Hard Time
Posted in: Family
Who knew such a little cutie could cause such heartache. It’s been a frustrating 24 hours filled with crying and tears. I couldn’t get Isabelle to suck. She would just cry and cry and pull her little head away. And her feeding time had come and gone. It was so upsetting. She was crying, I was crying. I felt so helpless…sitting there with all this milk dripping out and her refusing to drink from me but screaming and crying in hunger.
It breaks my heart to see her crying so much. I was so frustrated I about gave up and almost had Alan go out and buy formula. I ended up pumping some milk for her and eventually she got onto the breast maybe 10 hours after her last successful feeding. It worries me so much. At our last appointment with the lactation counselor she had only gained half an ounce from her previous appointment and she still only has about one or if we’re lucky two poop diapers a day.
I don’t know how to make her eat when she’s not sucking. 
June 14th, 2006 at 2:13 am
I’m all for doing what works. I know there are die hards who will argue with me, but if a bottle works better… Maintaining mental health is also important. Is there someone you can go to without an appointment to help you make this decision?
Li
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 am
I’m with Li on this one. I know it’s easy for me to say ‘don’t stress’, but try not to get worked up before feeding, as I’m sure little Isabelle can sense it.
My sister has had two children - both in different health authority areas - one was happy for her to let her son cry and cry, while she was getting stressed out about him not feeding, and were totally opposed to her giving him a bottle, while the other were happy to let her make her own decision. With her first she was unable to breast feed, and expressed her milk into bottles - I know that this is alot more hassle for you, but it also means that Alan can do his share of the feeding!!
I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed everything works out soon!
P.S. what big long legs she has in that picture, she is absolutley beautiful!!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:14 am
Hi. I am an expert Aunt having many sisters and friends who have been down this road. The whole spectrum of feelings is out there. You are in good company and never alone ! Remember that while you may feel like crap - you are NOT. You are a wonderful mother who just happens to be having a small issue. This issue will not harm your daughter. She will still be fed and will grow up and wear eye makeup and date boys and you will want to kill them for even smiling in her direction…So take a deep breath, chalk it up to hormones, and find the easiest, safest path for you all. There will be plenty of other times when you can tear up and pull out your hair. Four of my friends (yes, I actually counted them on my fingers) had this problem. Results ? Two pumped and bottle fed with the occasional success at sucking. One eventually got her son on board with the original plan but only has painful memories of that time. The other complained the whole time and even after it was successful seemed less than pleased with the whole process. It’s ok (I always say) to change plans mid-way through. Be flexible. I love that your daughter is asserting herself even at 2 weeks. This may not be the thing for her and it’s OK. If it turns out that it is not your thing either (see friends above), then it is ok to go another route. Better to have positive memories than still be complaining about it when your child is in Second Grade
June 14th, 2006 at 2:15 am
she is gorgeous! stay calm about the feeding - I went through this with my first one (ended up giving her a bottle and feeling both guilty and relieved). It will all work out and no matter which way you go, you are a good mother!