Parenting after Miscarriage or Loss ~ December 09

[Lee]

Thanks for the replies girls. How far I want to go with trying to get BF going is definately the million dollar question! I forgot to mention how time poor I am, with 3 other kidlets in the mix - so I just don't have time to sit attached to a pump for hours on end. I have had more success with a borrowed little hand held pump than the big fancy electric pump I used in the hospital. But Flynn is my main problem - there IS milk there for the little fella, if only he could work out how to get it out! I have called ABA a few weeks back and tbh I did not find them helpful, they had no real solution for me - it might have just been the girl I spoke with.

I had all these same issues with Remy last year, and she NEVER sucked well from day one, after a month I gave up and FF her 100%. I was hoping things would go differently with Flynn - he was a month early, and pretty badly jaundiced, but was sucking better in hospital - although obviously not enough to really establish a good supply, as he kept loosing weight, so in the end (and mainly because of the jaundice and needing fluids to get rid of it) I gave in a started FF again, and it's just stuck, largely due to him not 'catching up with me' or 'meeting me halfway' iykwim. But I definately have more milk than I did with Remy. One midwife suggested to me that my BF problems "could" be due to the anti-lactaion drug I took after I lost Luc - in March 2007 - she seemed to think it were possible my body is affected by that? I fully BF my older two for 12 months without one problem - so I'm still a bit miffed that I've had these troubles - perhaps it is mainly due to the fact they were a bit early and just not as good with their sucking reflex - I'm definaly open to your opinions girls. Sorry this is so long, but you need all the info to get a handle on the situation!

Michelle - I use a slow teat, sometimes Flynn can take 30 mins or more to down a bottle (150mls) or other times it's gone in 5 mins - depending on his mood/hunger levels! I tried your advice today and gave him the bottle first, let him drink half, then popped him on the boob, for a minute I thought he was sucking harder, but alas, the boy blissed out again and opted for a nibble! I will keep trying though.

I just wish Flynn would get his suck happening - I do sort of dread having to set up supply lines - I just can't see it working with a demanding toddler etc. Arrrggghhhhh............ My Ob saw my frustration, but his best advice is "well, it either works or it doesn't (BF) so don't stress if it doesn't, can't see the point of wires and tubes etc!!!" lol.... that's a bloke for you - but in some ways he does have a point!

OK - waffle over - I think you girls should all move to Tasmania - temp in Hobart is about 25 - perfect! I used to live in Darwin and Adelaide and I do not miss that kind of heat! All my mob are away camping at Lake Pedder this weekend - so Flynn and I have had a lovely bit of quiet time at home - just what I needed!

Hugs to all, Lee xo