So I’ve been breastfeeding Lola. She’d been doing pretty well until this past Sunday, then she started feeding, but after about 25 minutes, she’d start squealing, grunting and sucking really hard, then stopping. Then she’d cry uncontrollably while trying to eat her fists and anything else within reach. She was still hungry. And I was empty. So I gave her a few ounces of formula to help ease her hunger. Then and only then, she’d sleep. She wanted to feed quite often. I was a sleepless basketcase. So yesterday, I gave her more formula. I made the decision to stop breastfeeding.
But then, I needed to pump, so I made a bottle. I gave that to her. Then later, I breastfed her again. So I’ve been doing both. She seems happy. She’s sleeping better. I feel better because if I need to go do something and can’t feed her (ie. sleep or go out), I don’t feel guilty about her having a bottle.
I gave it another shot. For those of you who breastfeed exclusively, my hat’s off to you. I don’t know what it is, but twice now I’ve been feeding and doing well until my child hits a growth spurt and then I can’t seem to produce enough. She’s eating 4 oz. now! I can sometimes pump enough to get to 4 oz. Usually, though, it’s more like 3 oz. So what am I to do? It’s super frustrating. That, plus, after weeks of no sleep (and no, I can’t sleep when the baby sleeps because I have a 2 year old who doesn’t nap every two or three hours), I was at a breaking point. I’m starting to feel better today. At least I’m not totally grumpy and falling asleep standing up. Although, I have yet to find time to get into the shower.
I guess I will continue breastfeeding and bottle feeding for awhile and see how it works out. Some might say I should stop the bottle, but I have to do what works for us. I need to be able to spend time with my son and not be stuck sitting and breastfeeding my daughter every hour while he cries because I can’t get up and play with him or help him go potty or fix him lunch. Having a 2 year old and a newborn is a challenge. But I’m trying to make it work. All I can do is try.
Here are just a few of the things Zack has done for his new “sissy”…
In the hospital, he tried to share a bite of his banana with her. I explained that Lola only drinks mama’s milk for now, so he grabbed his sippy cup of milk and offered it to her.
He kisses her on the cheek and the top of the head and loves to give her hugs. He also sings a little “song” by just sing songing her name over and over… “Lola, Lola, Loooola.”
When I laid her in the middle of my big king size bed while I went to pee, he left the room, then came back with her blankie and pacifier and gave them to her, then laid next to her on the bed and talked to her until I was finished—I didn’t even ask him to go get the blankie and paci.
He constantly peeks into her bassinette to check on her and say “Hi Lola!”
One evening, she was in the bouncy seat, and he sat his rocker next to her, then went to get his own beloved “Baby” bear, and brought Lola a teddy bear, too, and laid it next to her, then sat by her and rocked in his chair.
In the car if she fusses in her seat, he says “It ok, Lola.”
When we pull in the driveway after being out and about, he says “Home, Lola!” to let her know we’re here.
He’s always concerned about her and makes sure she’s covered up—even if it means using his own blankie to do it.
He counts her toes and recites “This little piggy…” (well, in Zack speak) while touching her toes.
He stands on the old cedar chest in her room next to her changing table and throws her dirty diapers in the diaper pail for me.
He just came and sat next to her in my lap, leaned down and waved and said “Hey Lola!” then patted her on the head.
I just love my little boy. I know the sweetness won’t last… he’ll grow up and she will and they will fight. But for now, he’s the most caring 2-year old big brother I’ve ever seen! 
Lola arrived via c-section on Friday, June 1st at 8:03 am. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and is perfect! She’s doing great and I’m doing well. I’m kinda sore but am up and around by myself now. She’s actually laying here in my lap as I type this. We’ll be in the hospital until Monday… but I can’t wait to get home. This bed isn’t very comfy… although being able to send her to the nursery so I can sleep for a couple of hours is nice. 
I think she’s hungry, so I must go feed her. Just wanted to post my news