The scoop

As I mentioned before, I'm struggling with breastfeeding. I thought it was in part the nipple shield I was given, and in part a demanding baby. Well I finally went to the lactation consultant, and although that statement is somewhat true, the actual issue is that my milk supply is insufficient.

As it turns out, with a nipple shield, particularly when it is given to you before your milk even comes in, you are supposed to pump eight times per day! Certainly at least four times per day. Unfortunately no one gave me any guidance at all, particularly that key piece of information. So although my milk did in fact come in, my supply was never properly established.

So now, instead of simply dealing with eliminating the shield, I am working on increasing my supply- and it is work. I haven't been daunted by much in this process but the task at hand is daunting. I need to take supplements three times per day (which must be with food or my stomach is upset- but I frequently don't eat three times a day, or simply just forget the pills), and I have to pump after each nursing session (in addition to supplementing my hungry baby with a bottle since she isn't getting enough from me).

I feel like I need to be three people to accomplish all of this while caring for Isabella, and not leaving myself in the cold either. So far I managed to pump three times yesterday and take my pills once. Not very effective. Today I am hoping to get four pumping sessions in and remember my pills. Of course I'm starting out at a disadvantage because I am finally getting around to taking my final glucose tolerance test which required an early morning visit to the lab, with no food and two hours of waiting. At least I can stop thinking about it after today though!

To support my efforts I have called in the troops this week. Nick is home for the weekend and understands the extra help I need. The my mom, dad and sister are each taking a day during the work week. That buys me five straight days of extra hands, which I'm hoping will get things on course appropriately.

So I'm feeling challenged but have faith that I will get this all figured out. My angel baby is well worth the effort.