Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's been a dark and stormy week here at chez Theo. In reality and metaphorically.

We have had crazy wind/rain/thunder/lightning storms over the last few days. Blowing trees down, knocking down power lines and leaving us in the dark. Fun times with a newborn.

This is hard. Really hard. I know it gets better. I do - really. You don't have to tell me.

Short version - it took a really long time for my milk to come. (Sunday - I gave birth on Tuesday). Theo was losing too much weight so we had to supplement with formula - which was hard. We had a hell of a time finding a lactation consultant on the weekend in the middle of summer, so we were left to our own inadequacies and anxieties about losing the chance to breastfeed vs. starving the baby. We have now gotten some great advice from some great sources and things are on the upswing. He also had his frenulum clipped because I noticed he was tongue-tied. That may or may not have made a bf difference. The metaphorical clouds are lifting - slowly, but lifting. My milk is here, just low, so we're on a two hour pumping regimen, which is why, yes, I am writing this at 1 am.

Birth story soon. I promise it's worth waiting for.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds tough. Hang in there - I'm sure you're doing great for your little one. The clouds will part and the sun will be out soon.

beans said...

Oh, sorry it has been a rough start. You are all in my thoughts!

Blue Pearl said...

So happy to hear from you. Ditto Vee's comment. Hang on!

Amanda Hanzlik said...

it is so tough, I know.
Parenting a newborn is not for the faint of heart!
Hang in there... you can do it!!!!

Laurie said...

What a strong pair of mommies! Stay strong :)

Melody said...

Even if it's has been really hard, which I believe it has, you sound happy and very in control. Glad that your milk has come in.

Anonymous said...

ugh. sorry it took some time for you milk to come in, glad it's here, and hope your pumping builds up your supply. i am going to send you an email soon about all the wonderful resource i tapped into while we were still there and Mr. E was a peanut.

can't wait to read your birth story!

Holly said...

Sounds like a long few days so far.
We had to supplement with formula here and there. Andrew was jaundiced plus he was starving and not getting enough milk.

Hope the following days get progressively better and better.

Pufferfish said...

Oh you poor mommies. It's a tough time right now, but you've got your head on and know what you are doing. Hang in there! The storm is blowing out.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there. You are an inspiration to us starting on the TTC trail.

Laura said...

I know you guys can do it! The MoHos are all here for ya...even if we can't help you out in the milk production area. :)

sandra said...

hang in there.

Anonymous said...

it IS hard. hang in there mommies! it WILL get better. breastfeeding is quite possibly the hardest thing you will ever do.

Unknown said...

supplementing with formula can be really emotionally hard if you're committed to breastfeeding--we had to as i waited for my milk supply to come in, and i was sad about every last ounce of it. but ultimately, you're nourishing your baby. and you are totally right--it will get better. good luck!

Anonymous said...

Just hang in there. We've all been there. You are not alone. It is exhausting and the hardest work there is. Believe it or not I just remember the exhaustion. Try to sleep the milk does come in. They don't come with an instruction manual and I remember the frustration. Just go with your instinct and take comfort in others. When people offer help, take it. Make them do the things you are too exhausted to do. Really, I wish I had not tried to be superwoman. Your only job is to feed the baby and sleep.
Michelle
www.untilkara.com
info@untilkara.com
mom of 4 aged 2 to 9.

None said...

We had a rough start breastfeeding, too. A lot of women do. Glad you're hanging in there and seeking out support.

And despite our initial need to supplement with formula, and the waking ourselves and our son for feedings/pumpings every 2-3 hours... my supply is now really good and my son could win breastfeeding tournaments if they had such a thing. He is a pro. All I have to do is open my shirt and he latches himself. Crazy because I remember how hard and relentless it used to be. Everyone told me there'd be a payoff some day. It was hard to believe. But it's here.

You will do right by Theo no matter what ends up happening.