Laying around in robes....
Well we got home yesterday and tried to get reacquainted with the house. I've found that most of my furniture is very low to the ground and not so easy to get in and out of. Today is much better and I pretty much stick to the couch and our bed. The couch has become the nursing station, so if you were to pop by, you would find me there 23 out of 24 hours. Oscar and I are both working hard to get some weight gain. We had our first pediatrician appt and he was all the way down to 9 lbs 11.25oz! So we call him tiny. I have been feeding, pumping, feeding, pumping all day and will through the night to get a good reading at our appt. tomorrow! Thankfully, when I pump I get really great amounts so I think maybe we just need to get our systems synched up. He seems to get a lot but maybe he isn't getting as much as I think? Because I pump about an ounce in 15 min. Experts?
Otherwise, we are having a great time. Jerry and I were able to each get about 3-4 hours sleep total last night (this morning). When we got here yesterday we immediately got ready for bed, robes and all. Bob and Steph came by to sneak a peek and take some pics. Bob took this picture and if it were still in print, would make a great LIFE Magazine cover.
This is my new favorite picture
of.
all.
time.
***Photo by Bob Witchger
11 comments:
Pumping is never a good indicator of how much the baby gets. Usually, they get a lot more than you can pump.
Ah the couch. Yes, as paige said, babies are much more efficient at getting milk out than the pump is. Why are you pumping? From what I remember and have learned in class, losing weight is perfectly normal in the early days, and will be regained in good time. As long as you feed on demand, your body will make enough milk, and will constantly adjust depending on how often he wants to feed. Good luck and welcome home!
Yeah I am with you on the pumping issue. I had always planned to pump to have a stash of milk so Jerry could take part in feedings down the road. However, in this case the Drs. are saying that because he has lost more than 10% it's borderline. I know losing weight is normal but is it normal to lose so much? He has lost 11 percent (20 oz). It's just a 24 hour thing til our appt tomorrow...so we'll see what happens! Thanks!
Well, I don't know about the weight gain (I mean really I don't know, not like oh it might be a bad thing, blah blah blah). Maybe he lost more because he started out so big?
I think the amount you're pumping right now is great. I think I was getting about the same amount after a few weeks - not a few days! It sounds like you have plenty of milk, maybe he just had a lot of fluid retention?
And yeah - live on the couch or in bed for a month. That is what I'll do if there is a next time. :)
LOVE the pic...lol and CONGRATS on your beautiful son!!!!
yeah... you might want to cool it on the pumping or you might have some engorging issues. Your body will produce whatever milk your body requires. Thats how one mother can feed twins. If you are pumping in addition to feeding Oscar, then soon you will produce more milk then Oscar by himself can consume.
Love that picture!
First off, you sound like you're doing great with the BFing. Remember, Oscar was bigger than most babies so the drs are basing his numbers on an average baby...not super baby! Also, most babies have alot of fat when they are born to help them survive the first few days until your milk comes in... so I don't think Oscar has anything to worry about.
Also, if per chance to experience any engorgement or signs of mastitis let me know ASAP! I have a magical potion that works wonders...seriously!
Yeah, Oscar sounds like he's doing great, but let us (your fellow blog followers) know how the weight is tomorrow. I would also be careful about getting engorged from pumping so soon. And try to get some sleep (I know, easier said than done)
I haven't said it yet, so, CONGRATULATIONS! (I have been following your blog and eagerly anticipating/checking for updates)
Elana lost more than 10% the first few days. It took longer than I expected for her to get back to her birth weight (she's in the 97th percentile now). Oscar definitely weighed more from you being on an IV/getting fluids, plus, he's a big boy on his own so I'm not surprised that he's lost as much as he has. I do think it's great you're keeping an eye on it though. In regards to the pumping, that's about what I was doing. You might feel like your supply isn't increasing fast enough but you should see a pretty big difference in a few weeks. I'm so glad breastfeeding is going well for you! Lastly, make sure you take full advantage of this being your first baby--don't feel bad about relaxing, being lazy and having Jerry (and others) take care of you! :) love ya girl!
The best advice I can give you is TRUST that your milk supply is perfect! It really may be a little early for all the pumping and concern about weight and all. Really, you are doing GREAT! And your body is amazing at being the sole food provider for your Oscar. Don't even think about second guessing that ability because that can very easily turn a very rewarding and precious BF experience into an insecure one. Just trust. For Serious. :-)
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