Weaning the Bean

Good morning!

The last few days (since last Wed), we’ve been lucky enough to have another visitor, my Mother-in-law (aka Cookie).  Sadly she had to return home yesterday so we are once again a house of 3 (well 6 if you count the 4-legged sort).

Instead of a weekend recap, I’ve got a baby-related post for you….

When I became pregnant, I knew that I wanted to (try to) breastfeed.  Not only did the doctors and class instructors highly recommend it – no, they pretty much said it was the only way to go – but it was also something I wanted to experience as a new mom.  Regarding the doctor-comment above, Zach and I did feel like those who wanted to go the formula route could feel  ‘less than’ or chastised, which we did not like.  It’s a personal decision to breastfeed or not, and no new parent should feel pressured one way or the other. 

Anyway, I intended to breastfeed for at least 3 months (until I went back to work) with 4 months being a  nice goal and 6 months being a very lofty goal.  I am at 3.5 months and still breastfeeding to some degree (anywhere from 3-4 times a day/night).  As you may recall we began supplementing with formula in week 5,  which was anywhere from 2-6 oz per day.  When I returned to work that amount drastically increased since I never was able to pump enough for a large freezer reserve. On average, the bean gets about 12 oz of formula a day since my return to work – sometimes more, sometimes less.  I breastfeed when I can, namely in the mornings, at night before he goes to sleep, and again if he wakes in the middle of the night.

But I’m ready to stop.

And there are three honest reasons behind that:

1. Bean is A-OK on formula – he likes it, has no issues taking a bottle, and seems to be thriving
2. Pumping at work is a huge pain.  I have to account for the time I’m not working and that means more time away from bean.  No thanks.  Besides, I can only get about 3 oz a session which isn’t even enough for one of his feedings
3. I want my body back.  Yes this is selfish to some extent, but it’s also honest. 

Now I’ll clarify: If for some reason Sawyer could not stomach formula or wasn’t taking bottles very well, I would be doing everything under the sun to keep my breast milk supply healthy and long-lasting.  Since that is not the case, I feel that nearly 4 months of breast milk is a good decision for me and the bean.

I’ve gone to several websites seeking information how to best wean and many say the same thing: space out feedings/pumping more and more each day to week and feed less each time.  So that’s what I’ve been doing.  Now when I pump (1x/day), I only ‘let down’ – I don’t actually pump to emptiness.  Same for feedings.  I start Sawyer off and then finish with formula.  It seems to be working quite well.  And while some engorgement and knots have occurred, nothing has been overly painful.  I can go about 8 hours in between at this point.  My desire is to migrate to formula completely by May 1st. 

And if it’s not evident that my baby is thriving, he is now 14 lbs 6 oz as of last Friday!  His 4 month appointment is the first week of May and we’ll get the full report then. 

If you’re a mom that breastfed, what drove your decision to stop?  And when?  Any tips?

6 weeks postpartum–bad news

Listen carefully: I should have had a c-section. 

There is oh so much to share in this post and very little of it is good news.  So bear with me.

Why don’t we actually tackle the good news first:

Daddy and soybean (after his milk coma)

The soybean is doing so well.  He seems to be gaining weight (thanks to supplementing with about 3 ounces of formula daily) and is happy as can be.  In the last week or so, he’s started to intentionally smile (they say this happens at 5 weeks) and I melt every time I see his toothless grin.  We are having fun making faces and noises to get his little lips to curl.  It’s absolutely amazing.  We are operating well on the schedule I mentioned a few posts ago.  He sleeps in nice predictable chunks and is fairly easily soothed in times of distress.  He also is starting to come alive on his activity mat – it took awhile for him to notice all the toys/animals, but now they totally intrigue him.  Yay

Sawyer is the light of my life and makes bad news palatable.

How’s that for a segue?

