Is full breastfeeding still possible for us?
My name is Sara, and I had my seventh child, Madeleine, just over 2 weeks ago. She was 34 wks. 6 days when my water broke. I've previously breastfed six children without a problem- a relatively small problem with my 5th who spent a little time in the NICU, but we were able to straighten things up. Nothing like this.
Brief overview of situation: Baby diagnosed with heart beat irregularities of unknown cause at 20 weeks, was too low from about 20-29 weeks, was hospitalized at 31 weeks until 33 weeks because she developed SVT with heartrate of 250 and hydrops (fluid retention that signifies congestive heart failure). Improved with treatment enough to where I was discharged at 33 1/2 weeks, but I started to develop swelling and high b/p- not drastically high blood pressure, but drastically large swelling- put on almost 30 lbs in less then 2 weeks. At 34 weeks 6 days had PROM and delivered by c/s due to transverse and cord positioning 3 hours later. Baby's heart was in normal range after water broke, but went back up to 200-ish , but within a few days was normal with meds. Had very few preemie issues except feeding. The day she was discharged, 14 days after birth< was re-admitted for urgent drainage operation on infected c/s incision, probably due to high fluid retention around abdomen. Sent home that evening. Still having breastfeeding difficulties (it took 7 days for my milk to come in)...despite pumping every 2-3 hours and taking herbs (fenugreek, blessed thistle, and oatmeal) and doing everything my IBCLC said and my nurse midwife at my peri's said. I'm beginning to think I can't keep this up and I will never be able to breastfeed her, esepecailly since she's still not latching on more then 3-5 minutes twice a day. One of her heart meds keeps her- not drowsy but very content nad hard to arouse. I can't stand beer, have bad side effects with Reglan, and can't afford the domperidone. I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast. Is it just too late? I've read that the stimulation the breasts get in the first 48-72 hours determine supply. Between a shortage of pumps at the hospital, severe post-op pain, and other factors, I wasn't able to do as much pumping as I should have. Is it tooo late?
Any ideas greatly appreciated!
~Sara
Happily married since 6/98
Mom to 5 boys, 2 girls- Madeleine Claire born 3/29 @ 34 weeks 6 days