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@QueensBee: You're so sweet, thank you!!! I will definitely have to keep you ladies posted on what happens with Hubs. Hopefully we'll BOTH put in a little more effort and be all the more happier because of it! I think it's hard with breastfeeding because the majority of the care that Xander needs is being fed, and only I can provide that. Even if we bottle feed, I still have to pump, so it's not really saving ME any time to incorporate Hubs more in that aspect. Oh well!
Sorry to hear about Pete's night! Had he been sleeping through the night prior to this (or at least sleeping longer stretches)? Or maybe he's going through a growth spurt and needs more food in the middle of the night? Hopefully he starts sleeping well for you!
Good for you trying to get back into shape! I ate TERRIBLY during my maternity leave and exercised regularly for one week only! I haven't lost a single pound since having the baby! Now that I'm back at work though, I'm trying to be better about not eating junk during the day and not snacking as much, so hopefully I'll start seeing results. I have no idea when I would workout though. I used to workout immediately after work, but now I have to pick up Xander from daycare and then feed him so... yeah, workouts aren't happening.
As far as tummy time, I haven't been doing it as often as I used to because Xander HATES it now. He used to not mind it at all, but then he rolled out a few times, and now everytime I put him on his tummy, if he can't roll over immediately, he starts FREAKING OUT. He hasn't rolled over in WEEKS now. Ugh. I'm kind of hoping they have him do it at daycare because I can't stand watching him struggle and cry. He definitely has better neck control now than he used to though - if I put him in a sitting up position, he can hold his head up on his own for a short period of time!
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@Adira: Glad y'all talked and he said that he is willing to help out more around the house. Why don't men realize if they just help us more, then we won't nag them about video games or whatnot!
@QueensBee: Sorry Pete had a rough night. Hopefully tonight will be better.
R is super picky! We have tried a bunch of bottles, and finally found the Tommee ones she liked. She just isn't taking them again now. I am sure the ladies at day care will get her to take one. I guess it is long enough she will eat.
R doesn't mind tummy time, only for a little bit though. She does better when I lay right in front of her though. She isn't showing any signs to wanting to roll over. -
@Adira: @Smurfette: A doesn't really seem to mind tummy time. He just lays there talking to himself, either with his head a little bit up, or just lying on his cheek.
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@Smurfette: I'm guessing because men are stupid?
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@Adira: Seriously!!! BTW, last night I totally wanted to have sex and DH was sick. Now he is gone till Friday:(
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@Smurfette: Boo!! That sucks!! I hate that!!
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So I pumped today, it was like an hour after I feed Reagan. But I got 2ozs in like 5 mins and then nothing was coming out. I am scared that I am not going to be able to provide enough for her supply at day care. Hopefully I can pump every day till Monday so I don't have to dip into the small freezer stash for Monday. Then hopefully Monday I can pump enough for at least two of her bottles. I am not against formula but I would rather she have more BM, especially if I am having to pump. Since I hate pumping.
How long do y'all pump for till nothing comes out?
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@Smurfette: I haven't truly pumped since A started actually BFing, so I don't know how my body would respond. I use a hand pump every so often and can get about an ounce in 5 or so minutes, then I stop bc I get tired. Maybe you could try pumping more in the AM since supply is usually higher then?
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We did 12 hours of traveling today, 8 of those driving, and Isaac was a champ. Only once did he have a freak out were we had to stop. We stopped about every two hours, so 2.5 hours between each feeding. Now he is. Luster feeding and I'm hoping to bed soon as this is one tired mama. We have two more travel days, but only about 3 hours of driving each day.
I already miss DH so much, I don't know how I'm going to make it to June 25.
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Hi Ladies! Got my arms really full with K these past few days. Sorry it's been hard to keep up!
