Well, everyone, he’s here! 9 months is such a long time to be pregnant, but it’s over and this is what I got out of the deal:
Isn’t he adorable? He’s 5 days old here, and looking very thoughtful about something. Probably milk…or sleeping…
Our second son was born Sunday, May 17 at 7:31 pm. My labor was relatively short and my unmedicated VBAC was successful! To all you who want to try a VBAC, go for it. And going natural isn’t too bad either…a bit painful, but nothing you can’t handle!
The first week was pretty rough, as usual, especially since I had some problems with my milk/breastfeeding – My milk doesn’t come in really fast and strong. It happens slowly over several days, and my supply starts out pretty low at first. I’m assuming it will get better – it did with my first. Over several trips to the pediatrician and lactation consultant, here’s what I’ve learned about breastfeeding:
- Low thyroid will kill your milk supply (not my problem, but I almost wish it were…)
- Taking 3 capsules of Fenugreek 3 times a day can help increase your milk supply (anecdotal evidence only)
- Some lactation consultants say drinking pineapple juice helps your milk come in
- A lactation syringe is a life saver! I used one of these to supplement my milk with formula without having to use a bottle
- An electric breast pump is also a life saver! I have the Medela Swing and it is awesome
- If you have a low milk supply, sometimes the only solution is to nurse all day long
I’m still trying to increase my milk supply and supplementing once or twice a day in the meantime. I have always been pretty anti-formula and I never thought I would have to give it to my baby, but the most important thing is that he gets enough calories to grow like he should.
So things are going okay now, and we’re just so excited to have this new little person in our family! I’m going to try to keep posting as usual, but things might slow down a bit for a while. I’m sure you understand…
(2 days old)
{photos taken with a Canon Rebel XSi}
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my goodness! He is a cutie!
Meghan would not nurse, and I thought that was why I didn’t have a milk supply despite my pumping with a hospital pump. However, the day Evan was discharged from the hospital, he was hospitalized for dehydration! He was a great nurser…yes, all day long!!!…but I just didn’t have anything to give. I mean nothing. Two drops I got the second time I pumped were pretty exciting. WIth a two year old and no help after that first week…and only my husband then…I knew I didn’t plan to pump.
I’m so glad you have the resources you need! Hmm…low thyroid huh? I already have reasons to get tested…here’ s one more.
I forgot to say congratulations to you and your family!
congratulations to you and your family!!! i had to go natural with my first because i went too fast…and did it by choice with my last two. wouldn’t do it any other way. enjoy, take it easy, sleep when the baby sleeps, and as far as increasing your milk-the only way it worked for me was to be a pacifier, pretty much. good luck!
I just added your button. Katies, I want you to know that it’s the first button I’ve added. I truly think this blog is worthy of it!
Awww….congrats!!!! He’s BEAUTIFUL.
Congratulations! Your little mouse is precious.
Good luck with the breastfeeding, I nursed all four of mine.
You just have to stick in there, drink lots of water…eat nutritionally..and RELAX:)
You are going to do great.
<3 sarasophia
He is just adorable. Look at all the beautiful hair. Congrats to you and the rest of your family.
Congratulations! He is adorable! He looks so much older than five days in that first picture!
Congratulations to the newest addition to your family! He is a handsome fellow! Another big congrats on your successful unmedicated VBAC! Wonderful!
Keep strong and do not get discouraged with your nursing!
Staying relaxed and healthy is the best way for you and your little one to stay the course with nursing!
Traditional Medicinals has an Organic Mother’s Milk tea that promotes healthy lactation that you may want to try.
Wishing you all the best! -Olivia
Congratulations! He’s gorgeous!
That first picture is sooo cute! And i love your new blog design…it looks like you! So i had to update my blog and add your new button. I have heard of the mother’s milk tea – you should try it! And my midwife told me about fenugreek when I was having issues but I didn’t end up trying it. They’re both worth a try!
