Our biggest issue on the agenda was breastfeeding, as I was on the verge of breakdown this morning...I just couldn't keep up the pace of hour-long "feedings" every two hours. Dr. Roberts didn't like the back and forth suggestion of the lactation nurses. Instead we are exclusively pumping for 48 hours as she thinks the real problem is a lack of stimulation from Olivia and a lack of sleep for me. Only pumping allows Nicholas or Jane to feed while I pump, cutting down my time by half. Then I can get some rest. This has been working so far, and I feel like this is something I can manage. Stay tuned...
Olivia has grown .75 inches in these 12 days and is up to 21 inches long. Her weight today was 8 lbs 11 ounces. Dr. Roberts okayed walking outside with her. I did that today and it was wonderful! We're also okayed for visitors, but not crowds until her 2-month shots.
I love Dr. Roberts! She gave me a plan I can do and feel good about, and even hugged me on the way out!
Glad things are better! Make sure to take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteYou will always be my hero. :)
ReplyDeleteI LIVED by the words Steph once told me...set yourself small goals and that way -- you please yourself more than disappoint yourself. How perfect for a new mom!
As you know I exclusively pumped. Thurgood refused to latch (I firmly believe it as b/c he was tiny and born at 37 weeks) and it was so traumatic to me for those 1st 5 days...Mike & I were with the lactation consultant every other day to weigh and such..ugh..well by day 5, I decided to make a goal.
I am going to pump for 1 week -- and you know what? I passed! And sure enough that became a month..and then so on.
Honestly...after becoming a mom, I don't question why moms do what they do. YOU have to do what YOU need to do...if that means writing down every poop or wet diaper & how many oz eaten for 3 months to help you keep your sanity and know -- hmmm? How much did he eat today? How many wet diapers happened yesterday? (Ah-hem...I still have that pad of notations..hehe I was weird.) Then do it. I found myself doing things that helped me, that calmed me, that made me feel more in the driver's seat of being Thurgood's mom rather than waiting for a "real mom" to take over. I was now that for him.
You are Olivia's mother and no one...NO ONE else was meant to be that but you. So do what YOU need to do.
You will always have my support and my love.
Cheers~
e
PS Remind me that I am done with school after this...I am on such sleep debt, but I wanted to hold your hand and completely empower you to do what you need to do. :)
You're doing it! And doing it well, even if it doesn't feel like it from your end sometimes. Motherhood is about tenacity, and you're already demonstrating that, so don't let that bit worry you. You already have what you need within in you, and it will get easier to find it each time something new comes up!
ReplyDeleteSounds like things are going better and it will only get better. Before you know it, you will be a pro at breastfeeding. I definitely agree with your doc, rest is a necessity! Also, I'm glad your doc made your day...that is very reassuring.
ReplyDeleteI know when I pumped I didn't produce as much as Benton would get from nursing, so this is just advice, but try to nurse at least once/day so you will be able to keep up with Olivia's needs. (Just a suggestion.) I know some moms who were able to produce a good amount, I was not one of them. I understand how you feel and it definitely gets better.