I think *hope* the worst of this growth spurt is over. I'm noticing she gets a couple of really tough nights every two weeks (and it always falls on the weekends!) Last night was good - back to "normal." Well, as normal as you can expect their age! She went 9 hours between feedings, but only slept 7.5 hrs because it took me 1.5 hours to get her to sleep. Might have just been too much over stimulation with my brother over BBQing and watching Brave. She was suckered into it! But REALLY fussy to get to sleep. She was SO exhausted. Woke once in MOTN, fed, and slept another 4 hours. She's still pretty clingy in wanting me to hold her. She's also learned how to fully FLEX her back! So even holding her, when she wants to be active, it's tough because she'll completely straighten out! Same with the bouncy chair and swing. She almost slid out of the bouncy chair and I thought she might flop out of the swing today! But it seems SO tight to buckle her in the swing. I'm not sure if she's outgrowing it or what? Her head and neck control has gotten measurably better the past couple of days, even though she was always strong to begin with. Strangers everywhere comment on it. IDK - I have a strong and determined girl! Wondering if I should bust out the Bumbo yet?
She also doesn't care for tummy time and is all about her fists. OK - fussy time again and DH can't handle it. GG! -
@Smurfette: When I used to pump while on maternity leave, I would pump about an hour after feeding Xander (an hour counting from the start of his feed) for 5 minutes each side (I wasn't double-pumping at the time) and I would only get about an ounce out total (so maybe half an ounce each side). So your two ounces sounds pretty good to me!
Now that I'm back at work, my routine is this:
5:00 - feed Xander
5:30 - get ready for work
6:00 - pump for 20-25 minutes (got 4 oz this morning)
6:30 - wash and dry pump parts and pack everything
7:00 - head to work!
11:00 - pump at work for 20 minutes (usually get 5-6 oz)
3:30 - pump at work for 20 minutes (usually 5 oz)
4:30 - leave work to pick up Xander from daycare
5:30/6:00 - feed Xander
9:00 - feed Xander
9:30 - if he only ate from one side, pump other side (1-2 oz)Total: 14-17oz
And Xander usually eats 15oz at daycare. So far I've been able to keep up with him! And I'm sure you will be able to as well!
ETA: This morning, it seemed like after 25 minutes, the milk was done flowing. I tried hand expressing after and could only get very little out. When I'm at work, I can only pump for 20 minutes because of my time constraints and the room availability, and even after 20 minutes, it seems like the milk is still coming strong, but I have to stop. I should also point out that Xander mostly sleeps through the night, so after his 9:00 p.m. feed, he doesn't eat again until 5:00, so my boobs are FULL. He usually eats 15 minutes one side and 5 minutes the other, so one boob is very full. When I got 4 oz out this morning, 1 oz was from the side he spent 15 minutes on, and 3 oz was from the other side.
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@ALV91711: Oh my gosh, I can't believe how long you were driving for!!! Good for you!!! I'm impressed at how well Isaac handled it. He didn't mind being in the car for that long? I've been thinking about driving to visit my grandparents in July (they live 4 hours away), but I'm not sure I want to do it since we'd have to stop on the way to feed Xander AND we'd only be there for a few hours and them would have to drive home, so 8 hours of driving total, plus all the stops. Not sure it's worth it.
@shopaholic: Wow, sounds like you have your hands full!! I'm impressed she slept those 7.5 hours though - that's awesome! Xander doesn't usually sleep that long yet, though lately he's been doing 7 hour stretches, which I LOVE. Is there a way to loosen the straps on the swing at all so you can buckle her in but it's not too tight? I know the straps on our swing loosen, but maybe you already have yours on the loosest setting?
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Is it sad when on mornings like this I have to sing a little mantra in my head while I press the 'on' switch for my coffee? Been up since 5:30... My mantra is "I love my babies, I love my babies, I love my babies..." Ooooooh coffee...
Em's doing great so there really isn't much to report. We went on our first 'camping' trip this weekend with all four of us - H, DH, Em and me - in our Airstream. Good news is that the Airstream is 31 feet. We had Em in the back with us, H in the front in his pack n' play and everyone slept honkey dorey.
Well, mostly honkey dorey. There was a brief moment our first night there that had DH scared half to death. I have a travel bassinet that I kept at the end of my bed from when H was a baby. Well, it was at the end of my bed this time (DH and I each have a bed) and when she woke up in the middle of the night to feed, I just picked her up and pulled her up to where I was sleeping and we nurse/slept. Well, apparently I kicked the travel bassinet off the bed because it's five in the morning and DH is lurching forward to check the bassinet! He frantically picks it up, moves it around, looking for the baby, before I tell him that she's safe up beside me!
