Yesterday I was able to meet with a lactation specialist in my home. Before I moved, I had unlimited resources to help with questions, advice, etc. on breastfeeding. Now that I am home, the resources are not the same here... so when I was referred to Kathleen, it was a huge sigh of relief! Little Bud never had the best latch, and during the move it was recommended to me (by a lactation consultant) to focus on pumping until we get settled. Two of the biggest stresses in life: 1-having a baby. 2-moving. Both within a two-week period... overwhelming is an understatement! Now I have gotten out of the routine of nursing, and almost exclusively pumping. Kathleen is working with me to get Little Bud re-introduced to nursing and making a routine of it. With working full-time this will be difficult... but short strides! Here is where we are starting:
Kathleen came to my home early in the morning while Little Bud was napping, so we had lots of time to chat. The first thing we discussed was working and pumping, while keeping up my supply. One of the main focuses is keeping myself healthy, well nourished. hydrated and rested (rested? impossible)!
1. If you can't make time or forget to drink water. Make a point to schedule in 'chugging times'. Example: wake up in the morning, chug my 8oz of water! THERE! 1oz down for the day, only 9 more 'chugging sessions' to go! ESPECIALLY while nursing OR pumping, drinking water during your session is recommended!
2. Eating the right foods. PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN!!! Making sure to get your dose of lean proteins is crucial! 2-3 servings is recommended (each being 3-4oz per serving). This was the main thing I needed to work on. Even apples with peanut butter as a snack to try and get that needed protein! Also, the GOOD fats! Easiest way?.... nuts & seeds.
Snack Mix-
Fiber cereal (FiberOne Honey, Cheerios)
dried fruits (raisins, apples, prunes, etc)
Sunflower seeds-Pumpkin Seeds
dark chocolate-chips
MIX in bulk. Less work when on the run!
This is a great snack to make and keep in your handbag/diaper bag! You are getting your fiber, fats, proteins.. everything your need to keep your energy up & hunger satisfied! Here is a great link for 'lactation cookies' that are proven to help keep & increase supply! I will be trying them out this weekend!
Another great point Kathleen brought up (which I loved), pampering & keeping myself relaxed will only benefit the baby and make nursing more enjoyable! Suggestion: should massage & neck rubs from the hubby while nursing/pumping will help relax me and increase my letdown!
RE-Introduction: When little Bud comes to breast, it needs to be a positive experience... so if there are tears or fussiness, backing off and taking a few moments to calm down. LOTS OF SKIN TO SKIN, and sparking his natural senses to nurse. This will definitely be a process and is NOT going to happen overnight... but working on this over weekend (mostly Sunday), to focus on familiarizing him on breastfeeding again.
Follow-up... Monday. I am meeting with Kathleen again, and will definitely share our results & progress!
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