An Updated Update

At our Monday Lactation Consultant appointment, we received some frustrating information. The coping method to address pain during nursing caused my supply to drop substantially on my right side, and as a result, Holden hadn't gained much weight. We received (even more) coaching on nursing, and were sent home with a plan: nurse every 2-3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night, switch sides twice during a feeding (Left-Right-Left or Right-Left-Right), and after nursing, pump for ten minutes on the right side and give Holden the pumped milk--.5 ozs. We went home, and I diligently followed the instructions, which proved to be insanely time consuming--each feeding took at least an hour, and Robin has been washing and sterilizing pump parts several times a day. By this morning, I was ready to a.) scream and completely throw in the towel on nursing or b.) inform the Lactation Consultant at our follow-up (earlier today) that I was going to stop following her instructions and just let Holden nurse.

Fortunately for all of us, nothing at today's appointment warranted me to scream, curse, or tell off the very sweet Lactation Consultant. Holden had gained nearly three ounces since Monday (they want babies to gain close to an ounce a day), and he received 2.5 ozs. in one sitting--enough for his weight and body needs. I was sent home with instructions to continue nursing him on our schedule, alternating starting sides, and pumping on the right side after every other feeding. I also have a prescription for a steroid cream to help heal more quickly. This feels much more manageable.

It's hard not to feel completely impatient and want this all to be done and breastfeeding to be well-established. Hopefully soon. At least we seem to be on the right track now.