Tuesday, 30 September 2008
First Time at the Pool
In a couple of weeks Noah and I start a mums and bubs swimming class. We decided that we would take him for a trial run at the pool first and also so Rob would get to share his first 'swim'. I think the people at the pool thought we committing child abuse - Noah screamed and mostly looked decidedly unhappy about the whole affair. Hey at least we got some photos for the album - isn't that what all these moments are about anyway!!
Thursday, 25 September 2008
The things we do
Noah avidly watching the sports carnival events
Abbey in a photo finish and receiving her 2nd place ribbon
Jakob crossing the line 3rd then receiving his ribbon
Jake leading the passball team
After the carnival Noah and I headed to Whitfords to do some shopping then on the way home there was a meltdown. You know that moment when you realise you've pushed a baby too far and all hell is about to break loose. It starts slowly but once they reach that point there's almost no calming them down. Noah is no exception to this well known phenomenon. On the home stretch pushing the pram along Marmion Ave he started to cry then scream and nothing was calming him down. I tried putting the dummy in a dozen times but he kept spitting it out so he could scream. I tried carrying him and pushing the pram with one hand - not easy. Finally I put him back in the pram and resigned myself to a couple of kilometres of screaming. Then I started singing and he instantly relaxed and seemed to go to sleep. So there I was on Marmion Ave alternating between Twinkle Twinkle and Rock-a-Bye Baby too afraid to stop singing. I kept looking behind me to make sure that a walker or cyclist didn't sneak up behind me and catch me. I must have sounded ridiculous - seriously out of tune and out of breath but hey it worked and I'd do it again in a heartbeat
Surprise...........
Aunty Holly surprised everyone by coming home from Falls Creek a week early to meet Noah.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Two Months Old
Mr Noah Bungy De Roach is 2 months old today. It seems to have gone so quickly but also seems like he's been in our lives forever. I've just returned from spending the day in hospital after having a D & C under general anaesthetic. All went well and it was really just a precaution because after 9 weeks post partum I was still bleeding. Apparently I'll have period like bleeding for another week now and then finally a break!!
Lots has been going on for Noah - last Friday he braved his 8 week immunisations and despite crying desperatley when the injection went in he recovered very quickly. After me writing that he had started to be more settled he actually went into a week of some of his most unsettled behaviour to date. We are still taking him to the Chiropractor to see if it might help his pain and general digestive issues. It doesn't seem to have made any difference at this stage but so many people swear by it we definitely wanted to give it a go. Today was the follow up with the Paediatrician after the concern about his kidneys and all the tests came back clear. Mum and Rob went because I was in the hospital and I sent them a long list of questions to ask on my behalf. I have been a bit concerned about his general development (eye contact and interest in his surroundings) but the Dr has assured them that it is most likely nothing and once we sort out his pain he will start to improve in these other areas too. He has been put onto a special medicated formula free of all animal products so we have high hopes that this will be the solution.
Other than Noah's ongoing medical stuff life as a family is really good and we are of course totally in love with our gorgeous little man. We had a lovely weekend with lot sof socialising with family and friends. I've got some great photos of Rob getting up to shenanigans with Jake and Abbey down at the marina so keep an eye out for them.
Lots has been going on for Noah - last Friday he braved his 8 week immunisations and despite crying desperatley when the injection went in he recovered very quickly. After me writing that he had started to be more settled he actually went into a week of some of his most unsettled behaviour to date. We are still taking him to the Chiropractor to see if it might help his pain and general digestive issues. It doesn't seem to have made any difference at this stage but so many people swear by it we definitely wanted to give it a go. Today was the follow up with the Paediatrician after the concern about his kidneys and all the tests came back clear. Mum and Rob went because I was in the hospital and I sent them a long list of questions to ask on my behalf. I have been a bit concerned about his general development (eye contact and interest in his surroundings) but the Dr has assured them that it is most likely nothing and once we sort out his pain he will start to improve in these other areas too. He has been put onto a special medicated formula free of all animal products so we have high hopes that this will be the solution.
