Right before delivery, I always set a goal of nursing for at least six months. I always ask my husband to keep me on track, and keep me motivated to continue nursing for as long as I can. This time, things just didn’t go as planned…
I had my c-section (on our anniversary) and we welcomed our third child. The surgery went well, and we both were doing great. Agnes started nursing right off the bat, and I was feeling pretty confident about my six month goal. We were out of the hospital in just two days, and back home to the boys.
I kept nursing, but something just wasn’t right. Agnes was having trouble latching on, and I was having trouble keeping the boys quiet. I tried everything… I switched rooms to nurse in, different nursing positions, bumped up my eating, but Agnes started losing weight.
We went for her one week check-up, and that was when my Doctor said the dreaded words, it’s time to supplement. She told me to keep pumping, and try to keep my supply up. I felt like a failure, and I was really sad. I have a fantastic Doctor, and she reassured me that everything would be fine.
I went out and bought bottles, along with preemie clothes for Agnes, and went home and made a bottle for her. James was happy to feed Agnes her first bottle, and I attempted to pump for the next feeding. I got out my trusty pump, and I pumped barely 1/4 of an ounce. The problem wasn’t her not being able to nurse, it was me…
At the second week check-up my Doctor figured out that my hormones never kicked-in to nurse, thanks in part to my c-section, and stress too. Nursing just wouldn’t be an option this time around, but she reassured me that Agnes would do just fine, and seeing the rapid weight gain, made be a believer too.
I still feel a little sad that I’m not able to nurse this time around, but seeing my little girl cheerful, and growing, it is all worth it.
So sorry it didn’t work out! Liam wouldn’t cooperate so my plans to nurse him failed too. I know how upsetting it can be.
Awwww Nico! Don’t feel bad……you are a great MOM! i couldn’t nurse the twins either…….sad for us all three, but they are healthy and all is well! Hang in there sweet friend! Love and hugs to you all!
Blessings!!!
Don’t you feel bad, even for a second, Nicole. You have a great hubby and 3 beautiful kiddos…and you’re a good mama. Hope you’re doing well today.
Sam was by far my hardest baby to nurse out of all 3, and I just about fell over from exhaustion that first couple of months. Thank God for a sensible husband to take charge of the situation and insist that I supplement Sam, for her sake and for mine. Now she’s 2 and it’s honestly all a blur lol. A happy family needs a happy Mama; I sure hope you’re taking care of yourself.
A good mama is good for more than just her boobs! I truly believe that girls can just be stinkers but they are so worth it. I am glad that baby girl is doing better and now you can enjoy yourself more and not have to be the 24 hour milk machine.
I think the comments covered it. Laughs to Stacey with milk machine! Sorry to hear you were sad Nico! Agnes looks wonderful and you are right- as long as she is growing and healthy. I feel for you!