This week has been so amazing, so exhausting, so unexpectedly difficult yet so natural at the same time.
I am exhausted, no surprise there. D2 nurses for hours at a time. He will nurse, fall asleep, sleep for a few minutes wake to nurse some more. We have had clusters of this type of feeding that have gone on for 6 hours. My posterior is so sore from sitting so much. My breasts are sore and working hard to keep up with this hungry little fella. A few nights I passed him to Kevin so that he could give him a bit of formula because I was pretty much dry. Last night was the first night that I was able to get through without a formula top up and I am so happy. He is a relentless feeder but it is accomplishing the goal. My milk supply is getting there. I assume I have a few more weeks of this crazy schedule then I hope things can settle down a bit. Question to Moms who have nursed, is this true? How does this work? I have never managed to exclusively nurse a child before so I have no idea what to expect.
I must go do a load of laundry and relax while D2 naps. Happy New Year to all of you. I hope 2010 is a safe, healthy and wonderful year for all of us! Hugs!
17 comments:
Hmmm, my comment on your earlier post seems to have been eaten by blogger. So first -- HOORAY! Congratulations, and I'm so delighted to hear baby is finally here!
I'd asked if he was a big boy, and I ask again -- Simon at 10 lbs needed some extra formula for the first couple of hours, and Lucas needed continual supplementing starting around four weeks, Tristan around six. I think big babies just need a little extra sometimes, yanno? But, the theory is that nature will take care of supply as long as he keeps up with demand.
Happy New Year to you and your new family of five!
I never topped up and my memory is of nursing ALL THE TIME. With the first baby I thought she couldn't possibly be hungry again? But she was. And those first 3 days you just have to let the baby breastfeed all the time so that your milk will come in.
Both times I found the first six weeks the toughest. All that cluster feeding. But if you can get through that it will get better. And if you doubt that the baby could possibily want to nurse again, offer and he probably will.
Hang in there!
Oh Chantal you bring back so many memories of those first few weeks. I never topped up either of the kids, but there was definitely a 24hr period when the milk came in that they just ate and ate and ate. Other than that they ate every two hours for the first few weeks of life for sure, then dwindling a bit afterwards. I hope it evens off for you so you can get some rest.
I've never had to top up my nurslings, however I'm pretty sure I could exclusively nurse triplets... Andrew is days shy of a year old and I still have to wear nursing pads cause my let down is so fierce.
If you're needing to increase supply, try eating oatmeal. Seriously. When I eat too much oatmeal, I get positively ENGORGED, even this long into the game.
It's truly just a matter of supply and demand. Let him set the demand and your body will eventually adjust.
Take care.
the milk will come in. you'll know. ;)
I have never topped up with formula either, just nursed on demand. Those first few weeks are crazy, a blur of constant eating then as time goes by things settle down.
Now Cordi will eat 4-5 times a day ...
So glad it is going well for you. Believe in yourself and your body the rest will fall into place.
Both my boys were the same, it seemed no matter how much they nursed they would go for weeks at a time just eating all the time. I nursed both boys every two hours for the first six months of their life. My saving grace was they were quick feeders (5-10 mins) would do it. If you can stick with it, it will get better. It's hard, but take it as a perfect opportunity to just sit, rest, and snuggle with baby if you can.
If you're nursing that much your milk supply should really start to kick in soon. I've never had to top up my nursings, either.
If you're really concerned, you can try taking some fenugreek as it helps increase your milk supply. Be forewarned, though, that it may make you smell a bit sweet. Fenugreek is one of the ingredients used to make artificial maple syrup. I've heard oatmeal helps, too, just like Amy mentioned.
I agree with everyone else, the first 6-8 weeks are toughest. Lots and lots of nursing. I had to top up once a day with the twins for the first 2 months and I've been fine since. And after 8 weeks they stop nursing so constantly and you can imagine doing stuff again ;) CONGRATS!!
Well, as everyone else has said here, the first six weeks or so are the hardest (with major growth spurts at 3 weeks and 6 weeks). I found with my kids I was nursing about every two hours for the first six weeks or so -- sometimes even every hour and a half.
And don't worry if your breasts don't feel full. You still make milk even when they seem to be empty, and the baby will get enough. Sounds like you're doing awesome! I'll be over soon to see the little guy (we seem to have picked up ANOTHER FREAKING BUG in Toronto, I'll email as soon as I am able to be away from the bathroom for a half hour at a time).
Great comments, I agree with all these brilliant moms!! I nursed all three of mine a lot those first few weeks, and the only thing that got me through the constant nursing of babes two and three was my sling. I learned early on to nurse the baby in the sling so I could still walk around and cope with the older kids (had my kids very close so they were very needy, KWIM?). There are days and weeks where you feel like all you do is nurse, and I think that is very normal and natural.
Hang in there!!!
I couldn't produce enough milk for the jellybean, even after doing everything I could possibly do. Nursing, pumping, domperidon (medication to increase milk production), dark beer (recommendation of my midwife). I ended up pumping for 5 months, and had to heavily suppliment.
I know breast feeding is the best, but unfortunately not all of us can do it, and I wanted you to know that you aren't alone and should not feel guilty if you have to suppliment. You alone know your body and your baby and what is best for him!
All the very very best in the New Year for you (and for all of your boys!).
Like many others have commented here, I didn't top up. I started off nursing every two hours, although I'd let the baby go longer at night if possible. Didn't happen often though! :)
Oh, Chantal, you are doing such a wonderful job. xo
Oh, I also meant to add that I was always very late at introducing food (due to possible food allergies). So I nursed exclusively for about 7-9 months (depending on the child)
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Chantal how are things going? I hope well!!
I never topped up either, though with my first I pumped and gave him that when I wasn't sure of myself. I nursed on demand for both, which basically translates to all the time, especially in the early days.
I hope you are getting some rest!
after 8 weeks they stop nursing so constantly and you can imagine doing stuff again ;) CONGRATS!!
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