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@abbylyn: that was our problem. She couldn't latch because my boob was too hard from engorgement. I used heat and then pumped for a few Minutes to draw the nipple out and then latched. The biggest thing is to stay calm, which isso hard whwn they are screaming. We had that bad day and then it went up from there. She will still have times of having trouble latching, but it's nothing like it was then. Hang in there and talk to us. We can commiserate with you! You are doing a good job!!!

@abbylyn: that's a big part. I had a good cry. My eyes were swollen for two days afterwards. It was like hormones and reality all caught up with me when we got home. Just like dory says on Nemo---just keep swimming. Don't worry about the house and other stuff, just focus on the baby. Do get a moment to yourself! I remember my first shower at home, so lovely.

@evansjamie: oh no!!! Glad you were at home and not out somewhere. Good to hear about the vinegar rinse. Hope your midwife calls back soon.

We are getting ready for mm's newborn pics. Fingers crossed she cooperates. I'm feeding her now.

@Mrs. Yoyo: Still pregnant - 4 days overdue. Thought I was in labor yesterday but nope. Going to the midwife today to see if the intermittent contractions I've been having have done anything. I know it's a cliche but I am really convinced I will be pregnant forever. And if another person asks, "Where is that baby!?!?" I am going to go off.

Last night, Arthur woke every two hours to drink 1/2ounce to 1 ounce of formula, pooed three times, and went right back to sleep every time. This makes me feel so much better. I know he's getting food and rest, and so am I (even though I did all the night feedings except 1).

We have our first appointment in three hours. It's a well-check visit for baby and breastfeeding consult. I had hoped that a night away from the baby's mouth would give my nipples a break, but they are as dry and cracked as ever. I've tried creams and pumping, but the pain is still super intense. Even beyond my pain killers (motrin and percocet), the nipples hurt more than my incision. It's looking more and more like Arthur will be a formula baby...

@daniellemybelle: Yeah, it's probably best they hold out and I feel guilty contemplating it, but I canNOT imagine my ILs being here for two more weeks before the baby even gets here. Sigh. I had to be induced last time because my contractions didn't start after my water broke. It was fine. Hopefully I'll be able to say the same this time if that's the route we go.

Heard back from the LC. I need to call the midwives to get a prescription, but I can't do that until Monday since they are closed now. I will be doing lots of laundry this weekend, washing my nips after every feeding, and basically hanging out topless. I need to get a diaper rash cream as well.

@abbylyn: that sounds like it to me. It took a couple of days for mine to fully come in.

@kjpugs: I am commiserating! Not the same exact issues, but definitely struggling.

I feel like either no one tells you parenting is going to be this hard, or they do tell you and you just don't believe them. Not sure which.

@kjpugs @abbylyn I'm right there with you ladies. We had our Newborn Club appointment today with focuses on feeding the baby and checking vitals. Within one night of trying to pump and being in excruciating pain, the LCs were surprised at just how engorged I was. No wonder I feel like crap and Arthur was very cranky. One thinks I might be developing massitis. After literally bawling for almost 45 minutes in front of the LCs and other patients while we tried to nurse and then pump, I was completely exhausted. They put me on a plan of pumping every two hours and not letting the baby on the breast for the next 48 hours. Hopefully my breasts will relax and let out some of the milk that they can feel but can't get out. And hopefully give my nipples time to heal. We have another appointment on Sunday to check my progress. This is the absolute worst feeling in the world. But, I'm still trying... If by Sunday there are no improvements I am stopping all attempts to BF. BTW these LCs were so much nicer than the one that came to me in the hospital. They were very understanding while encouraging me to continue trying. They also gave me some better tips at the pain management side (diapers full of hot water to create instant compresses that actually retain heat!). We'll see how it goes...

@kjpugs: Oh dear, I am so sorry. Have you tried hand expressing? On e my milk came in, that's the only way I could get any relief until my pump parts were dry, especially since she was a sleepy nurser. My nurse called the cluster feeding 'frenzy feeding' ands aid it happens before your milk comes in. I hope you are feeling better now!

@TFrances: I'm so glad that the LC's were much nicer and have a game plan for helping you heal!

AFM, my nips are sore. I can't wait until Monday when I can call the midwives and hopefully get a prescription. I thought I had another dose of oral Yeast infection medicine, but I can't find it.

@kjpugs: agreed. I full on ugly cried for over an hour this morning while Lucy slept in my arms, and my husband snored away in bed. It's not that I thought it would be easy, exactly, but I was not prepared for walking the floor with her for 6 hours on our first night home. I thought I'd be better at it.

Lucy has lost 11oz since birth, and has only had 1 wet diaper today, and hasn't had a poop one since yesterday around noon. If she still hasn't had a wet one by morning, I'm calling the pediatrician.

None of this has gone the way I planned though. I had a loose birth plan, completely out the window. I got an epidural at 3-4 centimeters after 10 hours of labor, I had an episiotomy instead of tearing naturally, my milk hasn't come in yet, my daughter wants nothing to do with the lovely co-sleeper I was so excited to use and only wants to sleep in someone's arms or in the rock and play, a piece of baby gear I didn't think I even wanted but my friend got me anyway (and thank god she did).

I've never been so happy to see a wet diaper!

@abbylyn: woohoo!!! Wet diaper!!!

@evansjamie: I know how you feel!!! We got 4 and it was unbelievable!!

@abbylyn: job well done! I feel the same way with Alex. The more pee and poo the merrier

@evansjamie: 5 hours?!? That's amazing! Some day...

@daniellemybelle: you must be so frustrated. People were calling, emailing and texting me daily as well. It was super annoying! Keep hanging in there because baby will be here before you know it!

@abbylyn: lol same thing just happened to me. I got out of the shower squirting.

@Sadieloo: The leaking is no joke. I go through so many burp cloths because I'm soaking them on both sides trying not to ruin my shirts. I've only got three nursing tanks right now. I wish they weren't so expensive. $20 a pop at target and they aren't even cute.

On the plus side, I wore a pair of pre-preg pants today, and they BUTTONED! I've got about 15 pounds to lose to get to pre-preg weight, but I'm not going to worry about it until I get cleared to exercise.

DH left for the night. He has to work tomorrow and will be back about 9 pm tomorrow. One of my sisters is coming in tonight. I'm not worried about being. Y myself for a little bit, I'm just so sad that DH is gone. I'm trying so hard not to cry, but I'm losing the battle. I know we have to return to reality. It's just been so wonderful having him here for almost two weeks.

@evansjamie: you know, it wasn't this hard before! He would be one a lot longer, but somehow with this sweet baby, I just don't want him to go anywhere or do anything that could cause him to be harmed. So irrational.

@evansjamie: seriously! I've basically given up and have started streaking my shirts and tank tops (as long as I'm home). I've been doing nursing bras with regular tanks for more options, but think I really need to invest in some tanks. And way to go that you got your pre prego jeans on! I have 17 lbs to go to get to my pre prego weight and def can't fit in my pants yet. Unfortunately I gained most of my weight in my hips butts and thighs. I hope it comes off quick because it's getting cold and I don't have many clothes that fit.

@Jennimac: I Soooo hear you. I am dreading DH going back to work on Wednesday. I love just ganging out with my man, baby and pooch. If only we could win the lottery. Sigh.