Feeding is not so easy

I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't know it was going to be so hard! Breastfeeding a newborn has proven to be challenging and kind of stressful.

First there was the lactation consultant, Jessica at the Pump Station. Then there was the pediatric dentist, Dr. Gross. Now it's just me and little Amelia trying to work it out. I have been using the Medela Nipple Shield, sort of a nipple prosthetic, to help nurse. It kind of extends your own nipple and lets the baby have more to grab onto. It works great but sometimes it's hard to put on, especially late at night, when baby is crying to eat and all I want to do is comply. It takes two hands which is sometimes hard when you're holding a screaming baby!

But it works and the baby eats. Today has been a good day for that. I think she is starting to put on a little weight and tomorrow I'll step on the scale with her to see how much she has put on. The good news is I was able to remove the shield a few times and just have her feed au natural. It was just a few minutes, but it's comforting to know it CAN be done.

I'm hoping to talk to my friend Kathrina's friend who is a pediatric nurse and a new mom. She will most likely have some good tips for me. As much as I would love to go back to the Pump Station, I realistically can't afford to see the consultant on a regular basis. I'll go next week for the breastfeeding support group to check it out--first one's free! Everything baby in LA costs money... somehow even breastfeeding!