Well, here we are 11 days after Seth's arrival. It has been tough, honestly. I'm a terrific worrier, and taking care of a newborn feeds right into that.
1. Nursing. I didn't think it would be so difficult. Seth fights it mostly. I'm concentrating on making sure the latch is good, but when he is pushing me away, it only adds to my frustration. He'd love to just have his fingers in his mouth all day. He was down to 5 lbs. 15 oz. on Thursday when the home nurse came, which is still in the safe range. Again, I worry he isn't gaining because he either fights the feeding or has an improper latch. The home nurse showed me how to get him to latch, and of course it worked perfectly in her presence. It hasn't been that easy since then. He is wetting and pooping his diapers, so that's an encouragement.
2. Sleep. I knew I'd have to get up at night. The last two nights though have been almost completely without sleep. As soon as we lay Seth in his bassinet and we get into bed, he starts to fuss. Usually it's not because it's time to eat, he sometimes wants held. I always offer food in case he didn't get enough, but he'll push away and continue to fuss. Often he will fall asleep if I lay him on my chest as I try to sleep too. I don't think you're supposed to do this, but it's quiet for an hour or so, until I try to lay him back in his bassinet. He slept in the car seat one night, whatever works. Frustrating. Is he awake because he's hungry (see point 1)?
3. Pacifier. Apparently he's not supposed to use this until about 1 month of age. I've used it already between feedings to help him to settle. He loves it, which probably hurts the nursing issue. So today I'm trying to not use it.
So, I'm pretty frustrated, worried, and exhausted. He's adorable and I love him to pieces, but I feel like I'm doing everything wrong. Friday is our first pediatrician appointment. Hopefully he has gained some weight. I plan on talking to the lactation nurses there too. I'm hopeful things will get better, at least that's my prayer.
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UPDATE: Last night I tried pumping for a couple minutes to get the milk flow started before putting Seth on. This worked great! He latched on much faster and stayed that way until he was done. AND we got more sleep!! He still only stays in the bassinet for about an hour before I put him on my chest. Once he's laying on me, he's out like a light until the next feeding. This feels like progress!
8 comments:
sounds like...um...fun i guess...
what did we get oursleves into???
;)
I'll tell you to hang in there now, if you'll tell me later :P
and by then you will be a pro and i will be doing everything wrong.
sounds like you're doing everything RIGHT!!! keep trying that's the key...and love him and cuddle him.
You'll get it and so will he!!!
Oh...You are so doing everything right! The beginning is always hard (a big shock to your system).
Everything will get better! Email me sometime if you want to chat. Sometimes it just helps to talk about your concerns. :)
thanks for the encouragement, ladies! i really needed to hear that this is normal and he will be ok.
Owen was like that too. I've heard alot of first-born males are fussy. Owen loves to be held and i slept next to him a couple nights. He is now 8 weeks old and sleeps in his crib ok. Breastfeeding in the beginning is hard, too. We finally got into a groove with the cradle hold. He likes that one the best. The beginning is tough and you are in my prayers.
Aww - Ang, you are a wonderful mother. I know you're tired and stressed, but I am so proud of you!!
Angela! You are doing it! You are a wonderful mother!!!! Yes no one said raising an infant is a walk in the park but it WILL get better! You just need to be more experienced which believe me you will get in a hurry!!! Like I say by the time the 2nd one rolls around its amazing how much smoother and more relaxed you get! I know when Adam was born I in a way could not imagine having more then 1 as I slept when he slept and thats the way it had to be! I am one to need sleep, which is why I say be careful when you go to the pediatrician! You know your son better then anyone! SO do not let them intimidate you. If he sleeps good on your chest and it feels right for you then so be it! I used to sleep with my kids I nursed them when they needed fed and I slept right along with them as long as Bill was far enough away from rolling on him;) but seriously do what works for you, he is to young yet to worry about any sleep pattern, in time you can encourage him to sleep more on his own and he will! I am so proud and happy for you Ang! You are doing great! And you are feeling all the same feelings as a new mom feels! just be encouraged and stay strong, You are wonderful! I will keep you in my prayers so the transition of motherhood goes smoother!
love ya!
You are doing great, and it's okay if he sleeps on you chest, it counts as belly time too!!! :)
Keep up the grea twork and everything will work out and yes you will sleep again ;)
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