Supplementing

[nekooflove]

Ok, here's what is going on. I'm dead tired. Even with Deric taking over one feeding a night via pumping I still am not getting the quality of sleep I need and I'm starting to get sick. I have to be back at work in 1.5 weeks, so I need to get this together.

I'm pretty much a hippie when it comes to parenting a baby, following the idea of newborns

Comments

[nekooflove]

For nursing coverage I still kinda need to see her to get a good latch going- she sometimes wiggles to the point of dropping the nipple mid-feed and it disrupts things to have to burrow under a blanket to find her. I have gotten over feeding at my parents' house. Even if my dad/brother are in the room I just say something like "whipping out a boob" and feed her. But public places where there are men I don't know makes me so creeped. I know boobs are for more than just sex, but they might not. I don't want to be leered at while I try to feed my baby. It just makes me so nervous.

I have plenty of milk, I just suck at pumping, apparently. I know my supply is good because Cordy is gaining roughly a pound a week right now. My breast pump cost $150 (used from my assistant principal) and it's comfortable for the first 10-15 minutes. It's this model: http://www.usa.philips.com/c/avent-baby-breastfeeding/scf314_02/prd/en/ I can't spend on a new one because of being off work.

Really the issue is getting the time and experience with the pump because I won't be able to do anything to feed her from work once I go back except pumping once per day, and that's one feeding's worth right now. Cordy's going to be away from me for 8-10 hours (although her daddy will see her more) so she's going to need 3-4 feedings each day (conservatively). There is no way to get that much pumped ahead of time. So, we're looking at formulas and trying to find one that will be best for her during those hours when I'm at work if there's no other pumped milk.

[ainobethie]

For the first few days, she may have to take some formula. But while you're at work, all that milk you pump can be used the next day (or two). If you keep up a good rhythm, she may not even need more than one feeding of formula per day, if that. And just think: once she starts solids at around 6 months, you'll have oodles of milk left over because she won't drink as much. Then you can REALLY start to stock pile. If you give her as much of your milk as you can, that's what's really important. You are giving her the best that you can. So either you give her a little formula now and then...or she starves. Given the option, I know you prefer the former. ;)

Still, look into getting a better shield. It could also be that you're still sore because it's that first month. Once her mouth gets bigger, her gums won't put as much pressure on that spot.

As for the wrap: Now that I know better, and am therefore awesome, I will put interfacing around the neckline. That way it doesn't flop down and keep you from seeing her. I promise, no one will be able to see anything. IT'S A BOOB TENT!

[nekooflove]

You certainly are awesome. =)