My husband and I were ecstatic that we were lucky enough to be expecting baby number two.
We knew that after having an induction, 26 hours labour, only progressing to 4cm, two failed spinal blocks and a GA for C-section that this birth would be 100% an elective c-section. With our first daughter my milk never came in but with my naivety I had always thought breastfeeding was easy and it would just work. I was so wrong. This time around I researched as much as I possibly could. I did colostrum harvesting from 38 weeks.
A Beautiful Elective C-Section
Baby Holly arrived as planned at 39 weeks via elective c-section. It was the most beautiful healing birth I could have wished for. We had skin-to-skin after delayed cord clamping. Baby Holly then did not leave my chest for nearly one hour. It was just magical.
Once back in the delivery suite Holly latched on straight away and I thought – this is it we’ve cracked it! Yep, I was wrong again! The first three days I did skin-to-skin, offering the breast and responsive feeding. We then had our newborn bubble burst when we found out Holly had a dramatic weight loss. She lost over 14% of her body weight.
Early Feeding Challenges and Weight Loss
The first three weeks of Holly’s life is a complete blur to me. It was filled with constant weigh-ins, hospital visits, health visitors and every single person providing different advice and all focusing more and more of giving Holly formula. I was absolutely adamant that I would and could breastfeed Holly. I was trying everything I could to make sure I had milk. I paid for an IBCLC who said Holly’s latch was great both sides. From this appointment I was given the confidence boost I needed to really feel I knew what I was doing was right!
I was trying everything I could to make sure I had milk.
We had appointment after appointment, test after test. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my gorgeous girl. It was an absolute emotional rollercoaster – feeling that those who were meant to be supporting breastfeeding were trying to advise against it.
Medication To Aid My Milk Supply
A health visitor then said about speaking to my GP to be prescribed medication to aid my milk supply. When Holly was five weeks old I was prescribed it. By then I had tried four different pumps but none of them matched the one I had tried at the hospital. Thankfully I remembered the make and I ordered the Ardo double Alyssa pump. Within a few days my feeding journey slightly eased but we were still very much triple feeding (breast, top up & pumping).
I was sleep-deprived, hormonal and emotional. I had a 4 year old who needed their Mummy more than ever and a newborn! I will forever be grateful of my husband and family that really supported and eased the pain.
Prescribed High Calorie Formula
When Holly was around three months old we were prescribed a high calorie formula. We kept being told to keep increasing the formula every few days but my gut, my head and my heart were all saying no and I am so glad we didn’t. Holly has only every had 50ml (25ml expressed breastmilk and 25ml high calorie formula) per top up and a maximum of 8 top ups a day! I really felt we were cracking it!
When Holly was around three months old we were prescribed a high calorie formula.
Finally we were being left alone by the health professionals. I finally felt I could start to relax in to being a Mummy of two. No more appointments and I was still feeding my girl!
Weaning And Moving Forward
Six months hit and we were ready to wean. Holly was showing all the signs and willing to wean. I follow baby led weaning and she took to it instantly! Here we are today just past the seven month mark and Holly is eating a solid three meals a day, 3 x 50ml top ups and still BREASTFEEDING!!! I cannot explain just how proud I am of us but we have cracked it.
Our journey has been far from easy but heck it has been so worth it! I am still on medication for my milk supply and I am still pumping but my supply is good and it’s what Holly needs! Holly is so content at the breast. I finally feel I don’t have the pressure on me from health professionals to prove something.
I am still on medication for my milk supply and I am still pumping but my supply is good and it’s what Holly needs!
To Anyone Struggling – You’re Not Alone
I feel that without having my Ardo pump our journey would have been so different and I wouldn’t still be feeding my girl. Holly is happy, thriving and hitting all her milestones.
I hope no one ever has to go through the feeding journey we have been on but for anyone that is going through it know this – you are not alone!
