Comments on: Insecurities of a sleepless crazy lady.

By: Waiting Amy

Waiting Amy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:08:05 +0000

For what its worth, I have one child and am expecting twins this summer. Yet I can TOTALLY see myself making those very same comparisons. I read it to my DH who agreed that I would be the same if not worse!

Sounds to me like you are doing great with them and they are thriving!

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:24:55 +0000

You two are doing an incredible job, mastering sleeplessness while keeping a great sense of humor (and we have video to prove it!). You make it look easy, even when it may not be. You and husband work as such a great team!

Much love to you both!

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:28:37 +0000

Goodness, I thought I had it bad with one! I dunno what I’d do if I had another one for comparison!

I’m sure you and Hubby are doing great. As I’ve learned, follow your instincts.

Oh, Oliver hasn’t ever tasted breast milk and he seems to be doing just fine!

By: Peggydoula

Peggydoula — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:41:12 +0000

GO FAMILY GO! I’m so proud of you and I’m sure that you and husband are excellent parents! You’re in our thoughts! We love you guys, cats too!

By: sara

sara — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:30:50 +0000

your children are beautiful!

and this is what i have noticed with nursing: it is wonderful, and beautiful, and i would not trade nursing my daughter for anything, and all of that joy and beauty can make it hard to see the same in bottlefeeding. nursing is something that makes mommyhood bearable, especially during the first few months (although it really hurts), and it can feel like we are not adequate as mothers to not be producing enough milk, or if our child is not quite strong enough to take the milk they need, and we forget that the supplementing for a while is a wonderful way to have our children get enough to eat to satisfy their growing bodies so that they are content.

i hope the pumping is going okay, and am glad to have come across your blog.

just out of curiosity, are you trying one of those supplemental nursing systems that you wear around your neck?

By: A

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:24:41 +0000

Another anecdote to (hopefully) make you feel better. When Daughter decided once glorious day that she didn’t feel like drinking anything, I was sure it was Something Dire. So I called the pediatrician whose kind, patient nurse said this sometimes happens, keep offering her fluid, and call them if she stopped drinking. When she finally decided to have some water, she drank for a bit, then stopped…so I called the pediatrician again. After a painful pause the nurse said, as gently as possible, Mrs. A we meant if she stopped for a prolonged period, not when she finished. Cringeworthy at best. I was sure I could never again convince anyone that my IQ was actually higher than the room temperature.

The object of the exercise is a happy, healthy, nourished family, not angst over how that is accomplished.

…and your children are absolutely adorable, btw

By: JenL

JenL — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 02:04:49 +0000

I think you are doing great. No one tells you in advance just how difficult this breastfeeding business can be. And you so nailed it with the nipple searing in the beginning – ouch. But it does get better. There is nothing wrong with supplementing with formula. The goal is to make sure your kids get enough to eat.

Bug couldn’t latch, so I figured fine, I’ll just pump and pump and pump until I drop and we would bottlefeed her. Ha. Supply problems kicked in so we supplemented, even in the hospital. Gradually, with the help of a great lactation consultant, enough fenugreek to make a person smell like maple syrup, and a lot of luck, she figured out how to latch and nursed like a pro.

Just do what works for you. But beware (if you haven’t seen it yet), the iron in the formula can turn baby poop green.

By: kathy a.

kathy a. — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:58:55 +0000

it sounds like the babies are doing well, they are both individuals, your milk is coming in, and you’ve got formula for backup. all good!

it really is surprising how different sibs can be. mine weren’t twins, but 19 months was close enough to remember. one was colicy, and those were bad weeks; the other was happy but didn’t sleep much. one wanted to nurse 24/7; the other, less often, but then she’d take too much, barf happily, take a second helping, and go on with her day. one wanted constant motion. one wanted to be up and watch everything at the earliest possible time. etc.

my kids are 19 and 20 now; i think we were advised to keep them on their sides if possible, in case of barfies. so, i guess advice changes.

you’re doing great! hugs to you and the babes.

By: esperanza

esperanza — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:41:10 +0000

Yes, you’re doing great. I can’t even imagine two of the little darlings. My one is plenty.

And I had to laugh at your dreams…a couple of weeks ago, I dreamed that little A and I were walking through the neighborhood (well, I was walking and she was in the stroller). And who should jog by but our favorite neonatologist from the NICU? How handy, Dr. D, I have just a few questions for you…maybe you can conjure up a comforting presence in your subconscious too!

Sleep, sleep, sleep, Wren and Robin. Your mama needs to sleep too.

By: Sara R.

Sara R. — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:18:51 +0000

Everyone has given you great advice and feedback. I’ll just add my voice of support — You aren’t doing anything wrong. Breastmilk is optimal, but formula is a totally acceptable option, especially for supplementing as needed. The first six weeks with Vivian and breastfeeding were very difficult, but it got progressively easier. I hope it will get easier for you, Robin & Wren, too!