Thursday, November 19, 2009

Worry, worry, worry, worry = Mother

Oh, why can't she just steadily gain weight. Peanut gained the minimum amount required last week, but over the last 6 days she only gained 1.4 oz. I think the minimum for a 6 day period would be 3 oz. I'm not sure b/c I haven't been able to talk to the dr about it.

My milk supply is definitely down. I think it's a combination of stretching out feedings, pumping less, and she is just not big enough to suck vigorously to stimulate the breast enough. It doesn't help that I am in a constant state of stress over whether or not she will get enough from my breast. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago. We've been amazed at how good my production has been, but that was with 3 hour feedings and pumping after nearly every feeding. I don't know what the dr is going to say, but my plan is to go back to 3 hour feedings around the clock and to pump more times per day. I won't say how many pumpings...let's just say as many as I can stand.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Growing...

Hallelujah! Yesterday at her doctor's appointment her weight was up to 5 lbs 3.5 oz. What a good big girl! The pediatrician took us off of the hellish NICU feeding schedule (hear me screaming for joy). We now breast feed on demand with one formula supplement feeding in the evening. I will pump for only that feeding. Our only limitation is not to let her go more than 4 hours without eating. Last night she went 2 four hour stretches so I was able to get some really good sleep. It was bliss

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Baby Girl is here!

Born October 22, 2009 at 1:04 pm. 4 lbs 8 oz 18 1/2 inches long
She was not able to maintain her temperature because she was so small and had no fat to keep her warm. She spent 7 days in the NICU, but we brought her home on Thursday afternoon. She was up to 4 lbs 15 oz just before we brought her home.

We're exhausted. She's on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule which includes breastfeeding and then adding a formula supplement. I also pump at almost every feeding.

We go to the pediatrician on Tuesday. Can't wait to see how much weight she's put on.