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I had breast reduction surgery about fifteen years ago and just had my first child about four weeks ago. I wasn't able to produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed, so I'm pumping what I can (about 2-3 oz per day) and giving that to my daughter in addition to formula. I had a really tough time admitting that I can't produce enough breastmilk to support her growth and development, but have come to be happy that I'm able to produce something for her.
One of the most important things to know (or to try to find out) is what technique your surgeon used when she/he used for your surgery--like how your nipples were relocated on the smaller breast. Knowing that will help give you, your OB, and the lactation consultant a better idea of how much of your "ductwork" is still intact and possibly functional. The above-mentioned BFAR website lists some of the different techniques.
The best advice I can give is to be as vocal as possible with everyone about your past surgery and your current concerns. Tell your OB, tell the nurses in the hospital, and be vocal about seeing a lactation consultant in the hospital. Talk to them about whether you want to try to exclusively breastfeed or whether you're comfortable supplementing with formula until you know what kind of milk you're able to produce. Talk to them about how long to leave your newborn on the breast--letting him/her hang out there can lead to really sore and possibly cracked nipples. Ask them about what to look for when your milk comes in. Ask them what your options are if your milk is slow coming in or you think there may not be enough. Anything you can think of, be sure to ask. Your situation is special and deserves more attention.
When you meet with your lactation consultant in the hospital, I highly recommend asking for a pump to help stimulate your milk supply. Getting your baby to latch might be difficult and painful, which might make nursing more challenging than it is already. A pump won't get a bad latch and chomp on your nipples, so you can stimulate your breasts with the pump, which may take some pressure off when your baby is on the breast. You can focus on helping the baby latch and not worry so much about breast stimulation.
Above all, try not to let the breastfeeding issue dominate the first weeks of life with your baby and just find joy in your baby's new life. If you're having difficulty, try to accept the successes and be happy with what you're able to do. Your child will benefit from every drop you're able to produce. Do the best you can.
One of the most important things to know (or to try to find out) is what technique your surgeon used when she/he used for your surgery--like how your nipples were relocated on the smaller breast. Knowing that will help give you, your OB, and the lactation consultant a better idea of how much of your "ductwork" is still intact and possibly functional. The above-mentioned BFAR website lists some of the different techniques.
The best advice I can give is to be as vocal as possible with everyone about your past surgery and your current concerns. Tell your OB, tell the nurses in the hospital, and be vocal about seeing a lactation consultant in the hospital. Talk to them about whether you want to try to exclusively breastfeed or whether you're comfortable supplementing with formula until you know what kind of milk you're able to produce. Talk to them about how long to leave your newborn on the breast--letting him/her hang out there can lead to really sore and possibly cracked nipples. Ask them about what to look for when your milk comes in. Ask them what your options are if your milk is slow coming in or you think there may not be enough. Anything you can think of, be sure to ask. Your situation is special and deserves more attention.
When you meet with your lactation consultant in the hospital, I highly recommend asking for a pump to help stimulate your milk supply. Getting your baby to latch might be difficult and painful, which might make nursing more challenging than it is already. A pump won't get a bad latch and chomp on your nipples, so you can stimulate your breasts with the pump, which may take some pressure off when your baby is on the breast. You can focus on helping the baby latch and not worry so much about breast stimulation.
Above all, try not to let the breastfeeding issue dominate the first weeks of life with your baby and just find joy in your baby's new life. If you're having difficulty, try to accept the successes and be happy with what you're able to do. Your child will benefit from every drop you're able to produce. Do the best you can.
Thank you so much for all the helpful input. We'll see how the rest of the search goes. It sounds like the in-home options or maybe a nanny-share may be the best solution since competition is so stiff for infant daycare slots.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Thanks, anon! Was there anything specific about why these three places have good reputations, or just general good reputations?
Don't worry about causing a panic. I'm already there.
Don't worry about causing a panic. I'm already there.
Hi all,
I'm expecting my first child in late March/early April (
) and am researching local infant daycare. We're looking to enroll the baby when she's about 4-5 months old, so sometime in July/August. My husband and I live in Courthouse: He works in McClean and I work downtown, so somewhere in Arlington is the best choice for us.
Does anyone have any reviews (good or bad) of the infant daycare options in North Arlington? I know the waitlist situation is a bear for all, but if there are any specific ones to target (or avoid), I'd love to know sooner rather than later.
Thanks!!!
I'm expecting my first child in late March/early April (
) and am researching local infant daycare. We're looking to enroll the baby when she's about 4-5 months old, so sometime in July/August. My husband and I live in Courthouse: He works in McClean and I work downtown, so somewhere in Arlington is the best choice for us.
Does anyone have any reviews (good or bad) of the infant daycare options in North Arlington? I know the waitlist situation is a bear for all, but if there are any specific ones to target (or avoid), I'd love to know sooner rather than later.
Thanks!!!