https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 19:20:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-429327 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:56:52 +0000 DillonLion 429327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Weight gain was great! Should be able to back off on formula but pedi said to wait until we see lactation consultant on Wednesday to help with latch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428470 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:40:57 +0000 pastemoo 428470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428408 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:51:54 +0000 autumnlove 428408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thinking of you! My milk didn't come in for days and I was supplementing with formula with a Medela SMS system taped to my boobs and it was very stressful for the first few weeks. LO had 4 weight checks the first 10 days and I cried almost every day. :-(</p> <p>Good luck and she is just beautiful! :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428401 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:47:55 +0000 DillonLion 428401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: tomorrow morning. Cannot wait. Ready for an opportunity to change things up a little </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428397 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:46:20 +0000 pastemoo 428397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: How are you doing today? I hope you are feeling a little less stressed. When is your next weigh-in? I hope that gives you a little more peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428112 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:27:59 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 428112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: Engorgement sounds promising for your milk fully coming in. Mine didn't fully come in until end of day 5 and that first week was also a nightmare of pumping, trying to nurse, and (toward the end) supplementing. After my milk was in, we were able to drop most of the pumping and supplementing. Nursing was still hard for a little while, but it was so nice to be able to focus on it. </p> <p>Good luck and HUUUUUUUGS. I remember how dark those early days could seem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy/page/2#post-428104 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:19:02 +0000 T.H.O.U. 428104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: that's great your milk came in. It took my baby three weeks to gain back her birth weight but luckily our pedi understood that this wasn't abnormal for a bf baby and we were monitoring her weight closing with weigh ins on Tuesday and Thursdays when I attended breastfeeding support classes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-428086 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:06:13 +0000 skibobrown 428086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@babyjmama: Yes, same thing here! I made it to 3 months, but I gave up on the supplemental pumping once DH returned to work. I couldn't figure out how to nurse then bottle feed and pump while also having to attend to a baby on my own. By the time I gave up on nursing completely, DD was taking mostly formula anyways. I never produced more than 1.5 oz total during each session. </p> <p>Highwire, I hope it gets better soon, but if it doesn't, then try to find ways to make it easier on yourself. Hiring a postpartum doula once your husband returns to work could be helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-428036 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:38:36 +0000 kentuckygirl 428036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no advice but just wanted to give you a virtual hug and hope that things get better very soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427946 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:30:22 +0000 hilsy85 427946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just keep swimming!! Definitely ask the advice of the LC when you see her. Maybe instead of bottle feeding and nursing you can use a supplemental nursing system? That way she gets fed and your breast gets the stimulation. Good luck--it does get easier, especially once LO starts sleeping in 3 hour chunks (which will happen!). Sleep deprivation makes everything harder. And good for you for sticking with breast feeding--the first three weeks of nursing were the worst of my life, but it did get better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427789 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:12:59 +0000 doodlepoodle 427789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skibobrown: I agree completely! My goal was 6 months with EBF. I made it 2 weeks. We had to start supplementing and then my goal was half and half (never pumped much) and made it to 4 months. I had major guilt and was VERY upset when I finally quit but now I realize it was the best thing for all of us. I was miserable. </p> <p>@lemondrop: Agree! It IS about survival. Sink or swim. You just have to put one foot in front of the other. The first few months can be so difficult. J had really bad gastro issues and we had to change formulas multiple times and use gas drops etc etc. He screamed and screamed. I would cry while shushing him, I'm sure I looked like a crazy person. I dreaded having people come over because I didn't want them to know how miserable I was. </p> <p>I hope it gets better FAST. I know 2 months seems like a long time, but please know, it DOES get better. Just keep reminding yourself that every day it gets a little bit better. </p> <p>((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427780 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:08:59 +0000 Beebug 427780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Engorgement is awesome in your case!! Every day gets better, you are doing a kick ass job with that schedule. Hope LO rebounds with the weight soon and you can get some breathing room on the current sched!</p> <p>At 6w here every day is still different, but it goes by so fast, no matter how awful/tough it seems, hugs...hang in there!