Well, we went back to the pediatrician this past Thursday evening for a weight check, since Casey was only up to 6lbs, 12oz at our first appointment the Friday before. The doctor was hoping that Casey would be up to her birth weight (7lbs, 4oz) at the appointment, but we only made it to 7lbs even.
We thought that the 4oz gain was pretty good for 6 somewhat shaky days. We believe that Casey is a little bit "behind" in her feeding, thriving, etc. due to the jaundice, lethargy (which coincides with the high bilirubin levels), and extra hospital stay. But, alas, the pediatrician didn't agree with us.
Her concern means that we now have another weight check appointment this coming Thursday evening, and it also means that we have to force Casey awake at least every three hours for feedings. (We had been trying to do this in the beginning, but found that an upset, fussy, not-wanting-to-be-awake baby wouldn't end up eating until after a good 45 minutes of crying. That would put us practically to a 4-hour mark, and she was waking up around that time anyway.)
It's been a good three days thus far - we think.
Casey's becoming more alert on her own, so the wakings aren't as forced or "painful" on any of us. (Mommy and Daddy, however, aren't the best at getting up the first time our alarm clock goes off - having hit the snooze button for an extra hour plus last night!) And I've been reading up on both "What to Expect the First Year" and "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" to ensure that Casey is gracing us with enough wet and dirty diapers daily AND that I am letting her stay on each side until she's truly done... and has hopefully received some of the fatty, rich hind milk.
But it's not easy. Every time that we begin our nursing process, I get a little pit in my stomach, worrying about nourishing my daughter well enough. I'm petrified already about what the doctor might see or say on Thursday. Will we gain the average ounce-a-day? Or, if we don't, will the pediatrician want us to supplement Casey's diet? In which case, will I have to pay an arm-and-a-leg to get a lactation consultant in the house? (Let me tell you, this whole breastfeeding thing takes commitment!!)
I really don't know any of the answers to my "what ifs," so I shouldn't worry too much about it for now. But just pray that our baby is thriving!
2 comments:
Hang in there, Christina. I am sure that Casey is doing just fine. Remember, the Ped is "responsible" for Casey's health, and she has a duty to be sure she is thriving! It sounds like both of you are doing everything for her well-being. Nursing is a true committment, and you need to relax when feeding so she feels the love you are striving to give her - as well as good 'ol milk!
Hey, you are doing a FANTASTIC job!! Aunt Joan said it perfectly about the pedi. (Remember - they have malpractice to worry about!!) It's too soon to be discouraged - Casey had a rough first week of life. Just think of all Clare was able to undergo with "low" weight - you know Casey is healthy! Call me ANYTIME day or night with questions! You know I'll be up with Violet.
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