Congrats! He is just adorable.
Congratulations! He is a doll! Good luck with the breastfeeding, I know the beginning can be tough.
Huge congratualations to you and your family! He is absolutely adorable :)
Congratulations!!!! So Sweet.
Oh he is so adorable! Congratulations! Now get some rest mom.
Such a cutie!
congratties to you and your family.
Your baby is so precious. If only they would stay that way longer….
I know this sounds crazy (because I thought it did) but A&W Rootbeer apparently has some yeast that stimulates milk production as well. It is crazy, but it has worked for me. Good luck!!
Congrats! He is a total cutie!
What a sweet baby. Congratulations!
He’s absolutely ADORABLE Kelsey! Congratulations!
He is darling! Congrats Kelsey!
Congrats! He is beautiful! If you are still having milk problems get some herbal tea called Mother’s Milk. I had the same problem……and it worked wonders! I didn’t have to use it with my first but with my other two I did…..It was a lifesaver and helped me breastfeed my kids instead of using formula. Good Luck!
Congrats! He already looks like a little man!
Congratulations! He’s adorable.
Oh he is cute! Makes me baby hungry!! I have had 1 vaginal and 1 c-section. I’m thinking with my next one.. i’m opting for the c-section. It wasn’t to bad at all! Love your blog!! Congrats on your new addition!
Oh my goodness!! Could he be any cuter!! Congratulations!! Also what I do for low/slow milk, there is this fabulous working tea “Mothers Milk”, I get it at Henry’s (natural market) and seriously within a few hours I have enough milk for at least 3 babies :):) Hope your doing great….and congrats on the VBAC…I’m jealous :):) xoxo Amy
Congrats, you have an adorable little boy!! Best of luck, take it easy!!!
Congrats! He is beautiful!
Cute new header on your blog! And what a cute little boy. Congratulations!
He’s so adorable. Congratulations!!
Hugs,
PattiM
(Pattie’s passion)
I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!!!
Heavens, I really thought that I was looking at a picture of your first in that 5 day old picture! What a cutie. I’m so, so happy that you had a successful VBAC. The midwives at Mt. Timp Women’s Health Center are so awesome. Jessica delivered my third. Even though I’m moving away I’m going to check your site often. You always have the neatest posts.
Hugs, your friend,
NAT
He is precious! Congrats! And thanks for the advice too! It’s kind of weird telling a stranger this, but I struggled with my milk supply with my first one and am hoping to have better luck with my next one. I did fenugreek, but I really appreciated the syringe idea!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Congrats!! He’s a keeper! ;) Isn’t there something so empowering about having your baby natural? I had both my boys that way, in a pool at home! Yay for you to try for a VBAC!! I’m glad all went well! (and that you had a doc that would let you!)
He’s beautiful… I love all the hair.
Congratulations!
I’m glad to hear the VBAC was successful for you. We’re mulling over having our second child and am considering a VBAC, especially since it will be 2 years since my c-section, which gives enough time for the incision to heal. I’m still scared of the pain that I went through though. That was intense, especially that my contractions were a minute apart even in early labor. But in the end, it’s worth it.
Congratulations. I love your new baby. Also Thanks for the tips on increasing milk supply i Have had problems with both my kids, and would be interested nnursing if I have a third. Maybe you should reasearch it more, and do a whole review on it!
Liz
Kelsey, be careful using the Fenugreek. It can also have a negative effect on breast feeding. Not to mention making your entire body smell like syrup, that was the weirdest side effect I’ve ever experienced. That alone was enough to make me NOT want to take fenugreek. Just make sure you read up on it if you haven’t already.
What an adorable cutie! Oooh! I just love all that fuzzy black hair. Nothing like a soft baby’s head to nuzzle up against. Great memories!
I love the first photo of him. He definately looks chagrined (sp?) about something. So Cute!
Hoping the breastfeeding is going much better by now.