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427773 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:03:16 +0000 DillonLion 427773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone!!! I'm trying to take it one feeding session at the time and I I can squeeze in the whole shabang of this schedule great, but if I cut out one of the steps then that is okay too. Super engorged this am which I'm happy about! Hope that means good things for her weight gain and an adjustment in the near future to the feeding plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427681 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 09:12:00 +0000 Mrs.M57 427681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is a tough schedule! Those first days especially the first week are so hard! But definitely agree with pps I swear it does get easier!<br /> In our first week, my dd would scream because she wasn't getting enough when she latched on, so we used a supplemental nursing system, i had to use pumped milk for the sns so i pumped and also supplemented with formula, with all of it, it was so overwhelming! I definitely remember crying while she was crying and wanting to give up, but after the first week, once my milk was in it did get easier! She lost 10% as well and gained it back by 3 weeks. I didn't anticipate nursing to be so incredibly hard in the beginning and unfortunately from what I have heard that is the case for a lot of first time moms! Hang in there girl, you are doing great **hugs </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427665 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:47:43 +0000 regberadaisy 427665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs!!! It DOES get better!! Those first few days are SO rough. You're working on no sleep, taking care of this tiny human that depends you every second and learning to breastfeeding. Plus the emotional turmoil of post partum. It really does get better like @rubies said.</p> <p>Promise and pinky swear.</p> <p>M has been supplemented since day 1. BFing was really important to me so I stuck it through despite feeding issues and my mom telling me to give it up bc it will be easier on me. Figure out what your priorities are to keep your sanity. Then stick to it even if people tell you to give up BFing and give formula or keep BFing and ditch formula.</p> <p>Happy mama = happy baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427659 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:29:29 +0000 winniebee 427659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, that's a lot of time dedicated to feeding!</p> <p>I had a low birth weight baby and he lost 10% in the hospital - it was VERY stressful for me and I felt so much pressure to feed him well that I barely enjoyed the first few weeks. At home, we did this for the first 10 days or so: Feed him for as long as he would tolerate on the boob, then top him off with an ounce of pumped milk or formula. While my husband would feed him that pumped ounce I would actually pump (but not every nursing session, maybe 2x a day). It sounds like you are feeding the baby milk before you nurse and after? Is there a reason why you are feeding her before nursing? I'm no expert, but if she is getting milk before she nurses, she might not be hungry enough to efficiently nurse. And are you pumping for 15 mins after each feeding just to get your supply up? </p> <p>Having a baby with weight issues is stressful - everyone kept telling me to relax, etc, but how could I? When we left the hospital he was 4 lbs 13 oz! But, by 2 weeks he gained all of his birth weight back plus some. Your baby girl will thrive, just trust in yourself</p> <p>On another note, I switched to pumping at 6 weeks because we never got into a good groove and because I was always worried about how much my son was getting. At the time, it was the best decision for my family. But, I have to say that pumping seems like the easier option and it is not. It is much harder than BF in my opinion. I was attached to my pump for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours for months...not to mention cleaning bottles....and pumping in the middle of the night after you feed your baby is just the pits. </p> <p>Either way, the first few weeks are really, really hard. I cried a lot. Slept a little, nursed like every 2 hours. You'll make it through and so will she.....just take it one day at a time and try to find joy in the little moments with her. She's only going to be small for a little while! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427640 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:50:55 +0000 pastemoo 427640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The beginning is a blur. Anyone who can help you?<br /> Formula or breastfeeding, in the beginning you live 2 hours at a time --not day to day. Hugs--you will make it through and then you'll forget how hard it was and just want her to be so tiny again.<br /> Good luck! You can do it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427637 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:26:37 +0000 meredithNYC 427637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: Also, is there anyone else who can step in to be with you once your DH and MIL go back to work? If I remember correctly, you are the first among your friends to have a baby. But, would any of your friends even be willing to come sit with you for a few hours? I found that to be helpful - just not being alone, you know? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427634 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:24:26 +0000 meredithNYC 427634@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to say that I was in your exact position and I know how scary/exhausting/awful it all is. When your baby isn't gaining weight and you're on a super-intensive feeding schedule, it adds an immense amount of stress to what is already an extremely difficult time. </p> <p>For me, I remembered calling some of my friends from home (since my New York friends don't have kids yet) and even the wife of DH's best friend for advice. She was actually the best because she's super direct and honest, but also really compassionate. Anyway, she told me that 2 months was her turning point. Now, at that time (about a week postpartum) it felt like I would never make it. But, I did. LO is 6 months old now and OMG it's way easier.</p> <p>I also supplemented and finally at 2.5 months had to give up on breastfeeding altogether (even my lactation consultant agreed that it was best for me and baby). While I hope it doesn't come to that for you, please know that if it does you will both be fine.</p> <p>Sending you lots of positivity! You can do this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427572 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:10:07 +0000 kml636 427572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Omg... That does sound terrible ! Whe. Can you get her weighed again? I would think she's definitely gaining weight on that regimen! