Well I guess there actually may be some dust on our bottles bc my house is a wreck these days! Ha! Anyhow, now that I am back at work full time, Griffin has 3 feedings from a bottle each weekday. We thought this would be no problem. Everyone says if they take a bottle once they will always take a bottle. So Griffin started with bottles and did great with them. Then at three weeks old we stopped giving him a bottle and he didn't have one again until I went back to work at six weeks.
The first week I did part time he took the bottle great. He ate 3 & 1/2 oz and gobbled it down. Then week two he suddenly started fighting the bottle and crying during his feedings. She could barely get him to take an ounce or two. This has continued into this week. We have tried a different bottle to see if that was the issue, and we have done both fresh and frozen breastmilk. He has nursed great, just won't take the bottle well. He will occasionally not cry and just take 3 oz, but usually he fights her and barely gets 2 oz.
It's bizarre and frustrating. I want him to get enough food and I am sad that he is so distraught.
Anyone got any ideas??
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The difference 8 weeks makes
I haven't mentioned how nursing is going lately, so I thought I would take minute (while nursing actually) to reflect. If you read this blog then you know we have had a rough time with nursing.
Griffin was in the NICU for the first two weeks of his life, so the beginning was slow. He didn't get to eat period until day four of his life, and we did bottles of pumped milk and a little formula then. We got to nurse for the first time on day six or seven maybe? Griffin did great with it and latched on awesome right away. We of course had trouble keeping him awake during the feedings (like most moms do). We continued to do bottles as well during his hospital stay bc me going up at every feedings would have been nuts!
We got to "room in" with Griffin the weekend before he got discharged from the hospital (meaning we got to stay in a hospital room with him for all day and night). This was our first experience nursing exclusively, and it seemed to go really well. We continued to nurse exclusively when we took him home that Monday.
Then that Tuesday he suddenly had issues. He would scream his head off during nursing sessions, every session. He pulled off a ton and did not want to stay on and eat. But he was fine the rest if the day, so it wasnt colic or reflux. By that Wednesday night I was exhausted and discouraged. Justin made me pump and sleep and he took over Griffin. I so needed that! After that it got a little better but it was still a struggle every session. We ended up going back to pumping and bottle feeding at every other feeding, thinking he was just a lazy nurser maybe.
I went to a lactation consultation and they thought I probably had too much milk from pumping, so my letdown was probably too strong for Griffin. I had to nurse in only the side lying position for awhile, because it slowed the flow. Nursing improved a ton at that point!! Around this time though, he started throwing up more.
So from then until I started work nursing was ok, but still not great. He still screamed quite a bit. But when I went back to work something changed or clicked for Griff, because nursing has been great!! He is nursing faster and so much better. It's a sweet time and I LOVE it now!! It really is a special me and him time that I am really treasuring these days! So glad I didn't give up. I thought about quitting sooo many times during the hard times.
So that's our nursing story (more for my records than your amusement). Currently Griffin eats every 3 hours and usually sleeps eight hours at night, so we nurse 3 to 4 times a day and he gets 3 bottles. He actually is really struggling with the bottles, but that's another post.
What was your experience with breastfeeding or feeding in general? Or if you don't have kids, what are your questions about it?
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Griffin was in the NICU for the first two weeks of his life, so the beginning was slow. He didn't get to eat period until day four of his life, and we did bottles of pumped milk and a little formula then. We got to nurse for the first time on day six or seven maybe? Griffin did great with it and latched on awesome right away. We of course had trouble keeping him awake during the feedings (like most moms do). We continued to do bottles as well during his hospital stay bc me going up at every feedings would have been nuts!
We got to "room in" with Griffin the weekend before he got discharged from the hospital (meaning we got to stay in a hospital room with him for all day and night). This was our first experience nursing exclusively, and it seemed to go really well. We continued to nurse exclusively when we took him home that Monday.
Then that Tuesday he suddenly had issues. He would scream his head off during nursing sessions, every session. He pulled off a ton and did not want to stay on and eat. But he was fine the rest if the day, so it wasnt colic or reflux. By that Wednesday night I was exhausted and discouraged. Justin made me pump and sleep and he took over Griffin. I so needed that! After that it got a little better but it was still a struggle every session. We ended up going back to pumping and bottle feeding at every other feeding, thinking he was just a lazy nurser maybe.
