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11/22/2004
Marco. Polo!
In 1990, Dr. Lennart Righard published a study on the effect of delivery room routines on the success of breastfeeding.
If a newborn infant is placed directly on a mother's naked abdomen immediately after birth and left there without interruption, the baby will crawl toward the mother's breast. By about an hour after birth, the baby will have locomoted up to the nipple without assistance and will be sucking, usually with the correct technique.
If, however, a newborn is initially placed on the mother's abdomen but subsequently removed for about half an hour for bathing, measuring, testing, and, I don't know, having a petite jersey hat popped on its noticeably cone-shaped head, the infant is more likely to have problems establishing a good latch.
If the mother has been given medication during birth, all bets are off: the majority of the infants in Righard's study who'd been exposed to drugs during labor were too zonked to scooch up to the breast, and when put directly to the nipple could not attach themselves well at all.
We watched a video in childbirth class featuring examples of each group. It was miraculous to see an hour-old newborn so determined to feed that he was able to do it with no help from his mother whatsover. And it was agonizing to watch the mother and baby who'd been medicated — as one of the conditions of the study, the mother lay quietly without helping the baby scale her sternum to find her breast. And it was wrenching to apply those circumstances to my own situation, where I'll unquestionably be medicated and separated from my baby for at least as long as that critical half-hour, knowing we won't have the chance to watch our baby squirm triumphantly through the first obstacle course of his life.
But after some careful thought, I've got it all figured out. Sure, our baby might be disoriented after being initially removed from me — big deal. He's been listening to me swear for so long now that I'm pretty sure all I'll have to do is chant a soft and loving string of profanity to remind him who's who. And our baby might be sluggish from the drugs — so what? I'll just gaily rattle a bottle of Percosets directly above my nipple, enticing the wee tiny junkie upward.
If he's not banging furiously on my chest with his minuscule fist within minutes, demanding brownies and vodka immediately, I'll eat that adorable little hat.
Posted by Julie at 02:25 PM in Jesus gay, I'm pregnant. | Permalink
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Comments (223)
My daughter spent a week in NICU and came home completely unwilling to latch, and I had zero support with the pumping situation. Bottom line was that breastfeeding did not work, and my pumped supply never came close to meeting demand. From all of this, I learned two things:
a) If you have trouble, insist on getting help IMMEDIATELY. Use whatever attention-getting techniques you need to. Throw things if necessary. Don't settle for just any nurse, get the LC.
b) If it still won't work, forgive yourself for it. I spent quite some time beating myself up for it, feeling like less of a mom, and I really wish I'd given myself a break. I tried really hard, and that's all anyone can do.
Best to you!
-S
Posted by: Shelley at Nov 22, 2004 2:38:27 PM
He? You said "he." I'm just askin' because I hadn't seen any actual gender declaration of sorts and had been wondering.
Asssuming I didn't already miss it, of course. It's been known to happen.
Posted by: ChgoRed at Nov 22, 2004 2:59:49 PM
I was way too distracted by the fact that I'd. Just. Had. A. Baby. to encourage the little monster to nurse immediately. For his part, he was way too interested in looking around at the world to seek out my boob. It took most of his first day to convince him to latch on, and then we had him circumsized, which pissed him off considerably. By the time I left the hospital, he'd really only nursed once. And of course the nursery staff had plugged his face with bottles and pacifiers... really, I did everything wrong from the moment he exited my drug-free body. Yet he spent the next 18 months firmly attached to my breast.
Of course, you know that if Batman wants brownies and vodka, you'll have to consume them for him and just pass on the luscious flavor in your milk. My toddler has already acquired a taste for beer, red wine, and coffee... I can't POSSIBLY imagine why that would be.
Posted by: Summer at Nov 22, 2004 3:00:36 PM
Earlier posters have recommended Duramorph. I would think that this wouldn't affect the baby's alertness any more than yours because it's not in the blood stream, but I haven't been able to confirm that through Googling. I had a hysterectomy with a spinal (which I understand is preferable to epidurals in planned caesarians); Duramorph was injected along with the anesthetic and lasted about 12 hours. I asked not to be presedated for the surgery and did not have any morphine intravenously. I was perfectly alert, and there was no pain or discomfort -- although when they hauled out my intestines to get at the right ovary, which I kept, I did feel exerted, as if I'd been running hard. You feel a little pressure and some tugging and twisting, but you won't even know the incision is being made unless you really pay attention -- it feels like a hair drawn across your skin.
Posted by: Jan at Nov 22, 2004 3:06:56 PM
Never posted before here, but the breastfeeding issue normally brings out some need to speak. My son didn't nurse well while in the hospital. But once home and in our own routine, he did just wonderful. It just takes patience, and practice and don't forget the lanolin cream. Oy vey, I had quite a sore nipple on one side, just one side, for a few days, and the lanolin helped incredibly. I never thought I'd turn into such a BF advocate, but I have. And my son self-weaned at eight months, or I would have continued. The best advice, is just to keep trying and get help if needed. And as much of an advocate as I am, I respect those who can't or don't BF. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.
Posted by: beachgal at Nov 22, 2004 3:09:44 PM
Are you kidding? Batman will be using his super power suction cup palms to claw his way to your breastes.. You'll be lucky if he's not trying desperately to suckle both nips at the same time while reaching for Paul's as well.
See I won't have this issue.. my boobettes are long enough that my kid will be able to eat lunch while emerging from my vagina.
Posted by: BrehdaS at Nov 22, 2004 3:23:07 PM
Brenda. I love you.
Posted by: Julie at Nov 22, 2004 3:25:47 PM
Even without any meds it took us a good 2 weeks before we figured it out.
And, hell, if you're having brownies and vodka then I'LL climb up your stomach.
Posted by: Linda at Nov 22, 2004 3:26:12 PM
It really will work out just fine. I think those videos, and much of the literature, are misleading: yes, BF is natural, but it's not always automatic! You have to learn, your baby has to learn, and your body has to adjust. I don't know any women who mastered it without some sort of hitch (small or huge) to get past.
When your pediatrician comes to check Batman at the hospital, ask him/her to WRITE AN ORDER for a lactation consultant to visit you before you are discharged home--that's your best chance to get good help, and even if you're only told, "Hey, you're doing it exactly right! Good job!" that helps a lot.
Posted by: another Jan at Nov 22, 2004 3:30:33 PM
I didn't breastfeed until my son was 7 days old due to circumstances caused by the ex. None of us thought I'd have enough milk, but I did and I breast fed him until he was four months old and then I had to stop because I needed emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder (knew it was going to happen, but thought we could hold off until he was 8 months old but the darned thing burst so it had to come out). I was on morphine for a week, so he was weaned.
Posted by: Scully at Nov 22, 2004 3:35:23 PM
You've got great perspective, Julie. You're absolutely right that having a C will not prevent you or the baby from being able to breastfeed. Geez, what's their point anyway. Which is meaner, having a little drugs during labor, or making the poor newborn find his own way to the milk jug??
Posted by: Kris at Nov 22, 2004 3:39:19 PM
I could not hold my daughter for quite a long time after she was born. She was being taken care of by a medical staff because she was having difficulty breathing on her own and then she slept for quite awhile. Nevertheless, she nursed voraciously until about 20 months. I don't have a lot of faith in these studies...
Posted by: Robin at Nov 22, 2004 3:50:58 PM
I'll add to the chorus of people who had a rough start and still ended up breast feeding. I had preeclampsia, and my daughter had poor muscle tone and very little ability to suck, possibly because of drugs I was given. First the nurses fed her with a tube down her throat (poor thing), and then we graduated to all sorts of bottle/simulated breast feeding situations. It took ten weeks, and it was hard. But I just weaned her this summer, after three years. I wouldn't blame anybody who gave up in the same situation, but I'm glad I stuck it out. And we figured it out just fine, with persistence.
But trust me, my baby was scooching nowhere for the first few days.
Posted by: cherylc at Nov 22, 2004 4:04:00 PM
I'm always suspicious of these studies, particularly if they're done by a man. I mean, it's easy for him to preach the whole "no pain relief" spiel when he will never have to give birth. I'd have more faith in this guy if he'd had a root canal without pain medication and then did the study. That might give him a little perspective.
I've known plenty of women who've had c-sections (including myself--a few problems at first, but it was the fault of my gigantic boobs getting in the way, not my son) and they were able to breastfeed just fine.
Posted by: chris at Nov 22, 2004 4:07:13 PM
I'm another woman who felt that the message of my childbirth class was that any baby who a)emerged from a medicated mommy or b) didn't latch within nanoseconds of delivery would never nurse. Due to circumstances beyond my control, both my baby and I were flying high at delivery and he was too woozy to nurse much that first day. Our nursing relationship was wonderful, and lasted over a year. Try not to let the Mommy Police scare you too much.
