- Continuing from my last post...we went to the Doctor this morning to address this whole nursing situation. I asked a bunch of questions and my mom asked Gwendolyn's Doctor why I always wanted to be held so much as a baby. It was all very interesting. :)
- Let me just say that it's good the Lord is preparing me to not need security in things, because we basically came to the conclusion that it could be my diet and it could be my milk supply or it could be both. Also, it could be part of Gwendolyn's impatient personality. OR it could be my diet, my supply, Gwendolyn's personality AND my anxiety.
- Hey, I guarantee that if you take an already high strung woman and put her together in a house with a psycho baby, a needy, hairless dog AND a husband glued to an accounting book for every hour of every night...you bet your bottom that ANXIETY is going to play a part!!!
- Anyway, I am going to cut out all dairy, nuts, seafood and eggs for two weeks and, in the mean time, supplement with formula in the afternoon and evenings or other times that she refuses to nurse.
- I don't know what is going to happen. It makes me very sad that there is a great possibility that I won't be able to nurse her anymore. But, again, I can't place my hope in this. I must focus on the more important things so that I can enjoy my baby and she can enjoy me.
- My mom was such a help to me. She said, "You may not even find out exactly WHY it's not working or WHAT exactly is wrong. Even if she refuses to ever nurse again and you no longer give her breast milk...It's okay." And, this is coming from a woman who exclusively nursed SEVEN children. It would have been so much harder to hear that a few months ago...but now I know I am more strengthened by the Lord. I'm happy that my baby girl is eating and I want to see more smiles...because they are just so wonderful!
---Oh, FYI...the Dr. is quite certain that Gwendolyn is JUST FINE and that there is nothing seriously wrong with her. He is very encouraging and the perfect Dr. for us. He is very pleased with how she is growing and how she looks. Sure, I might be dealing with this for the first year of her life...but this WILL pass and she is going to be fine. To tell you the truth, I am excited about her sitting in her very cool Boon high chair, throwing her food at me.
4 comments:
I too want to assure you that this will pass and all will be fine! You are such a great Mommy, always seeking the best for Gwen! Hang in there with the elimination diet and read labels carefully...otherwise you may prolong the agony as I did. Chicken stock is an excellent substitute for milk in hearty and savory recipes. I used to replace that in mashed potatoes, meatloaf, etc... Call me if you need other dairy subs. ;) Apple pie is a great dessert when you are on a no dairy, no egg diet. You are in my prayers!
Oh Jenn...I feel like I'm having de ja vu every time I read your blog! Brody only nursed for barely six months for the same reasons...I cut out milk and all citrusy/acidic foods from my diet and nothing helped...he just did better with a bottle...I'm hoping our little girl will be a better nurser! That's why you have more than one right? :)
The fact that you worry and care so much about what is best for your daughter shows that you are an excellent mother and your daughter knows this. I cut out dairy and it did work for us very well. Now that Matthew is older and is getting a more mature stomach, I am slowly adding dairy back into my diet and so far, so good. Good luck stay faithful. Your words about God as your constant really inspired me tonight- something I am taking to heart and will repeat in my mind daily.
Hey Jenn...my friend Heather had the same situation and discovered Nate was allergic to the dairy in her diet and it worked like a charm. If it doesn't work, though, I was a formula baby. I wouldn't nurse at all...and I really loved my mom and I think I turned out alright :) I'll be praying for you too.
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