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 :)

And so it begins... again.

First a little about myself:

I am a first-time mom to the most beautiful and happy 14-week old baby girl. (Let's call her LC)

I am married to a handsome, supportive, hard-working, and intelligent man. (We will call him Mr. D)

I am a paramedic and home-birth assistant turned stay-at-home mom. When I grow up, I want to be a nurse-midwife. :)

I am writing this blog as a way to share my experiences regarding a new journey- relactation. My hope is that this will not only serve as an outlet for myself but as a way to connect with and support other women going through the same situation.

How we got to this point is a long story, I'll give you the short version. After six weeks of constant struggles with poor latch, nipple shields, low supply, labial frenectomy, and eventually LC's weight loss, we began supplementing with formula. Within a week, she completely refused the breast and has been on formula exclusively ever since.

So here we are, eight weeks later. LC is gaining weight and developing well. Yet, I'm aware of the multiple downfalls of formula and the countless benefits of breastfeeding. This has caused me to struggle with doubt, guilt, and even shame with the loss of our breastfeeding relationship. It wasn't until recently that I thought a way to resolve all of this and get that relationship back. I know women that have breastfed their adoptive children, so I should be able to relactate, right? Right! So, with tons of research, a lactation consultant, and Mr. D's support, I'm ready to start my journey.

Here's the game plan:

• Pumping every 3hrs (and once at night) for 15-20min each breast
• Skin-to-skin, as much as possible (I feel sorry for any surprise visitors!)
• Offering her the breast as a source of comfort and not allow it to frustrate her
• Fenugreek, 3 pills with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Side effects include body odor similar to maple syrup and excessive sweating. Feel sorry for my family, I do!)
• Mother's Milk Tea, 3-4 cups each day
• Oatmeal will become my new favorite breakfast and I'll be drinking water like its going out of style.

The lactation consultant that is advising me says it could take up to two weeks for my milk to come in. I've also been told the time you've spent not breastfeeding is generally how long it will take to get it back. I'm hoping my consultant is right :)

I hope to publish entries on a regular basis... My time with the breast pump should give me enough time to write! I'd love to hear all your thoughts, suggestions, and questions throughout this journey. I just ask that you keep it positive, please. This won't always be easy and negative vibes will only hinder progress.

Thanks for your support!