Sending warm thoughts your way--
Posted by: Emilie at Nov 22, 2004 4:10:47 PM
You made me laugh so hard, I almost coughed up my rum-and-juice.
Posted by: Karen at Nov 22, 2004 4:10:50 PM
And from the the other side of the anecdotal fence:
I was born 5 weeks premature in 1977, never did figure out how to latch properly, and my mom couldn't express enough breast milk to keep it coming after a few days. So I'm just here to say that - if all else fails (and I'm sure it won't), things will still be fine. I mean, I'm (achoo!) doing (sniffle) great! Sorry - must be my allergies acting up. :P Just kidding.
Posted by: Marie at Nov 22, 2004 4:19:30 PM
Julie - you've come this far on sheer will, I have no doubt that you'll get Batman to nurse if you want shim to.
I didn't get to even hold my son until he was 3 days old, and he was 5 days old before we got the okay to try to breastfeed (PIH and HELLP - he was 5 weeks early). It took some work, but I'm vastly more stubborn than he is, and at 4 months old, he's nursing well.
Posted by: Nance at Nov 22, 2004 4:37:52 PM
Just making sure I CAN spell my name correctly.
I swear I haven't even been drinking (much) today.
Love you too, Julie.
Posted by: BrendaS at Nov 22, 2004 4:47:16 PM
Oh THAT video! Full of Scandanavians looking Nordic and fit, except for the Scandanavians who look Nordic and woogy? Loved that video. Better than Schoolhouse Rock.
I have a breastfeeding story, too, but I'll wait to share it until you can rudely cut me off with your own.
Then I'll listen patiently for about five seconds until I say, "Uh-huh, ANYWAY, the lactation consultant told me..."
And you'll be all, "You already told me that story. So I found that it was easiest, at first, to nurse upside-down..."
And I'll say, "You're such a dick since you've had the baby."
And then we'll drift apart.
Posted by: Julia S at Nov 22, 2004 4:47:18 PM
I had a c-section .. it took awhile before I was with him .. and then it took awhile for him to want to nurse .. but soon as he did .. he got it down pat. If there is a problem .. contact the Lactation Consultant ASAP .. they will help. If your pediatrician gives you an advice about supplimenting .. demand the LC come in and help you intervene. Ours was a life saver.
Posted by: Stephanie at Nov 22, 2004 5:51:34 PM
Oh, you do make me laugh like a schoolgirl presented with a crude drawing of a penis.
I did notice you say "he" and "him" a lot. Did I miss something, or do we know the nature of Batman's, er... Bat-Genitals?
Posted by: Lynn at Nov 22, 2004 6:48:42 PM
#1 - I had an epidural delivering my daughter. It wore off - but I'm sure it was still in her system - the kid was LICKING HER LIPS until I fed her and was STILL DOING IT until she was 9 months old.
#2 - if you really want to do it - the best advice that I got was this - promise yourself (and your hubby) to do it for three weeks. If after three weeks, you're still not happy - quit - you tried. But most of the time, by three weeks - you're a pro and everything is easy. As much as it's natural, it's still hard to do at first. And why tell hubby? B/c he'll encourage you when you want to quit before three weeks. Mine did - and it was the best thing I did!!!
Posted by: Toni at Nov 22, 2004 7:20:17 PM
Please. Take it from a well baby/post partum nurse. Your baby will either nurse or he won't. And if he doesn't, he may still learn to. Some babies are born (not yours) stupid, some regardless of whether you pumped crack cocaine right into the placenta will nurse like its their job.
Do what you can to encourage bf ahead of time - nipple shells in the third trimester for one. Educate yourself but throw plans and expectations out the window. Unless the baby reads the book, only half of you can quote studies and know what is "supposed" to happen.
Please, don't give up pain medication based on these stupid videos. Did the woman also have nipples like doorknobs? There are alot of kinds of babies and many kinds of moms (emotionally, educationally, anatomically). There are many kinds of deliveries, even within the vaginal/c-section categories. You just won't know until you get there.
Try (HA!) not to stress about it!
Posted by: Em at Nov 22, 2004 7:40:17 PM
My daughter was born via C-section and I was heavily medicated. What she lacked in accuracy (in terms of getting a proper latch) she compensated for in enthusiasm. Save the Perco's for yourself you'll need them, and when you don't need them, you'll ENJOY the hell out of them. Tell Batman that if he wants the hospital-grade smack, he has to latch on properly and feed like a good little superhero.
Posted by: Susy at Nov 22, 2004 8:00:01 PM
Mine was drugged to high heaven, and removed from my chest only a little while after birth. Her little mouth sucked the whole way to the table, and all the way back to my tit.
Don't believe all the bullshit. Every babe is different, and besides Batman will want the boob right away and latch on correctly. Damnit.
BUT, definately see a lactation consultant. They help (mine was a bit of a boob nazi, but that's a whole different story)
and if your milk doesn't come in after birth (mine took a little too long) FENUGREEK capsules are your friend. (although you'll smell like maple syrup for awhile)
Posted by: Stacey at Nov 22, 2004 8:29:32 PM
My baby came out crying and chewing on her hands. (By c-section) She was starving. Because she was over nine pounds, they feared her blood sugar might have been low. Regardless, I didn't care why she was so hungry, I let my mom give her a bottle which settled her down nicely while i was getting stitched up.
The good news: She had absolutely no problems nursing, and we had a beautiful nursing relationship. I sent her back to the nursery by night where the nurses fed her bottle, so that I could get the sleep I needed to heal. But from 6:30 in the morning until 9:00 or so at night, she was all mine. Even the nurses marveled at how nicely she nursed by day.
I'm just writing my experience so you can see that even if a baby's first feeding is not perfect by the standards some people propose (though I can see you already figured this out), there's no reason why every feeding thereafter won't be perfect. In my case this included a middle of the night bottle compliments of dear husband. :)
I hope you'll have time after Batman arrives to post all about your first post-diabetes sugar fest. Oh, I mean, to post about Batman's first feeding. Tee hee.
Posted by: Just Me at Nov 22, 2004 8:58:48 PM
I can't believe they showed you that video. Did they really? It must be from the "Make Them Feel Inadequate Before They Ever Leave The Hospital" series.
Posted by: Kristine at Nov 22, 2004 9:46:30 PM
Hi, Julie. Sounds like everything is still going well for you. I agree that GD sucks, I had it too. You are doing great! Bring a Hershey bar to the hospital for your after delivery treat (when they actually allow you to eat solid food). Well, maybe don't bring chocolate, but bring something!
I had the triplets (one still birth but I WILL acknowledge her) on Oct. 27 by C-Section. It wasn't as bad as I thought, although I highly recommend putting a sign on your hospital door allowing only medical staff and food service to knock and enter, as many misc. hospital people will be stopping by at ALL hours of the day and you will be incredibly sleep deprived. Anyway, that is not what I was going to write about, that's another story.
My daughter was given to me first in the recovery room as they weren't finished with my son. She latched on immediately. He, on the other hand, had lots of problems latching on. Luckily, their blood sugars were fine. A lactation consultant I talked to before delivery recommends asking if you can put some colostrum on their gums immediately after delivery to help blood sugar.
Anyway, I did end up allowing the hosp. to supplement with formula anyway, as my girl was so small they had to give her formula and my boy was SO hungry, wailing even after nursing. I just felt terrible, even though I do know it is natural. Now they live soley on breast milk, although given by bottle at times...
Sorry if any of this advice is unwanted. Take what you want and leave the rest.
You'll do great and so will Batman.
Posted by: KatS at Nov 22, 2004 10:06:44 PM
Oh you made me laugh! Thought you were seriously worried batman wouldn't catch on (he/she will) as you are having a c-section. Glad you KNOW not to worry about it. Cripes, so much of the pregnancy/breastfeeding literature is just worriesome to a mom to be. It is a natural event and if baby wants to eat he/she catches on pretty fast ;) It is like, yep, right off the bat you fail as a mother if breastfeeding is not successful X minutes after delivery. None of my 3 kids was chomping to get on the boob after what they just went through!
Did NOT know that.. that baby will seek out the breast if need be. Very interesting..
Posted by: amy at Nov 22, 2004 11:05:34 PM
Yet another story to illustrate the wonderful variation of human experience thingy... had Fentanyl to help me through transitional labour, Claire got the cord wrapped and came out grunting. They wheeled her off to the NICU and the ride there knocked the last fluid out of her lungs. NICU nurse: "Why have you brought me this perfectly healthy baby?" C was back on my chest at birth + 50 minutes and fed like a champ for the next fourteen months.
AND developed a taste for big Australian shiraz while she was at it.
You're going to make the best mom ever.
