Melissa Pizzalato Photography |
The trickiest part of the past month has been making sure that you're getting enough to eat. You weighed a healthy 8 pounds, 4 ounces when you were born and 7 pounds, 12 ounces when we left the hospital. When you were weighed a few days later you were down to 7 pounds, 9 ounces. The doctor was a little concerned at this point, but since my milk had just come in he figured that you would start to catch up and that we could just confirm at your two week appointment. Over the next couple of weeks, I made sure to nurse you at least every three hours during the day and every four hours at night, unless you showed signs of being hungry sooner. All seemed to be going well, so I was pretty confident that we were on the right track when we went in for your two week appointment. By this point, they like babies to be at least back to their birth weight, so I was shocked to find out that you had lost even more weight! You weighed in at only 7 pounds, 6 ounces. The doctor said that my milk supply was probably not enough and said we should start supplementing with formula right away. She also recommended that I see a lactation consultant.
Long story shorter, you and I met with the lactation consultant twice and confirmed that I was not making enough milk to feed you completely. I was so disappointed. I'm taking herbs and pumping, as much as I can, to try to increase my supply. We've also been instructed to offer you bottles of formula or pumped milk after each feeding. (Which you have been graciously accepting!) Once we started this routine, you finally started to gain weight. Yay! I'm not sure if my supply will ever catch up, but at least we figured out a solution for now. Your newborn clothes are getting pretty snug, and according to our scale at home, you are now up to 9.5 pounds! You're even starting to get some squishy little cheeks!
It has been fun to watch Daddy interact with you, too. He is already extremely protective of you and is afraid you're going to be a heartbreaker with your dark hair and big beautiful eyes.
Melissa Pizzalato Photography |
Even though it has only been a month, it's hard to believe that you weren't always a part of our family. You are such a blessing. I can't tell you how lucky and honored I feel to have you as my daughter.
Melissa Pizzalato Photography |
Happy one month, sweetie!
Love, Mom
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