(no subject)

[geminigirl]

While no one is (I hope) expecting a constant stream of chatter from this end, I do apologize for the pretty well complete radio silence.

We're in the throes of a serious low milk supply issue (not entirely unexpected as we knew going in that there was potential for a problem) so we're on a pretty crazy schedule that involves nursing, pumping and feeding. We're hunting still for local donor milk, I'm already taking domperidone, the lactation consultant is wonderful and, despite being on vacation this weekend, we've been in contact with her every day at her request, etc. In other words, we're doing all the right things, but it's a matter of time and patience and decision making...and the reality is that the baby needs an emotionally healthy parent more than breastmilk-whatever I can give her is wonderful, and if I can give her more than that, that's also terrific, but if I can't, something is better than nothing.

While I was intellectually prepared for this to happen, I'm not sure anything could have prepared me emotionally for it. It's pretty heartbreaking, and I've gone back and forth around anger/grief/resentment/questioning and all the usual emotions which would be difficult enough to begin with but throw a dose of post partum hormones in there and things aren't exactly easy...physically I feel terrific though, and (hate me if you want) I'm in pre-pregnancy clothes and they fit better now than they did before I got pregnant.

I should try and get some of the work done around the house while the baby is sleeping-we're preparing for an impromptu 35th birthday gathering for zedrikcayne who turns 35 tomorrow.

Comments

[ladygreyy.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I am so so sorry to hear that. You know I understand what you're going through, so don't hesitate to email me if you need to vent.

[bicrim.livejournal.com]

Have you read my nursing story yet? It's in the memories of my journal. If you read it and want to talk to someone who really, really gets it, please call or email. It's a grieving process, and it's pretty horrible, but it does get better, and it's possible to be successful despite everything. Elliot is still nursing at almost three due to our hard work and never quitting. Lots of love to you all.

[beaq.livejournal.com]

While no one is (I hope) expecting a constant stream of chatter from this end, I do apologize for the pretty well complete radio silence.

YOU JUST HAD A BABY!

Yeesh. :-)


I hope you have lots of people to talk to about the nursing issue. I know it's fraught. {hugs}

[inkedmama.livejournal.com]

i'm glad to hear you're doing well (yay for already wearing pre-pregnancy clothes!), and i hope you're able to work out your nursing struggles. it seems like you have a fabulous attitude about it though.

*hugs*

and it was really good to see an update from you! :)

[slfisher.livejournal.com]

Y'know, feed the baby what milk you can make (you might also ask your lactation consultant about fenugreek, which is a galactagogue), and supplement with formula. Maybe the milk supply will increase, maybe it won't, but it's not an all-or-nothing situation.

[fairion.livejournal.com]

I am glad you are starting with the domperidome earlier than I did. I hope your milk does come in. When you do decide it is time to stop the domperidome, taper off I did not (noone told me I needed to) and crashed bad which is not something you need on top of everything else you are going through.

*hugs*

[aelf.livejournal.com]

Nursing should be so easy ... and for so many of us it isn't. My difficulties were different from what you're going through, but I expect the emotional carnage is similar.

Feed the baby. Love the baby. Be gentle with yourself.

[whitebird.livejournal.com]

A) So not a failing.

B) You now get to say things like "... while the baby is asleep"!

C) Still so not a failing.

[wait.livejournal.com]

Dittoing on what the other folks said! You need a hospital grade pump at your house; make sure they show you how to use it properly and that you have the right size attachment.

(Medela PIS is actually a great pump for someone who pumps a few times a day, but you need the Oomph!)

I have a friend who had success with Fenugreek. You know you're taking enough when your pee smells like maple syrup. ;)

You mentioned the LC has been on vacation? Have they actually met with you yet? Seeing you nurse is vital.

And and please take this the right way when I say GO TO BED! You just had a baby! Give the boy a big hug and let them order pizza.

*big hugs*

[vix.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Obviously I can't really offer any advice here, but you have my support and I would just say be patient with your body and yourself. It has been through a lot lately!