Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Breastfeeding at 6 weeks

So here we are at 6 weeks and little Evan is still being fed just breast milk. I'm surprised we made it this far, there have been many times I've felt it's time to give in and supplement with some formula, but in the nick of time Jenn has whipped us up another huge stash of breast milk and saved the day!!

So as far as breastfeeding goes, I'm still doing it!! It's not as often as I'd like, it's hard to find the time to sit down with him for as long as he needs and commit just to him when there are two other little people looking for attention. I am nursing him at least every morning and every evening and whatever I can in between. I am still pumping as often as I can and keeping up the little supply I have obtained!! I love being able to nurse, even if it's just for when the little man is screaming up a storm and nothing calms him, a little bit of mummy milk brings him back to sanity and usually slumber!!!

I plan to continue to pump as long as I am able if only to maintain a supply for comfort moments alone. I am feeling much more relaxed now though that he will at some point take formula and it won't poison him (as Jenn quite sensibly pointed out to me during one of my moments of madness!!).

Chris and I were very lucky the other night to have my Mum take Evan into her room with her for an all night session!!! We got to sleep through the whole night (other than my getting up to pump) without having to worry about little Evan's needs, it was pure heaven, thanks Mum!!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sigh...

Hmmmm...so last night I was at the bookstore in line and this womans says to me, "Oh, when are you due?"!?!? Really? At 5.5 weeks post partum do I really still look so pregnant that people feel they can ask this question? I tried to shrug it off, telling her I had "just" delivered (okay, it was a white lie since it's been over a month!). But she then wanted to know what day I had delivered and how many weeks ago it was! I was so mortified!

I want to start exercising, but I'm feeling very overextended right now; I just have a bunch of responsibilities coming at me at once, and am too exhausted to exercise. Maybe in another week or two.

On a happier note, I am still pumping for the little guy and as far as I know he hasn't needed any formula supplimentation, so yippee for all Kirsten and my hard work! I have no set goal or commitment as to how long I'll pump...we'll just have to wait and see.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Projectile vomit

Evan has just thrown up a whole bottle all over me. It stinks. It's the first time I've seen anything like it. It looked like something from the Exorcist. Now I don't know what to do? Surely he's still hungry, but feeding him anymore at this point just seems like a recipe for disaster? What to do? My baby 411 book is no help on this one.

It was totally gross, yuk.

Dedication

Today is Evan's dedication. It's going to be a special day, giving our miracle child to God. I am excited that Jenn and her family will be there to share it with us.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

One month today

Our little man is one month old today. He is changing so much. He is finally taking more note of his surroundings and smiling like there are secret jokes going on! He is growing bigger each day although he is still in newborn clothes and diapers, we haven't graduated to 0-3 months yet!!

I am trying to cherish each moment of these early newborn days, I know they won't last.

I am so excited we have made it to one month on milk alone without having to supplement with formula!! I know those days are now over and we will need to add formula from now on, but thanks to Jenn, the forumla will be secondary to the milk.

Things are a little crazy in our house, but we are slowly learning to muddle through with 3 year old twins and a little man.

Happy one month baby Evan!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

So tired ~ it sneaked up on me!!

For the first time since Evan was born (other than the night he arrived) I've started to feel exhausted. I think I've been pretty lucky to get to nearly a month without the feeling of tiredness setting in! He's such a good boy and sleeps well at night, I'm only up once or twice with him, but add that to also getting up with the twins and it's starting to take it's toll.

I love the advice all the baby books give "nap when the baby naps!", yeah right, try doing that when you have three year old twins!

I wish!!!!!!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Breastfeeding update

My outlook on breastfeeding has had to change. Much as I would love to have accomplished the dream of being able to exclusively breastfeed Evan myself, I always knew that was going to be a hard mountain to climb. Inducing lactation is really more about bonding than feeding and although I knew that I was hoping to be able to go the extra mile, but that hasn't been the case. I visited the breastfeeding clinic this week to measure how much Evan was able to get from me and as I suspected he is only able to obtain an ounce at each feeding which is only about a third of the amount he needs each time. I have decided to move back to pumping full time where I am able to achieve a higher output of breast milk and only breastfeed in the evenings when we have time to dedicate exclusively to bonding and spending time with each other with no distractions.

I am now able to pump approximately 7 ounces per day which is a couple of ounces more than the time he was born, so I am encouraged that the amount is increasing rather than reducing. It's not enough to feed a growing baby but at least I am doing my bit for him even if it's just a drop in the ocean.

Evan is so lucky to have such an amazing surrogate in Jenn, who is kindly taking time out of her busy days to also pump milk for the little man. Between us we are managing to keep him exclusively on breast milk at this point and I am so excited for that.

Thanks Jenn!!

Due date!!!!!!

Today is Evan's due date. We are so lucky to have already had three wonderful weeks getting to know him. I can't imagine our lives without our little man.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Last belly picture


Here is Jenn's last belly picture before giving birth!!