Other than Noah's ongoing medical stuff life as a family is really good and we are of course totally in love with our gorgeous little man. We had a lovely weekend with lot sof socialising with family and friends. I've got some great photos of Rob getting up to shenanigans with Jake and Abbey down at the marina so keep an eye out for them.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Record Smashing Sleep
Noah slept for 5 hours and 40 minutes tonight smashing his previous record of 3 hours 55 minutes.
The last few days have seemed to be a real turning point in our little man. It's hard to say what exactly is causing it but he seems to be more settled and generally just a happier baby. We have switched around formulas and put him on probiotic powder which I think is helping his tummy. He has also seen a chiropractor who is sorting out his alignment (he always turns and leans to the right) Plus he's reached that magic 8 week mark when everyone promised he would start to change.
We were a bit worried this week because urine tests came back with some concerns and we were sent off to visit a paediatric kidney specialist. The Dr has done some more tests but seems to think it will be nothing.
I, however, look like I am going to need a small day surgery next week to sort out some 'girl problems' following Noah's birth. Nothing to worry about but a pain nonetheless (not to mention another bloody medical bill - they're never ending at the moment)
The last few days have seemed to be a real turning point in our little man. It's hard to say what exactly is causing it but he seems to be more settled and generally just a happier baby. We have switched around formulas and put him on probiotic powder which I think is helping his tummy. He has also seen a chiropractor who is sorting out his alignment (he always turns and leans to the right) Plus he's reached that magic 8 week mark when everyone promised he would start to change.
We were a bit worried this week because urine tests came back with some concerns and we were sent off to visit a paediatric kidney specialist. The Dr has done some more tests but seems to think it will be nothing.
I, however, look like I am going to need a small day surgery next week to sort out some 'girl problems' following Noah's birth. Nothing to worry about but a pain nonetheless (not to mention another bloody medical bill - they're never ending at the moment)
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Oops...
Sometimes I start writing an entry and then I get interrupted before publishing it on the blog. What this means is that when I go back and finish it off it appears on the blog back at the date I started it. So when you come to have a look it might be worth scrolling back to see if there are some entries that you have not seen. I have posted a lot of pictures but they are back about 3 entries so make sure you check them out.
Thanks for looking XX
Thanks for looking XX
Friday, 12 September 2008
Thank you
Despite my usual reputation for being quite efficient I have not managed to get proper thank you notes out to the hundreds of you who sent Noah gifts. I promise it will happen but in the meantime - THANK YOU. We were absolutely spoilt and truly couldn't believe the generosity of everyone near and far. We love you XX
Where does the time go??
Understandably I am finding it hard to keep up with blogging so I apologise to those of you I know check this blog daily - but please stick with us we've got lots going on and hope to do better at keeping you up to date with news and pictures.
Noah is 7 weeks and 2 days old now and is growing so fast. As of 3 days ago he was weighing in at a healthy 4.9 kilos (10 pounds 8) and he had grown from 50cm at birth to 56cms.
Unfortunately for our gorgeous little man his problems with reflux, colic and any other tummy pains are continuing. It's so heartbreaking to see him writhing in pain and having so many problems with seemingly basic bodily functions. Yes this is the bit where I talk about his poo. I actually can't believe how much I am required to think about , talk about and look at Noah's bowel movements. He's only passing number twos every 36 - 48 hours and the whole event is the cause of most of his angst. For about the first 4 - 6 hours after he has done one he is the happiest baby you could imagine but then the dreaded cycle of digestion starts again and so does the pain. We are mostly led to believe he'll grow out of it as his digestive system matures - god I hope so.
This leads me to his sleep patterns. He sleeps a lot but due to all his tummy pains he wakes himself up without fail every couple of hours. I vaguely remember what my bed feels like and what it's like to sleep but right now I'm not getting much of it. His previous record was 3 hours and 15 minutes but this week (Tuesday night) he blew us away when he slept for 3 hours 55. These are very isolated incidences but great nonetheless.
I took him to the Chiropractor today and we will be going 3 or 4 more times to try and see if it can help some of his issues plus he has a bit of a lean to the right which we need to sort out. The Dr was so lovely and Noah really allowed him to poke and prod him without any fuss. From a baby that hates being messed with (ie nappy changes, getting clothes on and off) this is a welcome change.
