update on maddie

Sorry it has been so long since I gave an update. She is now home. We actually brought her home Monday afternoon. Her total stay was 12 days. Nothing compared to the twins, but definately long enough. She is weighing right at 6 lbs now. The breastfeeding is okay. She has an interest, but couldn't get latched on and stay there. Of course while in the hosipal her intake was important to grow, so she got use to the bottle. I went to a lac. consultant yesterday and we worked using a nipple shield. She did really good. Unfortunately she will eat for about an hour when she breastfeeds and then is hungary and hour and half later. This could be normal, I don 't know. Anyone who can shed some light on this I would appreciate it. That is our biggest battle right now. She is getting breast milk because I am pumping also. I know several of you have been down the road of toddler twins and a new baby. How did you get it all balanced out? The twins life was turned upside down the time she was in the hospital so we are repairing things there, plus trying to get all the new baby stuff straight. Anyway, I am always open to advice. Overall, I think things are going pretty much as expected with 3 children already at home. Just wanted to give you an update. We have some pictures (a few, we haven't had a lot of time to update either) on www.gunsalus.com. THANKS

 

Sounds like things are going well! Glad to hear that she is home! I hope the b/f gets better! Keep up the good work!

 

I'm sure it's great to have her home! And yes, it is a whole new ballgame having a newborn and toddlers.

My only advice is just do the necessary stuff and don't be hard on yourself about the things that you don't have time/energy for. I know it may seem crazy that you'll ever find a routine that works for everyone, but you really will. It just takes time, so just repeat that to yourself until the day comes that you can actually believe it! I remember crying many tears in fear that my girls would forever be scarred from the trauma of having a little brother at the age of 19 months. They are certainly not, and they have so much fun with him now that I would do it all over again. Wait a minute...actually I am doing it again. :icon_biggrin: So, make sure to remind me of all of this great wisdom when I'm going through this same transition again in a few months!

As for bf, what you describe sounds totally normal. Normal, but exhausting.

 

Her bf sounds normal to me...that's how my kids are the first 3-4 weeks while my supply is building. Seriously, they want to nurse almost 24-7!

 

It sounds like she is doing well with the bfeeding. With my boys, I felt like I almost nursed them round the clock at the beginning. She is just building your supply. I was terrible at pumping so I just nursed and nursed. After a month or so, it seemed to taper off a bit.

I had the opposite...a toddler and then newborn twins. It is hard and there is so much guilt. Is there anyone who can take your toddlers out somewhere fun for a few hours...a grandparent, good friend, etc? One thing that helped so much was special grandparent time for my oldest. It got him out of the house and made him feel very special for a few hours. Also preschool was a godsend. He only went a few hours a couple of days a week, but it made a huge difference.

It is a hard time, but it does get better. I felt so sad for my oldest. He went from being the center of our world to having two little brothers that everyone ohhh'ed and ahh'ed over. I just made an effort to made him feel important and special. He is fine and absolutely loves (well, most days his brothers. They are 6yrs and 4yrs now and are good buddies. Good Luck!

 

So glad to hear she is home! I am sure you will all settle into a routine soon and things will calm a bit for you.