From the time we started talking about having babies I knew I wanted to breastfeed rather than use bottled formula. I knew we would use bottles once in a while so Jake could feed our children. But I always thought it would be stored breast milk.
When Hannah and Hailey were born, their sucking reflex was not quite developed all the way. I guess, according to the nurses that helped us, the sucking is one of the last things to develop. Because of this, we had to supplement with formula on top of trying to breast feed. Both in a bottle and using a tube like thing while they sucked our finger.
We did have to limit the amount of time we tried to breastfeed as well. With the girls being so small, we didn't want them to burn extra calories trying to get food. So why wast their precious calories when they need all of them they can get?
I pumped at the hospital, and still do at home. But it doesn't seem to be enough and I am getting a little worried. I should have more of a supply by now, at least I would think. I am more than a little worried about it actually. With me probably not working much after my maternity leave from the bank we are not going to have a lot of extra money. And formula is extremely expensive.
The other problem with breastfeeding is that there isn't enough time in the day. You figure it takes about 30min for the girls to eat a meal. 30min times 2 = 1 hour. Then both of them need to be changed and usually a change of clothes. (Neither of our girls are very clean eaters.) So there is at least 30min for that. (We are now up to 1hour and 30min.) At this point, they are usually awake for 30-45min after a feeding. And that makes this process at least 2 hours. They have been waking hungry every 2 1/2 to 3 hours from start of the previous feeding. Now if you do the math...where is there time to do anything between the time they fall asleep and the first one is waking up ready to be fed?
It is starting to wear on me. I want to do what is best for these little girls. I want to give them every advantage I can. And I know breast milk is the way to do that right now. But...when?
The other problem at this point, they won't latch. Hannah has always had a hard time, and Hailey was only a little better at it. Once in a while we get a good one but that is very few and far between. I have even stopped trying to get them to latch over the last few days. It is rather frustrating to have a hungry child and not be able to get them what they need. It SEEMS easier to pump and just give them the breast milk that way. But like I said, it SEEMS easier. In a perfect world it might be but not right now. Not for this mommy and her little girls.
Well, the girls are awake again. Maybe we will try this whole nursing thing again. Any tips or suggestions I would love them.
~One frustrated Momma
2 comments:
Oh sweetie, first of all... You are doing such an AMAZING job. Breast feeding is such a wonderful experience, but it is also HARD. No one ever mentions just how difficult the first few weeks are. I can't even fathom how hard it would be with TWO babies! My number one suggestion (if you haven't done it yet) is to get in with a lactation specialist. They will work with you and the girls on getting good latches, which is the most important thing. Call your doctor or the hospital and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
As far as your supply, the best thing to do is nurse and pump even more. I know that sounds so exhausting and impossible, but the more you nurse, the more you will produce. Also be sure you're drinking TONS of water. There is also a tea called Mother's Milk or something like that which is supposed to help with supply issues.
I know it's so hard right now, but keep it up.... once you get through this, it truly becomes like second nature. I'm just now in the process of weaning Charlie and I'm actually really sad about it. It's been such a wonderful time with him!
Hang in there Rochelle, you're doing great!!
I had such a horrible time with breast feeding. I actually supplemented formula until I could make my supply large enough with the pump. I got so frustrated and upset about the whole thing that I don't know if I will try again if we have another baby. Some people have an easy time with it and others have a hard time with it. The main thing is that you feed your babies anyway you can and that is all you can do and don't feel bad at all whatever decision you go with!
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