Ready, Set...

As of this morning, I haven't fully implemented my game plan. Mr. D and I had to make a trip out of town. We have family coming over this evening but I'd like to at least get started pumping today. Tomorrow we can really get going on the skin-to-skin and offering of the breast since we'll have the house to ourselves. I want to get started on the right foot, and I think that will need to include time, patience, and a calm environment. On a good note, when I have offered her the breast she seems interested. She's obviously used to the bottle, she can't figure out how to latch on. My lactation consultant says that my anatomy may require us to use a nipple shield initially. Hopefully this will help the bottle-to-breast transition be a little easier for her as well.

A pumping station will be set up in the bedroom today. We already have a glider by the window and Mr. D is donating a small table from his man cave. I'll be able to have my water/tea, book, notepad and pen within easy reach while I pump. I figure if I'm going to be strapped to a machine multiple times a day, I might as well make it a little retreat. Maybe I'll add some candles and soft music too :) Do you have any suggestions for my "oasis"?

I've been trying to find other women that have been or are currently in my situation. Luckily, I found a forum that looks rather promising. I've also found these articles to be very encouraging:

• Relactation http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/natural/resources/breastfeeding/breastfeeding01.htm
• Relactation, It Can Be Done! http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/christina_west.html
• From Bottle to Breast- The Remaking of Mother's Milk http://www.alisaikeda.com/Clients_Clips/Relactation/body_relactation.html

As family and friends are learning of our new journey, amongst the well-wishes I've been also been asked "Why would you want to do that?" and "Are you sure?" The articles above help replenish my confidence. I've also found that sharing information on breastfeeding vs. formula also helps them to understand everything. These have been really great resources for me:

• Comparison of Human Milk and Formula http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t021600.asp
• AAP Policy on Breastfeeding: http://www.aap.org/breastfeeding/PolicyOnBreastfeeding.html
• A to Z: 26 Reasons to Nurse Your Baby http://www.llli.org/NB/LVAugSep97p90NB.html
• The Science of Mother's Milk http://www.llli.org/NB/NBIss3-09p28.html

Hopefully those naysayers will come around with a little education.

I must cut this entry short. I have a smiling baby that needs raspberries blown on her belly. Thank you everyone for the support and suggestions! Keep 'em coming :)