Posted by: Rachel at Nov 23, 2004 12:09:52 AM
Lots of good advice about the nursing thing ... I especially second Toni's advice about promising yourself you'll give it at least three weeks before deciding if nursing is or isn't for you. Those first few weeks can be tough. Who knew that Lamaze breathing would come in handy after delivery?
I've been reading your GD posts with great sympathy -- I had it, too, and I really, really resented being told what I could and couldn't eat, and that 1/3 of a cup of rice equaled a serving. In Bizarro World, maybe, not mine.
I was really looking forward to breaking the Sugar Fast, so I took a box of peanut butter and chocolate chip granola bars to the hospital with me. The day after my baby was born the nurse was in the room for something, noticed that C needed his diaper changed, and offered to do it for me.
"Oh," she said, as she removed the Baby Burrito, "Has anyone pointed out this birthmark to you?"
"Birthmark?"
"Yes, it's a fairly large one."
She stopped and peered a little closer at the baby's thigh. "Unless it's chocolate."
Busted.
Posted by: Ruth at Nov 23, 2004 7:46:39 AM
Long time lurker here - don't believe the vids, 'K? You'll do fine, Batman will do great - no matter how s/he gets fed.
Oh, and the BF? It'll probably *hurt* for the first week or so. I was in tears with my daughter, it hurt so bad, but one morning (after maybe 2 weeks) the pain was just gone. She BF for 14 months (would have been longer, but she grinned at me one day and bit me hard. No more boobie for her! *g*) My son BF for 2 years....and would still be going strong if I had let him.
Regardless, whatever works for the 2 of you is what's best.
Posted by: verna at Nov 23, 2004 9:11:53 AM
I got to hold my daughter right after she was born, but then the placenta didn't deliver and all bets were off. My doc had to take me to the OR for a D&C, and I got (ok, demanded) lots of medication. And then my kid did not nurse well. But she was born at 36 weeks, and just REALLY didn't like to wake up. I agree w/everyone above who suggested a lactation consultant. If possible see the consultant before you deliver, and see if she can come to the hospital the day that Batman is born. In retrospect I would have seen my LC much earlier. (BTW my kid was able to exclusivly breast feed by the time that she was 4 weeks old-when she would have been full term. They get there eventually.)
Posted by: Abby at Nov 23, 2004 9:19:03 AM
Putting a set of percoset pasties in the mail for you immediately.
Posted by: mollie at Nov 23, 2004 10:24:04 AM
After I had my c/s and they brought my daughter back to me 2 hours later, she did that little scootching, crawling thing to get to my breast. So there! We did however have huge BF challenges, mostly due to my ginormous boobs, so if I had it to do all over again I would be screaming for a lactation person in the recovery room. And a hospital grade pump cause my milk didn't come in for like 6 days. BF was hard at first, but I am glad that I stuck it out cause it took away a lot of the negatives about the c/s for me. And bring that pillow the "my breast friend" and your own pillows too, hospital pillows suck.
Posted by: Annie at Nov 23, 2004 10:44:54 AM
I've had five babies. One "naturally", the others supernaturally--the drugs were super.
Anyway, my "natural" baby was my WORST nurser. I bf all five of the kiddos, still nursing my 13 month old and will until whenever. So I have a good little sample pool to compare.
Anecdotal, yes. It just shows that you, your baby, their mouth, your boob...never has there been that combo on the face of the Earth. Nobody can predict what will happen. A better outcome is acheived, however, through education and help.
Good luck!
Posted by: mopsy at Nov 23, 2004 11:09:14 AM
julie, talk with your OB at your next visit and ask what kind of anesthesia administration you should expect--i am doubtful that your anesthesia will affect batman. i was never offered the option of an epidural because i never went into labor. since you're looking at a scheduled c, i suspect you too will go the spinal route. within 10 minutes of me being drugged and, ahem, 'additionally prepped' (i mentioned that in an email to you), CX was out. there was no time for the drugs in my body to get to him; he was absolutely not sluggish.
i didn't get to nurse right away, and i had PCOS-induced supply problems, but CX latched splendidly and apart from my low supply (and me not remembering much of the next 24 hours because i was on mag sulfate thanks to preeclampsia), we have been nursing happily since 5-8-04.
remember, your prenatal class is for the 'average' parent-to-be, and you're nothing if not average!
Posted by: wix at Nov 23, 2004 1:07:39 PM
You rock! Tell Batman I say "Hi"
Posted by: MOT at Nov 23, 2004 1:47:50 PM
You probably already know this, but we all know how wonderful unsolicited advice is, right?
It really helped me during those first (painful!) weeks of nursing my first son to have mental pictures of other moms (my stepmom in particular, but I think any mom would do) who were successfully and happily nursing their babies. It made me think, I can do it too!
Have a friend or paid consultant or whatever watch you nurse. If someone had seen what I was doing, they could have said, "Don't let him do that with his mouth," and saved me weeks of bleeding blistered nipples.
(This is sounding more and more fun by the minute, right?)
You might consider attending a couple of LLL meetings in your last month or so. As crunchy-granola as some LLL Leaders can be, they are also willing to drop almost anything to come help.
You might also consider having a lactation consultant check out your nipples now (what fun!). I have a couple of friends who had inverted nipples, but didn't know it -- there are some things you can do now to fix it and make it easier for Batman to get a nice, solid latch.
I have to say, it does seem kind of mean to make the babies crawl up to their mommas all by themselves. I mean, how cool that they can do it -- but why do we have hands, anyway?
Posted by: Rachel at Nov 23, 2004 2:44:16 PM
My younger son was born at 29w6d. He lived in the NICU for the first month of his life. He didn't nurse during his first half hour of life. He was fed by IV for the first few days, then received nutrition through an NG tube for a couple of weeks, and then, when he was about 3 weeks old, they FINALLY started teaching him to suck a bottle. I was really upset, because I really wanted to breast feed. So, I kept pumping and trying, pumping and trying ... and one day when he was THREE MONTHS OLD he suddenly figured it out. I nursed him until he weaned himself at 18 months.
So, my advice? Don't believe the hype and don't believe the nipple nazis. If you want it, you'll be able to do it and so will Batman, and the world won't end if it takes a little while and you need to supplement. And if it doesn't work out, you're still a good mom.
Posted by: JenAtHome at Nov 23, 2004 3:18:30 PM
Guess what... not that my two cents are worth much... but I have done it both ways... C/S with the first... and delivered the 2nd. put it to you this way.... Lactation Consultant is your best route. Don't worry about being disconnected with your first born the first hour of their lives.. get someone to take pictures of the wee little being during that time.. hopefully with your husband in them...that will make nice memories... breastfeeding will either work or not work... but it is work, so perservere as best you can... and if you can't don't beat yourself up over it... there will be many more challenging episodes to conquer in parenthood and don't let this set a precedent. AND FINALLY... the only one that will not know that you aren't their is you... the little one won't hold it against you... my boy is one month shy of 10 and he has never ever ever complained that I wasn't there for him during his first hour of life on this earth. Besides... you will have these little chicklets the rest of your lives, looking back... take that one hour to ponder into your future now that the little one has finally arrived... oh, I managed to Breastfeed him for 7 months after... not easily at all in the beginning.. but with lots of work, it worked... and he's still a happy smart sweet healthy kind boy with a beautiful smile !
Posted by: Deanna at Nov 23, 2004 11:00:05 PM
I had my daughter 100% naturally at a birth center with no medication. She was placed on my naked abdomen immediately after birth -- they didn't even cut the cord until after it stopped pulsating, at least 10 minutes after the birth. At no point on that day did I have an easy time nursing this child. The nurse showed me how to latch her on, and I kind of got it and mostly didn't, and my daughter sort of figured it out for one side and then when the other side was presented to her, she shook her head from side to side with her mouth wide open and crying as I recall. That evening it was even more difficult.
I suspect the general percentages would support the analysis that the video in your childbirth class presented, but anecdotally, I'm sure there are a lot of women like me who went natural and still had a ton of trouble. My issues took several weeks to sort themselves out. I stuck with it and had a wonderful lactation consultant and all was resolved eventually but it was quite a challenge.
Posted by: Elise at Nov 23, 2004 11:16:22 PM
God I love the woman who said she had the babies "supernaturally". What a great line. I loved the epidural so much I bought a round for everyone in the room. Then I had my BF blow the epidural man to show my gratitude. Thankfully I hang out with sluts. My babies nursed fine, it hurt like hell the first week, then I quit boiling my boobs and it was better. (Damn I am card tonight). Seriously I am pathetic and lazy and would have given the little yard apes Happy Meals if they would have purried them, and even I managed to exclusively breastfeed 2 of my daughters. Not one bottle for either of them. Of course those are the two with tutors now. (Don't drink cheap beer, it obviously messes with that reading thing.)