Even though we are living in a bit of a bubble at the moment there are other things happening besides Noah. This week Jakob had his sports carnival and competed in running, long jump and lots of other events winning quite a few ribbons plus the bronze medal for Year 4 boys overall. Noah and I were there cheering him on and hope to do the same next week at the interschool carnival.
In the last couple of weeks Louise has announced her pregnancy and our friends Roz and Rob welcomed a new baby boy Harvey into the world. Tomorrow we are celebrating Miss Georgia P's 2nd Birthday and Sunday I am going to Linzi's baby shower ready for her new bundle who is arriving in less than 5 weeks. Babies galore!!
Life is good. We'll be in touch XX
Noah is 7 weeks and 2 days old now and is growing so fast. As of 3 days ago he was weighing in at a healthy 4.9 kilos (10 pounds 8) and he had grown from 50cm at birth to 56cms.
Unfortunately for our gorgeous little man his problems with reflux, colic and any other tummy pains are continuing. It's so heartbreaking to see him writhing in pain and having so many problems with seemingly basic bodily functions. Yes this is the bit where I talk about his poo. I actually can't believe how much I am required to think about , talk about and look at Noah's bowel movements. He's only passing number twos every 36 - 48 hours and the whole event is the cause of most of his angst. For about the first 4 - 6 hours after he has done one he is the happiest baby you could imagine but then the dreaded cycle of digestion starts again and so does the pain. We are mostly led to believe he'll grow out of it as his digestive system matures - god I hope so.
This leads me to his sleep patterns. He sleeps a lot but due to all his tummy pains he wakes himself up without fail every couple of hours. I vaguely remember what my bed feels like and what it's like to sleep but right now I'm not getting much of it. His previous record was 3 hours and 15 minutes but this week (Tuesday night) he blew us away when he slept for 3 hours 55. These are very isolated incidences but great nonetheless.
I took him to the Chiropractor today and we will be going 3 or 4 more times to try and see if it can help some of his issues plus he has a bit of a lean to the right which we need to sort out. The Dr was so lovely and Noah really allowed him to poke and prod him without any fuss. From a baby that hates being messed with (ie nappy changes, getting clothes on and off) this is a welcome change.
Even though we are living in a bit of a bubble at the moment there are other things happening besides Noah. This week Jakob had his sports carnival and competed in running, long jump and lots of other events winning quite a few ribbons plus the bronze medal for Year 4 boys overall. Noah and I were there cheering him on and hope to do the same next week at the interschool carnival.
In the last couple of weeks Louise has announced her pregnancy and our friends Roz and Rob welcomed a new baby boy Harvey into the world. Tomorrow we are celebrating Miss Georgia P's 2nd Birthday and Sunday I am going to Linzi's baby shower ready for her new bundle who is arriving in less than 5 weeks. Babies galore!!
Life is good. We'll be in touch XX
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Happy Father's Day
Rob has been making so much fun of me because I have been so excited today -it feels like Christmas. Of course Father's Day is always special but this year it is extra special because it's Rob's first proper time celebrating as a Dad himself. I have just had such a great time this week getting all Rob's little treats ready and then yesterday we had a fun day shopping together for our Dads and we got them really great gifts. This evening we're having a big joint family BBQ at John De Roach's place - it's just a really great day.
This is just 4 of hundreds of photos I took trying to get that one perfect shot to frame for Rob for Father's Day. I think they're all pretty cute but these are some of my favourites. I also wrestled Noah to try and get his hand and footprints on paper for Rob. Hand prints was a complete disaster so we had to abort that mission but his tiny footprints were a success. I'll scan them and put them up at some stage - sooo cute.
Anyway - Happy Father's Day to my gorgeous and wonderful husband. It has been an amazing experience to watch you take to being a dad so naturally. You are so wonderful with Noah and an amazing help and support for me too. I can tell you two are definitely going to be the best of buddies and that we are all going to share so many fun times together.
We had a nice early start visiting Banjo at Pinaroo to introduce him to his little brother.
Family Breakfast with my Dad
Rob and John off to play golf. Rob with his new clubs that he got for his birthday last week.
Noah and Aunty Megan
Noah and Pa
This picture wasn't taken today but I thought I'd share it anyway. This is Noah with his Dad, Pa and Great Grandad - 4 generations.
