My one success today was that Will's spitting up was so much better today. Don't get me wrong, he still spit up, but it wasn't gallons as usual. Yay for Will! This sweet boy needs a break!
Stress 1. Giving up dairy has been really hard for me. I love milk, cheese, etc. You don't know until you can't have dairy that everything has dairy in it somewhere in the form of "whey powder". I went to Central Market yesterday to buy some non-dairy items I need at home to help me be able to cook and eat- Rice Dream (rice milk ice cream), rice milk, Earth Balance non dairy shortening to use as butter, and some organic whole wheat flour so I can bake some homemade bread. Of course what in the world am I going to eat on that bread?! Last night Steven and I ordered pizza. Papa Johns and Little Caesars both have dairy free crust and sauce. It was nice to have pizza, but still depressing that my half had no cheese. I'll take what I can get.
Stress 2. My son will not nap. Or I cannot get him to nap. I honestly don't know what to do. If he were sleeping through the night I wouldn't be so worried, but he isn't. (and that may be stress #2 point A.: not sleeping through the night. It seems like everyone's babies' were by this age and everyone always acts shocked when I say he's not, which makes me feel so inadequate as a mom.) I need some baby napping help. He isn't upset about it, actually is very happy all day. I just know how important sleep is and it upsets me that he isn't getting it.
Stress 3. I'm worried about my milk supply. I think it's "drying up". I've had an awesome supply until now. I don't know if it's a nutrition problem, stress, no sleep, etc. Will is still having diapers and seems happy after eating, but I haven't been able to pump any bottles and usually I can. It's been two days since I have been trying. I needed some bottles for this weekend b/c I'm in a wedding and Will was going to stay with my parents Friday night. Now if I can't send milk I'll have to keep him with me. I'm worried he won't get enough to eat and I'll have to switch to formula. I never thought I'd be sad about not being able to breastfeed anymore, but I guess I'm more attached to it than I thought.
Needless to say, I know all this stressing about these things just makes each of these things worse. If you are a mom and have advice, tidbits, or can share experiences- please do. I'm at a loss for most of this and feel like I'm falling short as a mom.
That's it for my pity party. Hopefully tonight I'll get a couple hours sleep and can start fresh tomorrow. Thank you Lord for new mornings!
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Lamentations 3:22-23
4 comments:
Kristie - give yourself some slack. Elizabeth didn't sleep through the night until she was 10 months old regardless what I tried. She is not the only one either - I know of many kids that struggled getting that down.
And I took Brewer's Yeast when I thought my milk supply was getting low (found with the herbal stuff). It worked well for me - of course my doc told me I could simply drink a beer a day for the same effect with a more pleasurable experience (the pills are massive and taste funny, but I can't stand the smell of beer so there was no way I was going to drink one!).
Hang in there, mama.
First of all, thanks for being honest and candid about your struggles. I think it makes things so much harder that most moms won't admit that their baby isn't perfect. I am glad to know I am not the only one!
I have had some similar struggles as you, especially with the milk production. The only difference is that I have had problems from day one. I had to supplement with formula at the beginning because my baby was jaundiced and the doctor made me do it. I have now gotten to the point where she takes 1-2 bottles of formula a day, and to be honest, i like it that way. It gives me freedom and takes the pressure off. Now talk about being ostracized by the breastfeeding community! I know without a doubt that breastmilk is best but sometimes you just need to rely on formula to get you through. It is your decision but formula is not the worst thing that could ever happen. I still breastfeed my baby every feeding but when I give her formula I do it after the feeding. Just to top her off.
I would suggest to always keep pumping because I have also heard that sometimes you just don't pump anything but it doesn't mean there's nothing there. That has frustrated me because I want a concrete way to know if my baby is getting milk and there isn't really one. Other things I tried were a vitamin called "fenugreek" and a tea called "mothers milk tea". They can both be found at whole foods or another health food store. I don't know if I can attribute my milk production to those things but I did start producing more milk while taking them. its worth a try. My friend also told me about the beer but she said to eat oatmeal for breakfast and a beer before bed. I didn't try that one.
I am so very impressed that you have given up dairy. I just don't know if I can do it. My baby is really fussy and gassy but she rarely if ever spits up. I have read that spitting up is a sign of milk allergy so that is why I have yet to give anything up out of my diet. I would struggle with that too, so more power to you. I will be interested to see how it all pans out with Will.
Sorry for the novel, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Feeding my baby has proved to be the hardest part of motherhood so far. I know you are on the right track and you are going to figure it all out. Keep up the good work!
Amy
And as far as the napping goes, we aren't really there yet because Brinley is a little younger and still sleeping most of the day, but I have found the book Baby 411 to have some good suggestions. You might already be doing this but it says to start winding them down long before you want them to actually be asleep, to be predictable with a scheduled nap time every day, and to have your child sleep in the same place for naps and bedtime.
They also say not to worry so much about sleeping through the night until 5 or 6 months so you have time.
I don't know if these work or if they are realistic since I haven't tried them, but I thought I would just throw them out there for you.
We should get together sometime! Email me- rockyandamymc@gmail.com.
Ok girl...I don't drink milk or eat milk products anymore, either! You MUST try Almond milk...it's SO yummy! It's in the same section as the rice milk. They have original...vanilla...and chocolate. For a treat i get the chocolate and heat it up...like hot cocoa! Yummy! It was hard giving it up at first, but not it's not so bad...they have SO much to supplement milk with now! If you need any suggestions...let me know! Miss you cute mama! :)
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