The weekend was interesting to say the least. Then yesterday my ILs came over and so did a cousin and family friend (a guy DH grew up with). ILs stayed for a short while but our cousin and friend stayed until H's bedtime. Then they vamoosed and we made smores in the oven.
Em's in size two, easily wearing six month old clothing, and is otherwise in great health. She keeps curling up and turning on her side like she's trying to figure out how to roll over. She's been much more social and vocal lately, very smiley and very talkative. We're still not a fan of tummy time or sleeping through the night but we're getting better - at least I keep telling myself that.
H on the other hand has gotten just a smidge taller which means everything is that much more in reach. Which means we're climbing even more than we were before! At this rate, I'm going to need something stronger than coffee because he's just a little climbing machine. It's insane.
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@NaturallyCathy: Glad to hear your camping trip was a success!! Hubs and I used to go camping a couple times a year, so I'd like to keep doing it at some point. Not sure I'm ready to venture out there with the baby yet though, haha. Maybe next year!
I'm impressed your husband is so diligent and worried about stuff like that! If my husband saw the bassinet on the floor, he'd just ASSUME that everything is a-okay without even checking!
I think we need to start putting Xander in 6-month clothing. At least for pajamas. He seems to fit fine in 3-month clothing except for the length, so he can still wear onesies just fine. It's anything that's head to toe that's looking a little tight on him!
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@Adira: She's in that in-between sizes too. Three month onesies still work but the sleep n plays need to be size six month. Only problem is that they're a little too long still but three month rompers are too short! So frustrating.
And like I said, my idea of camping is in an Airstream. I'm a creature who likes her comfort. Good thing too - temps reached the mid 40s at night!
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@NaturallyCathy: Yeah, I haven't switched to the 6-month pjs because I know they will be too long. Though he'd probably prefer that than having his toes squished... ooops.
I'm with you on the camping. When we go, we have this huge 6-foot tall tent that sleeps 6 (and there was just the 2 of us) and our queen-sized air mattress. Plus we only go places that have bathrooms!
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Hi All - long time! Miss you all and hope all is great with your little ones!!
Just wanted to check in and post a picture of K from a few weeks ago. Hope you are all well and I'm sure I'll be posting a lot more when I go back to work full time on the 10th (I've been working from home the past few weeks).
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@sheskrafty: Gahhh!!!! K is so precious!!! What an adorable picture!
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Anyone else finding themselves reacting like a crazy person when other people hold your LO? I've noticed that when my mom or Hubs' parents hold LO, I'm suddenly crazy JEALOUS!! Even if I've spent all day with him, I suddenly have the urge to snatch him back and snuggle him! So far, I've refrained from doing that, but I can't help but just stare at them and silently beg him to get fussy so I have an excuse to take him (he has YET to get fussy - he just beams at whoever is holding him, the traitor)! Am I crazy or does anyone else feel like this?
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@Adira: He slept a lot. The last hour he didn't want to be there anymore. It would have been nice if he took a soother. Also whoever wasnt driving sat in the back to play eith him while he was awake. I think next time I wouldn't do such a long day.
@shopaholic: I keep the straps on the swing loose. That way he can't fall out, but until he is moving more I figured he doesn't need to be tightly in there.
@NaturallyCathy: That is awesome that you went camping. I don't think I'm brave enough to go this year. Could be that we are tented.
@sheskrafty: What a cutie!
Isaac is wearing mostly 6 month sizes but does have a few smaller ones that still fit. I find it depends on the brand. He loves tummy time but doesn't seem to try and roll anymore. I'm sure it will come soon enough. We also have a fist chewer on our hands.
Last night was better for sleep. I was a little worried with how much he slept yesterday. He was asleep just after 9 and did 3, 4, 4 and is still sleeping. I'm wide awake of course, but am stuck since he is sleeping on me. This is the only way he likes to sleep in the morning.
@Smurfette: Good luck with the daycare trial today. I hope it goes well.
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Well Reagan has been at day care for an hour. I have been crying off and on since then. No clue how I am going to get through Monday. She was so cute this morning. I swear she knew! She went to the day care lady no problem. There were four teachers in the room and they were all excited for her today.