I went to a lactation consultation and they thought I probably had too much milk from pumping, so my letdown was probably too strong for Griffin. I had to nurse in only the side lying position for awhile, because it slowed the flow. Nursing improved a ton at that point!! Around this time though, he started throwing up more.
So from then until I started work nursing was ok, but still not great. He still screamed quite a bit. But when I went back to work something changed or clicked for Griff, because nursing has been great!! He is nursing faster and so much better. It's a sweet time and I LOVE it now!! It really is a special me and him time that I am really treasuring these days! So glad I didn't give up. I thought about quitting sooo many times during the hard times.
So that's our nursing story (more for my records than your amusement). Currently Griffin eats every 3 hours and usually sleeps eight hours at night, so we nurse 3 to 4 times a day and he gets 3 bottles. He actually is really struggling with the bottles, but that's another post.
What was your experience with breastfeeding or feeding in general? Or if you don't have kids, what are your questions about it?
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Follow up eval
(written on Tuesday)
So today we had a follow up lactation evaluation to see how things are going and help prepare me to return to work. Griffin weighs 10 lb 3 oz now! Nursing has gotten so much better. Griffin still pulls off a lot and cries some, but typically we don't have screaming sessions anymore. The lactation consultant today thought he may he showing signs of reflux. He using spits up after every feeding, and she said his fussiness and fighting to go back on the breast might be indicators. So she suggested we go see the doctor for meds.
So we went back to see Dr. Fraser today. This is our third time to see him. I tried to tell him I am not a hypochondriac who will be in every week, haha! He does not think Griff has reflux and was annoyed that the lactation consultant worried me. He said the medicine really only helps with the burning in the esophagus and gives relief to babies who are very unhappy. Griffin is generally a very happy baby and does not fuss more than any normal baby. So he really advised me to just keep the nursing up, and to sit Griffin up for 20 minutes after eating. He said he will get better soon.
He has now spit up down my underwear and my bra, so I hope so! Haha! Motherhood is so glam.
And so the nursing saga continues...
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
So today we had a follow up lactation evaluation to see how things are going and help prepare me to return to work. Griffin weighs 10 lb 3 oz now! Nursing has gotten so much better. Griffin still pulls off a lot and cries some, but typically we don't have screaming sessions anymore. The lactation consultant today thought he may he showing signs of reflux. He using spits up after every feeding, and she said his fussiness and fighting to go back on the breast might be indicators. So she suggested we go see the doctor for meds.
So we went back to see Dr. Fraser today. This is our third time to see him. I tried to tell him I am not a hypochondriac who will be in every week, haha! He does not think Griff has reflux and was annoyed that the lactation consultant worried me. He said the medicine really only helps with the burning in the esophagus and gives relief to babies who are very unhappy. Griffin is generally a very happy baby and does not fuss more than any normal baby. So he really advised me to just keep the nursing up, and to sit Griffin up for 20 minutes after eating. He said he will get better soon.
He has now spit up down my underwear and my bra, so I hope so! Haha! Motherhood is so glam.
And so the nursing saga continues...
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Friday, August 12, 2011
How it went
So the feeding evaluation went well yesterday. They weighed Griffin to begin, so we would know how much he transferred, and he weighed 9 lb 10 oz! Yep, he had gained 7 oz in three days exclusively nursing. So they immediately encouraged me that he was obviously getting enough.
At first Griffin latched on and stayed for 7 minutes without crying! Really Kid? You haven't done that in over a week! I was worried that I wouldn't get any help. They weighed him and he had transferred 28 ml in those 7 min. We decided to switch sides and he latched for 2 min then screamed like crazy. They weighed him and he had gotten 10 ml in 2 minutes.
After they watched for awhile, they determined that my flow is probably too strong for him. He is coming off and screaming because the milk comes on too strong, and I have been trying to force long feedings to make sure he gets enough when really he gets plenty!
So they suggested I use the side lying position, and positions that put him in a vertical position. They gave me a few other tips and lots of encouragement. I needed it!
Since then our nursing sessions have gone pretty well. Praise the Lord! I am so glad to not have to hear my boy screaming in discomfort! Hopefully things will just continue to get better. As for now, my man is enjoying some milk induced comas...
