Howdy Humble Readers...
Oy! I haven't gone this long without posting in a while. I've been checking in on many of you, in a hit or miss fashion over the last few days, but I just haven't had the juice to put thoughts down on paper. The following are just a few of my observations of our new life, with Pippin settling into our world.
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Breastfeeding isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Pip is getting breastmilk at almost every feeding, but for the last few days it hasn't been in a direct manner. Although I have better supply this time, things are still challenging. He's staying awake longer at the breast, and getting better about nursing even if he's dozing. BUT... I took a half day break (because my nipples were super sore... sleepy baby on the boob equals not a great latch) and that ended up being a three day break due to a plugged milk duct. Fun times. I have been pumping constantly, and that has helped greatly, but we have only just gotten back to trying the direct approach in the last 24 hours. We are still supplementing, but I am totally okay with that, so long as he's getting all I've got to give.
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Why, oh good heavens, why do I have to be so blankety-blank itchy? I don't remember this at all from last time. And it's not the incision itself that's itchy. It's about an inch or so on either side... and it's driving me nuts!!! I've tried all the usual itch cures... scratching another body part, scratching another person. Nothing helps. And of course I can't put lotion on it or anything. Ugh!
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Yesterday was my first day alone with both Ginny and Pippin. It's gone pretty well, I think. Considering that I'm technically not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, having a toddler who needs to have diapers changed, and be put into a crib for naps is challenging. But I'm making sure not to over do it. Ginny has been coping better with sharing Mummy's attention. There haven't been any repeats of the bottle throwing incident, and she's actually been 'helping' quite a bit... carrying bottles and diapers, folding the changing mat I use in the living room, etc. She still tries to steal Pip's bottles and blankets, but we are seeing some progress.
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Weight-loss contiues to go in the right direction. As of this morning I'm down 30 pounds from 13 days ago. This happened last time, so I'm not trying to celebrate too much yet. Last time I plateaued at around 40 pounds, and then it slowly crept back on after I stopped bf-ing. I am truly hoping that I will be able to continue to head in a downward direction and, at the very least, keep off what I've already lost.
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I understand that I need to be on metformin right now, to help my body adjust from all the crazy amounts of insulin I was on, but man oh man... the side effects suck! Who knew that metformin's primary side-effect is gastrointestinal discomfort? Ha! I've been having some serious heartburn and IBS flares in the last week. Like, wake me up in the middle of the night and spend more than an hour in the bathroom kind of flares. I'm hoping that met is not in future long term. My blood sugars have been great since I went off the insulin, and with a few exceptions to celebrate (I had my sushi and an iced chai latte in the first week after Pip was born) I am trying to continue to eat smart.
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I've also been dealing with some random dizzy spells. I don't have any other signs of high blood pressure issues, and they only seem to come on when I am exceptionally tired. I'm wondering if it's just a recovery thing, or if it's a side-effect of something that I'm on, or a drug interaction. I see the underwhelming Dr. B next Tuesday, so hopefully I'll get some advice on this.
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Ok, it's been almost two weeks... why can't I get rid of the medical tape gunk on my arm? I've scrubbed it every day, and it's still there. It's just two little spots, but they're bugging me. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
If you're not already, see if your doctor will put you on the extended release version of metformin. My GI issues basically disappeared when I went on it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSmall or not, a victory is a victory, Mama! :) Glad to hear from you and know that you're all doing well.
ReplyDeleteThe Met is a MONSTER. Like the PP said, the ER version doesn't bother me as badly but it still makes for lots of bathroom time til my body adjusts to it. That said, it shouldn't take too terribly much longer for your body to get used to it, then it should be smooth sailing. It's also believed to help with milk production, so I'll be continuing to take it when BB comes. Oh, and the Met might be making you a bit dizzy, too...the ER helps with that part, too.
Have you tried putting rubbing alcohol or some kind of goo-gone type product on your sticky spots? IT would drive me batty to not be able to get it off...
Oh my. Where to start. So glad to hear from you again! The itching around your c-section... I didn't get it with my first, but I DID get it this last time... UNBEARABLE!!! and it turned out to be a giant ole yeast infection. Yep. They tucked my scar/incision in SO far into my fat roll that it never got/stayed dry, and I ended up with yeast. Buy some OTC vag cream or even stuff for athlete's foot, it's all the same stuff. Apply 3+ times a day. It should clear right up. But I found that it kept coming back anyway... grrrr. Eventually it goes away for good though. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also betting that the dizzy spells are more from dehydration, especially if the Met is affecting you that way... you know the way it does everyone, that stuff is straight from hell... Anyway, when I get IBS flares and such, I always end up dehydrated and dizzy. Not sure why, but it's a thought, especially while BFing...
And speaking of BFing, a plugged duct is AWFUL! Poor you! IBS, dizzy, plugged duct, Met, C-section, awful rash, new baby, and a toddler? You are a warrior!!! Holy crap. Wish I were closer, I'd come over and help.
Use a small dab of peanut butter or something equally oily to get rid of the medical tape gunk. Just dab it on and rub.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for sticking with the breastfeeding. It can't be easy with all the little issues you've been dealing with.
Hope te extended release Met works better and with fewer side effects for you.
I agree about the athlete's foot treatment - but try to get a powder version. I used that, or just plain talcum powder to keep my scar dry and the itching magically vanished! It treats bacteria AND fungus, apparently!
ReplyDeleteAs for the breastfeeding - it's so HARD, and you're doing so WELL. Just remember, whether it's sore nipples (check for thrush), blocked ducts or full-blown mastitis, just KEEP FEEDING. Yes, it hurts like hell, and will make you cry, but it's what we are told to do over here and it does work. My midwife said breastfeeding is SO much more effective than pumping. After a month or so you'll forget it was ever painful or hard work!
Thanks for the update. I still have remnants of the medical tape on my left thigh - and it's been 4 weeks!
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