6 Weeks February 22, 2007
Adam turned 6 weeks old yesterday. He’s already changing in so many ways. He’s now making eye contact which I just love. I could just gaze into those big eyes of his forever. He’s been smiling for a while now, but he’s doing it more frequently and in a bigger fashion these days. It’s so cute. He’s also been staying awake for longer portions of the day, and is so much more attentive and interactive now.
Things are getting a little bit easier. He’s still sleeping short stretches at night, so I’m not getting any more sleep, but I think my body is getting used to it to some degree. I’ve even managed to go several days in a row without shedding a single tear of frustration.
Breastfeeding still isn’t an easy thing for me, but we are making progress. Making it to 6 weeks was a huge goal for me, and I’m proud to have made it to this point. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to. My next goal is making it to the 2 month mark.
I still have an issue that’s driving me bonkers with regards to breastfeeding, though. I have a very persistent, and quite painful, milk blister. It tends to bring me back to the feelings of the first few weeks when the nipple soreness would leave me cringing while uttering a few choice words. I think if I could just get rid of the darn thing, I would feel better about breastfeeding in general. So, if anyone has any “been there, done that” tips, I’d greatly appreciate them.
I’ve continued with the dairy free diet, and it’s definitely helping. It’s so much easier when Adam’s not crying or pulling away while feeding. I did have a slight slip up this past weekend when I thought it might be ok to consume a cupcake and a dinner with questionable dairy status, and the results weren’t pretty. The fussy baby who didn’t like to feed came back for a visit, but we’re back on track now.
I’ve started pumping a little bit now, too, in hopes of being able to let Dan take an overnight feed or two during the weekends when he doesn’t have to get up early for work the next day. I also pumped and gave Adam some expressed milk by bottle the other day just so I could have a mini break. I found that to be helpful, too.
I tend to find it difficult to fit in pumping given that Adam eats so frequently, but I’ve managed to do it a few times now. I’m only getting 2 ounces total per pumping session with the manual pump, and that’s not enough for one feed. I’m wondering if buying an electric pump might help, but I’m not sure.
So things overall are getting a bit easier, but I still have my moments, like yesterday when the thought of trying to make the trip into the city for my 6 week postpartum checkup left me so anxious that I called and rescheduled. It was just too much to contemplate the 80 minute round trip drive, plus the long wait in the waiting room, all while trying to figure out the whole feeding thing that I just didn’t feel I could do it. I rescheduled for a first thing in the morning appointment when Dan can come along with us.
I guess it’s just going to take a while before I feel confident about motherhood in general, along with all of the specific things that I find challenging like breastfeeding. We’re making progress, though, and that feels good.
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
You’re doing great–breastfeeding, mothering, etc!
I think you were very wise to reschedule your PP visit–I stupidly took A with me to mine, and I have to say that it made an already uncomfortable situation even worse (holding a crying baby while getting a pelvic? Wouldn’t recommend it!).
As for pumping–if I could go back, I would have bought a d*mn electric pump, pumped as I could, given A. a bottle on a fairly regular basis, and had my husband share in the feeding duties more. So if you can swing it, it may be really worthwhile.
No advice on the milk blister–just ow! Best of luck getting over it.
Those first couple of months are so tough, you really are doing much better than you realize! Give yourself credit for that happy, smiling baby. An electric pump is wonderful if you can manage it, it’s the only thing that got me to almost 4 months of breastfeeding with Jack (I had a very tough time too, but different challenges, so unfortunately I don’t have any other advice). In another couple of months, you will look back and be amazed at how much more secure and confident you feel.
I have to dissent about the electric pump. It never worked for me. I never let down for it and it was even painful. The manual ISIS pump was a godsend for me. It felt so much more like a real latch. It takes a long time to develop enough supply to get really impressive pumping session, in my experience. I think that’s true regardless of which pump works best for you.
It really does all get easier, though. Then the new crop of issues comes up! ;)
You might want to try renting a hospital grade electric pump. I loved the Medela classic. Used a manual pump when I went on vacation and couldn’t believe how much it sucked (no pun intended) compared to the Classic.
I can’t imagine breastfeeding without the use of a good electric…Medela or hospital grade….pump. It is absolutely essential! It is much more efficient and productive than manual or battery operated. You’ll be amazed.
I think giving yourself the occasional break by pumping and bottle feeding will help your blister.
I enjoy your blog!
I was never able to actually breasfeed, but i pumped for quite some time. I had a hospital grade pump that insurance paid for- you might want to look into that. The hospital grade was awesome. lil painful at first, but great. Also, it was reccomended to a girlfreing of mine when she wanted to pump in addition to breastfeeding, that she take supplements. there are some good, natrual supplements that can increase your supply. lovely double bonus. With the supplement., she had more milk, so she could pump longer, wich in turn increased her supply more.You might try calling the LAbor & delivery floor of the hospital and asking them- great resource. thoes ladies know it all, and are much easier to get through to than a lac consultant.
You are making excellent progress! I remember having the same experience with my 6 week post partum checkup too. Leaving the house in those early days was fraught with anxiety…figuring out how to do all the things you did so easily before the baby should not be underestimated! And not to sound patronizing, but I’m so proud of you for sticking with the breastfeeding. Having to give up dairy completely is a huge thing, combined with everything else. You should be very proud of yourself. I don’t have any advice on the milk blister, luckily I avoided that kind of thing. You’re doing great.
For great advice on milk blisters, try kellymom.com - it’s the best breastfeeding advice site out there, lots of stuff on pumping too. Good for you on your success and persistence in meeting the challenges - I’ve had to give up dairy and heal milk blisters too and let me tell you, you’ll be amazed at how things smooth out and get easy as you go along.
I’m glad to hear things are getting easier. Can you believe he’s six weeks old already? I also second waiting for Dan to go to the doctor, it’s hard with a little one. Hang in there!
I had great success with the Medela, so I would highly recommend giving it a shot if I were you. Other than that, just wanted to pop in and tell you it sounds like you’re doing great!