This is just 4 of hundreds of photos I took trying to get that one perfect shot to frame for Rob for Father's Day. I think they're all pretty cute but these are some of my favourites. I also wrestled Noah to try and get his hand and footprints on paper for Rob. Hand prints was a complete disaster so we had to abort that mission but his tiny footprints were a success. I'll scan them and put them up at some stage - sooo cute.
Pictures of Noah
We've taken so many lovely photos of Noah over the last month and at last here they are for you all to see.
Our first ever trip to the beach - August 6th
Another day at the beach - Noah has advanced to the baby bjorn now so he can have a look around but mostly he just sleeps!! I guess before we know it he'll be running on the beach with the dogs - August 24th
A rare photo of Noah and I because I'm usually behind the camera. This is on the way to Declan's 4th Birthday party - August 23rd
Enjoying a shower with Daddy - August 24th
Starting to be more alert and look at some of his toys - August 24th
I love these pictures of him he looks so cute in that outfit from Jacqui and Ben and then so peaceful. He's surrounded by some of his favourite toys - especially his seahorse from Jess which lights up and plays lullabies - September 5th
Just one to embarrass him when he's older - having some nappy free time - September 7th
Just one to embarrass him when he's older - having some nappy free time - September 7th
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Breastfeeding
I really wanted to breastfeed and fully expected it would just happen without any dramas. It was actually a real shock to me when it went bad.
It all started with Noah and I being separated for 2 days and then even when I did see him he wasn't ready to start breastfeeding until day 4. It seemed to go well at first because he was really sleepy and not very hungry or demanding, however it soon became obvious he was still hungry after feeding. It was all a bit of a vicious cycle - due to his weak state I was only allowed to feed him every 2nd or 3rd feed, he had a very weak suck so my milk supply was a bit low. Due to low milk supply he needed topping up and then the supply and demand principle was stuffed up. Then he wasn't gaining weight so he required more supplementary feeds and top ups - result - loweredmilk supply and a baby who hasn't learnt to suck. It was actually a total balls up. When we tried to cut out his supp. feeds and force him to the breast full-time he would scream and thrash about the whole time - obviously not getting the amount he wanted or with the ease he was used to receiving it from the bottle.
In the end I was so stressed out and really not enjoying him at all - I had to draw a line in the sand and give in to him being a bottle/formula fed baby. I had to give myself that permission and recognise that although it's not the perfect scenario I wanted he'll still grow up to be a wonderful, healthy boy. I also had to hang on to the fact that it doesn't mean I won't successfully breastfeed any future babies. Noah is now almost 100% formula fed but I still try and express what I can so he gets some of my goodness. Occasionally I put him to the breast and sometimes he accepts and it's lovely.
During my breastfeeding journey I reached out to my girlfriends to ask them how it was for them - here are some of their responses for those of you that are interested (I've cut out their names for privacy)
Case 1
I breast fed for 7 months, and then Baby Boy just took himself off. I never used formula milk he wouldn’t take it so he is on long life milk as recommended by another mum and he never looked back and still drinks his milk!
Breast feeding was good I enjoyed it and convenient and cheap! But there was no way I would have been breast feeding longer than 12 months that’s for sure….oh and my boobies are just not the same!!
Case 2
I am still breastfeeding past 1 year old. I didn't have any problems which was amazing considering most of my friends did and rarely anyone I knew was able to breastfeed beyond 4 - 6 months. Most actually didn't get past 2 weeks. At the end of the day it is, as one nurse put it, a contract between you and bub and you need to do what is right for you and bub if it is painful or stressful is it really helping Noah or you???
It is wonderful and so much easier than bottles but on the other hand you can't go anywhere away from them for more than the next feed! I did try Baby Girl on formula at about 6/7 months when I got a bit of a cold and my milk supply was affected but she literally spat it out of her mouth and threw the bottle away so she was not going to touch the stuff. Although the other month at mothers group she picked up one of the other bubs bottles and went to town on it.
Case 3
I had no problems at all with breastfeeding and enjoyed the experience, until Baby Girl was about 6months and was not putting on any weight (was off the growth chart). I realised that my milk was running out so tried desperately to increase it (expressing, medication etc) but to no avail. I found this experience very traumatic as I had wanted to breastfeed for at least a year. However I felt a whole lot better about it all once G was on formula and putting on weight, which is the most important thing!
