Goodness, I just realized I haven't updated all of you on the weight issue. It really is true what they say about time passing you by...
The good news is that Tyler gained 8 ounces in one week--one ounce more than expected. The doctor was happy. He told me that Tyler could see him in one week if I was nervous, or two weeks if I felt good about things.
I scheduled another appointment for this Monday.
Here's why: When I went to a lactation support group on Wednesday, their scale showed he only gained .3 ounces in two days. Yes, I know different scales can show different amounts. However, it was enough to freak me out--that and the handout the lactation consultant gave me that said Tyler should be eating between 3 and 4 ounces at each feeding. I have reason to believe that he's getting less than an ounce from me, and no more than 2 ounces of supplement.
So, I want another weigh-in. I fear that this one won't be so positive.
Much like when I was going through infertility treatments, I now have a back-up plan for if this appointment doesn't go well. I'm going to ask the pedi about exclusively bottle feeding and pumping afterwards (basically, I'd end up doing a combo of formula and breast milk, like I'm doing now, except I'd know exactly what he's getting). You might think that sounds cumbersome, except, I'm already pumping after each feeding, so I'd just be substituting the bottle for the breast.
I am just so sick of massaging my breasts and not feeling any fullness--only drops of milk coming out. It's incredibly frustrating for me. Boy, PCOS is the gift that just keeps on giving (although, all pregnant PCOS-ers out there shouldn't be terribly concerned, because low milk supply is a condition that only affects some of us; thus, I'm living up to the name of my blog again).
In other news (yes, I am capable of occasionally thinking of something besides feeding), I am happy to say that I am establishing, if not a routine, then at least a general guideline for Tyler's daytime naps. I can often put him down for a nap and he doesn't cry at all! Yay me! And yay for time to get things done around the house!
Although I have to say that with washing dishes and changing diapers and clothes, my back is killing me...
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5 comments:
I'm sorry I haven't checked in recently, but now that I have---please don't switch to a bottle from the supplemental nursing system, really, that weird blip in weight gain I guarantee you is because of the different scales.
They really can be off by a hell of a lot. My ped tells me to never ever switch scales, unless we are in a hospital and need to, because those ones are more precise.
You don't have a crisis. You need some domperidone to lift your milk supply, and you can order it online pretty quickly. Pump a lot, but it will only help if you are using a hospital grade heavy duty pump, a little one won't do.
The more you feed him and get skin to skin contact, the more milk you will make.
May I suggest getting a baby scale for your own home use? I don't think they are very expensive. As for breastfeeding assvice- I don't think I'm qualified. All the help in the world couldn't help me.
I didn't know low milk supply was a symptom of PCOS. I seem to produce very little milk at a time. My little guy is almost 7 weeks old and I don't think he's ever taken more than 2 ounces at a feeding. But I feed him all the time, so I guess he gets what he needs (+ one formula bottle a day). You probably already tried feeding more frequently, though. So I will skip the assvice, it's just interesting to know that about PCOS.
If you want him to keep getting breastmilk, keep the baby to your breast. Without the skin to skin, you will start losing your milk. The best pump in the world is only a substitute for the nursing. I know how hard it is right now (I was there exactly a year ago), but it will get better.
I am sure that he did gain weight-- I agree about using the same scale every time, but a wet diaper can throw it off when you are checking every few days. Try to hold off at least 10 days to recheck the weight-- otherwise the numbers are meaningless.
Ann,
You and another friend both are having issues and the common link is PCOS. I know it does not affect all women with PCOS. But don't beat up yourself.
MrsSpock made a good suggestion about the baby scale. Wonder if there are any good brands out there.
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