Wren lost another 70g in the past 24 hours so his feeding routine has changed. He is now allowed only 3 breastfeedings a day and has 5 NG tube feeds with 30 calorie supplement + breastmilk.
I went in to give him his noon tube feed and he was very upset that I wouldn't nurse him. He was rooting around and crying even when he started getting the milk in his tummy. It was very distressing and I ended up in tears. Finally, the (nicest) nurse suggested I nurse him for comfort after he'd had his 85CCs and both of us liked this. It settled him immediately and he had a snuggle instead of yelling.
People have also started asking me about my diet. The idea is that my breastmilk may not be calorie-rich enough. I suggested that my diet was just fine but confessed to skimping on my prenatal vitamins. Now every nurse I see seems to know I am not longer taking them and "reminds" me. I talked to our day-nurse who is a lactation specialist about the idea of pumping first then Wren getting the hind-milk. She thought this was an idea to try so I will do that at 6pm.
We are still talking about going home tomorrow IF HE GAINS weight. I am not feeling very confident after the weight slide of the past 3 days but you never know.
2 comments:
It sounds like Wren has figured out, at a very tender age, that eating is not just about getting food in one's stomach. Smart boy!
I received this encouraging email from Tracy who is a La Leche League leader:
"I just read your blog this evening. How hard it is for you to have Wren
losing weight. THIS IS NOT DUE TO THE QUALITY OF YOUR BREASTMILK. Your body
will continue to make breastmilk in the highest quality regardless of
whether you are taking your prenatals, getting enough rest, are stressed
out, and skipping meals. You will just feel like crap. Your breastmilk will
still be as always wonderful.
The fact is, when his calorie intake increased, he self regulated to
decrease his breastfeeding. He's a fighter. He fussed for you until he got
you. You came up with a beautiful solution of doing the NG feed first then
letting him breastfeed. Skin to skin contact will soothe both of you even if
there are other medical issues causing Wren to lose weight.
You are doing a fabulous job being mommy to 2 wonderful boys. Trust your
instincts. You were the first to notice Wren's signals of trouble. You will
remain most observant and Wren's strongest advocate."
Thanks Tracy
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