Precious Memories
We've had a few days away this National Breastfeeding Week, which sadly gave us no signal in which to post, but happily gave us an opportunity to take some photos of me feeding Harrison.
Our breastfeeding relationship is so so special to me and I'm thrilled to have these photos and so many more to look back on in years to come.
Our breastfeeding relationship is so so special to me and I'm thrilled to have these photos and so many more to look back on in years to come.
Breastfeeding Jewellery
To continue #NationalBreastfeedingWeek, we have been talking to Vickie, Mother of a fabulous young gent, Jessy, and owner of www.MomsOwnMilk.com
Mom's Own Milk is a company that makes and sells jewellery, but there's something very special about the jewellery...
This jewellery is made a from BREASTMILK!
You'll find a HUGE range of rings, necklaces, pendant, lockets, earrings, mementos, key rings, etc, etc, etc and all area customisable to include the most precious of commodities. A whole new meaning to the term 'Liquid Gold', indeed.
To some, the idea of making jewellery from breastmilk may seem very alien, but these beautiful, one of a kind creations will give you a truly unique way of savouring the cherished time spent nourishing your precious little ones.
And it's not just breastmilk, you can also have locks of hair, cremation ashes, even umbilical cords turned in to a spectacular piece of jewellery.
Read on to find out all about Vickie and her fantastic company and, if you would like to have your own piece made, you can do so with a 5% Eventual Mother discount.
To take up the offer, quote the coupon code at check out>
Coupon code: MOM/EM5OFF.
Receive 5 % off anything in store, Excludes multibuy purchases, delivery charges and group orders.
No minimum order value. Only 50 coupons available. Coupon expire at midnight on 30/06/2015. Redeem at checkout through our online store.
And here's a gallery to show you some examples of just a fraction of the vast range.
Mom's Own Milk is a company that makes and sells jewellery, but there's something very special about the jewellery...
This jewellery is made a from BREASTMILK!
You'll find a HUGE range of rings, necklaces, pendant, lockets, earrings, mementos, key rings, etc, etc, etc and all area customisable to include the most precious of commodities. A whole new meaning to the term 'Liquid Gold', indeed.
To some, the idea of making jewellery from breastmilk may seem very alien, but these beautiful, one of a kind creations will give you a truly unique way of savouring the cherished time spent nourishing your precious little ones.
And it's not just breastmilk, you can also have locks of hair, cremation ashes, even umbilical cords turned in to a spectacular piece of jewellery.
Read on to find out all about Vickie and her fantastic company and, if you would like to have your own piece made, you can do so with a 5% Eventual Mother discount.
To take up the offer, quote the coupon code at check out>
Coupon code: MOM/EM5OFF.
Receive 5 % off anything in store, Excludes multibuy purchases, delivery charges and group orders.
No minimum order value. Only 50 coupons available. Coupon expire at midnight on 30/06/2015. Redeem at checkout through our online store.
And here's a gallery to show you some examples of just a fraction of the vast range.
A little bit about me
My name is Vickie. I have always been career orientated and I used to work in London in the financial services sector. My last position was with one of the 4 major UK banks and I was a Senior Auditor, Financial Crime. Deciding to start a family later in life proved difficult and after struggling for 2 years to fall pregnant, we decided to seek medical assistance. My partner was found to have a low sperm count and low motility so our only option was IVF treatment. I started treatment when I was 37 years old. At the time I was undergoing separate treatment for 3 herniated disks in my lower back. A referral for back surgery was planned at the end of my IVF hormone treatment. I chose IVF and the first cycle was successful. Two embryos were implanted and 39 weeks later our son, Jessy, was born. During my pregnancy I managed to slip another disk in my back.
What made you decide to breastfeed?
My goal was to avail myself of 6 months maternity leave and to breastfeed my baby during that time. I would then return to work and express for as long as I was able to. By 6 months old, my son would breastfeed on average 18 times a day and every 45 minutes at night. I dreaded going back to work and my partner suggested I stay at home. I resigned from my employer and became a SAHM. By 2 years of age my son had reduced his breastfeeding frequency to 14 times a day and every hour at night. He has never accepted expressed breastmilk. Jessy will be 4 years old towards the end of June, and he is still a booby monster!