At first Griffin latched on and stayed for 7 minutes without crying! Really Kid? You haven't done that in over a week! I was worried that I wouldn't get any help. They weighed him and he had transferred 28 ml in those 7 min. We decided to switch sides and he latched for 2 min then screamed like crazy. They weighed him and he had gotten 10 ml in 2 minutes.
After they watched for awhile, they determined that my flow is probably too strong for him. He is coming off and screaming because the milk comes on too strong, and I have been trying to force long feedings to make sure he gets enough when really he gets plenty!
So they suggested I use the side lying position, and positions that put him in a vertical position. They gave me a few other tips and lots of encouragement. I needed it!
Since then our nursing sessions have gone pretty well. Praise the Lord! I am so glad to not have to hear my boy screaming in discomfort! Hopefully things will just continue to get better. As for now, my man is enjoying some milk induced comas...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Eval
Today we have a feeding evaluation with the lactation department at our hospital. Nursing has gotten much better overall, but Griffin is still coming off every minute to two minutes and often screaming. I am hoping they will have answers. He hasn't had a bottle since Monday.
I am pretty proud of myself. I got the stroller, baby in a carseat and myself in the van and to the hospital on time. And out of the van into registration! But I must say, I love that our hospital has free valet!! Parking here is horrid.
I felt like I was back two weeks ago and visiting my son in the NICU when I pulled in. Flood of emotions. But instead I am bringing a healthy gorgeous little boy with me!
In other news, I have successfully left Griffin in the church nursery twice now. I know it's early for some moms to think about doing that, but I have teaching obligations to get back to. And we thought the earlier I did it the more I would be used to it from the NICU days. He is in good hands!
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
I am pretty proud of myself. I got the stroller, baby in a carseat and myself in the van and to the hospital on time. And out of the van into registration! But I must say, I love that our hospital has free valet!! Parking here is horrid.
I felt like I was back two weeks ago and visiting my son in the NICU when I pulled in. Flood of emotions. But instead I am bringing a healthy gorgeous little boy with me!
In other news, I have successfully left Griffin in the church nursery twice now. I know it's early for some moms to think about doing that, but I have teaching obligations to get back to. And we thought the earlier I did it the more I would be used to it from the NICU days. He is in good hands!
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Week Three
- We went to the doctor for Griffin's first checkup yesterday. He is currently 9 lb 3 oz and 21 3/4" long. Everything looks good! We go back at 2 months for shots. Ick.
- We are exclusively nursing again. Our doctor said to quit giving Griffin bottles for awhile and he will eventually nurse fine (bc we know I have plenty of milk). So last night we started. Some sessions have gone great and some have taken an hour with lots of screaming.
- I go Thursday for a feeding evaluation with our lactation department. Hopefully they can help.
- Griffin is eating every 2 to 3 hrs during the day and usually 3 to 4 hrs at night. During the day he is then usually awake for anywhere from 30 min to an hour. Then he naps and starts all over.
- Our church is amazing. They have been delivering us food for two weeks now. And they took us a special offering to help us with the medical bills! We are very blessed.
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
- We are exclusively nursing again. Our doctor said to quit giving Griffin bottles for awhile and he will eventually nurse fine (bc we know I have plenty of milk). So last night we started. Some sessions have gone great and some have taken an hour with lots of screaming.
- I go Thursday for a feeding evaluation with our lactation department. Hopefully they can help.
- Griffin is eating every 2 to 3 hrs during the day and usually 3 to 4 hrs at night. During the day he is then usually awake for anywhere from 30 min to an hour. Then he naps and starts all over.
- Our church is amazing. They have been delivering us food for two weeks now. And they took us a special offering to help us with the medical bills! We are very blessed.