I think that it's important that it is emphasised that breastfeeding should definitely be the first option due to its various benefits for both mum and bub, and the fact that it is completely natural, however this strong emphasis then makes it very difficult for those that can't breastfeed as they in some way feel as though they have failed. I don't really see a way around this, apart from keeping in your mind that you have to do what is best for bub, and that if formula = growth, then that is best!
Case 4
I had a relatively easy time with Baby Girl 1, she was a good size baby and breastfeeding went smoothly from the word go. My milk came in to excess, I would wake up with the sheets soaking wet and feeling like I my boobs were going to explode, ha ha. She was able to attach properly and all went well... However with Baby Girl 2 it was completely different. She was a much smaller baby. I never felt my milk come in like it did the first time around and feeding was very difficult. I don't think I slept for the first week, she was pretty much awake and crying all night and she wouldn't sleep much during the day either. I think my poor little possum was probably just so hungry. It was thought that because her mouth was so little she was unable to get attached properly and therefore could not get the suckling action going. We tried finger feeding with my expressed milk until she grew a little bigger enabling her to possibly attach herself to me properly. I was also on medication to help with my milk supply (I can't remember what that was now) as well as Fenugreek tablets all to no avail, I never really felt the "let down" process at all. I persevered for six months expressing what I could (which wasn't very much) along with formula before putting her on the bottle fulltime. I felt a little pressured as the lactation consultant kept pushing for me to continue with breastfeeding but upon reflection, if I could go back and do it over I would have put Baby Girl 2 straight on the bottle from the beginning.
Case 5
My milk didn't properly come in for weeks (I think due to premmie baby and little girl who was weak sucker) and I also very rarely got let down. I did a combo of breast feeding, expressing and finger feeding Baby Girl for about 3 months, including supplement formula feeds. It was hard work. I was so determined and by 4 months I was feeding her full time... then at 5 months I had to go back to work!!! What a bummer. I then lost my milk at 8 1/2 months, but was happy to get that far.
My friend had mastitis 4 times in 5 weeks, she was so stressed from the pressure to keep breast feeding... then the minute she gave up she felt this huge burden come off her and she enjoyed her time so much more.
Case 6
I solely breastfed Baby Boy until 8 months and then breast/bottle fed him as I went back to work, at 12 months and he went to cows milk.I loved it! It was so convenient and I really felt a growing bond between us...except at 3 in the morning when I fell asleep (oops!). Without sounding selfish I kind of liked that it was something only I could do and that made it feel special.
Case 7
I can honestly say that before I had the kids, i was probably actually more pro bottle feeding (only because I knew it was an extremely rare occurrence for breastfeeding not to cause drama and for my own state of mind I had made the decision before babies came along that I would be very open to the option of bottle feeding or at least combine feeding).
As fate would have it, I was one of the very lucky ones that did not have any problems - I managed to attach and feed Baby Boy independently from the third day and Baby Girl was just a natural born feeder (and still is) and I managed to feed her independently from her first feed. I fed Baby Boy for 13 months and Baby Girl for 15 months. Remember though that BB was 41 weeks and 8lb 4oz and BG was 40 weeks and 8lb 7 oz - so they were fully cooked and big from the outset.
My breastfeeding experience - I have to say that I did love feeding the kids, but it did not come without the constant questioning of whether or not they were getting enough, had I exercised too much and was that going to affect my supply by the end of the day, was I too tired to be able to produce enough for the entire day, could I take a panadol for the neck pain that was being caused by my enormous boobs . . . it went on.
On reflection after receiving your email I wondered what it was that I loved about the whole feeding experience and yes I would have to say that I did have some satisfaction in being a good cow. But it was more the quiet time that I got to spend with the kids as they were feeding, the eye contact, the twirling of your hair, that look of gratitude that you are satisfying their hunger - and do you know what kirst, when I really thought about it - I have enjoyed that same feeling of pure love and bonding when I have bottle fed my nieces and nephews. Why do you think everyone jumps up when asked if they would like to feed the baby? Take the cow factor out, and breast or bottle you can bond and experience the moment exactly the same.
