Emma is one week old! Right now she is next to me in her bouncer, enjoying a jiggle and listening to the soothing sound of waves. Last week this time I was checked into the hospital, probably laboring in the tub and wondering how the heck I was going to make it through it all. Whew....glad to be on this side of that excitement!
So things are going well, though we've had some bumpy times this week, mostly having to do with breastfeeding. Right away in the hospital she seemed to be latching well, but had a super strong suck that left me soooooo sore. They gave me a nipple shield, which I was hesitant to use because I've read they can lead to more trouble, but ended up using because of the pain (the lac. consultant did say the new ones are a lot better than the old, however). Now, of course, she cannot go without it. Of course! Knew that would happen...hoping to ween her off them soon. Anyone have tricks for that?
The next issue, which caused us much more worry, was her rapid weight loss. Though babies usually lose weight after birth, she was losing too much, going from 9lb3oz at birth to 7lb14oz on day 4, a 14% loss (should be between 5-10%). She was showing signs of dehydration and rooting and screaming after feedings because she was still hungry. Oiy, that was heartbreaking and exhausting! My milk was not coming in fast enough, I guess, and I realize now I was probably not feeding enough, too. Could it be the nipple shields were messing with sensation and stimulation? Who knows.
It was really hard, but at the recommendation of her pediatrician and a lot of worry on our part (were we going down the slippery slope to more & more breastfeeding issues? Early weaning? Colic? Allergies galore?), we decided to abandon our plan, supplementing with a small bit of formula (albeit the fancy non-allergenic kind, but still) after breast feedings. We picked up the frequency of feedings and I was put on herbal supplements (I was impressed they actually suggested that, actually) to boost supply. I also had to start pumping after feedings to help my milk come in faster and to keep up with the formula supplements. Pumping sucks, literally and figuratively, by the way. Not fun at all, but of course its worth it.
After two days of this new regimen she did gain 2 oz, a step in the right direction! She seems sooooo much better, too, not fussy or screamy after feedings, for the most part, just delightfully sleepy. Also, much more alert during her awake times, which is nice. We are going back for another weigh-in in a week and hopefully after that we can start backing off on the formula.
Other than the feeding stuff, things have been pretty great, though. I am feeling better and better, and its been great to be home together as a family getting into the swing of things. Her favorite spot is on one of us, on her tummy in what we like to call her "frog pose". Check it out:
Enjoy this stage as much as you can. It's so fleeting.
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