Best and worst pasts of breastfeeding?
The worst part:
Once my milk came in I realised I had an oversupply. I quickly bought a breast pump and I would express about 4 times a day to relieve pressure. It didn’t settle so when my son was about 6 weeks old, I hired the services of a breastfeeding consultant. She suggested I use Menosan (sage drops) and after about 10 days my supply was regulated. She was absolutely brilliant!
The best part:
By far the bond and closeness I have with my son. I will cherish those memories and quiet moments forever.
Advice for women considering breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy.
Get involved with breastfeeding support groups. There are many available on social media if there isn’t a group where you live. There’s always a lot of advice and guidance when you are feeling helpless. Any unsurprisingly, if you post a message at 01:00 in the morning, theres a pretty good chance you will receive one or several responses immediately. Breastfeeding mummies are awake at all hours.
Take all advice with a hint of scepticism. Here’s my personal experience: a family friend whose 6 year old boy was breastfeed until 22 months gave me this piece of advice. “Prepare your nipples for breastfeeding before baby arrives. Over the course of your pregnancy, try scrubbing them with a nail brush and increase the pressure. It will make breastfeeding so much easier." Allegedly. So from about my 6th month of pregnancy I started gently running a nail brush over my nipples when I showered. 3 months later I declared myself ready to breastfeed. Ha! That was very poor advice. It was sore, unbelievably sore. My son was a lazy feeder so it felt like he had a cheese grater on his palate. Within the first week, I had bleeding nipples and it was so painful. Together with my over supply constantly drowning my son I was at a total loss. Fortunately the breastfeeding consultant sorted it out and I felt immediate relief.
Spend money on good quality breastfeeding bras. They offer support and make it easy to feed day and night.
How do you feel about breastfeeding in public?
I’m very shy and I wouldn’t get undressed in front of family members. So the thought of breastfeeding in public was so stressful for me. I’ve always found top feeding easiest (pulling the neck opening down for my son to breastfeed). With a GG cup size, there was A LOT of boob on show!
When my son was borne, I receiving a lovely large aden & anais muslin cloth as a gift and I took the "blue elephant" EVERYWHERE with me. When out and about, I would drape it carefully over my shoulder and try and breastfeed my son. But my son was having none of it. Being super inquisitive he would kick and thrash and fuss until I removed it. My partner would then jump up and hold the cloth like a curtain. Early on I realised I made more of a spectacle of myself trying to cover up. So I just gave up and I would feed him wherever and whenever I wanted. I have never received any awkward looks or snide remarks.
How did you get in to making breastmilk jewellery?
It was totally by chance!
I discovered my UK predecessor’s page through a breastfeeding support group and I was hoping to buy something for myself, but getting an order confirmed was proving difficult. I searched worldwide and found the US supplier, but she also took too long to accept orders. (i’m not very patient and I cannot wait 18-24 months to receive my jewellery).
Looking at the process and the level of service offered worldwide, I realised that I could provide a more customised and pleasant experience. I researched and experimented until I was finally able to launch my business.
What has been the reaction you've had?
Its a marmite kind of thing: some love it, others hate it. Or rather, the thought of breastmilk jewellery or jewellery containing umbilical cords. But every sceptic would reluctantly agree that it is beautiful when they see examples of what I do.
I once contacted a stamp maker here in the UK and asked him to create some metal stamps for me. When he saw my website and what I do, he drafted the rudest email I’ve ever encountered. Using phrases like “singularly disgusting”, “cheap jewellery” and “taking advantage of uneducated British people”. I subsequently received an apology.
The most amusing question I receive more frequently when I mention what I do, is “how long do you need to lactate for? What if you don’t produce any more milk?”
About my process
My process is unique and I developed it myself. Its not based on any of the breastmilk preservation processes used anywhere else in the and I ensure the process is kept secret at all times. Other processes take at least 6 weeks to convert breastmilk into a plasticised format. My process takes a fraction of the time, which facilitates a faster turnaround time. Waiting for the resin to cure is the longest part of the process, especially with most pendants and charms that use several layers.
