Niamh is doing really well. She was sound asleep in her nice, dark room today. She didnt want a breast feed but woofed down a bottle! Im really struggling with expressing at the mo, Im not getting much and am wondering if its worth all the effort. Niamh is on 75mls every four hours and I only get 20mls now every 3 hours. Im really in two minds about using formula, at least I will know how much she is getting and if I cant sustain her with my milk, whats the point?
7 comments:
Bon don't beat yourself up over it You do whats best for both you and Niamh. You're both fighters and I'm sure it'll be fine whatever you choose to do. Can't wait to see the little princess's homecoming photo's
Love to you all
Tracie xxxx
First time comment :) so happy to hear of Niamh's progress. Even the smallest amount of breastilk per day gives them some of the immune benefits, I am sure I have read researh that even 100mls a day gives up to 80% of the benefits compared to fully breasfeeding. But you also need to do what is best for you, you need your rest. Sorry I hope you don't feel I'm preaching, but I had similar issues with Laci when she came home.
Keeping you all in my thoughts.
SandyR (eb)
Away Guilt Fairy!!! You have come so far, and you have given Niamh the benefit of 103 days of breast milk. You have NOTHING to feel guilty about if you choose to fully formula feed her. The most important thing at the moment is that you are not stressing about expressing or breast feeding - you deserve to have some lovely yummy quality time with Niamh particularly when she comes home, without worrying about how much milk she is getting, or whether your body is letting you down.
You have done an amazing job so far, she is a strong and healthy baby and will thrive no matter what you feed her.
Whatever you choose Siobhan, feel proud of yourself that you have given Niamh the best start in life under the most difficult circumstances.
Best wishes to you all,
Michelle xxx
I have to agree with sandyr...and also urge you to get that '100mls' a day...even if she is formula fed most of the time.
It offers great protection, and you may find Niamh needs it, premmies often spend their first year or two constantly ill, your anti bodies will help! (sorry prob not what you want to hear- but reality for a lot of prems)
I don't want to sound preachy either, and wholeheartedly apologise if I do. You have come this far, and you have done a top job! Also, you may find that once Niamh is home that you can get her onto the breast (if thats what you want) and your supply will pick up. My boobs were always terrible at being expressed, but worked fine if I had my baby..
I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do...
Binnie!
so close to going home now! wooo hoo!
I would tend to think of breastfeeding for now as a comfort measure and not to worry about amounts. Just having that close time and that snuggle has so many benefits for both of you. So what if you have to top up with formula after? you will both be so much happier.
I also think that once you get home, and start to be able to relax and unwind, if you keep her on the breast your supply might just pick up. Even if it does not, you have done a bloody stellar job of expressing thus far. I bet you never want to see a breast pump ever again!!
Binnie, don't beat yoruself up too much girl, you have been such an amazingly dedicated mum to your daughter already.
sas xx
Hey Binbin :-)
So close, so close! Has been great catching up on 'our' Miss Niamh and seeing all the gorgeous pics - she truly is just edible!
I bet Bailey is excited about having his sister home too?!
As for the feeds, tend to agree with Sas there, she said it well, so won't say the same thing.
Awwww just so excited for you!! :D
xoxo
Ditto what the others have said. You may find she does increase your supply when she is with you 24/7 and you can put her on whenever she wants to suck, but we all know plenty of babies who have thrived on formula to. Whatever you need to do for you guys and maybe Niamh's doctors have some advice in that regard?
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