Twin Talk

Forewarning - This post is going to talk about nursing.  If you are not interested in milking mamas...do NOT proceed.

Boobs are mysterious things...

They really are.

You'd think that nursing would be an easy job right?  We were born with a pair of feeding utensils - it should be easy.  Well that's what I thought when I had Aubrie.  It was not.  She took a good 2 weeks to get the hang of nursing.  She screamed, I cried, I was topless most of the day.  Most of my family witnessed this terrible sight, some of them even man handled me trying to help.  It was quite the ordeal.  I lost every bit of modesty I had during that time.  Dad said it was fine - he's seen a million cows "tits" - thanks Dad.  However, I had success & nursed Aubrie for a good year.

Aubrie Grace 12-20-05

Everett was born & immediately nursed like a pro.  The only problem with him was the pain.  I seriously believe nursing maybe worse than labor.  They don't tell you enough about this in lactation classes.  And it doesn't get better with each baby - it's the same terrible pain.  It lasts a good 2 weeks.  It feels like your baby has razorblades for teeth.  You crack, you bleed, you deep breath for the first 20 seconds every time you nurse.  Then, on top of it you have contractions.  It is awful, but totally worth it.  Eventually that goes away and life is good.  I nursed Everett until he self weaned around 10 months.

Everett Mason 8-16-07 & Miss Aubrie at 20 months

With both my kids when I'd go back to work, my milk production would drop because I'd pump when I was away from them.  I'd take Fenugreek, an herbal supplement - and like 15 a day - it was ridiculous.  I'd smell like maple syrup & so would the baby.  It was part of it, but by golly it'd work like a charm.  I'd take my pump with me to work daily like a sack lunch.  I hated my pump.

Ollie Faith 2-10-11

Miss Ollie can't nurse.  She did in the hospital, and then it became just too much.  She's too tired and uninterested.  Every now and then I can get her to latch on for about five minutes - and I am THRILLED!  I was really sad about this, and now I'm OK with it.  I just pump full-time and she takes a little bottle.  I now hate my pump.  I date it every 3 hours during the day and once in the middle of the night.  I had a lot of milk issues this time around that I've never had before.  My milk didn't come in like normal.  It wouldn't let down, I had a low supply.  I never knew this was possible!!  Probably because of the stress, the lack of sleep, the lack of eating & drinking well in the hospital.  So I called my lactation lady, and my goodness we have the BEST lactation resource ever in our area.  She's seriously spectacular.  You call her pager anytime & she's on it, and she's full of knowledge.  I heart her in a big way!  Pamela Hood you are fabulous!!

She suggested oatmeal.  One serving per day.  Then, eat and drink like I'm pregnant.  That's it.

I thought really..oatmeal...I also thought really when she suggested cold cabbage when I had a blocked duct, but that worked like a charm.  Ladies - cold cabbage bras are the best!  So I'm religiously eating oatmeal.  My milk supply has DOUBLED!  I am thrilled.  Ollie is growing chubby & eating like a pro so far.  I have quite the milk stash growing in the fridge...to the point I finally may get to freeze some!  It's like liquid gold - every drop lost makes you sad - it really does.

I also ordered a special needs bottle.  It allows you to dial up the resistance to teach Ollie to suck harder.  My hope is after her heart surgery she'll finally nurse.  That I can finally say hell to you pump.  We shall see.

For now, I will date this pump religiously.  It's great nutrition for Ollie, plus for those that are unaware - I'm burning a ton - I believe 500 if memory serves me right - calories per day by breast feeding.  Boo ya - I can't wait for my old jeans to fit again!