Hi everyone! It’s been so hard to find time to write! My iPhone Evernote app has the start of many outlines for different things I would love to write about. But when I have a free moment, I just want to sleep.
I have spoken on Facebook about my difficulty with breastfeeding. In the hospital, pumpkin latched really well the first two days/nights, but on the third I was told that she was losing too much weight and had to be put on formula (Simulac Advanced is what we are using). I didn’t argue because again, healthy baby is most important. When we came home, we continued to supplement her while I tried to get her to latch. All of a sudden she wouldn’t take. Pumpkin would look like she was nibbling and then push away. Causing me to keep her on formula to maintain her growing appetite.
In the meantime, I am pumping using the Medela Advanced Pump in Style, allowing me to pump both breasts at once. Talk about a weird experience. First, I had to get over the total boredom of sitting in one place for 20 minutes holding onto two canisters onto my chest. I am someone that cannot sit still. I’m horrible at Yoga or meditating. I have to be doing something or else I’m thinking about all the stuff I have to do which makes me REALLY ANTSY. Second, it’s incredibly humbling…(is that the right word>) to watch the milk get collected. Praying that this time you’ll get more than an ounce. Watching each drop spill down the barrel. Literally it’s one drop at a time at times. In my mind, every drop collected helps Pumpkin.
We had a Lactation Consultant over to look at myself and pumpkin to see if we can “make it work”. Luckily, pumpkin still has a good want to latch and the only issue is I don’t have enough milk flow to satisfy her. So I rented a medical grade pump and I’m pumping away. The second day I’ve used the pump I have made it to 9 oz which is a good increase.
I am hopeful that this may work, but in the end, I’m thankful that I can give her any breastmilk for as long as I can. It’s amazing how frustrating breastfeeding can be. And how polarizing a topic. It saddens me how many women in my “groups” feel guilt or like a failure because they are unable to breastfeed. I have really felt this way myself. Formula smells horrible, it gives her gas, and stains everything (thankfully washes out though). But in the end, pumpkin is starting to get chubby and has so much life and energy in her eyes that I know everything is okay.
Friday, February 8th, 2013, 9:00 am | 
And Baby Makes Three | 
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February 8, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Pumping volume does not always truly indicate supply, babies are much more efficient
Good luck to you and keep with it, it’s totally worth it!
February 8, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Ugh. Been through all that. Glad i don’t have to go through it again. Just because breastfeeding is natural, doesn’t mean it’s easy! For many of us it’s incredibly difficult. Bottom line, tho, is feed the baby. Sounds like you’re doing a great job.
Cheryl @ Mommypants recently posted..Killing childhood
February 8, 2013 at 1:12 pm
I’m glad you made the switch to the medical grade pump. I’ve heard from friends how much of a difference that can make in your supply! I hated pumping at work because, like you, I can’t just sit still. And pretty near impossible to hold the bottles in place while trying to at least entertain yourself while pumping. Keep at it, but yes, as long as pumpkin is getting bigger ands tronger, and you’re enjoying your time with her – THAT’S what matters. Not how she is being fed.
Melissa Dell recently posted..Olive Oil Face {beauty}
February 8, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Again, with the judgments. I remember when I was preggers, my breastfeeding teacher told us that way back when, women had to breastfeed or their babies would starve. Pure, unmitigated nonsense! If you couldn’t breastfeed, there was always some other mother around who’d just had an infant (and possibly lost it) and she’d nurse the young’un. That’s assuming you couldn’t drum up a little milk from a goat or sheep or whatever. Given that mothers had a much harder time just surviving childbirth than we do now, it’s time to put to bed this ridiculous notion that every mother can breastfeed. Yes, we know the benefits of breastmilk, but if you can’t, you can’t – and the reason why is irrelevant.
End rant.
Anne Louise Bannon recently posted..The Job is Hyped, But Has its Place, Friday, Feb. 8
February 8, 2013 at 4:09 pm
You are doing great, Mama. Just keep it up. I suggest buying a pumping bra or make one yourself. I bought a cheap padded bra and poked a hole where the cup base could go through. It has helped when trying to go hands-free while pumping. Good luck!
Romina recently posted..DIY: Valentine Hanging Lantern & Heart
February 8, 2013 at 6:46 pm
I’m so happy to hear its starting to get better!!!
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February 8, 2013 at 7:21 pm
Yay for progress and hope
xox
February 10, 2013 at 9:38 am
I second what Romina said, get a hands free pumping bra. I had one and LOVED it. I’d loan it to you, but I won’t have it back for another month or so. Seriously, get one. You can do whatever, read, type, stuff it the kitchen, etc.
March 17, 2013 at 5:26 pm
We really struggled to start off with but after about 3 months finally able to drop the formula and go breast only until 15 months – hold on in there if you can.
Would absolutely love for you to link up the post at the Baby Shower, a linky party for all things baby – we have a special focus on breastfeeding this week, Alice @ Mums Make Lists x
http://mumsmakelists.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-friday-baby-shower-5.html
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