Somebody is getting ready for Halloween!
Actually, now that I have a baby, I'm looking forward to the entire holiday season. Holidays are already special for us because we get to spend time with family, but now with Miss Ellianna here, I'm so looking forward to experiencing all the magic of the holidays with her and through her eyes. I'm just hoping that we will be able to create many memories for her.
Update from her 2-month appointment:
Length: 23.5 to 24 inches. I'm not sure which was written down in her chart because she was measured twice and had different lengths.
Weight: 8 lb 8 oz. Pediatrician isn't concerned about Elli's weight, stating that she has been burning lots of calories fighting her virus for 3 weeks while she was sick. Developmentally, Elli is smiling, cooing, tracking objects, and very active so doctor said she looks more at those skills than weight. Elli was 8 lb 10 oz last week and pedi tried to reassure me that it is completely acceptable and normal for a breastfed baby to only be up nearly 3 pounds since birth. Pedi reiterated that being sick is hard on a baby and it may just take her more time to put weight on as she grows. Pedi feels Elli is just going to be a long and lean baby :) Of course, I am still worried about her weight but I keep reminding myself that as long as she is peeing, pooping, and developing, she is doing just fine.
After her 2 month appt, Elli and I met with our lactation consultant (LC) again. I thought we had previously corrected her latch but immediately, the LC did not approve of Elli's shallow latch. Through the LC's persistent handling, Elli finally gave in and opened her mouth wider to improve her latch. Elli and I are now very aware of the difference and I am quick to detach her when she latches too shallow. Our new method is much more comfortable for me and it'll take some time for Elli to fully accept the new latch. The LC feels that with a shallow latch, Elli has not been able to fully empty the ducts which is needed to stimulate more milk production...if those ducts weren't emptied that would help explain the recurrent blockages! I am so relieved and feel things regarding breastfeeding are starting to improve. The LC also reassured me again that ability to pump is no indication of milk supply. (I later talked to a home health nurse who told me she had tried 3 different pumps and was never able to successfully pump for her 3 babies so after each pregnancy, she took 6 months off from work so she could exclusively breastfeed. It was so nice to hear from her that I'm not the only mom struggling with pumping).
Update regarding her colic:
Ryan and I decided to experiment last week and only give her breast milk (as I was able to build up a decent supply while she was previously getting formula in the mornings). She did not have colic all week! She slept beautifully at night, in her bassinet, and didn't fight being put down. Friday we decided to try 2 oz of formula and Friday night was pretty bad with colic again. We are so frustrated as the Alimentum formula is supposed to relieve colic and be hypoallergenic. But she just doesn't seem to be handling any amount of formula. Saturday through today we went back to breast milk only and she is once again, a happy baby and sleeping great at night. I am trying my best to pump every 2-3 hours around the clock to continue to increase demand to try my best to keep up with her bottles while I am at work. Ryan is now helping me wake up at night to pump as I've slept through my alarm a few times...
So, here's to no more colic...and sleep filled nights for Ellianna!
Happy October, indeed. Elli looks so cute in her Halloween outfit!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading through your comments on Elli's weight it reminded me of some comments our old pedi told us regarding keaton's weight. He was always on the low side, sometimes slidng down the % charts rather than up on weight. He old us that baby's calories will go first to their brain so he said a better indication of enough calories is the growth in head circumfrence. He told us keaton's stats would jump first in head, then length,then (last) weight. And they did just that. Hoping that gives you a bit more comfort.
You are such a trooper Sarah, I give you so much credit for how hard you are fighting for your baby with the pumping. How do you feel about donated breast milk? If you are up for it, there are probably milk banks in your area. If we could figure out a way to get it to you, I'd also be willig to give you some of mine. Seriously, just let me know. I know it's kind of a weird thing, someone elses breast milk,but if you want some, it's yours!