I think Elliot likes to keep us guessing. Since he pooped and there wasn't hardly anything coming out of his repogle yesterday, they were hoping to take out the repogle tube today and start feedings. HOWEVER, Elliot hasn't pooped since and there is now a ton of green being sucked out of the repogle again. So we're back to waiting.
The other gastroschisis baby in our nursery who is younger and smaller than Elliot (and who had surgery on the same day he did) is already bottle feeding and doesn't have his repogle anymore. I know every baby is different and we shouldn't let it discourage us, but... it's frustrating. I'm glad Zackery is doing well but I wish Elliot would catch up to him!
To top it off, my milk supply has gone down from 2-2.5 ouces per pumping to only one ounce. Almost all of that comes from the right side because the left side is hardly producing anything anymore. I don't know what's going on but I'm definitely going to talk to the lactation consultant tomorrow.
Jess, I am glad Elliot is progressing I hope he poops again soon so he can start with the feedings. I also hope you milk supply goes back up. Are pumping at nights?. If you pump every three hours non stop should help. And also drink as much water and milk as possible. I'll continue praying for Elliot and you!.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, he is super cute!!
Keep pumping, girl! Not pumping very much is not always an indicator of your supply going down. Babies are WAY more efficient than any machine, so just keep doing what you're doing. I've also heard that fengugreek can really help to increase supply.
ReplyDeletemy consultant told me to eat oatmeal to increase milk supply.
ReplyDeletei hope elliot continues to make progress and poops again soon!
Stay positive, and don't stop pumping. I know it is really frustrating, but you will be really grateful. I hope he shows some more progress soon!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the little set back. I know it seems so discouraging. It is so hard to not compare your child's progression to others. I do it with C all the time and it takes a concentrated effort to not do it. Try not to stress about the breastfeeding too much. In my case stressing about it made things worse. Pumping really isn't as efficient and also stress and diet can effect your supply. I also read somewhere that most women produce less out of their left breast. Weird huh!
ReplyDeleteAww I'm sorry! I'm sure it will just take time. Hopefully you can get your supply back up as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Sweetest Life♥
Aww mama, I hope he poops soon. Here's my two cents on breast feeding. Keep pumping. Once he starts nursing he will have you producing what he needs. It will be worth the effort. Have you recorded his cry on your phone and listen while pumping, take one of his blankets so you can smell him, I find a hot shower triggers let down, also oatmeal and lots of water. And finally, are the nurses letting you have skin to skin time with him? Even undoing your top while holding him to get him as close to your breasts as possible. Good luck with the LC tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteKeep pumping....drink lots of water and I've heard about some vitamnins that help...can't remember what they are called right now, but I'm sure you could do a search.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and keeping you guys in my prayers
Check into MotherLove tinctures ... great mix of herbs to help with your supply.
ReplyDeletejust keep pumping and try to stay positive :)
ReplyDeletecome on baby boy- keep pooping!
ReplyDeleteand YOU keep pumping mom- pump pump pump. eat oatmeal & drink water & do everything you can to encourage that milk supply- and totally talk to an LC- they're awesome! good luck!
Praying for Elliot's "system" to start working right. . .more poop!
ReplyDeleteKeep pumping, drink lots of water, rest when you can, eat oatmeal daily. I would encourage you to try skin to skin time with Elliot (if you are allowed to) and pumping as often as you can prior to starting any herbal supplements or tinctures (fenugreek, etc) as they can alter the taste of your milk and have been known to (for some, not all) upset babies tummies. Milk Banks who use donor milk for sick preemies in the NICU will not accept milk if the mother has used any type of herbal supplement for this very reason. Talk with a lactation consultant for more information.
Lastly, what kind of pump are you using? If you are not using a hospital grade double-electric pump, talk to your hospital or LC about getting set up with one.
Look at Elliot's picture or keep one of his shirts close by as you pump. And most importantly, stay positive and relaxed! When it's time to put Elliot to breast, he will be much more efficient than any pump, and he'll have all the milk he needs :)
A GREAT resource for you-
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/maintainsupply-pump.html
Thinking of you, mama!
Sorry if you have heard this before, but with both my girls, supply has been a problem (still feeding my 8 month old, but she is constantly hungry). One thing that has consistently worked for me when supply gets particularly low is extra doses of fenugreek. I take 6 pills of it a day (3 in the morning, 3 in the evening) when my supply is okay, but bump it to 18 pills a day (600-ish mg pills), 6 each at breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 10 days when I am at a low supply time. This was recommended by a lactation consultant to my friend and it seems to work for both of us. I hope it works for you too.
ReplyDelete