Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Quickie

Chase is now 5 days old and doing wonderfully. He is so darn cute I can't stand it. Chubby cheeks and a full head of super-soft hair. We had our first pediatrician appointment today and he's doing well. A little jaundiced but nothing to be concerned about.

Breastfeeding is going okay. At first it was unbearable because he is a chomper and likes to bite down and I have super-sensitive nipples. I have done a lot of bleeding and scabbing over (yes I have been using the lanolin cream religiously and that does seem to help) but my milk came in last night full force and I have been able to feed him and pump the remaining for relief. He is very active with his hands and likes to push and pull and grab my boob when I'm trying to get him to latch. Once he does latch, it's usually good, but we have been having a little problem with him using my boob as a pacifier. He likes to suckle for a little bit but then falls asleep. I tickle his cheek or his feet and then he'll suckle a little more before nodding off again. The doc called this snacking, and that's about all he wants to do which isn't so good. He does take the bottle with breastmilk a little less lazily, but still likes to snooze during feedings. Doc said to take his clothes off and not make him so comfortable and he should get down to business a little better.

The first night we were home (I was only in the hospital for 48 hours) was terrible. He literally cried from the time we put him in the car seat until 9am the following morning. No sleep at all. The following night was much better and he actually slept in between feedings and diaper changes. Last night was awesome and he sleep for about 4 hour increments. Of course, my boobs were about to explode before each feeding but the sleep was great. We'll see how tonight goes.

Weight stats; I ended up gaining 32 lbs and weighed 142 when I checked into the hospital. Today I weighed myself at the pediatrician's office and I'm at 126. My appetite is still going full-force and I'm eating quite well. TMI: I still have not pooped since checking into the hospital, but I'm not going to worry about it until I feel uncomfortable. I am taking stool softeners so it probably won't be too much longer until I have to pay my toilet a long visit. My incision looks great and will probably not leave too much of a scar. I also don't have any stretch marks. How lucky am I?

Pics:

9 comments:

  1. What a handsome boy! You are truly blessed. I've been following your story for a while now and it's so cool to see the final result :) Congratulations, and welcome to your new life. It's glorious!!

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  2. Sounds like you're settling into mommyhood just fine! Congratulations again & Chase is just adorable!!!

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  3. Chase is beautiful. I'm glad to hear you (and Chase) are adapting. Look forward to hearing more!

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  4. Awe so cute, those cheeks were made for pinching. I can't believe you were only in the hospital for 2days with a c section. I was there for four days. As far as pooping, the pain killers which are very helpful unfortunately constipate you. I would definitely take the stool softener, it so uncomfortable I feel you. However, I am so jealous about the stretch marks ;)

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  5. I love hearing every detail - especially about the first days of life. Chase is So cute.

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  6. He is SO cute!!

    Elsie and I had a hard time with breast feeding as well. She literally ate one of my nipples off. What really helped it heal was a nipple guard ... It is made of two pieces. One soft plastic donut that goes over your areole and a hard platic dome that attaches to the donut. It allows air around your nipple so it can heal. Sort of like a jock strap for boobs!! The other main thing was I hired a lactation consultant ( who told me about the guard). Best money I spent and I am told can be billed against flexible spending if you have it.

    Hope you heal quickly and keep enjoying that precious boy!

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  7. What a gorgeous baby boy! I'm so happy for you, and it sounds like the breastfeeding is settling in! Yay. Keep us posted.

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  8. Aw, Chase is a cutie pie! He'll wake up in a week or two and you won't have much problem keeping him awake to eat anymore. :) Like Selkie Mom, I can't believe you had such a short hospital stay! I had almost 4 days after my delivery, and I needed every single one of them. I hope your c-section recovery is very fast!

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