2.5 Week Post-Partum Update
Hi Ladies--
I am still in such "survival mode" that I barely have time to get mail from my mailbox, nevermind get online. I miss contributing to this forum, but think I'll be able to post more once the initial initiation/hazing--I mean adjustment--to parenthood is over.
Joseph is 2.5 weeks old now and is 6 lbs, 7 oz. (up from a low of 5 lbs. 13 oz.) He's still not back to his birthweight of 6 lbs. 10 oz., but I suspect he will be by week's end. The reason being we've had nearly every BFing issue in the book, from his being tongue-tied (was remedied with a simple procedure when he was 2 days old), only 2 lactation consultations while in the hospital for 5 days (still upset and saddened about that one), we both have thrush (his mouth and my nipples are still being medicated for it), I am on Day #10 of Reglan and Fenugreek (yes, I smell of maple), and I have what the lactation consultant diagnosed as "probably insufficient glandular tissue" as of yesterday. (Yes, I shelled-out the $175 for a home consult-grrr!) Even though my C cups have gone to DD's, apparently size has nothing to do with the actual supply. Also worth mentioning is that I have been having oats three times daily...steel-cut oats, cheerios, granola bars, etc. since they are supposedly a BF super-food.
So, I am still giving BFing the "old college try" and using a hospital-grade pump, supplementing with Similac Advance from Breastflow bottles, and offering the breast several times a day. Luckily there has been no nipple confusion, despite introducing the Breastflows on Day #9. JD can suck at my breasts for hours, despite getting very little. After yesterday's BF session, the consultant weighed JD and he had only gained .2 oz...she normally would have expected more like a full ounce in that timeframe. Joseph's pediatrician is very pro-BFing, and the lactation consultant definitley is and both agree I am doing everything possible to help the situation. I am committed to continuing this full-fledged schedule for the first full month and then will evaluate from there. I figure if nothing else, I can still BF part-time but may have to adjust my expectation of exclusively breastfeeding.
My husband has been superb as a dad and a support for me. He still gets freaked-out when I cry at times, but he claims to be pysiologically designed to do so. I am over the initial 10 day hormonal rollercoaster ride and feel my physical healing is going very well. I tapered off the percocets only 3 days after I got home from the hospital. My incision looks good and I am fairly able-bodied. To be honest, I have recovered physically faster than I expected and that makes this sleep-deprived mom happy!
Hope all is well with everyone here and I will post again when time permits,
--Paula
P.S. Weight loss total: 23.5 lbs gone of the 28.5 I gained during the pregnancy. I feel happy about this but also odd, as I haven't tried to lose it...I've been too busy to try doing anything! I have been eating a lot, but healthy choices overall. Also, little strolls around the neighborhood with JD.
I am still in such "survival mode" that I barely have time to get mail from my mailbox, nevermind get online. I miss contributing to this forum, but think I'll be able to post more once the initial initiation/hazing--I mean adjustment--to parenthood is over.
Joseph is 2.5 weeks old now and is 6 lbs, 7 oz. (up from a low of 5 lbs. 13 oz.) He's still not back to his birthweight of 6 lbs. 10 oz., but I suspect he will be by week's end. The reason being we've had nearly every BFing issue in the book, from his being tongue-tied (was remedied with a simple procedure when he was 2 days old), only 2 lactation consultations while in the hospital for 5 days (still upset and saddened about that one), we both have thrush (his mouth and my nipples are still being medicated for it), I am on Day #10 of Reglan and Fenugreek (yes, I smell of maple), and I have what the lactation consultant diagnosed as "probably insufficient glandular tissue" as of yesterday. (Yes, I shelled-out the $175 for a home consult-grrr!) Even though my C cups have gone to DD's, apparently size has nothing to do with the actual supply. Also worth mentioning is that I have been having oats three times daily...steel-cut oats, cheerios, granola bars, etc. since they are supposedly a BF super-food.
So, I am still giving BFing the "old college try" and using a hospital-grade pump, supplementing with Similac Advance from Breastflow bottles, and offering the breast several times a day. Luckily there has been no nipple confusion, despite introducing the Breastflows on Day #9. JD can suck at my breasts for hours, despite getting very little. After yesterday's BF session, the consultant weighed JD and he had only gained .2 oz...she normally would have expected more like a full ounce in that timeframe. Joseph's pediatrician is very pro-BFing, and the lactation consultant definitley is and both agree I am doing everything possible to help the situation. I am committed to continuing this full-fledged schedule for the first full month and then will evaluate from there. I figure if nothing else, I can still BF part-time but may have to adjust my expectation of exclusively breastfeeding.
My husband has been superb as a dad and a support for me. He still gets freaked-out when I cry at times, but he claims to be pysiologically designed to do so. I am over the initial 10 day hormonal rollercoaster ride and feel my physical healing is going very well. I tapered off the percocets only 3 days after I got home from the hospital. My incision looks good and I am fairly able-bodied. To be honest, I have recovered physically faster than I expected and that makes this sleep-deprived mom happy!
Hope all is well with everyone here and I will post again when time permits,
--Paula
P.S. Weight loss total: 23.5 lbs gone of the 28.5 I gained during the pregnancy. I feel happy about this but also odd, as I haven't tried to lose it...I've been too busy to try doing anything! I have been eating a lot, but healthy choices overall. Also, little strolls around the neighborhood with JD.
cnograts on your 2 1/2 week old...It will get better love!
Baby girl Morgan born 5/28/10, 2 weeks before my 1 year surgiversary. Angel concieved 09/10, lost 10/13/10, was due in June 2011. Baby #2 (our rainbow) on their way, due 7/27/11- Miley Victoria or Maddox Michael
Make a pregnancy ticker
Make a pregnancy ticker
I am so glad to see your post! I was just thinking about you this morning. You are such a dedicated mom, and I am sorry to hear that BFing is a struggle for you, but it sounds like you are doing everything in your power to make it work. I know how emotional the whole thing is, when you have your heart and mind set on something it is hard to change mid stride, but you seem to have an awsome attitude towards the whole situation and that's great. I know many who have given up with fewer issues then you are facing, so keep up the good work, and if you need to talk or vent feel free to drop me an email!
Oh, and we need more PICTURES! Just one is a tease! LOL
Oh, and we need more PICTURES! Just one is a tease! LOL
Courtney - Lap band to VSG revision
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