I've been feeling anxious this past week as many things have been evolving. Matt's work has been preparing do to some big layoffs and things were finalized yesterday. They had to layoff almost one-third of their entire company. And, because Matt works in Human Resources he was one of the facilitator's for this entire process. I could tell that this was probably one of the hardest things he ever had to do. Thankfully Matt's job was not one to go. For that, I'm especially grateful. I knew that we would be OK. But, with the economy the way it is right now it would just add that much more stress.
Sophie and I have been spending a fair amount of time at the doctors and Children's Hospital. For those of you who really know me, know of my struggles with nursing. You also know how strongly I feel about it. Things are looking a little better as we've been working with multiple doctors on Sophie's suck/latch. I'm really hoping and praying that things will work out. I wish I would have known all of the options they have for nursing mothers with Jack. I think we may have actually been able to work things out and not had the problems this go around with Sophie if I would have been able to fully heal the first time. *see below.
But, that's not the reason I've been feeling especially grateful (well, that's part of it). As we've spent some time at Children's Hospital it's been a huge wake-up call that we've really got things good. So many kids there are really suffering (it makes me realize I can put up with a lot). Many kids were hooked up to oxygen tanks, tubes, they have cancer, and many, many other challenges.
I have just been feeling especially blessed, emotional, grateful... (all of those words lately) and to have two very healthy kids and a wonderful husband.
* If you're interested-The Evergreen Lacation Specialist sent me to a "world-renouned" occupational therapist at Children's Hospital who has been giving us different excersises to work on. She also sent me to another doctor who "clips-tongues". She didn't think that was neccesary so she then sent me to a manual therapist who worked on Sophie's mouth and neck muscles. That did actually improve things a little bit. After all of those appointments I've now gone back to the Hospital for further evalution. I'm thankful for insurance. Too bad the manual therapist didn't accept insurance. If I weren't so pro-nursing I'd just switch her to formula (there's nothing wrong with those that do). But, I want to feel like I've tried everything before I choose that route. I just want to get the word out that there are other options out there for women who struggle-if that is something you want. While I'm at it this is also a great thing to know about-if you get a lot of "clogged ducts" soy lecethin works like magic. It's just an herb/dietary supplement. It's totally safe. They talk a lot about it on Kelly Mom.
This has turned into a way longer post than I anticipated... hooray if you actually made it to the end!
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9 comments:
It's such a humbling experience to witness what goes on at Childrens' Hospitals. Thank you for your post. I am down today worrying about our health insurance and I should just be grateful that my kids are in good health.
I am so glad Matt still has his job! It must be really hard to be a part of letting other people go. I can't imagine. What a huge amount of people losing their jobs right now. :(
I had no idea you were going through all this with Sophie. I'm glad things are looking up. I feel the same way as you on the importance of nursing. I'm also glad that Matt's job is safe. It's so scary out there right now!
You are an amazing mother for trying every possible route to be able to nurse your daughter. I am completely pro nursing as well, and I have been incredibly blessed to have such an easy time of it with all of my kids. Thank you for this post, it's always nice to be reminded of the smaller things that get overlooked, but are still such amazing blessings. I'm glad you're doing so well!
Joanna, Way to stick with the nursing. That takes a lot of determination. Especially when you have your little helper Jack. I hope these kids appreciate it all, right?!
I remember when you were having a hard time with Jack, but i didn't know that you were having a struggle with sophie. I hope they figure everything out for you. I didn't realize how big of a struggle it can be for some people, I was so lucky and both my kids did great. Your such an amazing mom for all that you do for your kids!!! I am also so blessed to have healthy kids, I know when I was pregnant with Vance I knew some people who were having major problems with their pregnancies and I couldn't help but feel so blessed. I feel like I sometimes take for granite the most important things in life, and your post just brings it all back to reality, and remids me of how blessed I really am... thank you!
Way to hang in there. I had no idea how difficult nursing would be and I finally understand why some moms would choose not to do it. It's really hard and frustrating and painful. I feel like we've finally turned the corner with Charlie where it's not painful any more (just uncomfortable.) I feel your pain in a small degree. My doula recommended having Charlie see a craniofacial therapist to help him be able to open his mouth more- sounds like the therapist that you had Sophie see. We didn't end up doing it but I'm glad to hear that it helped you!
I was really hoping that nursing would be easier with Sophie than it was with Jack, and I am sorry to hear that it isn't. I am glad you have so many great resources and people to help you! I hope that things continue to improve.
WOW. I am so glad you are hanging in there. Dean and i are throwing in the towell. After 3 bottles of formula and him being the happiest i have seen him. I am done breastfeeding. I never loose weight anyway when I breast feed! lol JK. But I will not have to worry as much of what I am eating and if he is getting enough vitamins and such. It is all measured out. I am grateful for both breast and formula feeding. Hooray for you for stickign it out. I get to 6 ms with my gets and we both give up. I think it is because the teeth start to bug them or something. I can not handle the biting and they can not handle the flick from mom. anyway. I have been to childrens to with dean 2 times now. I totally agree. We are very thankful. I hope she gets sucking soon. I had all my kids tongues clipped. It really helped with eli and sarina. No change in dean having it done. Thanks for your post! :)
My little sister is having similar problems with her little girl. She just went out and bought a breast pump and feeds Aleksah breast milk from a bottle. Maybe it could work for you as well. . .
Glad you guys are doing ok with Matt's work. Tell him Brian and I say hi.
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