This week's doctors appointments revealed that I'm fine and haven't gained alot, baby is fine and as of this morning weighs in around 4 lb. 15 oz. In 2 weeks my doctor will tenatively schedule the day & time of my C-section. Two weeks after that he'll reassess & confirm. So basically, we can probably plan on meeting our new son sometime in the next 5-6 weeks. (I'm secretly hoping for Feb. 20th so he'll be a Mardi Gras baby!)My doctor didn't have me take any of the prenatal classes, but I'd like to try to breastfeed for awhile. I wasn't able to with my daughter, so this too is a whole new experience for me. However, the only class being offered at the hospital is after my due date! So, I'm seeking advice from other readers/bloggers out there. Help! Give me your advice, insight, talents, etc. on entering into the milky way!
4 comments:
Tron - some advice from my experience
Warning Graphic Content
- if your milk doesn't let down right away, rent or buy a breast pump and draw it out
- if your nipples don't seem to be 'popped out' enough, get a breastpump for them too
- don't give up. if it matters to you (which i think it does) DO NOT GIVE UP.
- ask your pediatrician's office (you should have chosen one already) if they have a lactation specialist, and if you're having trouble - - even in the hospital - - schedule some time with her. You should get at least one check up from your pediatrician's office, they'll check the baby, then check in with you, tell them THEN that you want to see the specialist. Even if she doesn't come in to visit you at the hospital, you should be able to arrange an appointment.
- don't believe everything you read about a baby who drinks from a bottle refusing the breast. As long as you spend some time every day trying to nurse, with him to your breast and developing that strong bond/sense of smell, you should be fine with feeding from a bottle AND nursing (if you need to for the sake of his nutrion, or if you want to for the sake of getting a break every now and again). We needed to feed foo from a bottle for a short time, because I wasn't producing enough milk early on. During this time, I was taking her to the breast for about 5 mintues (just to have her there and associating getting milk with being close to mom) then pumping for about a half an hourat a stretch (while she was having abottle) then taking a half hour break in between. We made sure to give her the milk i did produce (from a bottle) and supplementing with formula. Much to my delight, she preferred my milk. This only lasted about 10 days, until my milk came in strong and i had my appointment with the lactation specialist (who sat with all three of us until we ALL felt comfortable with the process and the situation), and from then until 18 months I nursed / and pumped at work for bottles for the next day.
I wouldn't recommend getting an expensive breast pump (upwards of $200 - even on eBay) until you know you're going to do it (and for how long). Playtex sells a 'portable' pump that plugs in (for about $30 at Target) that works just fine (albeit LOUDLY) for starters. Don't get me wrong, Medella is DEFINITELY the Cadillac of pumps, but if you're not going to go for more than 3 months, or you're not planning on pumping and storing, or whatever... don't spend the money.
If you ARE planning on pumping to store the milk while you're at work, check out Lansinoh milk bags. They're easy to use, freeze VERY well, and a little less expensive than the medella (which i hated, btw).
Also - drink A LOT of water, eat foods you want the baby to develop a taste for (yes, there are medical trials that PROVE that infants develop a liking for food that the mother ate while nursing), don't listent to people who tell you to avoid spicy foods while nursing (but DO be sure to keep acidic foods at low-normal levels),keep taking prenatal viatimins for at least 6 months after he's born (this will help you not deplete yourself with nursing, and give you a little extra energy - - which you'll need to keep up with 3am nursing sessions), and stay on the same course with being cautious about medicines just as you did while you were pregnant.
take your time and enjoy it... the bond is incredible and KNOWING that you are doing something proven to improve your son's current and future health and well-being is just such a GREAT feeling.
Oh - and one last thing that I don't THINK i have to tell you, but I feel compelled to tell every mom who wants to nurse - your nursing time is sacred and precious and YOURS to share with ONLY the people you care to share it with. For me it was a relaxing refuge from the day - - I let my body create those relaxation endorphines and i SUCKED THEM UP. I didn't let ANYONE i didn't want to be there intrude on that time and I'm So grateful that I didn't.
That's about it.
me
Hi Kimba! It was nice to hear from you today! I feel like kind of a nerd that I packed my hospital bag so early but I figured it was one of those things I'd forget about if I left it much later and then I'd be scrambling around when I went into labor trying to get everything I needed together!
It's amazing that we're both going to be meeting our babies so soon! I wish you the best with your efforts to get into the "milky way." The hospital I'm delivering at has lactation consultants on staff seven days a week to help new mothers get started with breastfeeding - perhaps your hospital may have them? Also, some pediatricians also have LCs available to meet with the parents. I'm taking a breastfeeding class next week, but to get me more familiar with it, I also looked at a couple of books about it: So That's What They're For and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I know there's only so much I can learn from a book, but it was definitely helpful to have an idea of the basics.
Christina
www.patentprincess.com
Fin,
Thanks sooo much! LOTS of useful info here. I'll apply it all and do my best!
Christina, hoping for nothing but the best for you as we both prepare for the Big Day!
Kimba, most importantly remember that no matter what...you and your baby will figure it out together. There will be times of frustration...(oy)...but that is okay too. The key is to not stress out, and just give yourself (and baby) the time to get use to it, and then you will find that you have worked out something wonderful for both of you. Good for you that you are going to give it a try. Any amount of time is better than no time at all and it is one thing that you really won't regret.
P.S. Also never listen to those who are adverse to breastfeeding and who may try to discourage you. I received a certain amount of flak for it, but never regretted my decision to breastfeed my children.
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