I will say it was just nice to go to Loft and shop without a baby. Depressing the size pants I just bought. So hard dressing keeping BF in mind. I still need pants for work!
Be back later to repond to everyone and let you know how Reagan does.
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@Smurfette: Oh right!!! Good luck today, lady!!! For Xander's first day, I ended up staying with him at daycare for about an hour and then I was sobbing when I left! I had to RUN out of the daycare after handing him to one of the ladies because I didn't want them to see me cry! I cried in the car and then kept crying until I got to my dentist appoint, at which point I felt I had to keep it together. But after getting a pedi and being able to watch a show on TV uninterrupted, I was feeling sooooo much better. I hope you're able to have a nice day today and I'm sure R will be fine!!!
Also, don't feel bad - I'm currently wearing maternity pants at work.
Also, I have all these nursing tops, but I find at work, it's just easier to take my shirt off altogether to pump, so I don't really need a lot of nursing tops for work - just need a few for when I'm out and about with baby. And I have 2-3 not-fit-for-public nursing tops that I change into when I get home so I can breastfeed.
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@Adira: I hate when the ILs hold Em. I have an internal timer that 'makes' me give them time holding her but when the timer goes off? I politely but insistently pick her back up. My baby. Sometimes I have to leave the room for a little while to 'check her diaper' (which I do) just to get a moment alone with her. And to ensure no grabby hands. It'll get better. I was the same way with H for the first few months. Only problem is that my ILs are more old, less considerate when 'taking her for a bit'. Kills me.
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@NaturallyCathy: So glad I'm not the only one!!! I know I have to let them have time with him since he's their grandchild, but I just want him all to myself!! And I find myself silently raging when they say stuff like "I'm just going to keep him!" or "He's coming home with me tonight!" I want to grab him and be like "He's MINE MINE MINE!!!" And when I finally get him back, I feel so much relief, even though I KNOW they aren't really going to steal him from me! I feel like a crazy person!
ETA: Gahh, and I was so mad at my MIL the other day. We were at our niece's birthday party and MIL wanted a picture with all her grandchildren. Xander was snoozing away in my arms and MIL just came over to grab him. I was like "You're going to wake him up..." but she just took him from me anyway and was like "I've never woken a baby this deeply asleep!" but lo and behold, she woke him up!!! Xander's such a good baby that he was okay with it, but I was PISSED. UGH.
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@Adira: @ALV91711: I can't figure it out! I've loosened the straps as much as I can and it's still teeny tiny! I must be missing something. Then there's these two weird straps up by her shoulders with no buckle - just weird loops. Got to figure it out.
@NaturallyCathy: Sounds like my kind of camping! Inside and warm!
Funny and sweet about DH and the bassinet!@sheskrafty: SO precious! Such lovely big, bright eyes!
Isn't it the truth that people have more time doing stuff at work than staying at home? lol! @ALV91711: Yeah, K has rolled over back-to-tummy only once, Mother's Day weekend. I think it was only possible because she was on the bed too. She's totally got her fist in her mouth all the time now too. I've noticed she's trying to do that during tummy time too. So not too much rolling. I let her sleep in bed with us for an hour in the morning last weekend and she rolled to her side and stayed sleeping like that. *easy hand access still!*
@Smurfette: Oh Good Luck Mama! Have fun shopping and getting a breather! I'm sure R will be an angel for the DayCare! You know how kids and pets behave even better for others than their own parents? So maybe they will help get her in a better sleeping/going to sleep rhythm!
As for us, K slept really well! About 6.5hrs + 3hrs + she's still going! I expect her to wake up in 10 min. BUT, it still took us 1hr and 10 min to get her to sleep! She was wailing and crying SO hard! Every time she'd calm down, she'd look around and burst into wails again. Breaks my heart. But I had an exhausting day keeping up with her yesterday and had spit-up all over, dog was sick and kept having diarrhea all day, etc. DH told me to go shower while he calmed the baby.