When I receive breastmilk in the mail, the first step is to ensure that name and order numbers match my online records. Its a vital step ensuring that your OWN breastmilk is used in your creation. I create a purchase order which accompanies your breastmilk and your creation until it is ready to be shipped. Your breastmilk is then transferred to a sterile test tube that has been marked with your name, order number, address and date received. Only sterile cups, stirrers, gloves and equipment is used in the process so there is no chance of contamination. Moulds are thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Before your creation is shipped to you, the details of your order is matched against the purchase order and my electronic records. Leftover breastmilk is stored in my freezer for 18 months.
Typically, orders are shipped out once a week, and this process usually takes a whole day to complete.
I’m regularly approached by competitors and amateurs looking for tips on creating or simplifying their breastmilk jewellery processes.
Why I’m different
There are so many things that makes my creations and Mom’s Own Milk unique.
I aim to answer questions within 24 hours, whether received electronically or through social media. Orders are placed directly on my website and your creation will be started as soon as I receive your inclusions (inclusions are breastmilk, lock of hair, cremation ashes, encapsulated placenta and umbilical cords).
I don’t have a waiting list and typically my turnaround time is around 5 days. I try not to work on weekends.
Everything is fully customisable. You get to choose your colours, layout and anything else that has special meaning to you. I’ve had some custom creations where customers have provided something unique and personal. The most popular is a sterling silver ring that I’ve converted into a pendant. Another customer sent me some dried holly berries to include in her pendant (her daughter’s name is Holly).
I have breastmilk creations to suit every taste and budget with the cheapest breastmilk charm starting at £ 12.50. There are over 1,100 products available and new items are being added each month.
If you are unable to breastfeed or cannot express, I offer donated breastmilk creations. My Singaporean and American customers lovingly donated some of their own breastmilk to anyone looking for breastmilk jewellery. There’s no additional charge to use donated breastmilk.
My breastmilk preservation process is unique and not replicated anywhere in the world. I am able to manipulate the breastmilk in any shape or design of my choice. For this reason I am the only provider worldwide that can create tiny breastmilk shapes and set them inside breastmilk charm beads. I’m also the only person that can create multiple inclusion charm beads: its possible to include breastmilk, lock of hair, a name and umbilical crumbs in one single bead.
More than a year ago, I developed tinted breastmilk, particularly rainbow breastmilk. Another provider has started offering tinted breastmilk, but rainbow charm beads and rainbow breastmilk inclusions will always remain a unique creation to Mom’s Own Milk.
I’ve started making my own moulds, so now it is even easier to realise your ideas.
I’m the first to offer Boob Award creations. For a nominal charge, any creation can be changed to a Boob Awards creation by simply adding genuine 24K gold leaf, copper flakes or silver flakes.
I reward my loyal Facebook fans with monthly giveaways. Each mont a Fan Of The Month and two runners up are announced and awarded discount vouchers to spend in store.
To guard against breastmilk discolouration, I store left over breastmilk for 18 months after every order is completed. I’ve not had any instances of discolouration.
About my customers
I provide a global service. Majority of my customers are UK based with the second largest customer group based in Singapore who prefer to order in groups rather than individually.
My name is Vickie. I have always been career orientated and I used to work in London in the financial services sector. My last position was with one of the 4 major UK banks and I was a Senior Auditor, Financial Crime. Deciding to start a family later in life proved difficult and after struggling for 2 years to fall pregnant, we decided to seek medical assistance. My partner was found to have a low sperm count and low motility so our only option was IVF treatment. I started treatment when I was 37 years old. At the time I was undergoing separate treatment for 3 herniated disks in my lower back. A referral for back surgery was planned at the end of my IVF hormone treatment. I chose IVF and the first cycle was successful. Two embryos were implanted and 39 weeks later our son, Jessy, was born. During my pregnancy I managed to slip another disk in my back.
What made you decide to breastfeed?
My goal was to avail myself of 6 months maternity leave and to breastfeed my baby during that time. I would then return to work and express for as long as I was able to. By 6 months old, my son would breastfeed on average 18 times a day and every 45 minutes at night. I dreaded going back to work and my partner suggested I stay at home. I resigned from my employer and became a SAHM. By 2 years of age my son had reduced his breastfeeding frequency to 14 times a day and every hour at night. He has never accepted expressed breastmilk. Jessy will be 4 years old towards the end of June, and he is still a booby monster!
Best and worst pasts of breastfeeding?
