Learning and growing as we go….
Jemma and Zoe were 4 weeks this past Monday…..wow, can’t believe how fast the first 4 weeks went by. Both girls are doing great, they are good eaters now and are gaining weight! We went in for a weight check yesterday at the pediatric office. Jemma is up to 7 pounds 13 ounces, she went from the 3rd to the 14th percentile. Zoe is up to 7 pounds 10 ounces and went from the 2nd to the 11th percentile. The girls now have chubby cheeks and a little pudge on their thighs, I love it!
Jemma
Zoe
Jemma and I went back to the lactation consultant this past Monday. Jemma did quite well at our first visit, but at this visit, she went into full tantrum mode. Loud crying, pushing, kicking and refusal to latch. The consultant said she understood why I was having trouble breastfeeding and why I found it to be stressful for both Jemma and myself. She asked what my goals were and I said that giving the girls breast milk was my main goal, she said that I can still do that with pumping and to do whatever made everyone happy. It was validating to hear this from a lactation consultant and helped me move on from my ongoing internal debate about whether or not to push the breastfeeding issue.
So, at this point, we are still trying to latch/breastfeed 1-2 times/day, but not spending more than 5 minutes trying to do so. Only breastfeeding for as long as the girls are actively swallowing and focusing on pumping and giving the girls pumped breast milk. The consultant said that if I really wanted to work with Jemma we could take her for an oral evaluation and then to try the catheters attached to my breast. With going back to work in 2-3 weeks I just didn’t feel like it was realistic to go through all of that. I really just want to enjoy the rest of my maternity leave to its fullest.
When I feed the girls alone (without the help of my Mom or Hubby, which I do at the 3 AM feeding), I utilize the Twin-Z Pillow and I feel accomplished and happy! Why not do what makes everyone happy!?
Today was my postpartum visit, my doctor says I’m healing well and can resume normal activities. I’m very excited to get back into yoga. Also, the doctor prescribed Reglan per my request to help increase my milk supply. She did let me know that some people experience depression with it, so I’ll take it for a couple of weeks and will see how I feel. I would rather have a lower milk supply than be depressed. Sleep deprivation is enough! Anyone have experience with Reglan?
Tomorrow the girls will be 1 month, post and pictures coming soon!
Happy Hump Day!
So glad to hear that things are going pretty well for you all. The girls are so adorable!!
Thank you so much!
Glad to hear that you are all doing well. 🙂 Sounds like you have a good plan on getting breast milk into your girls. I’m interested to hear how the Reglan works for you.
Thank you, I’ll let you know about the Reglan. 🙂
Wow, 4 weeks already?! They are adorable! Love the update!
I know, you are that much closer! Thank you!
Oh those babies are cute!
Thank you!
i love the line, “Why not do what makes everyone happy!?”. happy to see you’re not beating yourself up about little hiccups. i think this is genius and the girls looks quite content! good job!
Thank you, it’s true isn’t it?! I just want to keep them happy and healthy. xoxo
I can’t believe it had been 4 weeks already! The girls are looking great and I am glad that you are working through the feeding issues. ❤
Yes, 4 weeks, they’ve gone so fast. Thank you, we are doing the best we can!
They are so beautiful! And one month already?! It goes so, so fast, doesn’t it?
Thank you, yes, it goes by so fast! Unbelievable!
Gorgeous babies !
Thank you!
What a great, open-minded lactation consultant! Reading that made me happy! No guilt, just feed your babies and be happy!
4 weeks? Unreal!
Yes, she was the best! So hard to believe that they are over a month old, time flys!
I have taken Domperidone for years for my digestive disorder. It is like Reglan, but has less side effects. Only problem: you have to get it from Canada (though I think you can get it from a compounding pharmacy. But I get mine from CA with no problem.) it did raise my prolactin the first year I took it. If Reglan doesn’t work for you, or causes depression, Dom could be an option. So happy you are doing well!
I actually have decided not to take the Reglan, after talking to the pharmacist, I think the side effects outweigh the benefits. I’d rather have lower milk production than suffer some pretty nasty side effects. 🙂
Yeah, unfortunately Reglan has some pretty scary ones. But it sounds like you are doing great and have found a routine that works for you! More importantly, sounds like your girls are growing and healthy. xoxo
I haven’t had a chance to comment in a while, but I wanted to let you know how happy I am to see Jemma and Zoe doing so fabulously! They’re adorable, and they look happy and healthy. And doing what makes everyone happy sounds like a great plan–you’ve got enough going on in your life!