We were told we might be going home on Friday but all of the sudden things took a turn for the worse when his bilirubin levels were too high and he was jaundice. All day Friday he was in the nursery under the lights. I had a mental breakdown when we went back there to see him. I cried for like an hour. He just looked so pitiful! But because of that we were told we'd be staying until at least Saturday.
His bilirubin came back down Saturday morning, they rechecked him and said we needed to follow up the next day with his pediatrician ASAP because he dropped like 7.7% of his birth weight. A lot of this I think has to do with breastfeeding. . .
Which has been another struggle. I have cried and cried over this. We were waiting and waiting for my milk to come in at the hospital but to no avail. All of his feedings had to be supplemented with formula to make sure he was gaining weight. Also, he was really dehydrated because he wasn't peeing enough. BUT turns out some of the nurses failed to record some wet diapers while back in the nursery so I don't know how true this is. The lactation consultants all knew us by name for sure and were in there all the time. He was latching really well and feeding really well but it was SUPER painful for me. I was super sensitive and already was cracking and bleeding. Plus we were still having to supplement. When we got home on Saturday we were doing alright and my milk finally came in Saturday night. BUT he was still super hungry and needed to be fed like every hour. That first night at home was rough. I breastfed some on Sunday but at that point Coleman and I both needed sleep so we've been doing formula since around 4 yesterday. Last night was so much better and he's been on a pretty good feeding schedule of every 2.5-3 hours. I know how beneficial breastfeeding is and how natural it is, but it's just not what I thought it was going to be. I know you're probably thinking just tough it out, it'll get better, but with mine and Coleman's schedules, and how rough it's been so far, I just don't think I can. Plus, I just want him to be healthy and we're already having to supplement so for us I think bottle-feeding is just the way to go. I had a breakdown in front of the lactation consultants about it, and Coleman and I have talked about it. So that's our family's decision.
Another struggle has been where Teddy has been sleeping. He will NOT sleep in his crib. The first night I slept in the other room with him for the most part or he's slept in our bed. Which I know is not good but it was the only way to get him to sleep, esp for the 30 minutes that he was actually sleeping anyways! But last night, we had some success with the pack n play. Also today, he's been napping in the pack n play and his car seat so that's been a lot better. A couple of moms suggested to me trying to swaddle him but he's like Harry Houdini! He always wrestles out of it! So some moms suggested the Miracle Blanket. Coleman and I are definitely going to get one ASAP!
Yesterday we had to return to the doctor at UK to make sure his bilirubin levels were still ok. They said his color was good and his bilirubin was still the same as when he was discharged but we have to go see his pediatrician on Tuesday for his weight.
So that's where we are now, figuring out sleeping arrangements, feedings, and adjusting to life with a newborn! I'll leave you with some pictures of our sweet little boy :)
This was his first picture! Mom's little 9lbs 5oz chunky monkey!
So sleepy after feeding :) looks just like his daddy
I can't figure out how to turn this, but this is him napping today. So chunky!
Hang in there sweetie. Talk to Liz on the swaddling. Jude had to be practically tied into the miracle blanket but it was so beneficial for him. it will improve.
ReplyDeleteI was formula-fed and I turned out just ... wait... LOL
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Mother Maggie, looks like he's a healthy happy babe!
You just have to do what is right for you. Don't let anyone else tell you differently. Even if breastfeeding is beneficial, your sanity is important as well. If it's not working, then it's not working. You are a great mom and are going to be learning a lot in the coming days. Pretty soon you will be able to tell other moms your opinion on what worked for you. No child is the same and you have to remember that. Our friends used the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock N Play Sleeper from Babies R' Us and Target to let their little one's sleep in during the first couple months (naps included). It worked well for them because the baby is kept at an angle instead of being laid down flat. I know your pack n play is working for you, but I thought I would pass the advice of my friends along. Good luck and you will be amazing!!!
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