10 months ago we started this parenting journey. It’s surreal to me that it’s been 10 months. I met my son for the first time, and held him and starred at him in awe. And 10 months ago we started our journey of breastfeeding.
Before we were pregnant I knew that I wanted to nurse our children. First it’s custom made and just for them, and secondly the accountant’s wife comes out in me and knows it’s the least expensive option. So I started to educate myself, bought and studied this book.
Then 12 hours after Gray was born I was introduced to my wonderful Medela pump. Not what I had planned when I thought about our journey. Gray was allowed to try and nurse a bit the first few days, but after a bout with apnea they started to exclusively tube feed him. So I pumped and pumped and pumped for the first 3 weeks of his life. Gray was allowed to start learning how to nurse again after those 3 weeks, and goodness it was a journey. I sat there just praying that we would get this figured out. I had a love hate relationship with my pump and I really preferred that into be hooked to it 24/7 for the next year. And on February 22nd we got it figured out.
We’ve had some hiccups along the way; low supply leading to some medication, going back to work and pumping at work every day. But 10 months have passed and we’re still going strong. I love our morning snuggles in bed before we start our day and our family story time every night when Brian reads to us as Gray nurses. We’ve gotten through the first two teeth and I know we’ll get through the next ones too.
I’m so thankful for all the support we’ve had; from nurses and other NICU moms. Brian has been so great! He does as much as he can so G and I can have us time if we need it. He’s also great at making sure I’m getting enough sleep so I don’t lose my supply. He supports me pumping at work and getting G as much good stuff as we can. So far he’s only had 10 ml’s of formula and that was back on day 1 and 2 of his life. My boss has been great. He totally understands when I have to ‘disappear’ for a bit to pump, or the extra time I’m away from my desk. And my co-workers are great too, answering my line if it rings and making sure that clients are looked after.
Our end goal is to make it to 1 year correct, four months to go. After getting this far and everything we’ve been through I have no doubt that we’ll get there.
Hi, I just found your blog on TBB. I just wanted to say that as a former bedrest and NICU mama, I'm so glad to see that your son is doing well now. Unfortunately, our breastfeeding {and pumping} journey didn't last as long as yours has. I'm glad you're still going strong!
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