A brief check in...
Check in for this week.
I did order and receive my supplemental nursing system. It came in a sterile packaging so I did not open it... I feel better having it and feel a little more "ready".
The changing table is finished and looks beautiful in or bedroom. Mr. D. added a gorgeous brown leather chair and swing arm lamp to complete the little "nook" area. We added the changing pad in a soft sand color to match our bedding and the whole look is very chic and not really "baby" at all. The only thing left is to build and stain the topper/ tray for the changing pad to sit securely in. Since one of the classes I teach is technical theatre I will probably work on this in the upcoming week while my students are working on a scene shop clean out project.
I am pumping 4 times a day now for 10 minutes each sitting and taking 3 fenugreek and 2 blessed thistle with each meal. I can feel myself getting fuller and heavier... but no action yet. I keep thinking that I have some moisture on the right side after 10 minutes at the pump... but nothing that you could even call a drop yet. Pumping is not my favorite chore... but I am committed for at least a month to see what is going to happen.
I am back at the gym and on a 1100 calorie a day diet. I have put on some weight in the last few months... (my baby weight!) and I am determined to work it off between now and April... it is like pumping... I just have to do it now for the pay-off later.
One thing that is weird... I keep having nightmares. They are about every bad thing that "could" happen in my life... my marriage falling apart, my parents becoming ill or passing away, getting fired from my job... finding out there is no money in the bank... etc... None have been directly related to Finley or the adoption... but I think all of them are caused by the anxiety of waiting and feeling so out of control right now. My stress levels feel really high and just trying to relax my shoulders and upper back is hard. It is strange to feel like everything is really ok (in reality) but to have so much inner stress that it is coming out in my muscles and my dreams. I probably need to do some yoga before bed each night.
So that is it for this week... I am getting back in the swing of things at school and trying to do everything I can to get things in order for Finley surprise arrival.
posted by Mrs. D. @ 1/11/2009 06:40:00 AM
7 Comments:
Good for you for starting the lactation process! You should know that severely limiting your calories will severely limit your milk production. That's the reason WW and other diets actually require lactating women to eat more calories than their non-lactating peers. The baby will take nutrients from the mother regardless of her diet. However your body will stop producing milk if you calorie intake is low. Just a thought.
I'm so impressed that you've started pumping already. I was also going to write that restricting your calories might slow your milk production - definitely something worth checking with a lactation consultant about (also kellymom.com has a whole section on dieting while breastfeeding and how to adjust your diet without giving up).
I wanted to say the same thing about restricting calories and nursing, Kellymom is an excellent resource. I dieted while breastfeeding, so it is possible, you just have to be smart about it.
Also wanted to encourage you to feed with the suplimental nursing system even if nothing ever comes out. That skin-to-skin contact is great for both of you and might help produce milk! Good job on the pumping! You are probably making some hormones that are giving you those crazy dreams.
I have been thinking of you because my friend is past her due date and going nuts, and I think of how the baby wait must be going for you. You and your baby are in my prayers and I look forward to reading about her on your blog.
Jaime,
I don't have your email address and I need to talk to you desperately. I won't explain the situation on here for privacy reasons, but I really, really, really would like to talk to you. Email me ASAP so I can message you privately.
Thanks,
Sara @ Vegas Mommy
My email is irishgem1977@yahoo.com
There is a tea I bought when I was in process to adopt called Mother's Milk Tea. It seems to have good reviews. We postponed our plans to adopt though. So, no chance to use it.
Hi, I'm new. Congratulations on your impending arrival, and on your decision to try to breastfeed. I think it's great. Others already mentioned this, but I feel compelled as well to say that restricting your calorie intake that severely won't help your lactation pursuits, and stress can also kill a supply. Also, having the baby at the breast will help stimulate production better than pumping alone, so don't give up before baby gets here.
I also recommend you see a really good lactation consultant, if you haven't already.
I've been nursing my boy for 9 months now, even though I sometimes go 17 or 18 hours a day without seeing him (work/school.) It's tough, but it's so worth it. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Congratulations again.
Post a Comment
<< Home