For those of you that aren't in the direct vacinity, you wouldn't know there is another complicating factor. I'm pumping. Exclusively. That means that every 3 hours for 20 minutes, I have to sit on my bed with myself all hooked up.
It has been a hard road. And very emotional. We have received lots of advice on how we could get her to latch, but nothing seemed to work and eating time was not good. And for the most part, pumping is okay. But it does limit the length of time we can leave the house. And complicates travelling - though this weekend we had no problems. I even took the pump to the Country Music Hall of Fame and used their First Aid room to pump.
The hardest thing is knowing that nursing works so easily for some people - and that others work really hard and it eventually works for them. It didn't for us. And to be honest, we're past it. I've been considering this week trying to get her to latch again - and then I see the way she eats even with the bottle and I'm pretty sure that nothing has changed.
So, as much as I've appreciated everyone's advice - this is the direction we're going. I'm able to provide her plenty of milk (and create a huge stock in our freezer - thank God for the deep freezer) and I know she's getting the nutrients she needs.
My goal is to make it to 6 months. And if we go longer, it will be a bonus.
The most gratifying thing: those cheeks and thighs. And the incredibly cute giggle she has decided to bless us with recently! For this, I am proud.
Good for you for pushing through the issues and figuring out what works for you! I plan on breastfeeding too and keep telling David he'll have to keep reminding me that it's worth it and encourage me to get through rough stuff :)
ReplyDeleteThis may sound a bit odd - but there actually are people who donate breastmilk. This could be an option for you after 6 months. I know on Mothering.com you can join 'tribes' in the forums and look around for people in Appleton (seems like Appleton is more forward-minded than Peoria about this kind of stuff - and since I've seen moms here willing to donate I know there's gotta be moms there too). Or look into LaLeche leagues or attachment parenting type groups. Anyway - just a thought - though I know you said you didn't need more advice (not that I have any really to give, not experienced it yet!).