Posted by: Lisa at Nov 24, 2004 12:23:10 AM
Sheesh! The whole breastfeeding thang really brings out the womenfolk. I'll add my two cents. The push to make women breastfeed is just as cruel as the push to use formula in the 70's. My hippie mom breastfed us to much disgust by others. I had a real hard time breastfeeding my firstborn. The nurses would not leave me alone. One of them climbed onto the back of my chair! She saw the look in my eyes and slinked right on out of there. My doc has the best advice. Leave mom and baby alone. For good periods of time. My milk never came down at the hospital. Not even in the five days I spent there with my first. Those damn nurses fed her even though she was drugged and really just wanted to sleep. If I knew then what I know now, I would have kept her in the room away from their clutches. They just want to feel they are doing something.
Posted by: katie at Nov 24, 2004 9:12:06 AM
If you read the more wacko literature, and talk to the more wacko people you can find (especially La Leche League people), you find out all sorts of things about the powers of nature.
Breast feeding takes some learning for both mother and child, but there is an excellent window of opportunity just after birth when the baby is at its most alert for a long while. And in most places, that time is taken up by superfluous hospital procedures, when all they really need to know at that point is whether the child is breathing and is the right colour.
Sadly, many obstetricians are understandably influenced into extreme caution by seeing so many difficult pregnancies- particularly in the UK, where they are not usually directly involved in normal pregnancy and birth- and many more natural techniques are not allowed to take place because they interfere with hospital procedure, much of which has little to do with directly benefitting the mother and her newborn (eg putting on those little wrist bands- why can't they do while you're holding the baby?- answer: well they could, but it's just easier if they get your kid for that first crucial hour).
I felt so strongly about this after having my first in hospital (I was actually very distressed at not being able to hold him while they did all these things) that I had the next two at home.
I can't explain what takes hold of you when you first have your baby- it's visceral. You just want to hold your baby, and for the rest of the world to just f**k off and leave you alone together.
I know that in your case, they will be understandably worried about you and your baby, but if you feel strongly about this, try negotiating with your doctor or whoever is doing the C section, to see whether they can leave all that stuff till after the first crucial hour.
Posted by: e at Nov 24, 2004 6:05:46 PM
Wix, is it true PCOS causes milk supply issues?
Jesus H Christ, all this time, I thought my boobs were just defunct after I gave birth.
Thank god for that Fenugreek.
Posted by: Stacey at Nov 24, 2004 9:29:27 PM
As a first time mom, I'll tell you this: There are going to be a thousand things that will try and make you feel guilty. You do what works best for you. I was medicated and sure, it was hard at first, but I didn't give in and it works now.
Unfortunately with the sleepness nights and poopy diapers comes guilt trips from strangers. I guess it comes with the territory?
Posted by: sarcastic journalist at Nov 24, 2004 11:42:34 PM
i dunno shit about breast feeding, at least from personal experience. but i watched my wife try.
here's what i've learned:
1) constipated children stay constipated, whether or not you use the low-iron formula or they take it by boob-job express.
2) breast pumps can make you uncomfortable, and they look stupid besides.
3) if, in time, it turns out either you can't breastfeed, or you try and you hate it, it's not the end of the world. [my wife hated it.]
3a) you're still a good mom.
3b) batman will still be a strong, healthy kid.
still, by all means, give it a whirl. it certainly can't hurt either of you. :)
Posted by: RainbowW at Nov 25, 2004 2:36:07 AM
Dear Julie,
Have you thought about talking to a lactation consultant?
Love, Danae
Posted by: Danae at Nov 25, 2004 12:49:28 PM
Throwing in my 2cents... (canadian, so that's like, 1.6cents USD)
Lactation consultant = good. In Ontario, when I had my first, they had one come by your house in the first week that you were home to see how things were going, and you could call for support if you wanted. Sorta like a traveling, visiting nurse who was also a lactation consultant.
I like the 3 week thumb rule... I found the first 2 weeks were absolute hell on earth, I didn't know what the f*ck I was doing, low supply, not a lot of support etc. but once I was through that period, did fine.
One thing I found really REALLY helped was having my husband take the child AWAY after I was done feeding, and to change and bring her back when she was hungry. Even if I only slept for 45 minutes, it was better than the 0 I would have gotten otherwise.
Posted by: wookie at Nov 25, 2004 1:47:54 PM
I was medicated, and half-paralyzed from a C-section but we made the latch. The nurse said ' you will have no problems breastfeeding this baby'. but she was wrong, we endured rynaud's syndrome, thrush and colic. Did we make it? Hell yeah . :-) We all do our best with different results.
Oh and to ' sarcastic journalist ' up there. Breastpumps do not make you look stupid. What a stupid thing to say.
Posted by: momtomillie at Nov 25, 2004 7:43:00 PM
Oh....Poor "sarcastic journalist"....they didn't even make that comment????
I can't believe that study! Really! Little babies make their own way to the breast after birth? Wow! Why do so many new parents have to get up through the night to a tired, hungry baby? I think baby should find it's own way from nursery to breast! It did it once! It can do it again!
Posted by: Simone at Nov 25, 2004 10:18:13 PM
My son, also from IVF, was very underweight and born from emergency c-section. He ended up being fed by naso-gastric tube and remaining in hospital for four weeks. I didn't first put him to the breast till he was a week old. It wasn't until 3.5wks that he began to really show an interest in breastfeeding. He went on to breastfeed for years! It was the most wonderful relationship and helped me recover from the traumas of infertility and the emergency birth etc etc etc. So if your baby does not latch on within minutes, don't think it's all over! The important thing is to have confidence that you can do it - can you visit an LLL local meeting while you are still pregnant and find out about lactation consultants and phone counsellors - get all those things in place, because after the birth it will be chaotic and you will need to have your support systems already lined up. Good luck.
Posted by: suze at Nov 25, 2004 10:49:20 PM
My son was born and taken away from me for the first hour (bullshit reason) and was a pretty lazy eater for his first three or four days. I didn't realize what a bitch engorgement can be, but we made it through. Now at three months his nickname is Chunk. The first week was pretty damned hard, but we're pretty slick now. One thing I wasn't prepared for was how wrecked I feltafter delivery. It took two weeks for me to be able to stand up long enough to put my face on. Oh, and definitely kick everybody out that you don't want to be in the room with you, no matter what. It only adds more stress, so fuck 'em. Best of luck, you'll do great.
Posted by: Sarah at Nov 25, 2004 11:16:08 PM
Running down the hallway, bustin’ down doors and therefore overmedicated emergency c-section here. Morphine giving me the itches that had me screaming for methadone (made sense at the time), Percoset (sp?) every 4 hours on the dot, a lactation consultant accusing me of having inferior, flat nipples (wha?) and the little sucker breast fed his little heart out for 9 months until the call of the cycle had me cut him off. Something tells me you'll be just fine. Oral people beget oral babes. By day four I picture you fighting the dude off, capes flying.
Posted by: Monk at Nov 26, 2004 12:03:01 AM
Even when all is perfect and it's an uneventful pregnancy, they sometimes whisk them off for one reason or another...my son had meconium in his amniotic fluid, so they didn't put him on my chest right away. We stayed up all night (just the 2 of us) learning how to breastfeed. It was exhausting, but looking back it's one of the best memories of my life.
-Erin
Posted by: Erin at Nov 26, 2004 1:47:20 PM
Hey...I've never posted here before. One of the girls on my TTC#1 board said this journal was enjoyable to read, as well as worthwhile and quite the experience. Boy she wasn't kidding. I'm sure you do not write your clever, albeit um...raw entries to make 'lil old me laugh but I was up half the night reading this journal and my husband was curious to know what I was reading that made me laugh out loud...so I read him some and then we were both laughing. I think you should write a book. Who knows maybe that is what you do...
As far as breastfeeding goes...I don't know a thing about it...for now I'm just trying to get pregnant. Besides it seems you have plenty of excellent advice.
Posted by: Meg at Nov 26, 2004 3:42:09 PM
I had a c section with my son and was able to breastfeed a mere 30 minutes afterwards. It went beautifully and we had no problems. I hope all goes well.
Posted by: Rebecca at Nov 26, 2004 4:28:01 PM
I also had a section, and Jake nursed like a champ. At 9lbs 13oz, he was a hungry one. Never had a minute problem. The extra day (or 2?) that you will get in the hospital since you'll have a section will ensure that people are there to help you. Don't hesitate to ask the nurses to keep visitors out during those times, either. Best of luck!
Posted by: Kay at Nov 26, 2004 9:09:26 PM
Hi Julie,
I've no doubt you know, but The Times newspaper here in the UK have a "websites of the week" column and your site is the first listed today. It's not on their own website (that figures) but it says:
"Favourite blog of the week was www.alittlepregnant.com, the diary of a 33 year old American woman trying to get pregnant. After four rounds of IVF, one ectopic pregancy and a miscarriage, Julie's expecting her baby on February 6th, which means "only 432 small pasta-free meals to choke back until then".'
