Weight Check and the first weekend

On Friday we had to take Alayna in to the doctor to have her weight checked. They do this to make sure that babies are putting weight back on after birth. Alayna was born at 7 lbs 4 oz and left the hospital at 6lbs 12 oz, which is normal. However, when we went in on Friday for our weight check her weight dropped again to 6lbs 8oz.

The doctor was concerned because we were exclusively breastfeeding and my milk hadn't fully come in yet. So, she told us that we will need to supplement with formula until I can fully breastfeed so that Alayna doesn't lose any more weight. I wasn't thrilled with this since I really wanted to exclusively breastfeed and I was afraid introducing formula from a bottle would hinder this, especially since nursing hadn't been going so smoothly as it was. But, Alayna needed her nutrients and I needed to do what was best for her. So, formula would be okay. We made an appt. to come back on Monday morning to make sure she is putting on weight.

Unfortunately, my fear with nursing turned out to be true. We introduced formula on Friday afternoon and Alayna had some issues latching on when we did try to nurse. As we continued to bottle feed she stopped nursing all together. Needless to say I was devasted. I was frustrated and felt like a failure. However, I know that she needed to eat and if I couldn't do it by nursing she needed to be bottle fed.

On Monday we went back to the doctor for her weight check. Thankfully, her eating has improved and she was 6 lbs 15.5 oz, almost 7 lbs so she was gaining the weight she needed. We talked to the doctor about her feeding. We found that because of my reduction surgery 6 years ago, I have limited functioning milk ducts, therefore it was especially hard for Alayna to nurse because she was getting even less than we thought. I felt terrible, but at least we knew now why she was screaming hysterically, she was starving. We decided since I really wanted her to get breast milk, that the best thing to do would be to pump 3 times a day (more if I could handle it) and feed her formula to supplement the meals I couldn't produce.

I am happy with this solution. It creates a bit of work to sit and find time to pump, but it is totally worth it to know that I can at least provide some milk for her to get the benefits of nursing.

The first weekend has gone about as good as expected with a newborn. Sleeping at night is almost non-existent. We are trying to find the best way for her to sleep since she doesn't like to be so wide open in her pack and play bassinet. So, if we get 2 hours at a time it is a success. But, for the most part Alayna is doing so well. She really only cries if she is hungry, tired or needs her diaper changed. If not, than she just stares at us or at something in the room (as far as she can see that is) or she sleeps. She is a sweetheart and I am so in love with her.

Derek went back to work today so it is our first day alone. I got up with her through the night so Derek could sleep for work today so I am pretty exhausted so I need to remember to sleep when she does, which is hard because stuff needs to be done, bottles washed, things put away, teeth brushed. But, we are surviving and doing well. Our journey has only just begun.