Well since my last post...when i was wishing for a better weekend...things continued on the illness front. Last weekend, not long after i'd blogged about hoping it would be a better one, Caleb and I were at the out of hours doctor at midnight. After his virus and cold, he then got thrush in his mouth which then transfered to me. Breastfeeding with thrush is possibly as sore as having contractions. No exaggeration. So i persevered until about Wednesday when, and this is probably just too much information for some, my nipples were bleeding. Feeding was just unbearable and i had to stop and just express. Caleb was so upset and couldnt understand the change at all. It was distressing and i was so upset. Just when i thought things couldnt get any worse, i was then at the out of hours doctor again on saturday with an infection in my breast. By this point i was physically and emotionally drained. Today, i am so much better, ive dealt with the hard decision not to breastfeed and both of us are a lot happier (although we have just been to the docs and Caleb still has thrush). I just want to be healthy again so i can enjoy my wee boy. There is so much pressure on new mums i tell you.
My inlaws arrive from Canada on Wednesday and i am so looking forward to their visit. They'll be a great help. My DH cannot believe i am actually looking forward to their visit, i normally dread the inlaws LOL
Here's to a better week!
24 comments:
Oh no! That's awful Cheryl! I've never had thrush or an infection, but I have had bleeding, sore, purple nipples from an improper latch with DS. That is no fun at all! Nursing can be such a stressful and draining undertaking without infections and thrush on top of it! I struggled really bad with my supply when nursing my son. I was visiting a LC once a week, taking herbs, pumping after every nursing for stimulation, and putting olive oil in DS's baby food to help him put on weight... It was non-stop and exhausting! I say kudos to you for being brave enough to stop nursing when it seems to be the right thing for you and Caleb. I wasn't that strong and I couldn't let go of it - even though everyone was telling me it was time to throw in the towel and supplement with formula. All it did was drive me to the brink of insanity!
I'm so sorry to hear about all that you've been through. Things will get easier for you both now. I tried breast feeding with all four of mine and it wasn't easy and I never lasted long with any of them. The first one I lasted 6 weeks and that was the longest. You do what you can and don't stress it when you have to stop. Hope both of you start feeling better soon and have a great time with the in-laws!
oh - that does not sound like fun. Please don't beat yourself up about stopping breastfeeding - if Caleb is happy and you're happy that is what is important and remember you have given him the best possible start by feeding him this long. Now it is time to relax and get your fancy bras out again lol!
Oh! This is terrible news for mum and baby.
I do hope you and Caleb get feeling better and you can have a little time for you when the in-laws get there.
Take care!!
All that matters is you tried your hardest to nurse! I ended up with mastitis (infection) and not only did it kill my production but made both myself and DS unhappy at the whole process. I pumped for awhile but my supply "dried up" even with meds to increase it.
Take as much advantage of the doting grandparents visits as you can...get lots of sleep and plenty of mommy time, it really can make all the difference especially with the hard time you've had lately.
Cheryl, I'm so sorry you had to make that tough decision about breast feeding. I had mastitis with my second child, so I know how tough it is to stick to the whole routine. I hope you both get better soon and you can enjoy your little boy.
I know it's TMI, but I've been through this, too. I really, really, REALLY sympathize!!! Take care!!
Oh, Cheryl, poor dear! It isn't easy being a mom ~ ever ~ but new moms can be really frustrating, sometimes it seems you can do nothing right! Hang in there!
I'm sorry Cheryl!
I didn't have the issues with thrush, but I had to make that difficult choice to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula. I had a wonderful supply, but The Little Tot was a very lazy feeder and wouldn't latch. She was crying all the time because she was hungry, I was crying all the time because I couldn't feed my baby, the LC's at the hospital wouldn't return my calls...it was a bad time (2 weeks we did this). I finally relented and switched to formula and things became A LOT smoother. I realize I'd tried my best and it just didn't work. I look at her now and know she's a healthy, happy 2-yo, but I still feel very guilty for not being able to breastfeed.
((HUGS))
How hard for you guys! But don't be too upset Cheryl, Caleb has had a great start thanks to you that will benefit him greatly. I hope you will all feel better soon.
Oh my, you guys have had a rough time of it. I hope you are both on the mend soon.
Its very stressful when you stop feeding but you have given your son the very best start if life and it is no good for either of you if it is no longer a pleasure.
Hope the health problems are resolved soon.
{{{{Cheryl}}}} I had thrush when I was feeding Rosie, it was no fun at all.
Aww Cheryl, I feel so badly for you! Thrush is miserable. My youngest picked it up when he was a babe but fortunately didn't pass it on to me. I remember how miserable he was at the time.
As for having to switch to bottles, whatever works..go with it! Even the short time you breastfed Caleb was a benefit,especially for passing on immunities. If things are going much better this way than so be it. You're right, you need to be healthy and rested too. Your MIL will be definitely be a help at this time so you can get rested. I'll bet she doesn't want to put that baby down!
I'm sorry you and Caleb had such a hard time lately. I'm glad you are feeling better about your decision to stop breastfeeding. At least now your DH and inlaws can help feed, which will give you a little break. Enjoy!
Oh hon sending big hugs to you and Caleb both ((((((((hugs))))))))))
The inlaws will be a big help I'm sure.
Sorry to hear what you've been through. Most important is both you and Caleb are happy now.
Sending big HUGS !
Dear Cheryl, I know that Jessica chose the same route as you, and she would support your choice to stop breastfeeding at this point. She just pumped as long as she felt comfortable, and then started Kellan on Isomil. Kellan is big and strong and is in the 90th percentile in all areas including his development even though he was 2 mos. premature. So, I don't think you have any worries!! Hugs, Deb
PS: I'm so sorry for this struggle you've been through. All you need is to love Caleb, and the rest will come along with your intuition.
I'm there with you Cheryl. Elijah fed for hours and then threw up blood that he'd drained from me! It is important for mums as well as babies to be happy as babies pick up if mums arent happy. Just you enjoy that little boy of yours and don't put yourself under any pressure. Mums have enough pressure as it is. I have two very healthy children and happy and well bonded too and i only breast fed for a couple of weeks! xxx
I am so sorry that things were so tuff this weekend!!! I am also very sorry that you have had to stop breast feeding but sometimes that is just the way it is. Those infections in the breast can be an awful thing if it is not treated soon, I know all to well!!! So take care of yourself and that baby! I pray that you have a much better week this week!!
Hi Cheryl,
You did the right thing sweetie, if moma ain't happy, nobody's happy! I had a breast infection too, believe me, it wasn't fun! Just think on the bright side now, your hubby can help feed the baby! It makes for great daddy and son bonding!
Hugs,
Donna
Cheryl you poor thing. Don't try and second guess your decision. I'm syre you did whats best. now just enjoy your inlaws and let them spoil you rotten!
Not had the thrush but did have a breast infection & wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy! Sending lots of positive healing thoughts your way and gentle (((((hugs))))). Hope you both feel the benefit of the change - not breast feeding does allow much more freedom. :0)
I'm so sorry to hear about all the the things going on with you are Caleb. I had to make the same decision with my first daughter, felt tremendous guilt, and she's perfectly find and healthy and 15 1/2. My second daughter - I tried to breast feed for 2 days and my husband said, make a decision and don't regret it and don't look back. I chose not to breast feed. I wanted to, it just wasn't working. Don't feel bad or guilty - just think how much less stress you will have now.
Post a Comment