Friday, December 30, 2011

Stats-

For those that asked- he was 8lbs 13oz and 19.75in long. Soooo... he was pretty big.

We named him V.inc.ent- it means, "conquering" or "victorious". We'd picked it out all the way back during our NT scan, since no matter what happened he deserved a name. It was a strong name... a hopeful name.

We're still working on breastfeeding. His latch is improving a lot, and I'm getting more milk out. Obviously not a copious amount since my milk hasn't "came in" yet... but enough for him to get a fill of it, I guess. We are supplementing when he gets really hungry... it doesn't seem to hurt our progress much, he still prefers the breast, roots towards me obsessively, and makes really grossed out faces when we give him formula. (eta: we are working with lactation consultants, running everything by them and taking their advice)

I'll be glad when we leave the hospital. They keep interrupting our bonding/breastfeeding time to take the baby for a check, or to check my vitals... or housekeeping knocks, the food service people, the photography people, you name it they'll show up just when I'm in the middle of something. Just tonight for instance, new nurse taking over came with old nurse so she could brief her on everyone's situation... comes in while I'm trying to breastfeed. New nurse then comes in while we're having skin on skin bonding time, V- had fallen asleep on me... I was loving it, and instead of putting him back in the crib I let him stay there... yeah, she needed to check my surgical site and take the baby to be weighed. Seriously? You can't do that at another time? Really. making. me. angry. This hospital is supposed to be very pro-breastfeeding, and I'm finding it to be not at all as advertised.

And I've got to go now, V- just woke up :) How I love him, even when he's wailing. His cry is so cute.

15 comments:

claire said...

Please don't hate me for saying this but I would not supplement at all, when babies are born their stomachs are the size of marbles so your colostrum is very filling. Formula isn't necessary and it does hurt your supply since you are telling your body only to make a little. I would just switch back to the first side instead of giving a bottle. Keep up the good work though and find an LC who will work with you once out of the hospital.

Also 8lbs is a perfectly average size, but my son was 11lbs sooo yeah.

I hope you don't think I'm judging or being mean, just been there done that and thought id offer up what I learned

AnotherDreamer said...

No offense taken Claire. I should have added that we have seen and talked to lactation consultants every day since he was born, and we are taking their advice. They were concerned about his levels though given his blood sugars being low, and because of all the meds I was on- the LCs suggested supplementing just to get his levels back up.

Janet's page said...

LOVE his name and he is a big, good sized little man!!!!!!!! They are super duper cute even when crying, I must agree on that!! My heart is just sooooo happy for you......

kim2649 said...

Great name, and seriously, that has to be the cutest picture ever! I am so, so happy for you.

Lissie said...

Seeing your little man makes me want to fast forward to April so I can see mine! He is so cute!

Raising Davis Darlings said...

Congrats! You deserve this so much! He's so beautiful and enjoy every.little.second.............
they grow up so darn fast.

Melis.sa said...

I love his name too! How perfect!!

Seriously, being at the hospital after the baby was born was the worst! I mean obviously they want to make sure everyone is healthy and safe but yeah, you get no rest, just when the baby is content they want to stick a needle in their foot to check something. Sigh.

After I had C I actually had a nurse try to stay and chit chat with me for 20 minutes at midnight. I was so livid. LIVID. :D

I hope the BF gets easier and that you guys get to go home ASAP.

Celia said...

I don't want to overwhelm you with breast feeding info, Kellymom is a good site, I just remember how overwhelmed I felt. Enjoy this time with your baby and shut out everything else. If you have any questions though, I would be delighted to help.

Rebecca said...

Love the name. One of the grandfathers was named that on my husband's side of the family. I didn't know the meaning of the name.

I bet you can't wait to get home and get some peace and quiet!

Shannon Ivy said...

Aw! Every time I see you posted something new I automatically smile! I'm SOOO happy for you and the strong little man!

Anonymous said...

He is absolutely beautiful!

People made me feel like a total asshole for supplementing with a little formula, but I had very little colostrum and it took my milk 4 to 5 days to come in after the c section, and baby Bird was miserable and HUNGRY. You have to do what works for you, and if giving a few mls of formula to get him/you through until your milk comes in IS NOT EQUAL TO GIVING HIM CRACK! And with PCOS, low milk supply can be an issue, so keep that in mind and let the LCs know that. You are doing a great job!

I am all for breastfeeding and stubbornly did everything I could to continue, and was successful, but at a price. It is so so great for both you and the baby, but it is not necessarily and all or nothing thing. I wish I had given myself a break and enjoyed more of her early months instead of killing myself with the pump and cracked nipples. Ask for a hospital grade pump and do a little extra pumping if/when you supplement and it shouldn't hurt your supply too much.

Groves said...

Well, you are a darling little pumpkin DOLL, sweet Mr. V!

Nobody is more excited you are here than your parents - but the rest of us are pretty excited, right behind them!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

And you are so right - get out of that hospital as soon as possible. I hear you! I never feel like I can breathe until I'm free from all that.

Oh, he's darling!

Cathy in Missouri

loribeth said...

What a cutie, & I love the name -- it is my FIL & oldest nephew's name too. : )

Janet's page said...

I just gotta keep coming back to look at his beautiful face!!!!

The Steadfast Warrior said...

Congratulations hun! A very hard fought battle and I'm glad to see he has arrived safe and sound! Breastfeeding was a huge challenge for em and I hope that no matter what, you make decisions that are in your best interest as well. Hopefully things go smoothly and it's a non-issue soon.

I hope you get some rest and get to go home soon.