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427560 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:40:09 +0000 Penny Lane 427560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice either, just wanted to sympathise! I would probably have laughed at my midwife and either ignored her all together or given up on bfing right away if they had expected me to keep that schedule. Good on you for still going!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427522 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:09:07 +0000 immabeetoo 427522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice but hoping things get easier soon:/ do they have you in for a weight check soon so you can see the reward and hopefully back off pumping or nursing for so long?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427514 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:55:05 +0000 shopaholic 427514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awww... I'm not there yet, so I've got zero practical advice, but all empathy for you hun! Hope you hang in there and hope things get better with more practice! You're doing great mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427513 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:52:41 +0000 Kemma 427513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: I totally agree, one feed at a time, one day at a time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427491 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:15:04 +0000 lemondrop 427491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Take it one day at a time, set mini goals for yourself. </p> <p>If you are a little late with one thing or another, it isn't the end of the world. Even after a couple weeks we were able to drastically slow down our supplementation schedule. </p> <p>The first few weeks is all about survival, not just for the baby, but for you too! Hang in there mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427475 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:58:52 +0000 Kemma 427475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel your pain!</p> <p>My first two weeks with LO were the hardest of my life and I don't think I enjoyed even a minute of it.</p> <p>First of all, please know you're doing a wonderful job so hang in there! As somebody who still struggles with breastfeeding at six weeks, please persevere - you can do it and it will get better! I remember my midwife telling me that success with breastfeeding is 75% based on the mother's intention so know that if you want to do it, you can and will do it!</p> <p>Just know that you're doing a great job so keep up the good work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427474 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:58:37 +0000 Periwinkle 427474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sending big hugs your way. We are only a few weeks ahead of you and I have many days that sound like you're describing. While I don't have specific advice regarding the feeding, just wanted to say that you're doing a great job so far and I know things will level out for you soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427454 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:35:52 +0000 anonysquire 427454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have advice but I am sorry :( It sounds so rough! Hopefully next time you go to the doctor you get good news! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427446 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:31:43 +0000 MaisyMay 427446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice since LO isn't here yet, but keep it up! Hopefully on Monday you will get doctor's approval to drop something to make things easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/semblance-of-normalcy#post-427427 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:14:41 +0000 erwoo 427427@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you're feeling so overwhelmed. I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same exact way after I had my first too. The good news is that it does get better. </p> <p>I struggled with supply issues the first two months. It was awful. I was doing the same thing you are doing... feeding pumped milk (from last session), nurse 20 on each side, followed by formula (b/c I didn't think I had enough and my son lost 10% of his weight), then pump again. I cried to every person who talked about breast milk or breast feeding or anything related to feeding. I was an emotional wreck! But all of those feelings are normal the first couple of weeks while your body regulates your hormones after pregnancy. And in addition to that we were going to my son's ped's office almost every day to check his bilirubin levels b/c he had to be hospitalized two days after we were discharged for jaundice. It was so stressful. I don't think I felt a sense of normalcy until about month 3. I know that sounds like a really long time but that was my experience b/c my son had blood in his stool and then broke out in eczema around week 8 and then started the allergist and GI specialist appointments. It turns out he was dairy and soy protein allergic (he outgrew at 15 months). </p> <p>Not sure if you're low in supply or you're trying to up your baby's weight or both, but if it's a supply issue, what I did to see if I needed to pump anymore was to see how much I was pumping after every nursing session. Log it. See if you're pumping less and less. It probably means that she's eating more efficiently too. If so, then you can probably stop pumping and start nursing exclusively. Also, see if she is satisfied after she eats. She should seem relaxed. I find that nursing exclusively is a lot less work and less stressful than pumping. But you can pick to do one or the other depending on whatever is easier for you. The good thing about pumping exclusively is having your husband/family help with some of the feedings. </p> <p>I like nursing exclusively b/c I hate washing bottles and pump parts. It was driving me batty and my hands were a wreck. Oh, and one tip to not having to wash your pump parts after every session is to put it in either a zip lock bag or a container and put it in the fridge. Then wash it every morning. That way you won't have to worry about washing it after every session and you'll be able to catch a little more sleep.</p> <p>Hang in there! It does get better. Being a first time mom is very stressful and the crazy hormones doesn't help. But you're doing an awesome job with everything you're doing for your little girl already! :) </p>