Case 8
My breastfeeding experience as you may recall was a nightmare. Baby Girl was early and never did get the knack of proper latching on. We went to every lactation expert around and tried everything. I was so afraid to give her a bottle or formula and wanted to do everything "right". I ended up pumping for about 5-6 months with a hired pump and was so close to having a break down that our nurse finally convinced me enough was enough.
I'll tell you that this time I will try again but I will NOT put myself through what I did the first time. I have several friends who didn't even try the next time and their kids are healthy and happy and the moms are doing way better for it. I agree that you should try to breastfeed but if it doesn't work it doesn't work. You will end up exhausted and depressed if you push yourself too hard.
It all started with Noah and I being separated for 2 days and then even when I did see him he wasn't ready to start breastfeeding until day 4. It seemed to go well at first because he was really sleepy and not very hungry or demanding, however it soon became obvious he was still hungry after feeding. It was all a bit of a vicious cycle - due to his weak state I was only allowed to feed him every 2nd or 3rd feed, he had a very weak suck so my milk supply was a bit low. Due to low milk supply he needed topping up and then the supply and demand principle was stuffed up. Then he wasn't gaining weight so he required more supplementary feeds and top ups - result - loweredmilk supply and a baby who hasn't learnt to suck. It was actually a total balls up. When we tried to cut out his supp. feeds and force him to the breast full-time he would scream and thrash about the whole time - obviously not getting the amount he wanted or with the ease he was used to receiving it from the bottle.
In the end I was so stressed out and really not enjoying him at all - I had to draw a line in the sand and give in to him being a bottle/formula fed baby. I had to give myself that permission and recognise that although it's not the perfect scenario I wanted he'll still grow up to be a wonderful, healthy boy. I also had to hang on to the fact that it doesn't mean I won't successfully breastfeed any future babies. Noah is now almost 100% formula fed but I still try and express what I can so he gets some of my goodness. Occasionally I put him to the breast and sometimes he accepts and it's lovely.
During my breastfeeding journey I reached out to my girlfriends to ask them how it was for them - here are some of their responses for those of you that are interested (I've cut out their names for privacy)
Case 1
I breast fed for 7 months, and then Baby Boy just took himself off. I never used formula milk he wouldn’t take it so he is on long life milk as recommended by another mum and he never looked back and still drinks his milk!
Breast feeding was good I enjoyed it and convenient and cheap! But there was no way I would have been breast feeding longer than 12 months that’s for sure….oh and my boobies are just not the same!!
Case 2
I am still breastfeeding past 1 year old. I didn't have any problems which was amazing considering most of my friends did and rarely anyone I knew was able to breastfeed beyond 4 - 6 months. Most actually didn't get past 2 weeks. At the end of the day it is, as one nurse put it, a contract between you and bub and you need to do what is right for you and bub if it is painful or stressful is it really helping Noah or you???
It is wonderful and so much easier than bottles but on the other hand you can't go anywhere away from them for more than the next feed! I did try Baby Girl on formula at about 6/7 months when I got a bit of a cold and my milk supply was affected but she literally spat it out of her mouth and threw the bottle away so she was not going to touch the stuff. Although the other month at mothers group she picked up one of the other bubs bottles and went to town on it.
Case 3
I had no problems at all with breastfeeding and enjoyed the experience, until Baby Girl was about 6months and was not putting on any weight (was off the growth chart). I realised that my milk was running out so tried desperately to increase it (expressing, medication etc) but to no avail. I found this experience very traumatic as I had wanted to breastfeed for at least a year. However I felt a whole lot better about it all once G was on formula and putting on weight, which is the most important thing!
I think that it's important that it is emphasised that breastfeeding should definitely be the first option due to its various benefits for both mum and bub, and the fact that it is completely natural, however this strong emphasis then makes it very difficult for those that can't breastfeed as they in some way feel as though they have failed. I don't really see a way around this, apart from keeping in your mind that you have to do what is best for bub, and that if formula = growth, then that is best!