So you may be getting a few more hits from this side of the pond...
Posted by: Lis at Nov 27, 2004 9:50:44 AM
My daughter was 10 weeks premature and had no suck-swallow reflex whatsoever, because those don't develop until around 34-36 weeks gestational age. After six weeks of pumping milk and feeding it to her through her nose (no, I'm not kidding) she suddenly developed the reflex, and we slowly learned how to nurse. I say, we, because both of us had to get the hang of the whole nursing thing. I was only at the hospital for about 9 hours a day, so the rest of the time, when they weren't shoving her food down her nose, the nurses gave her bottles. And pacifiers - the horror.
Meanwhile, I returned to work four weeks after she got out of the hospital, because my leave was up, and she got bottles while I was at work, and the little bugger still went on to nurse and nurse and nurse.
Posted by: Anon at Nov 27, 2004 11:28:34 PM
Julie -
I just logged on for the first time this long weekend. Wanted to to congratulate you on the safe arrival of your little one, and that beautiful apgar score.
Hope mom and baby are doing very very well.
All my love,
Mandy
Posted by: Mandy at Nov 28, 2004 12:04:13 AM
Julie, wishing you and Paul the best this weekend. Congrats on the beautiful Batman and I hope he/she is functioning well. Gorgeous scores and what a healthy weight!!
I hope you all rest well and things go well from here. Sending you all lots of scary internet love.
Posted by: Jen P at Nov 28, 2004 12:28:49 AM
OMG. Am slightly incoherent with shock and relief, but so, SO happy to hear that Batman has arrived in fabulous Apgar style.
Hoping for a swift return to health for you, and much bonding time with Batman. Hey, how soon can you go back to carbs? Get this lady some pie, STAT!
Mazal tov!!! Much love to you all.
Posted by: persephone at Nov 28, 2004 12:36:46 AM
JULIE ... I posted on tertia's site, but i just wanted to send congrats your way on the birth of Batman. From one HELLP syndrome survivor to another, BEST WISHES!!!
Posted by: MelF at Nov 28, 2004 1:29:38 AM
Wooooooohoooooooooowww for Batman and an Apgar of 9/9!!!!! My heart stopped for a moment reading the annoncement on Tertia's blog.
Thanks for keeping your faithful audience updated, and Happy Birthday to the lil' Bat. I'm sooo thrilled. :-)
Posted by: Jessica at Nov 28, 2004 1:39:22 AM
Just want to tell you that plenty of babies breastfeed after a cesarean. It's not a "do it now, or don't do it at all" kind of thing.
Breastfeeding right away, after birth is just supposed to make things easier for both of you, and even that isn't always the case.
After reading the above responses, it looks like you've had your lil batman... and I am as happy as I can be that you're both doing so well! Keep it up you two! CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Kris at Nov 28, 2004 2:50:40 AM
congrats, julie! my little guy was a 9/9 at 38 weeks, so it sounds like batman is already kicking much ass! can't wait to hear from you again. i hope you will grace us with a photo of batman!
Posted by: wix at Nov 28, 2004 2:52:42 AM
Congratulations. Have fun with Batman. All the best.
Posted by: Izabela at Nov 28, 2004 6:31:17 AM
Julie!! What a relief to know that you and Bat are okay. Hope you'll be able to join us back in blogland soon...
Congratulations!
Posted by: Kendra at Nov 28, 2004 9:52:18 AM
Congratulations on Batman's arrival! Glad to know you're both ok and looking forward to your posts on motherhood...
Posted by: Lis at Nov 28, 2004 11:46:59 AM
Congratulations Julie!!! I am so glad to hear that you and Batman are doing well. I can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: Amanda at Nov 28, 2004 12:07:20 PM
Sending much love and many good luck vibes to you and your new little miracle. I am so glad you are both doing well.
Posted by: karla at Nov 28, 2004 12:10:27 PM
Congratulations on the birth of Bat! I couldn't believe it when I read Tertia's site. Great scores and weight! woohoo!
Posted by: Kether at Nov 28, 2004 12:31:14 PM
Long time "lurker" coming out to say congrats on the little Batman, and to wish you a safe and happy home coming with the new baby.
D
Posted by: Danie'L at Nov 28, 2004 12:59:53 PM
Sending love and good, good, good wishes to you, Paul and Batman.
I love you.
Posted by: Menita at Nov 28, 2004 2:07:33 PM
Wow. Congratulations on the Batbirth, Julie. Sending good wishes your way. (lurker here, just poking out to say everyone's thinking about you.)
Posted by: sara at Nov 28, 2004 2:28:57 PM
WOW! Some shocking news about batman's early appearance. Sounds like you and your doc were keeping very close tabs on the situation, though, thank god! Congrats, and fabulous Apgar scores! YAY!! Can't wait to hear how your new one is doing.
Posted by: Deanna at Nov 28, 2004 2:30:58 PM
Another lurker here -
Congratulations Julie and Paul on Batman's arrival! Hope you recover quickly and make it home soon.
Posted by: Dahlia at Nov 28, 2004 2:35:59 PM
Also shocked here, but hoping all is well with you, little Bat and Paul. Can't wait for an update. But I really hope you and Bat can now move on from the depressing gestational diabetes diet. Thinking of you! I'm so happy to hear Bat is doing well.
Posted by: wavery at Nov 28, 2004 2:38:24 PM
Delurking for the first time ever to say congrats on the safe arrival of Batman.
Hope you're feeling better.
9/9 APGAR!!
Holy healthy preemie Batman!!
Posted by: Casper at Nov 28, 2004 3:04:00 PM
I heard the news. How very scary for you both, but so glad to hear that Batman is doing well in the NICU. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Update when you're feeling up to it. And please, have some sugar, you deserve it.
Posted by: Pazel at Nov 28, 2004 3:30:56 PM
Congratulations! I hope you're feeling better. God. That's SO scary!
I can't believe the APGAR score on the little caped wunderkind. As I mentioned on Tertia's blog, my daughter was born at term, and her APGAR was only 7/8.
I'm praying for you, Paul and Batman and thanking all that is divine for Batman's safe arrival. I am also asking them to cut you a break!
Posted by: Susy at Nov 28, 2004 3:36:43 PM
Julie, I am so very happy for you that Bat is here and doing well. What a shock it must have been for you to have yet another spanner thrown in the works. Or perhaps you're used to them by now; goodness knows you've never taken anything for granted.
Most importantly, I'm glad YOU'RE doing well. And I can't wait for your first post in this new Age of Batman.
Much love,
Bugs
Posted by: Dead Bug at Nov 28, 2004 4:26:05 PM
Julie and Paul...Congrats on the birth of batman!
Hope you are feeling well soon!
Posted by: sassimiz at Nov 28, 2004 4:28:34 PM
Julie-Just read Tertia's posts, and am still hyperventilating! Congratulations to you, Paul and Batman. Hope all is continuing to go well-I'm thinking about all 3 of you!
Posted by: Abby at Nov 28, 2004 4:31:50 PM
Welcome Batbaby!! Congrats to Julie and Paul on their arrival. Sorry s/he had to arrive so quickly, but am so glad to hear the good weight/apgar news! Here's to hoping you're all home soon! Can't wait to hear/see sex/name/picture!! Sending up prayers and good wishes to you all...
Much love,
Natalee
Posted by: Nat1026 at Nov 28, 2004 4:40:18 PM
Just adding myself to the hordes of well-wishers from across the planet. So glad to hear that you and Batman seem to be doing well.
Now you get to begin that part you've been working towards all these years-- actually being a mom. Let the rest of us know if it turns out to be worth all the trouble or if we should stop where we are! ;-)
Best of luck. Looking forward to the updates.
Posted by: Kim at Nov 28, 2004 4:45:57 PM
(Repressing giant squeal) - congrats J&P, and bienvenue, Bat! Incredible apgars for such a youngun, and great weight.
Assvice - remember to take care of yourself, especially since you've had such a hard time of it, and since you're not going to be sleeping much once the Bat comes home. (Nor as long as you're in hospital - hospitals are the worst places on earth to try to sleep.) Whatever it means to you to take care of yourself, do it and don't put up with knowbetters. (Because you, like, needed to be told that! Ha!)
Go Mama Julie, GOOOO! You totally rawk. (We Internets love you - big thanks to Tertia for the update.)
Posted by: ginger at Nov 28, 2004 5:52:08 PM
I'm hoping this post will finally go through, mazal tov Julie and Paul, thank God little Bat is a fighter already, what wonderful weight and APGAR for a preemie, here's to a speedy recovery for all of you (health, stress and fear-wise), can't wait for stories from Batland, ALL THE BEST to the fabulous three!!!