By the time I got out, she was still awake but calm and gnawing away on her gums. So we decided to try and swaddle-wean again. I'd been swaddling every night for the longest sleep stretch, but she has been waking up the past week in the morning just wanting to suck on her fist and not actually wanting the boob. SO, we tried the sleep sack from the get go and she actually fell asleep! Thank the sleep gods! I think she has better hand/arm control now, and she didn't smack herself awake at all last night! Amaze-balls! (I know because I was staring at the monitor a lot!) And she was a much less fidgety and quieter sleeper last night! Fingers-crossed we can keep this up! And hope this means less dreadlocks for her hair! lol!
I have another mommy-lunch date today! And yesterday another mom chatted me up at our outdoor plaza and told me to join some Meetup groups by age category. IDK there were "month specific" groups (i.e. Jan-Aug 2012, etc.) so I did a search and joined 2 last night! (Before, I was just finding MASSIVE groups with kids ages 0-7.) First play meet-up is tomorrow if I decide to go!
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@shopaholic: What swing is it? Your description of the shoulder straps makes it sound like the Snug-a-Bunny Swing. If that's the case, those two loops are supposed to be against the buckle so the side clips can go through them and snap into place, holding everything securely. Also, the straps can be loosened from below the seat. But if you have something other than the Snug-a-Bunny Swing, then I can't help you.
Also, K is so cute!!! Love those pictures of her sleeping! That's how Xander sleeps, with his arms up over his head like that. And he also likes to suck on his fist, so he likes to have his arms free. Hope K continues to sleep well for you!
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Well that didn't go well. I walked in and the main teacher was in the office getting my number to call me. She wouldn't take the bottle. They tried it when she was half asleep, happy, crying, for an hour. When I walked in she was in the swing, her face was bright red crying, tears, arms moving all around. She calmed down as soon as I picked her up. I nursed her there since it had been 5 hours since she had eaten.
They told me to come back tomorrow and we will try again. They want me to be more comfortable on Monday. But I doubt that is going to happen.
I know it isn't the bottle, she has taken it numerous times before. I am going to try formula again thus afternoon and tonight but I know she isn't going to take it from me. I hated having to throw away 6 oz if BM since it was over an hour old.
The one good thing was she fell asleep in the swing and slept for an hour.
Any advice??
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I feed her just one side at day care. She is still sleeping in her car seat so I pumped the other side. I got 6 ozs. So maybe I can pump enough for her bottles. Especially if she won't eat!
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@Smurfette: Oh no!!!! That's so frustrating!!! Poor R!!! Do you know how she was the rest of the time she was there? Was she doing okay before she got hungry and refused to eat?
Also - why did you have to throw the BM away? I thought you could leave it out at room temperature for a few hours? Or had it already been warmed up? I maybe would have tried feeding her that milk first before tossing it, though if she won't take a bottle from you, there's probably no point.
It's good that your daycare wants to do another trial though so that you feel comfortable leaving her. Hopefully now that she's been there once, she'll feel more comfortable there and with the women and will be willing to take a bottle from them!
I think you've said you offered her formula in a bottle when you were getting her used to a bottle. Since then, has she taken BM in a bottle willingly? Maybe tomorrow you could send both BM and formula and see if maybe she's more willing to take one over the other? I know you'd rather feed her BM, but if she's willing to take formula at daycare, that might be an option for you. Maybe once she gets used to eating there, you can switch back to BM.
Anyway... I hope tomorrow goes MUCH better for you.
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@Adira: They said she did great otherwise. Said she was a sweetie. She slept an hour in the swing. So I am going to try it again at home now.
They tossed it since it had been heated up and been and hour. Said they can't give bottles after an hour once heated. Think it is a regulation.
Every time we have given her a bottle it has been formula. I sent both today but they only tried the BM. Going to just send formula tomorrow.
I cried while feeding her and the whole way home. Called my Mom cause DHs phone is off since he is in Toronto so I can just email him during the day and talk at night.
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@Smurfette: Well, that's a good sign that other than eating, she did okay. I'm betting tomorrow will go better. I'm guessing that maybe because she's used to taking formula in the bottle, that's why she wouldn't take the BM. And bummer they threw it out, but I guess it's better safe than sorry. Definitely send formula tomorrow and HOPEFULLY that goes better! If it does, you will at least feel better knowing she'll be able to be fed there. Then maybe you and your DH can work on getting her to take BM in a bottle. Was the BM that you sent fairly fresh? Or had it been frozen? And I totally get the crying!!! I wish I was there to give you a hug! Was your mom sympathetic and helpful at all? I hope she was able to make you feel better! What time is your trial tomorrow?