The worst part:
Once my milk came in I realised I had an oversupply. I quickly bought a breast pump and I would express about 4 times a day to relieve pressure. It didn’t settle so when my son was about 6 weeks old, I hired the services of a breastfeeding consultant. She suggested I use Menosan (sage drops) and after about 10 days my supply was regulated. She was absolutely brilliant!
The best part:
By far the bond and closeness I have with my son. I will cherish those memories and quiet moments forever.
Advice for women considering breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy.
Get involved with breastfeeding support groups. There are many available on social media if there isn’t a group where you live. There’s always a lot of advice and guidance when you are feeling helpless. Any unsurprisingly, if you post a message at 01:00 in the morning, theres a pretty good chance you will receive one or several responses immediately. Breastfeeding mummies are awake at all hours.
Take all advice with a hint of scepticism. Here’s my personal experience: a family friend whose 6 year old boy was breastfeed until 22 months gave me this piece of advice. “Prepare your nipples for breastfeeding before baby arrives. Over the course of your pregnancy, try scrubbing them with a nail brush and increase the pressure. It will make breastfeeding so much easier." Allegedly. So from about my 6th month of pregnancy I started gently running a nail brush over my nipples when I showered. 3 months later I declared myself ready to breastfeed. Ha! That was very poor advice. It was sore, unbelievably sore. My son was a lazy feeder so it felt like he had a cheese grater on his palate. Within the first week, I had bleeding nipples and it was so painful. Together with my over supply constantly drowning my son I was at a total loss. Fortunately the breastfeeding consultant sorted it out and I felt immediate relief.
Spend money on good quality breastfeeding bras. They offer support and make it easy to feed day and night.
How do you feel about breastfeeding in public?
I’m very shy and I wouldn’t get undressed in front of family members. So the thought of breastfeeding in public was so stressful for me. I’ve always found top feeding easiest (pulling the neck opening down for my son to breastfeed). With a GG cup size, there was A LOT of boob on show!
When my son was borne, I receiving a lovely large aden & anais muslin cloth as a gift and I took the "blue elephant" EVERYWHERE with me. When out and about, I would drape it carefully over my shoulder and try and breastfeed my son. But my son was having none of it. Being super inquisitive he would kick and thrash and fuss until I removed it. My partner would then jump up and hold the cloth like a curtain. Early on I realised I made more of a spectacle of myself trying to cover up. So I just gave up and I would feed him wherever and whenever I wanted. I have never received any awkward looks or snide remarks.
How did you get in to making breastmilk jewellery?
It was totally by chance!
I discovered my UK predecessor’s page through a breastfeeding support group and I was hoping to buy something for myself, but getting an order confirmed was proving difficult. I searched worldwide and found the US supplier, but she also took too long to accept orders. (i’m not very patient and I cannot wait 18-24 months to receive my jewellery).
Looking at the process and the level of service offered worldwide, I realised that I could provide a more customised and pleasant experience. I researched and experimented until I was finally able to launch my business.
What has been the reaction you've had?
Its a marmite kind of thing: some love it, others hate it. Or rather, the thought of breastmilk jewellery or jewellery containing umbilical cords. But every sceptic would reluctantly agree that it is beautiful when they see examples of what I do.
I once contacted a stamp maker here in the UK and asked him to create some metal stamps for me. When he saw my website and what I do, he drafted the rudest email I’ve ever encountered. Using phrases like “singularly disgusting”, “cheap jewellery” and “taking advantage of uneducated British people”. I subsequently received an apology.
The most amusing question I receive more frequently when I mention what I do, is “how long do you need to lactate for? What if you don’t produce any more milk?”
About my process
My process is unique and I developed it myself. Its not based on any of the breastmilk preservation processes used anywhere else in the and I ensure the process is kept secret at all times. Other processes take at least 6 weeks to convert breastmilk into a plasticised format. My process takes a fraction of the time, which facilitates a faster turnaround time. Waiting for the resin to cure is the longest part of the process, especially with most pendants and charms that use several layers.
