A lot happened today but I'll start with the very best, most exciting news: I was able to breastfeed Elliot for the first time! I was pretty nervous because I wasn't sure if he'd be able to latch correctly, especially since he has so much trouble with the bottle. But I'm proud to say that he took to the boob like a real pro! He started rooting immediately and was nursing in no time. It was the most amazing feeling.
I had just pumped right before nursing him though, so he still had to take a bottle afterwards. He just doesn't get it. He lets all the milk drool out of his mouth. And I wish I could tell you how long it takes him to finish 11 cc's of milk {which is really only a couple mouthfuls}. I won't complain though- I'd rather him prefer the breast to the bottle any day!
AND breastfeeding him seems to have helped my supply- I've been able to pump 1.5 ounces consistently. That might not sound like much but I've only been getting .75ish ounces for over a week now, so I was THRILLED.
They said I can put him to breast anytime we're there for his feedings {which are every 3 hours}, so I'm pretty excited to see how things progress and how this affects my supply.
I'm in such a good mood that it doesn't even bother me that much that the other {younger} gastroschisis baby in our nursery, Zackery, went home today. I'm happy for his family. Of course, I'd rather have Elliot home, too... but at least someone gets to enjoy being home as a family.