I had my 6 week postpartum appointment yesterday.  You know, the one where you get the all clear to resume normal activity?  Yeah, I didn’t get that.  In fact I got a dose of bad news:

• My estrogen levels are quite low.  There is a name for it, but it has escaped me.  Basically it means I’ll struggle more with my milk supply.  This apparently can happen fairly easily in thin women.  Estrogen supplements are an option, but something I’m waiting on due to wanting to deal with the following issues first.
• I have granulated scar tissue as a result of my stitches – my body reacted poorly to the material apparently.  Granulated scar tissue is extremely painful and will not go away on its own.  As a result, I had to have the areas treated with silver nitrate yesterday at my appointment.  Luckily the numbing cream made it relatively painless.  BUT, there is one area that is requiring more extensive treatment which could require surgery and IV sedation.  Good lord, that just sucks.
• And if that’s not enough, I either have muscle or nerve damage in my pelvic floor muscles.  I’ve been scheduled to see a specialist next week to pinpoint the issue(s) and ascertain the best way to fix it, which could be something like physical therapy or surgery.  This is the bad news that scares me the most because it would be pretty invasive and most impacts my life.  Sigh.

So yeah, I definitely did NOT get the all clear for resuming all activity.  I can still take long walks and do some light work outs (like yoga), but nothing strenuous.  This sucks given my resistance to weight loss (which my doctor said happens a lot more than people think while breastfeeding).

Had I had my c-section like I originally wanted, I would have avoided the hemorrhaging post birth, the huge blood clot (most likely), the scar tissue, and the reduced muscle control.  Argh.  I guess I should listen to my instincts eh?  Even my doctor said “next baby, c-section.”   Though birth was a breeze, aftermath has not been kind to me.

I still plan to track my progress so here ya go…stats as of February 8, 2012, 6 weeks postpartum:

• Weight: +10.9 lbs (down 2.1 lbs (16.1 lbs since birth))
• Ribcage: 29” (down 1”)
• Waist (smallest part above belly button): 30” (down 2” (~8” since birth))
• Hips: 35.5” (no change)
• Right Bicep: 10.75” (down .25”)
• Left Bicep: 9.75” (down .25”)
• Right Thigh: 21” (no change)
• Left Thigh: 21.75” (down .25”)
  (all measurements at widest part)

Standing up my tummy is completely flat, but it’s definitely wider and looser than pre-pregnancy.  At about 4 weeks postpartum, I tried on a pair of pre-preg jeans and they fit comfortably.  Subsequent to that, I’ve tried on some other pre-preg jeans and not all fit, that’s for sure.   I can tell my upper thighs and hip area are larger than before and that will take some time to lose. 

On that note, I am debating going back to the same facility for personal training that I trained at for my wedding.  I was able to drop 5% body fat and about 10 pounds via the workouts and have similar hopes this time around.  I’ll keep you posted. *This is only after I am healed and get officially cleared

Hopefully I’ve shed some light on what isn’t always talked about post pregnancy.  And maybe some new moms can relate.  If any one has had similar experiences and have words of wisdom, please do share!

Shoes-Day! Mama-baby play date wear

It’s Tuesday Shoes-Day and I’m showing you a repeat wear of shoes.  Next week you’ll get a new pair, I promise

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting up with four lovely new mamas and their babies for a play date.  And really when babies are <3 months old, the ‘playing’ is nonexistent and it’s more of a chance for the moms to gab / vent / compare experiences.  And I loved every minute of it.

Despite my lil soybean being less than 3 weeks old at the time, I have been fortunate to get in daily showers and time to put a little effort into my appearance. 

The look includes grey foldover booties by BCBG (size 7.5), red Michael Kors short trench and a Kate Spade diaper bag. I call the look ‘mama chic.’

Here’s a close-up of the booties:

My outfits haven’t been the most exciting couture lately, but my belief is skinny jeans, cute boots/booties and a structured top are great for a go-to look.

I may touch more upon my ‘looks of late’ in my 4 weeks postpartum update tomorrow.

In the meantime, what is your easy go-to look?