Case 4
I had a relatively easy time with Baby Girl 1, she was a good size baby and breastfeeding went smoothly from the word go. My milk came in to excess, I would wake up with the sheets soaking wet and feeling like I my boobs were going to explode, ha ha. She was able to attach properly and all went well... However with Baby Girl 2 it was completely different. She was a much smaller baby. I never felt my milk come in like it did the first time around and feeding was very difficult. I don't think I slept for the first week, she was pretty much awake and crying all night and she wouldn't sleep much during the day either. I think my poor little possum was probably just so hungry. It was thought that because her mouth was so little she was unable to get attached properly and therefore could not get the suckling action going. We tried finger feeding with my expressed milk until she grew a little bigger enabling her to possibly attach herself to me properly. I was also on medication to help with my milk supply (I can't remember what that was now) as well as Fenugreek tablets all to no avail, I never really felt the "let down" process at all. I persevered for six months expressing what I could (which wasn't very much) along with formula before putting her on the bottle fulltime. I felt a little pressured as the lactation consultant kept pushing for me to continue with breastfeeding but upon reflection, if I could go back and do it over I would have put Baby Girl 2 straight on the bottle from the beginning.
Case 5
My milk didn't properly come in for weeks (I think due to premmie baby and little girl who was weak sucker) and I also very rarely got let down. I did a combo of breast feeding, expressing and finger feeding Baby Girl for about 3 months, including supplement formula feeds. It was hard work. I was so determined and by 4 months I was feeding her full time... then at 5 months I had to go back to work!!! What a bummer. I then lost my milk at 8 1/2 months, but was happy to get that far.
My friend had mastitis 4 times in 5 weeks, she was so stressed from the pressure to keep breast feeding... then the minute she gave up she felt this huge burden come off her and she enjoyed her time so much more.
Case 6
I solely breastfed Baby Boy until 8 months and then breast/bottle fed him as I went back to work, at 12 months and he went to cows milk.I loved it! It was so convenient and I really felt a growing bond between us...except at 3 in the morning when I fell asleep (oops!). Without sounding selfish I kind of liked that it was something only I could do and that made it feel special.
Case 7
I can honestly say that before I had the kids, i was probably actually more pro bottle feeding (only because I knew it was an extremely rare occurrence for breastfeeding not to cause drama and for my own state of mind I had made the decision before babies came along that I would be very open to the option of bottle feeding or at least combine feeding).
As fate would have it, I was one of the very lucky ones that did not have any problems - I managed to attach and feed Baby Boy independently from the third day and Baby Girl was just a natural born feeder (and still is) and I managed to feed her independently from her first feed. I fed Baby Boy for 13 months and Baby Girl for 15 months. Remember though that BB was 41 weeks and 8lb 4oz and BG was 40 weeks and 8lb 7 oz - so they were fully cooked and big from the outset.
My breastfeeding experience - I have to say that I did love feeding the kids, but it did not come without the constant questioning of whether or not they were getting enough, had I exercised too much and was that going to affect my supply by the end of the day, was I too tired to be able to produce enough for the entire day, could I take a panadol for the neck pain that was being caused by my enormous boobs . . . it went on.
On reflection after receiving your email I wondered what it was that I loved about the whole feeding experience and yes I would have to say that I did have some satisfaction in being a good cow. But it was more the quiet time that I got to spend with the kids as they were feeding, the eye contact, the twirling of your hair, that look of gratitude that you are satisfying their hunger - and do you know what kirst, when I really thought about it - I have enjoyed that same feeling of pure love and bonding when I have bottle fed my nieces and nephews. Why do you think everyone jumps up when asked if they would like to feed the baby? Take the cow factor out, and breast or bottle you can bond and experience the moment exactly the same.
Case 8
My breastfeeding experience as you may recall was a nightmare. Baby Girl was early and never did get the knack of proper latching on. We went to every lactation expert around and tried everything. I was so afraid to give her a bottle or formula and wanted to do everything "right". I ended up pumping for about 5-6 months with a hired pump and was so close to having a break down that our nurse finally convinced me enough was enough.
I'll tell you that this time I will try again but I will NOT put myself through what I did the first time. I have several friends who didn't even try the next time and their kids are healthy and happy and the moms are doing way better for it. I agree that you should try to breastfeed but if it doesn't work it doesn't work. You will end up exhausted and depressed if you push yourself too hard.
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