Tethered

Previously I have talked about the breastfeeding difficulties I had in the first few weeks of being Charlie Bear's mummy.  I ended up using a nipple shield with every single feed for about three months - and only just now have a been able to feed her without it.

Nowadays, the feeds are very different and much more enjoyable. She still doesn't attach all that well and tends to pull on my nipples - but it doesn't hurt me nearly as much as it used to.  She seems to have drawn my nipples out more and they seem harder and more resistant to damage than they were in those first few weeks.

I'm enjoying having her breastfeed with full contact about 50% of the time.  The other 50% of the time I use the shields because she is either messing about and not attaching or I'm feeling a bit tender,  interestingly this happens more with the left side than the right.  I have better posture on the left side but she attaches worse. Conversely I get a sore shoulder on the right hand side as I seem to hunch when she is on that side, but she attaches much better on the right.

While the feeds are going much better nowadays, there is still a downside to this exclusive breastfeeding business.  I'm currently unable to express any milk in excess of about 10-20 mls - not that it matters - Charlie Bear refuses to drink out of a bottle anyway.  In that vein this means I am tethered to her.  During the day, I can only go out by myself for an hour and a half maximum, and only immediately after a feed.  Hubby has tried several times to bottle feed her expressed milk and it has just ended in tears for more than just baby.  It recently occurred to me maybe I could try a supply line - then she could suck on a finger (anyones!!). I must give this a go one day soon.  I would like just to have the option to leave her with someone when she is going to need a feed - or else it will be six months without having a break from her, and as much as I love her, I'd like to have some flexibility.

In researching supply lines on the interwebs I stumbled across this blog - I wish I had found it earlier as it has that "real person experience" which is invaluable to order to avoid developing feelings of inadequacy when what works for you contradicts expert opinion.  http://commumsense.com/2011/01/22/top-ten-tips-for-surviving-breastfeeding-supply-issues/

I'm planning on going out tomorrow night to a party sans hubby and baby (after she's gone to bed, obviously, when the boobies aren't needed for another 5 or so hours).  It should be interesting.  I wonder if I will be able to have a conversation about anything else than babies? And - will I dare to have a drink!???