When I receive breastmilk in the mail, the first step is to ensure that name and order numbers match my online records. Its a vital step ensuring that your OWN breastmilk is used in your creation. I create a purchase order which accompanies your breastmilk and your creation until it is ready to be shipped. Your breastmilk is then transferred to a sterile test tube that has been marked with your name, order number, address and date received. Only sterile cups, stirrers, gloves and equipment is used in the process so there is no chance of contamination. Moulds are thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Before your creation is shipped to you, the details of your order is matched against the purchase order and my electronic records. Leftover breastmilk is stored in my freezer for 18 months.
Typically, orders are shipped out once a week, and this process usually takes a whole day to complete.
I’m regularly approached by competitors and amateurs looking for tips on creating or simplifying their breastmilk jewellery processes.
Why I’m different
There are so many things that makes my creations and Mom’s Own Milk unique.
I aim to answer questions within 24 hours, whether received electronically or through social media. Orders are placed directly on my website and your creation will be started as soon as I receive your inclusions (inclusions are breastmilk, lock of hair, cremation ashes, encapsulated placenta and umbilical cords).
I don’t have a waiting list and typically my turnaround time is around 5 days. I try not to work on weekends.
Everything is fully customisable. You get to choose your colours, layout and anything else that has special meaning to you. I’ve had some custom creations where customers have provided something unique and personal. The most popular is a sterling silver ring that I’ve converted into a pendant. Another customer sent me some dried holly berries to include in her pendant (her daughter’s name is Holly).
I have breastmilk creations to suit every taste and budget with the cheapest breastmilk charm starting at £ 12.50. There are over 1,100 products available and new items are being added each month.
If you are unable to breastfeed or cannot express, I offer donated breastmilk creations. My Singaporean and American customers lovingly donated some of their own breastmilk to anyone looking for breastmilk jewellery. There’s no additional charge to use donated breastmilk.
My breastmilk preservation process is unique and not replicated anywhere in the world. I am able to manipulate the breastmilk in any shape or design of my choice. For this reason I am the only provider worldwide that can create tiny breastmilk shapes and set them inside breastmilk charm beads. I’m also the only person that can create multiple inclusion charm beads: its possible to include breastmilk, lock of hair, a name and umbilical crumbs in one single bead.
More than a year ago, I developed tinted breastmilk, particularly rainbow breastmilk. Another provider has started offering tinted breastmilk, but rainbow charm beads and rainbow breastmilk inclusions will always remain a unique creation to Mom’s Own Milk.
I’ve started making my own moulds, so now it is even easier to realise your ideas.
I’m the first to offer Boob Award creations. For a nominal charge, any creation can be changed to a Boob Awards creation by simply adding genuine 24K gold leaf, copper flakes or silver flakes.
I reward my loyal Facebook fans with monthly giveaways. Each mont a Fan Of The Month and two runners up are announced and awarded discount vouchers to spend in store.
To guard against breastmilk discolouration, I store left over breastmilk for 18 months after every order is completed. I’ve not had any instances of discolouration.
About my customers
I provide a global service. Majority of my customers are UK based with the second largest customer group based in Singapore who prefer to order in groups rather than individually.
Our Breastfeeding Story
So, to kick off National Breastfeeding a week 2015, I thought it would be a good opportunity to share mine and Harrison's experience with breastfeeding.
To begin with, I want to share that I was already very passionate about breastfeeding before having Harrison. I was determined to do it, but I was concerned I'd not be able to.
Due to my infertility issues, I don't produce the right level of hormones. So much so that I can't remain pregnant without medication. There was a good chance that I wouldn't produce the correct hormones for milk production either. Or, if I did, I wouldn't have the levels necessary to sustain Harrison.
It was a huuuuge relief to me that my hormone issues actually worked in my favour and gave me an over supply. Knowing so many woman who have struggled with under supplying, I am even more grateful for this.
Along Came Harrison
Harrison was born via c section (I wasn't able to have a natural birth due to very severe SPD) so I wasn't able to do skin to skin immediately, which I was disappointed about and hoped wouldn't affect his initial rooting instinct.
As luck would have it, my hungry, 9lb 7oz, boy took to it like a pro and rooted away as soon as I was taken in to recovery.
The next 31 hours, before being released from hospital, me and the new love of my life spent our time cuddling and practising his latch. He had a very strong tongue tie which made it difficult for him, but we were both determined and kept at it.