Posted by: Lioness at Nov 28, 2004 6:29:11 PM
Julie, (Ma, Mother, Mummy, MOM, Mamma)
I always know that I am in for a treat when I check your blog....(or Tertia's for that matter) but THIS really takes the cake.
414 small pasta free meals to choke back, huh? You really took care of that! And who would have thought you could tell inquisitive little Batman if your refrigerator was running FACE TO FACE!
A star is born....It's a Christmas Miracle!
What an amazing journey...such a long road you've travelled...and yet, now you are back to the very beginning of a new journey. Take us with you again. I love travelling with you.
Congratulations! I hope you & the Littlest Cape Crusader are out of Hospital real soon.
Take care of you & your offspring.
Posted by: Simone at Nov 28, 2004 6:32:10 PM
"In short, Julie shall astonish us all."
*********
In the long run, too!
Posted by: Jan at Nov 28, 2004 6:40:22 PM
Congratulations. I read the entries at Tertia's site and nearly fell over with happy surprise. Best wishes to you and Paul and your new external peripheral.
I hope the nurses are letting you celebrate with a hot fudge sundae or something similarly decadent--you deserve it.
Posted by: Rhonda at Nov 28, 2004 6:40:22 PM
Well congratulations are certainly due!!! Good job Julie. Hope you, Daddy, and the Bat are doing well. Our prayers go out to you!
Posted by: Amnesia at Nov 28, 2004 7:13:30 PM
And now she's gone and given birth to a 9/9er. We'll probably never hear the end of it.
Julie: I'm in shock, your news was STUNNING!
I hope you are recovering quickly and you and Paul and the Batchild are home soon.
The Internet loves you and wishes you well, as do I.
Posted by: Lauren at Nov 28, 2004 7:17:00 PM
Oh, Julie!
What can I say? Just wishing you, Bat, and Paul the very best of health. A quick recovery to all. Mazel tov.
Posted by: Andrea at Nov 28, 2004 7:46:07 PM
Jesus Harold Christ on a rubber crutch! I don't read for two days, and THIS happens?! I think my heart just stopped for about ten minutes.
Congratulations! As soon as is feasible, if you can tear yourself away from Batman (and who could blame you if you couldn't?), you must grace us with the sex, name, all that jazz. And a picture, if possible.
Holy Heart Attack, Batman! Scare the crap out of your mother, will you?
Posted by: Lynn at Nov 28, 2004 9:24:26 PM
Mazal Tov! Such wonderful news - may the Batbaby bring you much continued joy and happiness - and may the three of you be home safely and soon!
~back to the lurk-mists~
Posted by: Kinneret at Nov 28, 2004 10:36:14 PM
Oh my goodness. LIke so many of the other visitors I was shocked to see Tertia's news about you, Paul, and Bat. I'm thrilled to here about the APGAR and weight and am wishing all three of you the best!
Posted by: Rachel at Nov 28, 2004 10:38:14 PM
Congrats!!! Can't wait for a full update on your site once you guys are home and Batman is off fighting crime.
Posted by: Kitten at Nov 28, 2004 10:57:13 PM
Oh, Julie! Congratulations to you and Paul and Batman. I'm dying for details!
Posted by: Egg Donor at Nov 28, 2004 11:48:41 PM
Congrats!!! so happy all is relatively well, i'll be thinking of you and paul and bat.
Posted by: Tina at Nov 29, 2004 12:00:53 AM
I've read about that study many times and never figured out why people think that it would be fun to make the baby scooch up on its own. A) Boooooorrrrrrrring! B) Must it go to the effort? Can't it just be stuck next to the breast and do its rooting-around thing? It's nice to know that they can, but... waiting an hour for it to scooch... so weird!
Posted by: badgerbag at Nov 29, 2004 2:06:28 AM
Congratulations!! - hope you and the Bat are home soon.
Posted by: Mac at Nov 29, 2004 5:33:40 AM
Congratulations!!! Sending very best wishes to you, Paul and Bat from here in Oz.
Posted by: Liz at Nov 29, 2004 5:57:42 AM
Congratulations Julie and Paul and welcome to the world Batman! May his/her and your hospital stays be as short and uneventful as possible. Just had to show up Tertia, didn't you ;)
Posted by: Liz at Nov 29, 2004 7:47:40 AM
De-lurking to say Congratulations!!! I've been following your blog for ages now and just wanted to let you know that you have touched the lives of people you have never met (but you knew that!).
I hope that you, Paul and bat(wo)man (which one is it, I'm DYING of the suspense here!!!!) are home very very soon!
Congratulations again :)
(From all the way down under - and I don't mean, you know, *there*)
Posted by: Sara at Nov 29, 2004 9:04:54 AM
Congratulations to you both and welcome to Batman! Soooo thankful you are all OK! What a surprise (no shit, huh!)
Congrats,
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn at Nov 29, 2004 9:10:30 AM
Well done. Congradulations! Hoping all goes well for all of you. Great apgar score.
Posted by: serena at Nov 29, 2004 9:16:46 AM
Julie!
Congratulations! I am so so happy for you, Paul and the new Bat. With that weight and agpar score you're practically showing off. Mazel tov, and Happy Birthday Bat!
love
Tamar
Posted by: Tamar at Nov 29, 2004 9:26:21 AM
Congratulations Julie, Paul and Batman!
Posted by: Debe at Nov 29, 2004 9:39:25 AM
okay, okay, you brought yet another lurker out. Congrats to you, Paul, and the newly hatched bat baby! Anxiously awaiting your update...
Posted by: Diana at Nov 29, 2004 9:40:19 AM
I can't believe you'll have a baby for Christmas!
Great weight and great apgars! Take care of yourselves.
Elle (devoted lurker)
Posted by: Elle at Nov 29, 2004 10:13:47 AM
Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom!
Doesn't that sound awesome?
Congrats and best wishes to all three of you. :)
You are blessed.
Posted by: Stacey at Nov 29, 2004 10:23:18 AM
Delurking to say CONGRATULATIONS! ^_^ May all three of you have long, happy, healthy lives.
Posted by: Cadi at Nov 29, 2004 10:53:35 AM
OMG! OMG! OMG!!! Holy Apgar Scores Batman!
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!! I'm so tickled to hear that the THREE of you are doing well!
I guess WOBIN was a sign after all..
Ohhhh I'm so tickled for you.. MAMA!!!
Posted by: eightlegs at Nov 29, 2004 12:12:01 PM
Congratulations, Julie, Paul and lil Batman. Sounds like after a rocky start things are going along well. So glad the situation was recognized and the decision to deliver was made.
Looking forward to your update.
Posted by: MichelleL at Nov 29, 2004 12:52:20 PM
A sincere congratulations.
Best wishes to you, Paul, and that beautiful new baby.
You're a mom.
Posted by: thisgirl at Nov 29, 2004 1:01:54 PM
De-lurking to add to the 100+ chorus of readers wishing you every happiness.
Posted by: Case at Nov 29, 2004 1:18:53 PM
YAY!! Congrats!! :)
Posted by: mary Jo at Nov 29, 2004 1:43:55 PM
Happy birthday to Bat! Happy birthday to Bat! Happy biiiiirthday to Baaaaat, happy birthday to Bat!
Congratulations from yet another lurker.
Posted by: Annie at Nov 29, 2004 1:45:58 PM
Adding to the list of lurkers delurking - I've been following all of you ladies throughout your pregnancies, and I'm so thrilled to hear that yours ended with a healthy baby and mom -- CONGRATS!!
Posted by: Molly B at Nov 29, 2004 1:50:33 PM
Wow! Holy smokes! Congratulations and all best wishes to the new Mom and Dad. And welcome to the world, young Bat(wo)man.
Posted by: Kimberly at Nov 29, 2004 1:53:34 PM
Wow and WOW... man alive, you're a mother and let the celebration begin! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Cathy at Nov 29, 2004 1:54:33 PM
Adding mine to the many already here...
Congratualations to Mom, Dad and Batman!!
B
Posted by: B at Nov 29, 2004 2:00:32 PM
Let me be the hundred and something-th person to say...
Holy Shit!
Congratulations and best wishes to all of you.
Posted by: Coralie at Nov 29, 2004 2:02:48 PM
OH MY EFFING GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just sent you an email and, selfish bitch that I am, didn't even know this had gone down until just this VERY SECOND!!!
I love all three of you with all of my breadth, width and soul.
((((((((((((((((((((BAT)))))))))))))))))))))))
Liz
Posted by: Liz at Nov 29, 2004 2:19:17 PM
You finally made it, you're a mommy!!! I can't think of very many people who deserve it as much as you do. Can't wait to see pics and hear the details!!! Go Batman!!
