Super Quick Update

It looks like we will be here in Columbus for another week or so; but the news, other than that, is all to the good.

Kat caught onto breastfeeding the day before yesterday and fed very well. Yesterday, a new order came from her doctor that I can give her up to every other feeding from the breast, with a supplemental bottle afterwards. Yesterday, I gave her two feedings; the first was very successful–she only took 10 ml of her supplemental bottle, and the second one was not successful. It happened after her bath–and I think that she was just too worn out.

Today, we are trying three feedings–one at eleven AM, one at five PM and one at eleven PM. We’ll see how it goes, but so far, she seems to have a good latch-on, and she has learned how to coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe actions into a successful feeding.

One thing that is interesting is that she doesn’t much care for the bottle–the lactation consultant–who said that Kat was doing excellently for her developmental age, told me that there are some babies who just breast babies and who don’t like the feel or taste of silicone or rubber nipples in their mouths. I always heard it was the other way around–babies prefer bottles beacuse they are easier.

Well, I have to go–all is well here, and Kat and I are working hard learning to feed her so she can come home.

19 Comments

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1. I’m glad to hear things are going well. Seriously, if there is anything you need while in Columbus let me know.

   Comment by lisa — September 28, 2006 #

2. Thought it was funny that this was the next item in my bloglines ‘to read’ folder…. http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2006/09/breastfeeding_boosts.html

   Kudos on all your (all three of you) hard work… I enjoy reading about your adventures with the kidlet!

   I wish you home-cooking in no time flat!

   Comment by Clstal — September 28, 2006 #

3. It’s good to know things are progressing well.

   Comment by Kirk — September 28, 2006 #

4. Hello Barbara! And congrats!

   Fear not if Kat decides that she would rather skip the “middleman” and get her milk from the tap. 😉

   My son (who is now 21 months old) was exactly the same way. Even though he was born on his due date (lucky, eh?) we had MAJOR latch issues and finally he latched on at 7 days after birth (we spoon and cup fed until then.) After that, he was good to go – for nursing at the breast. Two weeks later, we tried to introduce the bottle (at the advice of our LC, waiting until nursing was well established.) Well, Conor wanted no part of it! Finally, at age 6 months, we got him to take his milk out of something other than the source – a sippy cup! I nursed him until he fianlly decided that he was finished at 14 months. I was both happy and sad. 🙂

   So, fear not. If she won’t take a bottle now, she may still take her milk from some other source. What’s funny is that now Conor thinks his younger nephew’s bottle “really cool” and tries to steal sips from it whenever he can. *sigh*

   Comment by Maggi — September 28, 2006 #

5. Hi, I’m so glad to hear the good news!

   My Maggie was exclusively breastfed in large part because she utterly refused a bottle, regardless of what it contained. Despite having latch problems, despite having supply issues, despite the fact that she was a hungry hungry little infant, she would not feed from a bottle, which made for some sad times when I would run out before she was satisfied and there was nothing we could do about it. My supply would always pick up a couple of days later, but every growth spurt was accompanied by a day or two of that kind of frustration.

   Ah, good memories! 🙂

   Introducing solids made all the difference.

   She’s two now, healthy as a horse, and just weaned.

   But there I go, talking about myself again. 🙂 I am delighted for you, Zak, and Kat. I hope you all get to go home soon. I also need to tell you how much I appreciate your updates, because I find myself thinking about you at odd times throughout the day and hoping all is well.

   Comment by Kristi — September 28, 2006 #

6. Really glad to hear that all has progressed so well, and best wishes to all of you. I hope to see more pictures of Kat in the Hat when you have time! She’s such a beautiful little girl.

   Comment by Alexis — September 28, 2006 #

7. Just found your blog and I love it. 🙂 Having spent a lot of time at Children’s myself, know that the staff is top-notch and you’re in good hands!
   I love the baby pictures 🙂

   Comment by Emily — September 28, 2006 #

8. So happy all is going well. Sounds like little Kat has a mind of her own (probably inherited that from Mom:) Oh what fun it is going to be hearing about future adventures.

   Comment by Maureen — September 28, 2006 #

9. I’m so glad that things are progressing smoothly. Hopefully Kat will be able to go home with you soon! 🙂

   If there’s anything I can do to help while you guys are up here (care package, homecooked meal, crash space, etc) while you are up here, let me know. I know it’s got to be tough being away from home.

   Comment by Becke (Columbus Foodie) — September 28, 2006 #

10. I have been following al this, holding my breath, hoping things continue to go well. It is starting to sound like I can exhale 😉

    There is one down-side to Kat not liking the bottle: Eons ago when my son was a newborn, Friday nights were my nights to get up with him every 2 hours for his feedings. My wife would use the breast pump so he still got the good stuff. It not only gave my wife one night a week to sleep all the way through, it was a wonderful way for me to bond with my newborn baby son.

    Comment by Dave — September 28, 2006 #

11. Hey mom.
    Just hey.
    Sends love to the wee squishie.
    Come the fuck home already, damn it.
    Love
    Morganna

    Comment by the other daughter — September 28, 2006 #

12. Morganna, you are one special sister! Hope you get your family (and personal chef) home again soon!

    Barb, all the best to you and the little one – sounds like she’s as endowed with personality as her big sister already! ; )

    Comment by Meg — September 29, 2006 #

13. I am so glad to hear you are all doing well. You know I am not much of a culinary genius, but I do try to visit your site when I can, and esp. if I know I can sneak a peek at the new little ankle biter! The picture of the three of you is precious. You can literally “feel the love” through the screen. You are all in my thoughts. Hugs and kisses -Theresa

    Comment by Theresa — September 30, 2006 #

14. got a link to your blog from http://indianfoodrocks.blogspot.com/

    congratulations on the new baby.. having a pre-term baby can be a bit scary.. but do have faith… that’s helped me pull through too… a combination of faith in God and the wonders of modern medical science will help you get though this rather anxious time.

    prayers and best wishes

    Comment by Vidya — October 1, 2006 #

15. Congratulations to your family on the new arrival. I’m sorry she was early, but who can blame her wanting to hurry out to meet you all.

    May these next few weeks get easier so you can all head home soon.

    You’re in my thoughts.

    Comment by sprite — October 2, 2006 #

16. Glad to hear all is well! Keep on updating us when you can. ^^

    Comment by Danielle — October 3, 2006 #

17. Barbara, congratulations on your beautiful daughter! I’ve been MIA and was obviously very behind on your situation. Your attitude is great about breastfeeding and I hope I can be as positive as you are in a few weeks. Best of luck with breastfeeding and your daughter’s health!

    Comment by Kady — October 5, 2006 #

18. Hi to you all! I hope things are getting better and you’ll be on your way home soon.

    Hey, Morganna! Happy but challenging times, but with such an amazing older sister, how can Kat not want to come home soon to hang out with you?

    Comment by Hadar — October 5, 2006 #

19. My, my, I don’t read your blog for a while and you go and have the baby! Congrats! Love the picture from the previous post with her hiding under her hat.

    Comment by Barbara (Biscuit Girl) — October 8, 2006 #

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