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@Adira: It was mostly fresh BM, 2 oz were frozen. I wanted to send 6 oz since I really have no clue how much she is eating during the day. She has sucked down 4 ozs at night and then still nurses.
Yes, my Mom was great. She kept telling me she will figure it out. She offered to drive down tonight and try and give her a bottle. I told her no but I might tomorrow if Reagan won't take a bottle again tomorrow.I am going to try a bottle her next feeding and then again tonight.
I am going to go back tomorrow again at 10. Not sure what I am going to do, my wallet doesn't need me go shopping again. I spent too much at Crazy 8 and Carter's for her. But got a lot of basic summer clothes for her.
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@NaturallyCathy: Wow! I am impressed you went camping with 2 kids! Glad E and H are both doing so well. I think R is about to move into 3-6 clothes. Her pants are all capri's on her and a lot of the onesie's are getting tight in the length.
@sheskrafty: Aww, she is so stinking cute!!
@Adira: Yes, we had family over on Sunday. While I loved the break, I was semi glad when she got fussy so I could hold her. I just want her snuggles all the time.
@shopaholic: Aww, K looks so cute sleeping. That is great you found a Mommy group to join. Sounds like K is doing great with sleeping. We are still swaddling. R does move around in her sleep but I am not sure she is ready for not swaddling. I do think in the next couple weeks, I will start will one arm out and see how that goes. She is just sleeping so good lately, I hate to mess it up. She is starting to chew on her hand more during the day.
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@Smurfette: Were the 6oz all together in one bottle? I read somewhere that some women's milk doesn't freeze as well as others and it can cause it to smell bad to the baby. Let me see if I can find the link...
http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/milk-handling-and-storage
Specifically:
"Some women have milk high in a substance called lipase, an enzyme that digests the fat in the milk. This is normal for these women, but can cause their milk to smell soapy after freezing. If this happens, and the baby refuses the milk (this milk is safe to feed), to prevent frozen milk from developing this smell, scald it briefly before freezing. This is done by heating it in a pot on the stove until bubbles form around the edges. Then cool the milk before freezing. Heating expressed milk to this temperature is not usually recommended, but if the baby won’t take it otherwise, it may be necessary. Nothing can be done to change the soapy taste after the enzyme has had this effect."
I'll be thinking about you and R all day tomorrow! Maybe you can spend your time on Hellobee.
ETA: She may take the freshly expressed milk just fine and it could be the frozen milk she had an issue with. Although if she won't take a bottle from you at all, it'll be hard for you to test that at the moment!
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@Adira: Yeah it was all in one bottle. Maybe that is it. I really think she was just being stubborn!! I just hope that tomorrow is better. This is just so hard.
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@Smurfette: aw, sorry today was tough on the feeding front! Glad you can try again tomorrow. We are sending good thoughts for you and R!
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@Smurfette: awww! Sorry you and R had such a tough time with the milk today! IDK what to say except K won't take a bottle if she knows I'm anywhere nearby apparently! But she'll take it when I'm not home (so I guess she's just hungry enough?) But I've never given her frozen milk yet. IDK what I'd do if I had to figure that one out! Here's hoping tomorrow will be better. I say sleep and watch some TV if you don't want to go out again. I can't remember the last time I watched a whole episode of something from beginning to end without rewinding, pausing, or several sessions!
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She didn't take a bottle tonight
I am so worried what is going to happen Monday.
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@Smurfette: the good news is that the daycare ladies are super experienced in this issue, I have no doubt. Plus, she will eat when he has to. It might be a crappy process, but she'll get there. Meantime, can you send smaller bottles of BM so that all 6 oz aren't wasted?
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Ok so I nursed her and she was half asleep when I was going to switch sides. I tried the bottle again, she drank 2 ozs! So she is just being stubborn!!
@aprk: they couldn't get her today and then she was crying so much they couldn't calm her down. Not sure what they will do Monday if it happens again. At least day care is by work but I can't take lunches anymore so I can pump.
I am so worried what is going to happen Monday.
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