Posted by: shaunacat at Nov 29, 2004 2:39:13 PM
I just thought of something. Now you can change your category to: Jesus Gay, I have a Batman!
Yay!
Posted by: Kitten at Nov 29, 2004 2:40:42 PM
Amazing news! I am very happy to hear you are all doing well and that your dream has finally come true. Can't wait for an update.
All the best,
Libby (another devoted lurker)
Posted by: Libby at Nov 29, 2004 3:31:48 PM
WHOOOOO F***** HOOO!!!!!!! Glad things are ok!!!! CONGRATS!!! (from another lurker ;)
Posted by: Onyx at Nov 29, 2004 4:05:44 PM
Oh my gosh!! What great news to log into on a Monday afternoon! CONGRATULATIONS to you, Paul, and Bat! Can't wait to see little Bat pictures!
-AmyY
Posted by: Amy at Nov 29, 2004 4:05:54 PM
Congratulations and welcome to the mothers-who-had-c-sections-after-getting-pre-eclampsia/HELLP-club! I am very glad to hear you are high on Lime Jell-O and that Bat tested 9/9. Wow! Hugs to you and your DH, and a gentle stroke on the cheek and gentler pat on a stocking capped head for your new Bat Baby.
Posted by: MOT at Nov 29, 2004 4:09:36 PM
Congratulations!!!! What wonderful news!
I was so sorry to read though that you were handed yet another devasting pregnancy complication. You just didn't get any break at all. But you and your little one have amazing strength and I keep all my fingers crossed (not sure how to accomplish that yet...) for the three of you.
with my best wishes,
katja (another lurker)
Posted by: katja at Nov 29, 2004 4:18:55 PM
My son was born at 30 weeks 6 days, from an emergency C-section due to preeclampsia. He is healthy and perfect, 19 months later (and pretty much had no complications from the start, but it's still not the way you picture it all happening). The weeks in the nicu weren't fun, but it's still all good in th end. Plus that's also a lot of pregnancy discomfort that we missed, too. ;)
(Don't be afraid, btw, to look into earl intervention to make sure batbaby is doing well - I had this irrational fear of anyone telling me something was wrong with my son, but as it turns out, you get someone to come to your home weekly to help you learn how to help your baby learn, and that's kind of a blast for a first time parent - lots of great training. Everyone should have them; that's one of the few cases where having a preemie actually makes your life easier. Your nicu should give you contact info.)
Posted by: Ellen at Nov 29, 2004 4:31:39 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Welcome BAT BABY!!
So, so, so happy for you, Paul and Bat!
Kisses and hugs...
Posted by: Jen/VintageUterus at Nov 29, 2004 4:44:53 PM
I am so so pleased for you and Paul! Congratulations! And, er, welcome to the C-section club.
Posted by: cori at Nov 29, 2004 4:51:42 PM
Wow. Wow. Oh Wow.
Congratulations Julie and Paul. I have been in awe of your strength and courage, but this is just incredible. Bat clearly takes after the two of you, the over achiever!
I wish you a boat-load of well-deserved peace in the next few weeks, and many, many years of brilliant health and happiness.
Posted by: Isabel at Nov 29, 2004 5:27:26 PM
I am a staunch lurker, but just can't contain it this time. I am glad to hear that all is going well, despite the earliness of Bat's arrival. Congrats to you and your husband!
Welcome to the world, Bat.
Posted by: Denise at Nov 29, 2004 5:41:34 PM
Congratulations on the safe arrival of the BatBaby! I guess "A Little Pregnant" is now "A Little Mother!" lol.
Best wishes to the three of you. Finally and at last a precious baby to hold :)
Posted by: Anne at Nov 29, 2004 5:50:46 PM
Wow, I'm reading through the comments and then realize that Batman is here! Congratulations! Both of my boys were preemies, hang in there, enjoy some yummy food and revel in your baby. All of you guys are in my thoughts.
Like some of the other moms here, I dealt with the NICU thing, and had one baby who came home with "nipple confusion." Milk supply was delayed because of preterm labor meds, and I got zip support from the hospital. When I finally got that kid home, he couldn't latch on, only drank from a bottle. I pumped with a crappy pump for weeks and weeks 'round the clock before he finally "learned" how to nurse. Once he learned, he never gave up (when I went back to work, we had to feed him breastmilk from a cup, he wouldn't take a bottle!). Maybe I'm one of the "La Leche wackos" but after working so hard to get that going, we didn't want to stop 'til he gave it up (ended up tandem nursing, since he didn't wean when baby #2 arrived). You're gonna do fine, everything will work out, just keep fighting for what you want. Good luck with everything, you've got the whole blogosphere rooting for you guys!
Posted by: Amber Lawbyrd at Nov 29, 2004 6:07:04 PM
Congratulations! May you all be home enjoying one another very soon.
Posted by: Christine at Nov 29, 2004 6:08:20 PM
Delurking here to join everyone else in wishing you many congratulations on baby Batman's birth. I can't wait to read of his/her many adventures as a caped crusader.
Posted by: Kelli at Nov 29, 2004 6:18:57 PM
Hooooray!
Welcome Batman!
Congratulations Julie and Paul! We are all so, so happy for you.
xxoo
Posted by: Anna H. at Nov 29, 2004 7:09:31 PM
Hooooray!
Welcome Batman!
Congratulations Julie and Paul! We are all so, so happy for you.
xxoo
Posted by: Anna H. at Nov 29, 2004 7:09:31 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your lovely family.
Take care.
Posted by: Julianna at Nov 29, 2004 7:14:56 PM
Woohoo!!!! Now THAT's something to be thankful for!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Karen at Nov 29, 2004 8:05:05 PM
Congrats on the youngster! Enjoy gorging on mass quantities of pasta, you deserve it.
Posted by: Cricket at Nov 29, 2004 8:08:38 PM
What the heck did Paul's people do to the turkey to make you go into labor? LOL
Congrats Momma and Pappa and Kitties...
Love you!
Brenda
Posted by: BrendaS at Nov 29, 2004 8:57:22 PM
So many congrats!
Posted by: Terri at Nov 29, 2004 11:18:38 PM
how much longer do we have to wait to find out if its a boy or a girl? :)
Posted by: Mindy at Nov 30, 2004 1:16:21 AM
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Batman and Happy Birthing day Mama <3 I hope you are recovering well and you deserve all the happiness in the world.
Posted by: Natalie at Nov 30, 2004 2:06:25 AM
delurking from the other end of the world to say welcome to Batbaby and congratulations to Batmom and Batdad!!
The three of you deserve a long, healthy and happy life!
Posted by: chiala at Nov 30, 2004 2:56:23 AM
Julie - So glad to hear that the little Bat-ster is out and doing well. You all are in my thoughts. Miss you much and wish you the best!!!
Posted by: eve at Nov 30, 2004 5:46:36 AM
Congrats congrats congrats, my lurvely friend. love you to little bitsies.
Posted by: Karen at Nov 30, 2004 6:05:02 AM
I'm so glad all is well! Congrats to you all.
Posted by: LisaN at Nov 30, 2004 7:44:48 AM
Congratulations BatMan (or is it BatGirl?), BatMom and BatDad! Welcome to the world, little one. Your Mom rocks the Casbah and I have no doubt you will as well (no pressure). Can't wait to meet you "officially".
Congratulations again, Julie and Paul.
Posted by: OliviaDrab at Nov 30, 2004 7:59:52 AM
Big congratulations on your Batbaby! I'm glad things are okay and hope you can come home soon. Can't wait to read the updates!
Posted by: Brooklyn Mama at Nov 30, 2004 8:24:26 AM
Batman takes after Mama - a reaaaaallll fighter!
Congrats!
Posted by: Patricia at Nov 30, 2004 9:23:51 AM
Congratulations!!! I must say that I was shocked but not surprised at that spectacular way Bat has made her/his way into the world. I can't wait for you to update us!
Posted by: Bella at Nov 30, 2004 9:34:52 AM
Congratulations to the BatFamily!
Almost fell out of my chair when I read the news on getupgrrl's blog.
Yay!
Posted by: Laura at Nov 30, 2004 9:54:18 AM
Congrats on the arrival of the Caped Crusader,Julie! I've a longtime lurker, having only posted once before, but I couldn't not respond to the grand news. Way to go, little Bat-baby! Both you and your Batmom are in my thoughts!
Posted by: SuMMer! at Nov 30, 2004 11:01:36 AM
Another lurker sending congratulations and wishing you all the joy with your new little prince!
Kristi
Posted by: Kristi at Nov 30, 2004 11:12:01 AM
Congratulations!
Okay, that was a spectacular arrival for baby Bat. Your local order of Drama Queens R Us will be contacting you shortly.
All the very best to you and your family in the weeks to come.
