I'm still here...sort of...

It's been quite a week with little Miss Dahlia around. I am exhausted as I suspected I would be, but in a different way than I thought. That doesn't make much sense but it does to me so...there. :)

More details to come - but things have been rocky with the feedings which is why I'm a basketcase, I think. Not much milk from Mama...barely a 1/2 ounce to an ounce after every feeding which explains why she lost a lot of weight initially and why she was screaming her head off. *sigh* Hopefully we'll be on track soon.

In other news she's soooooooo beautiful and cute and wow. I love her.

Comments

michelle said…
sGood to hear from you!

Can't imagine all the questions and emotions and stresses that come with bringing a little one home. Wow...

Call me anytime!

Hope things continue to get better :)

Miss you and See you soon!
10:44 AM
Meigan said…
Carrie,

I had the same problem with Gillian. One word: fenugreek. It's great stuff & brings the milk in fast. You can get it at any herbal store. You'll smell like maple syrup, but who cares if it works, right?

The other thing is take lots of warm, relaxing bubble baths while Dad takes care of Dahlia. I was too stressed & I think it kept my milk from coming. The baths helped.

Good luck!
11:20 AM
Cellomama said…
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I think Meigan gave you some great advice, on both counts. Stress is a major supply killer, and I've heard great things about fenugreek.

I think all breastfeeding moms worry their babies are starving those early days. Kate lost too much weight those first few days, too. (in fact, I've wondered if those "guidelines" on how much they can lose are based on formula-fed babies - they just can't get much from mama the first several days). It's kind of scary. Do what you can to trust your body - it'll figure it out.
1:17 PM
Test said…
Meigans give good advice. That was often the problem with mom's in the NICU and the fenugreek was a favorite.

Good luck!
1:52 PM
K said…
I'm so glad to hear from you too! I have no babies, but from what I've heard ditto the other 3 comments. When my friend had her son, her pedi was an OLD guy. He said that when he was born, they didn't really nurse babies for the first 48 hours and when his son was born, they didn't nurse for the first 24 hours, so she shouldn't worry too much about the weight guidlines. How funny! :) It's so hard though...you don't want your baby to cry! Do what works for you - you'll hit a rhythm at some point. Oh and try to rest and relax in between....we'll be here when you come out of the fog! Hugs to you and Miss Dahlia!
2:00 PM
K said…
Oh and I forgot. Check if your hospital has a breastfeeding support group (ours has a drop-in 3 or 4 days a week). My friends all found it invaluable in those first few weeks. The lactation consultants run it and there are other moms to help support you. :)
I sound like a know-it-all even though I have no babies. Sorry.
2:03 PM
Anonymous said…
I say find a lactation consultant PRONTO! She will probably solve your problem in about 15 seconds and you'll be a much happier mommy. I had a rec of a good one and called her and we were on our way to new family bliss very quickly.

I know how stressful the feeding issues are in the beginning. But if you can get those sorted by any means necessary, things will smooth out and you'll feel so much more calm.

Please do let me know if you need to talk or vent or anything. I'm sure you have family and friends there to support you but I'm here too! Just in case.
4:52 PM
carrster said…
Thanks everyone....

We did meet with a lactation consultant today and she worked with me on several things (positioning, nipple shields - whoot!, massage, etc)...there is a teeny supply and hopefully it will grow. I was glad she didn't shut me down about a little formula supplementation because that is the only thing keeping her from screaming BLOODY MURDER these days....but we'll get there.

God bless Lansinoh!! :)
6:12 PM
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