Lainey bug turned 3 whole months today!! I still have to remember though that she is gestationaly only 6 weeks old. Laine can do many more things now, like: rolling from her side to her tummy, coo all the time (although not laughing yet), hold her head up on her tummy, hold her head up sitting for quite awhile, smiling spontaneously, recognizing my voice and looking for me when I'm not holding her. The other day I had her on my bed propped up and I walked around the bed to get the phone on the other nightstand and she followed me with her eyes the whole way. I can't believe that even though next month she will only be like a 2 1/2 month old that she will be started on rice and cereal. I can't wait to take her to the dr. again to see how much she weighs. She is consistently eating 4 ounces now and sleeping about 5-5 1/2 hours at a time.
I am disappointed that breastfeeding did not last longer than it did. I was having to supplement every feeding with formula because I was not producing enough for her to get full. I know that breastfed babies are supposed to eat about every 2-3 hours, but she would nurse for a long time on both breasts and then squirm and cry until I fed her again. I know she was not being satisfied, so I started bottle feeding her a few feedings a day and nursing the other feedings. That lasted awhile, but because I was not nursing her all the time, my supply lessened even more. Then one day I woke up and my milk just never came in. I never felt full and when I pumped I only would be able to pump about a 2 ounces combined. I was a huge let-down on my end because I know that is and would be the best thing for her, but I try and tell myself that at least she got my milk for 2 months. Hopefully the next baby will be more successful.
She seems to be rid of her colic, but her bouts of reflux still exist. The doctor said all babies have some degree of reflux, but I think hers is getting worse, or atleast happening more often. I dont think it's as bad as some babies, but it does bother her when it happens. I'm going to just wait and see what happens when I put her on cereal or rice. We love her so much and are so proud of her accomplishments so far!!
2 comments:
Erin, sounds like she's doing wonderfully! Don't beat yourself up about the breastfeeding! I only breastfed Caleb for 3 months and by that point he was getting more formula than breast milk. He had to switch over because of allergies, but he turned out just fine!! Besides, even breastfeeding for only 6 weeks makes a world of difference... Oh, and if you are interested, Whole Foods has a probiotic powder for infants that you can put in their bottles that helps with reflux!! I am gonna pick some up for Eli and Caleb. I've heard it works wonders... might be something you want to try for Laine. (It helps regulate stomach acid and promote good bacteria).
I had a similar experience with nursing Blake. I was feeding her all the freakin time. She was on the breast more than she wasn't and that was the only way she would stay happy and full. I was only pumping a little bit too like an ounce or two, but I just kept feeding her and she kept growing so I figured all was well, it was just really annoying and I had no idea that I would be feeding that much. It wasn't very practical. Eventually my supply got bigger and she quit eating so many times a day, but it was months. I tried to give it up at 4 months when she got her first tooth and bit me and then again around 9 months because I was so sick of it, but by then she wouldn't take formula so I kept on until about 13 months. With Kylie I am making so much milk, pumping about 4-5 ounces a side, so maybe your next baby will be easier to feed. She also doesn't eat nearly as often as Blake did. Thank goodness! It is one of the hardest things I have ever done and that is great that you were even able to do it for as long as you did. It can be such a beating, but next time around should be better for you. At least you will know what to expect.
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