Posted by: martha at Nov 30, 2004 11:55:36 AM
Back to say I found out the news from Getupgrrl's blog - Congratulations! May Bat get a very early, healthy start in his/her crime-fighting adventures! Glad to hear you're doing all right!
Posted by: Marie at Nov 30, 2004 1:10:05 PM
You know what you're going to have to do to your eleven-month old, now don't you? Next October, 2005, whether it be gorgeous boy or girl, you'll have to dress this little babe in a Batman costume! I can picture it already. I can!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(had to de-lurk)
Posted by: Karen C. at Nov 30, 2004 1:55:15 PM
Congratulations and welcome to the world little Batman. Wow.
Posted by: Lori at Nov 30, 2004 4:07:57 PM
Marco Polo, indeed. It's been, like, two days already...would you PLEEEZE give Paul your blog password and instructions to fill all of us in on the details before we plotz? Or at least give Tertia permission to tell us it's a girl.
(I'm guessing is all.)
Enjoy the drugs and carbs and people bringing you stuff in bed while you can. Smooooch!!
Posted by: Christine at Nov 30, 2004 4:15:25 PM
Congratulations, Julie!
Posted by: Amanda at Nov 30, 2004 4:25:13 PM
Ok, it has now been 8, yes 8, days that we've been checking in and seeing "Marco, Polo!" on your heading.
That damn game is going to be imprinted on my brain until next summer, and then when I hear the kids at the pool screaming it, I'm going to go into a post traumatic stress syndrome induced trance.
Seriously, can't wait for you to have a chance to tell us all about your genius Bat. :)
Posted by: Boulder at Nov 30, 2004 4:55:03 PM
Congratulations from yet another lurker. I have been laughing, reading, laughing, learning, and laughing for about 6 months now. Seems there is no shortage of lurkers these days, eh? Just couldn't keep quiet anymore with your great news. So happy for you. And thanks. Really.
Now go eat a kitchen full O'pies!
Posted by: Sandy at Nov 30, 2004 10:40:09 PM
CONGRATULATIONS MAMA!!!
Posted by: amy at Nov 30, 2004 10:55:54 PM
Congratulations! I hope you and your family are doing well.
Posted by: Andrea at Dec 1, 2004 6:53:15 AM
MAZEL TOV!!!! So excited for you and your family. Give bat lots of kisses from all of us. Can't WAIT to see the pictures (seriously, I can't wait any longer - have Paul post some SOON!!!)
Posted by: Toni at Dec 1, 2004 7:09:24 AM
Every best wish for a speedy recovery and huge amounts of congratulations to you and Paul.
Posted by: e at Dec 1, 2004 10:25:49 AM
It's a girl, isn't it? C'mon, please? I can't stand it!
Posted by: jen at Dec 1, 2004 10:28:37 AM
Delurking to say congratuations! I hope you're mending well and Batman's wings are stretching and drying nicely.
Posted by: Mary at Dec 1, 2004 12:13:23 PM
Another devoted lurker sending you lots of love and many congratulations from Scotland!
Posted by: Fraggle at Dec 1, 2004 12:37:44 PM
can't....wait....any....longer
Posted by: Stacey at Dec 1, 2004 1:02:46 PM
when things have calmed down you'd better post pictures.. DAMNIT!!!
I'm so happy for you all, yeesh! between this and Grrl's news... I'm about busting at the seams!
Posted by: eightlegs at Dec 1, 2004 1:46:37 PM
Happy Family! Congratulations to the three of you.
Posted by: red shoes at Dec 1, 2004 2:27:55 PM
So I guess you can be only a little pregnant and still wind up with a great little baby! Glad the long wait has brought such a happy ending. Congratulations mighty Batwoman & thanks for the inspiration. Can't wait to hear all the gory details (and knowing you we'll get them!).
-Anne
Posted by: ManhattanAnne at Dec 1, 2004 3:55:06 PM
Lurker de-lurking to send love and best wishes to you three!
Posted by: Marcy at Dec 1, 2004 4:29:24 PM
Okay, I'm stalking your site now. Just thought I'd identify myself before you catch on and alert the authorities or something. ;o)
Can't wait to hear anything and everything about the lovely Bat and his/her arrival.
And for the recond, I'm guessing it's a girl. :o)
Posted by: shaunacat at Dec 1, 2004 5:19:59 PM
congratulations!!!
praying for all the best, and waiting (not so) patiently for an update!
Posted by: steph at Dec 1, 2004 5:25:16 PM
can't wait to hear from you and see pictures of the tiny batperson!!
Posted by: Kathy W. at Dec 1, 2004 5:35:07 PM
Where are you? Tertia promised us Julie, Julie, and more Julie! She also promised us info about the little Batgirl/boy.
(I hope you won't be offended by my saying this, but I've been praying Hail Marys in sets of nine for you since I heard about the HELLP.)
I feel that Bat is a very special baby. Here's hoping she gets huge and healthier, fast!
Posted by: Elizabeth at Dec 1, 2004 6:49:13 PM
Congrats on Bats!! And yes, pics, please!
And for my two cents, I thinks it's a boy. :-)
Posted by: rivka at Dec 1, 2004 7:16:58 PM
Nurse batman if you can. If it does not work out, big deal. You will still have an awesome baby. I nursed both of my kids (13 and 7) and I would like to think that nursing played a small roll in who they are. Of course my son is a boob man. 13 months of nursing may have been too long for him. You will do great.
Posted by: Rebecca at Dec 1, 2004 9:19:29 PM
WHERE's that update?????? It's 3 am my time and I'm up bcs of you and Tertia and neither is around! Unfair! What, you both have better things to do???
Posted by: Lioness at Dec 1, 2004 9:56:24 PM
can't.stop.refreshing
fingers.hurt
*wink*
Posted by: Kelly at Dec 1, 2004 9:59:28 PM
Marco F**king Polo.
You're killing me.
Posted by: SP at Dec 1, 2004 10:01:14 PM
Congratulations Julie and Paul! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness with your new baby!
Posted by: Nina at Dec 1, 2004 10:27:57 PM
**wiping away tears**
many congrats to the Bat Family! almost skipped the comments on your last post *oops*, saw the trackbacks and nearly fell out of my chair!
much love and health all around!
chris
Posted by: chris in nyc at Dec 1, 2004 11:20:51 PM
This will kill me, I will have to go to bed eventually (5.25 am) and I still DON'T KNOW what species Bat is! But it's a mammal, I'll comfort myself with that.
Posted by: Lioness at Dec 2, 2004 12:31:56 AM
Delurkingish to say congratulations and many good wishes.
Posted by: emily at Dec 2, 2004 8:04:26 AM
Aaaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhh! You're killing me here. Hoping you make a quick return to make a tiny update for us. We miss you so much!
Posted by: shaunacat at Dec 2, 2004 9:41:09 AM
OK WTF I am seriously jonesing for some Julie! I am tired of scouring the internet... trying to score some Julie.
Honestly Julie, I have come to love you and think of you like a real live friend. Dammit, whenever I sit here at my computer and read the amazing updates at Tertia's I get all teary...and I 'm an asskicking bitch with a black heart (according to an old ex bf, last one before husband).
Anyway, it seems like the entire internet is so happy for you and your family, and we are all sending out the most powerful luv vibes to you.....(bawling now)I just wanna know everybody's OK!
Posted by: Kimberly at Dec 2, 2004 10:38:40 AM
Marco Polo! Marco Polo! Marco Polo!
I can't take any more Marco Polo!
MUST KNOW ABOUT BABY!!!!
Posted by: thisgirl at Dec 2, 2004 11:12:34 AM
Forgot to throw in my guess.
I think BOY. Definately boy.
Posted by: thisgirl at Dec 2, 2004 11:24:55 AM
Delurking to say congrats. Recently went through similar thing - 6 IUIs, 4 IVFs, 2 chemicals, got PG, had PIH, Preeclampsia, 2 vessel cord, IUGR - baby born at 32 weeks, weighed 2 lbs 11 oz. Spent 4 weeks in NICU and is finally home! Hang in there - the time in NICU is hard, but it flies by. You've already been through so much, you and batman are strong! Congrats to your family!!!
Posted by: Jenn at Dec 2, 2004 11:36:37 AM
The USA might not be far enough, Tertia's just told me she was going to kill you and rightly so, fuck this was one bloody long harrowing night, so glad all is well but could you get a BETTER INTERNET PROVIDER????
Posted by: Lioness at Dec 2, 2004 12:24:58 PM
I'm with SP - marcofuckingpolo.
C'mon, girl, post! Anyone would think you were a new mother with a baby to go and sit with or something. GAWD!
Posted by: Expat at Dec 2, 2004 12:59:13 PM
count me among the julie fan club anxious for an update. and pictures (even though i already asked for some, i'm going to be a jackass and ask twice).
so glad to hear via tertia that things are going as well as they are.
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