I'm borrowing a $500 electric breast pump and I finally got my milk in! I've been seeing a lactation consultant and we've been doing things to trick Ziva into nursing. I've been pumping milk, putting it in a syringe with a long tube and slipping it into her mouth while she nurses since she can't be bothered to try if the milk doesn't come instantly. She is sooooo lazy when it comes to nursing! I rue the day they gave her that bottle. If I had known how tough that would make it I would've asked them to feed her with a dropper or something.
Another trick I learned was to squirt a little sugar water into her mouth, lead her to the breast and then squirt a little on the mipple right before she starts up. She thinks she's getting koolaid, but it's really just milk. I didn't think I'd have to trick her into eating.... I'm glad she's getting off the formula and that I'm at least physically able to nurse, but I'm looking forward to being able to nurse without using all the gimicks!!
Ziva's dropped a little weight since she's not getting her food pumped directly into her body. She's down to about 9 pounds 8 ounces, but the Drs. say she's still healthy and doing fine. She's been having bouts of incessant crying that last anywhere from 5-20 minutes but seem like an eternity. I think she's adjusting to being outside the womb and it's taking time for her to get used to everything. Mal and I can't wait until that period is over with!
She started to become aware of her surroundings a bit. When we lay down together she'll stare at our faces, which is good. She seems to be doing well!
I am totally exhausted, however. I haven't slept more than 3 hours a night since she's been here and now that she's gotten fissy in the evenings, I don't get to nap with her then either. Malachi goes back to work Monday... I don't know how I'm going to manage her alone. It's very overwhelming. Blah.
Well, we've been taking more pics all week. I'll try to post some soon, since Malachi is on baby duty for a bit!
Kristi
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