a try. Murphy refused! I think we had just about every nurse there trying to get him to latch on, but he wasn't patient enough to get the milk. 2 days later, at 3:00 am, he became a bottle fed baby. I just decided to deal with it! Kirby on the other hand, took right to it. Only I lasted about 6 weeks, and then I was done.
So you go girl!!!!
Ok that post makes me cry. I can't tell you how much I relate. I feel your pain. And, if you're like me, you question the whole thing, but you keep going because you know it will be worth it. I have gone through the same thing with all three of mine. And, April has as well.. all four of hers. There are two tricks that worked for me. Maybe you don't want to hear any more "ideas" but just in case, here they are. The first one may not even be an option for you. It was for me only because it was direct instruction from my dr. Beer. Yes, she "encouraged" me to drink. LOL! I guess the hops in it increases your milk. Second one is a lot better: Organic Mothers Milk tea. They have it at GNC, Whole Foods and I think even Smiths has it now. It's just an herbal tea. It was AMAZING! It's made by Traditional Medicinals.
So, maybe you don't want to hear my ideas. If nothing else, know that I totally sympathize! Why did no one warn us that breast feeding was going to be harder than labor? It is such an emotional thing, too. Anyway, you are amazing and you will succeed! Keep on pumpin'! :)
Wow, I can't believe you are so diligent at breast feeding. Good for you for sticking with it! I empathize with you on cleaning all the little parts of the pump paraphernalia. That was the worst part for me too. I hated it!! Just a few more months right? There is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck! Pump on!
sounds like there are others moms that can relate. that has got to be nice to hear. way to go toad to stick it out! that is not easy and most people wouldn't. aidan changes in every picture you post of him! what a sweet little guy.
I am so glad I am not the only one that has a hard time with breastfeeding. When I had Boston I thought it would be so easy. I ended up pumping until he was like 5 months and then we went on a vacation and I lost my milk... good luck with everything. I have a sister in law that is still breastfeeding her 8 month old because it is so much easier than a bottle...wah! not fair! hang in there...
All of your pain and suffering has been worth it. For me anyway. I am so glad you came over that day to help "fix" my issues. It sucks that all of your trials have helped me and not you. It will never be forgotten if that is any consolation to you. Breastfeeding is a beast but worth it (i guess).
BTW I love Bobs "thankful" items they seem like things I would say after Dave has said all these really nice lovely things I would say something like cheese, or cool shoes.
Good luck with the puffer (as sam calls it---gives a good visual too)
Oh Emily, What a hard thing! Nursing (or pumping) is such an emotional ride isn't it? Way to hang in there. You are awesome!
So I guess I am the only one who once initially done with the cleavage literally to the neck is gone and Mastitis ever 3 months (almost like clock work) Nursing isn't too bad for me. I am scrapbooking with my third arm growing from my back while nursing. Although I have babies that like to go 12 to 8 days in between pooping. Or throwing up all I fed them. O the joys of motherhood huh??? I do think you are great. I would have given up on the pumping long ago!! So I give you a gold star. Good Job!!!
AMEN! Every kid I have had has been so different with the nursing thing - with Olivia I had flat nipples and she didn't know how to latch on correctly. With Kelsey I was working full-time and had to pump at work - and yes, I hate cleaning all the parts, too! And now with Connor, he currently has green diapers and hasn't slept ALL DAY just because I had some spicy beans and rice last night.
Thank you for your post. I laughed at parts, and sighed at parts. I think Connor and Aiden are close in age (Connor's 5 months) so it strikes a chord...
Hey!
Just so you guys know, we are changing our blog to private sooo if you want to give me your email address that would be great! That way I can add you to the private blog. There has been way too many people we don't know viewing our blog. So we are just trying to keep it safe. Anyways please comment and send me your emails! I finally fixed my blog so that you can finally comment! Sorry about that! ha! Thanks!
Brooke
Wow, what a trooper. I don't know if I would have it in me to stick with it! You go girl!
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