Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Breastfeeding and Cub Herding

We are surviving here at home. Having two kids is a WHOLE different ballgame. Dan and I have employed a man defense when it comes to caring for our pack. I am in charge of Scarlett and he primarily focuses on Aveline. It has worked so far, but Dan definitely has to help me out more than I ever help him. He is also taking care of me and the household on top of it. I'm sure he will be ready for his vacation to be over soon, so he can relax back at work! Aveline pushing buttons on the breast pump.

We are breastfeeding again this time. Or, at least we are going to attempt breastfeeding again. Aveline was a very small baby and we had many problems nursing. I tried for over a week, but eventually resorted to exclusively pumping my milk and feeding her. It was tough, but we obtained the same objective: breastmilk for her entire first year. We bought a pump this time, (thanks to Dan's family!) and are planning on using that as our safety net if the whole nursing act is a flop again. I must say, as of day 4, we are doing pretty well. Scarlett is nursing like a champ, on my left side. We are having a tough time on the right side. When it comes to my breasts, it is like night and day. The left is very easy going, with perfect health. My letdown is so fast, she almost chokes her some times. The right, however, is a different story. The nipple is swollen and blistered. I am experiencing painful engorgement on the right, due to the fact that the nipple swelling is inhibiting the expression of milk. I have now just started to nurse Scarlett on the left side while primarily pumping the right side. I am trying to relieve the pressure on the right and heal the nipple before I get a bad case of mastitis. I had three cases of the breast infection last time, and it is no picnic. Bad news is that this is how my first case started last year. Scarlett practicing her "H" before the Cincy game.

So, long story short, we are getting along fine. Breastfeeding is challenging, but possible. Herding two cubimals is also doable.

Sorry for the randomness of this post. We have lots of love here, but little sleep. I will write more about the birth story later.
Scarlett laughing in her sleep.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

She is so adorable, just like her sister.

I am so glad breast feeding is going well. Keep up the good work !!

Love newborn giggles, they are so sweet.

Lots of hugs and kisses to all.

Joel said...

Very precious...she is a beautiful!

Anonymous said...

beautiful baby!!

Christina said...

I'm glad she's breastfeeding well, although I hope the right side heals up quickly.

I can't wait to hear more about the experience of managing two children.

SMAC said...

Hang in there you two - the fog of sleep deprivation will wear off in a year or two . . . that is unless you plan another surprise in 9 months! Scarlett is beautiful - Aveline looks like she takes after her daddy - it starts with button pushing and ends up with the breast pump in pieces on the floor half-dismantled and hooked up to the radio, tv or another handy electronic device :)
Can't wait to hear about the birth/labor/hospital experience the 2nd time around.

Laura said...

Can't wait to see more pics... pst, post a Kodak Gallery link if you have a sec. It's not like you're busy or anything! ;)

Kate said...

Congratulations! She looks beautiful. Hang in there with the breastfeeding. I had trouble with my first, but then ended up doing really well with my second. Kudos that you are at least trying!!

Pete said...

I love the second picture where Scarlett is doing the "H". You are obviously a good Buckeye fan... starting with the little darling's name!