- Mrs.Pate via my iPhone
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Life with a Newborn
(Written on Friday the 5th)
Wow. Well Griffin has been home for 5 days now, and life is definitely interesting! Day 1 and 2 were pretty normal, he was still on his 3 hour schedule from the NICU. He ate and sleep fine. Enter day 3. Wednesday morning he just decided to scream his head off during his 4 am feeding. I have no idea why. I burped him, changed him and waited. Eventually we finished and he slept. Weird. He proceeded to scream during every nursing session the rest of the day. Only during nursing. He still slept and was a joy during waketime. We took him to church Wednesday night and he did great while there. He slept on and off and didnt fuss. Then we came home. I tried to nurse. He just screamed and screamed. I just broke down crying. I couldnt stand hearing my baby boy so upset, and I felt so lost on what was wrong. All day he would start nursing on one side and nurse for like 3 or 4 minutes fine. Then he would come off and cry if you tried to nurse him anymore. (Any ideas why people?) So Mr.Pate had me go pump so we could try a bottle. He took the bottle fine.
Mr.Pate sent me to bed and took care of Griffin the rest of the night. He woke me up to pump when I needed to but just let me rest and completely took care of our child. The man is my rock. I got up for the 4ish feeding and pumped and fed that to Griffin. He did fine with it. So then at the 7ish feeding, I nursed again. He did ok. I had to take time in between each side and offer both sides twice, but he didnt scream his head off so it was improvement.
The rest of yesterday was unpredictable. He didnt sleep on schedule or eat on schedule. We are trying to roll with it, but it is so hard to when he was so scheduled in the NICU. We managed to leave for awhile yesterday and go to AT&T and Starbucks. He mostly slept while we were out, but when he did wake up he was still really good. Then we came home and the rest of the night was much better. We are going back to the nursing then bottle at the next feeding like we did in the NICU. Until he is better at nursing that is just what we are going to try.
He slept in between all feedings from 6pm on last night. He has done really well today too. I did offer him a bottle after one feeding today because he would only nurse for about 10 min total. I just wasnt sure he got enough. And he took 40 ml from the bottle, so I am guessing he did not get enough.
I am trying to just relax and remember that this is just week one of him being home. But I am anxious too because I go back to work soon and need to have things adjusted in the next 3 weeks. Ugh!
So anybody got any advice or encouragement for this first time mom?? Did anyone else feel this clueless when they got home?
Wow. Well Griffin has been home for 5 days now, and life is definitely interesting! Day 1 and 2 were pretty normal, he was still on his 3 hour schedule from the NICU. He ate and sleep fine. Enter day 3. Wednesday morning he just decided to scream his head off during his 4 am feeding. I have no idea why. I burped him, changed him and waited. Eventually we finished and he slept. Weird. He proceeded to scream during every nursing session the rest of the day. Only during nursing. He still slept and was a joy during waketime. We took him to church Wednesday night and he did great while there. He slept on and off and didnt fuss. Then we came home. I tried to nurse. He just screamed and screamed. I just broke down crying. I couldnt stand hearing my baby boy so upset, and I felt so lost on what was wrong. All day he would start nursing on one side and nurse for like 3 or 4 minutes fine. Then he would come off and cry if you tried to nurse him anymore. (Any ideas why people?) So Mr.Pate had me go pump so we could try a bottle. He took the bottle fine.
Mr.Pate sent me to bed and took care of Griffin the rest of the night. He woke me up to pump when I needed to but just let me rest and completely took care of our child. The man is my rock. I got up for the 4ish feeding and pumped and fed that to Griffin. He did fine with it. So then at the 7ish feeding, I nursed again. He did ok. I had to take time in between each side and offer both sides twice, but he didnt scream his head off so it was improvement.
The rest of yesterday was unpredictable. He didnt sleep on schedule or eat on schedule. We are trying to roll with it, but it is so hard to when he was so scheduled in the NICU. We managed to leave for awhile yesterday and go to AT&T and Starbucks. He mostly slept while we were out, but when he did wake up he was still really good. Then we came home and the rest of the night was much better. We are going back to the nursing then bottle at the next feeding like we did in the NICU. Until he is better at nursing that is just what we are going to try.
He slept in between all feedings from 6pm on last night. He has done really well today too. I did offer him a bottle after one feeding today because he would only nurse for about 10 min total. I just wasnt sure he got enough. And he took 40 ml from the bottle, so I am guessing he did not get enough.
I am trying to just relax and remember that this is just week one of him being home. But I am anxious too because I go back to work soon and need to have things adjusted in the next 3 weeks. Ugh!
So anybody got any advice or encouragement for this first time mom?? Did anyone else feel this clueless when they got home?
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