Breastfeeding Chronicles, Part 2
So humbled by everyone's response and prayers. All of you can help spread the word about lip and tongue tie to those you know. Two days ago I went to the Lactation Care Center and my suspicions about both Cora's weight gain and her lip tie were confirmed. She had only gained under 6 oz in 15 days. Not good. And she is hungry, but my milk supply was withering. My lactation consultant said that she does, in fact, have at least a lip tie, if not both lip and tongue as well as a moderately high palette. See, when a baby latches improperly and doesn't empty the breast completely you stop producing as much milk. At this point a good latch and transfer of milk is difficult because of her anatomy. We got set up with an electric double pump yesterday and we are both trying to build up my supply and get her what she needs. This is the process: I offer both breasts, then pump both breasts and then give her the expressed milk in a bottle. My supply is already increasing and I have even been able to store a little. I suspect the lip tie also makes it difficult for her to take a bottle but she is learning and getting enough to be satisfied. So thankful they have a protocol for this kind of situation. Also very thankful that they are still encouraging me to give her breast milk exclusively.
I called the dentist office yesterday to see if his schedule had opened up and if there was a chance she could get in early. There's not. So many babies are being treated for this condition; I am thankful we were able to get her in within a week of me calling. The other office that does the laser revision was booked until May 29th!
Several people have asked me when I would start using formula if all of this continued, which is a great question. My answer: I have milk for my baby and it is the best food and nutrition for her, if I can give her what is best then I will do that. If she continues to not gain weight like she should and breastfeeding becomes more of a detriment to her, then I will do what I need to do to keep her healthy. I will not stop breastfeeding because it is difficult for me or is a little uncomfortable or inconvenient. I can handle that. I am hopeful that once she gets this procedure she'll be able to breastfeed like a champ. And besides, she already has enough tummy issues, I'm sure formula would only add to those problems.
Yesterday I finally knew what I needed help with and I asked. I had so many responses from people saying they were praying for us. A couple of my friends came over to simply burp her and hold her upright after I nursed her so that I could pump and didn't have to worry about her throwing everything back up. Seems like such a little thing, but it was incredibly helpful. Very thankful for the support we have here in Dallas.
Her appointment is tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. I am excited and also quite nervous. After all, she is my baby girl and this procedure might hurt her and break mommy's heart in the process, but I know it is for her good. The things I am hopeful about it helping- her latch and transfer, her ability to take a bottle and pacifier, her gas, colic, and reflux, my discomfort and supply, as well as eliminating future problems with her front teeth and tooth decay. We'll see how it goes tomorrow!
Please continue to pray for her and us.
from humbled hands,
jessie
I called the dentist office yesterday to see if his schedule had opened up and if there was a chance she could get in early. There's not. So many babies are being treated for this condition; I am thankful we were able to get her in within a week of me calling. The other office that does the laser revision was booked until May 29th!
Several people have asked me when I would start using formula if all of this continued, which is a great question. My answer: I have milk for my baby and it is the best food and nutrition for her, if I can give her what is best then I will do that. If she continues to not gain weight like she should and breastfeeding becomes more of a detriment to her, then I will do what I need to do to keep her healthy. I will not stop breastfeeding because it is difficult for me or is a little uncomfortable or inconvenient. I can handle that. I am hopeful that once she gets this procedure she'll be able to breastfeed like a champ. And besides, she already has enough tummy issues, I'm sure formula would only add to those problems.
Yesterday I finally knew what I needed help with and I asked. I had so many responses from people saying they were praying for us. A couple of my friends came over to simply burp her and hold her upright after I nursed her so that I could pump and didn't have to worry about her throwing everything back up. Seems like such a little thing, but it was incredibly helpful. Very thankful for the support we have here in Dallas.
Her appointment is tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. I am excited and also quite nervous. After all, she is my baby girl and this procedure might hurt her and break mommy's heart in the process, but I know it is for her good. The things I am hopeful about it helping- her latch and transfer, her ability to take a bottle and pacifier, her gas, colic, and reflux, my discomfort and supply, as well as eliminating future problems with her front teeth and tooth decay. We'll see how it goes tomorrow!
Please continue to pray for her and us.
from humbled hands,
jessie
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