Welcome to Motherhood

Within two weeks time I have quickly discovered that motherhood is no walk in the park! Last Monday, one day after coming home from the hospital, we were already at the pediatricians office because it had been a day and half since Hardy had a bowel movement. We were quite concerned about this so we took him to see the doctor. At our visit we learned that he had lost almost a pound so the doctor asked that we start supplementing formula, and he also recommended we see the lactation specialist in town. For one day I nursed Hardy and gave him formula, and on Tuesday we saw the lactation specialist. She was a huge help, but at this point I still was having trouble sitting up straight on my bottom so nursing was quite painful and difficult. Hardy has also had much trouble latching on so needless to say nursing has not come easy for me. The next two days, I would pump and then feed Hardy a bottle. This was exhausting me because I was only getting about an hour of sleep in between feedings. By the end of the week though, we had made major progress and he was nursing pretty good with the help of a shield. Just when we have conquered one problem though another one arises. I feel like ever since Hardy was born we take a step forward, and then we take two steps backwards. By this Tuesday, I had so built up my milk supply that I had an oversupply and I became engorged. Wow, talk about painful! This about became more than I could endure, and Wednesday morning I sent Kyle to Kroger to buy cabbage leaves. Yes, you read that correctly! Several friends had recommended this and at this point I was willing to try anything. Just so you know, it worked! Last night, I was feeling much relief, but then another problem arose. I apologize for those of you who may feel this is too much information to share. It probably is, but I always want to be open and honest in case anyone else is walking through the same problems as me. As I was feeding Hardy last night, I just fell apart. I started crying and could not stop. Mainly because nursing him was so painful and I could not figure out why it was hurting so badly. I then realized that he was pulling my breast through the shield. BIG OUCH!! At this point I could not handle anymore. I started pumping again, and fed Hardy a bottle throughout the night. My emotions just could not take anymore, but I was not ready to give up breast feeding all together. Oh, and one more thing, after my meltdown Kyle and I were changing Hardy's diaper in the middle of the night and little man peed on himself and it got him in the face. Talk about heartbreaking...I felt so bad for him! This morning I awoke and was flat out weary. I really just needed to talk with someone and get some help. My mother found a doctor in Memphis that specializes in breast feeding so we quickly called and got an appointment for this afternoon. This lady was an answer to my prayers! When we told her about Hardy pulling my breast through the shield she said, "wow, that is impressive." I don't think she had ever heard that one. Turns out that I needed a bigger shield. She also helped with the latching and showed us a pillow that helped so much. If any of you moms are looking for a good pillow, try the my brest friend. It is simply amazing! We also found out that Hardy has reflux which explains why sometimes he pulls away while nursing and will just start screaming and turn red all over. We are starting him on some medication for this, so hopefully this will help him. Yes, it has been a difficult past two weeks. Although I am so tired and weary, I am still so incredibly blessed to have sweet Hardy. Tomorrow Hardy will be two weeks old, and I told Kyle last night that I deserve a badge that says, "I survived the first two weeks." It has definitely been extremely challenging, but the Lord has taught me much about perseverance, which I am sure is something I will continue to grow in as I parent Hardy. So, here's to two weeks, and hoping the next one will be a little easier!