More Moo. 1-27-12

The rigors of feedings for little Boop make getting anything else done pretty difficult. I’m supposed to feed her 10-12 times a day and every 2 hours. That seems a bit challenging, but let’s break that down. Boop takes a good 30 minutes to nurse. We’re doing switch feedings, going from one side to the other, waking her between each switch. Sometimes I switch 3-4 times. So, that leaves almost 1.5 hours. Then, I need to give her supplemental formula, including mixing it and using a syringe to feed her. They didn’t have any supplemental nursing systems in town; so I had to order one online. Hopefully, I’ll get it within the week. The formula takes about a half hour to put together and give, leaving less than 1 hour between feedings. Then, little Boop has been having tummy trouble, which is very noticeable after the formula feedings. So, I try to comfort her. Sometimes we don’t get the formula feeding. Then, there are the diaper changes. The meconium ones are very difficult to clean up. On top of this, I’m supposed to be pumping to boost my supply. The lactation specialist wants me to ‘power pump’ to boost prolactin levels. 5 min. pumping, 10-15 min. rest, 5 min. pumping, 10-15 min. rest. This has been the most challenging to incorporate. Sleep? Good question.

Going home after seeing the lactation specialist

As it turns out, I probably have a congenital problem that makes it difficult to nurse. Some women with this problem aren’t able to nurse at all; so the fact that I’m getting anything is wonderful. Of course, it doesn’t feel so wonderful when your baby is crying because she’s hungry and has to work very hard to get anything. Right after delivery, I asked to see a lactation specialist. Of course, that was never really followed up on—or the multiple other requests I made, but when Boop’s weight kept dropping, the pediatric NP responded to my request—the day before discharge. We would have done so much better if I had seen the lactation specialist within the 1^st 3 days, but there is still time. The lactation specialist is wonderful and was noticeably disappointed that she didn’t see me sooner. Folks have been very helpful in ideas about increasing lactation. The pediatrician mentioned Reglan, a GERD medicine, but unfortunately, it increases the risk of depression. Others have suggested staying well hydrated, decreasing stress, and eating ice cream. Some herbal remedies include fenugreek, milk thistle—and pre-made combos like lactation tea and Milkmakers cookies. I ordered some of the cookies, and my friend, M, is sending me some tea. Fingers crossed!