Hungry Haddon – Follow Up.

First of all, let me thank each of you that read this post and then let the encouragement, advice, prayers, check ins, and personal stories flow freely.

What an awesome thing to have a community that cares so much.

I am thrilled to say that one month later, we are doing … WELL.

Haddon is a little guy (low percentile) but gaining steadily.

Playing guess what’s wrong was so frustrating because I like to know things and then make a plan.

Here is what I think some of the issues were:

• Lazy eater. Kid sucks to sleep so I would think he was done and take him off.  Now I do all sorts of things to keep him awake.  I had mastitis twice in the first month of his life and havent had it since now that I pump and wait longer during each feeding.
• I have two let downs, I am just realizing that because I never used to feel it.  I guess we’re on the right track!
• I have a small chest.  My LC told me that means I can produce I just cant store a lot.  Truth.  I don’t think I’ve made more than 2 ½ oz from both sides combined ever.
• Stress. I handle stress pretty well thanks to the Lord but my body still reacts to it and I’ve had a lot of life stressors this summer.

Here are some of the things I tried, some of which I still do:

• Fenugreek (vitamin that makes you smell like maple syrup)
• Blessed thistle (vitamin)
• Rest (I have taken more naps in the past 2 weeks than I ever did once Haddon was born.  I didn’t understand the “sleep when they sleep” mentality at first.)
• Patience (my baby eats 2 oz every 2 hours during the day and sometimes at night.)
• Pumping frequently (Had to trick my body into thinking I needed more when I first was trying to get him to gain.  I would feed him whatever came out.  Now I store it for when I go back to work.)
• Fennel in food, tea, and pill form.
• Lactation cookies

Since yesterday I have added a tiny bit of formula to a couple of Haddon’s feedings.  I can’t even describe to you the difference in him and I.  I have never heard him coo and seen him smile more and I have been much more relaxed.

It’s like a weight has been lifted.  I know since I am still pumping and breastfeeding I am giving him every benefit possible with our bodies.  I am just giving him extra.

It was nice not to “have” to from doctor’s orders but because I think it will be best for Haddon, his babysitters, and me.

I wish we didn’t have such trouble with it but it is what it is and I have learned a ton.

Thank you Lord for growing my son healthy.

Thank you friends and family for all the support.