After 17 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing, Charlotte Sunny Cotti was born on Thursday, February 24, 2011. She was 6.8 pounds, 20 inches long and had a 14 inch head. I was instantly in love. So far, being a mom has been an amazing experience, the good and the bad alike.
We could not wait to leave the hospital. I hate the hospital and I wanted to get her home to our own space. Well, hindsight being 20-20, I realize now, one more day would have been benefical to the both of us. Three days after being home, we were back in the hospital with breast feeding jaundice. Everyone kept telling me, up until that Monday night, that my milk would be coming in, keep trying to nurse her, but it never came in. After a couple days of colostrum, there was nothing for the baby to eat and she kept getting more hungry and dehydrated. As soon as we could Tuesday morning, we were at the pediatrician and we were on a formula-feeding schedule and in the hospital that afternoon.
There is no worse feeling than seeing your baby in pain, being poked with needles and laying in an incubator and knowing that there was something you could have done to keep her well, but your body failed. Once we got to the hospital, everyone was amazingly helpful (maybe even too helpful), they all wanted to make us feel better and bumbarded us with so much information and things to try going forward. After 24 hours under the UV lights, Charlie was out and back with us in our room, a lot less yellow, able to poop, and gaining weight.
I am still trying all I can to breast feed. After this week, if there's no milk, I will have to stick to the formula. This is something I did not prepare for, I didn't even know this could be an issue. I am glad that my baby is getting what she needs, I just wish I could be the one to give it to her...
I had the same thing happen with Jack and i know the feeling about not being able to breast feed. hang in there and know that it doesnt matter how she is getting fed, just that she is fed and happy! Motherhood rewarding and wonderful....enjoy it! :)
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ReplyDeleteI would also like to thank my amazing husband, John who has been my rock throughout this experience. Even when the midwife and nurses took breaks, he was there right beside me pushing almost as hard as I was. He's also very cute and an amazing cook. ....and wicked funny.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing is that you have tried and your adorable little baby is getting what she needs no matter how she gets it! Don't worry, no matter what, you're gonna do the right thing by being the wonderful mother that you clearly are! :)
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