Home Time
He was born on the Monday, we came home late on Tuesday and our first midwife home visit happened on Wednesday. Basking in the glow of new motherhood, I listened, happily, as the midwife told us how strong, healthy and alert Harrison was.
The midwife returned on Thursday, repeating the praise of my strong, lovely, alert and healthy young man. We, at this point, made her aware that he had not had a dirty nappy since a couple of hours after her visit the day before. We were told not to worry being that there is very little waste from breastmilk and advised to keep a track of things and discuss it with them the following day when they would call to check in.
When they called the next morning, we told them that there had still been no nasty nappies, again, we were told not to worry and they would call that evening to check again.
Another call and another 'still waiting' from us, followed by a 'don't worry' from them.
A Sign That Something Wasn't Right
The following day, Saturday, day 5 of life for my love, we had a different midwife visit. She was there to check Harrison's weight and other stats.
She gave him a quick check over and agreed that he looked wonderfully healthy, alert and, let's be honest, blooming gorgeous. She then weighed him, paused, weighed him again, paused again and then asked to put the scales on a different surface.
The same weigh, pause, reweigh, repause happened. She then gave us his new weight - 7lb 9oz.
Panic hit, understandably, and a whole host of confusion. The midwife said that she couldn't believe he had lost so much weight and decided to go back to the doctors to get another set of scales. She felt it was far more likely that her scales were broken than this healthy, happy little chap had lost almost 2lbs.
She returned a few hours later, armed with different scales and a presumption that she would get a different result. No such luck! Harrison really had lost nearly 2lbs.
Back To The Hospital
We were immediately sent back to hospital where Harrison was, again, checked over by multiple nurses and doctors. All of which told us how bright, lively, alert and healthy he looked. We were assured he was not dehydrated as he showed none of the normal signs and told that he may have been weighed incorrectly at birth as it seemed far more likely that this very healthy lad could have dropped nearly 20% of his body weight.
Blood tests were taken and we were advised that they expected them to come back perfectly, but we could stay over night so they could observe our latching and make sure he had a dirty nappy.
No such luck!
The Results
The results came back...and they were bad. Really bad! 'The worst we've seen' according to the hospital.
Harrison was severely dehydrated and his sodium levels were through the roof. He would have to be taken straight to NICU, put in an incubator and given fluids to rehydrate him.
We were terrified. After 3 years of trying to start a family, 4 miscarriages and a high risk pregnancy, we had finally breathed a sigh of relief that this was real and, now, everything felt like it was crumbling. We couldn't lose Harrison; he was our everything, our whole world.
The next week was a whirlwind of tests, tubes, crossed fingers, fear and hope. With an extra and very intense element...
Express Yourself
Harrison was 5 days old when he went in to NICU. My milk supply was still establishing and should have been increasing by the day along with the needs of Harrison.
However, Harrison was too poorly to breastfeed so was being fed through an NG tube.
I was using one of the hospital breast pumps and expressing every 90 minutes, 24 hours a day, to try to increase my supply.
I was still in a wheelchair with my SPD so was being wheeled down to NICU to deliver my milk to their fridge and hold Harrison's hand through the holes in his incubator.
With me not being able to hold my baby, my supply began to dwindle and I was finding it difficult to keep up with his needs.
Boosting My Supply
Finally, he was strong enough for me to do skin to skin with him (aka kangaroo care) and my next expressing session gave me double the yield of the one prior. More contact with Harrison allowed my body to get the message to produce more milk and I was able to meet his demand and more.
It was such a wonderful day when Harrison started to make real progress and was able to leave NICU and join me in my hospital room, and even better still when we were released from hospital and allowed to return home...part 2.
Exclusively Expressing
The next few weeks were spent on a 2 hour routine of skin to skin, attempting to breastfeed, bottle feeding Harrison specific volumes of expressed breastmilk, more skin to skin and another expressing session to produce milk for the next feed. This left approximately 15-30 minutes for me to sleep every 2 hours.
To say it was a hard going schedule is a massive understatement, but every second of it allowed me to fulfil my dream of giving my son breastmilk and allowed me to bond with him and teach him how to breastfeed with his tongue tie.
My supply, during this time, sky rocketed and I would produce enough milk for between 4 and 6 feeds every 2 hours. The freezer was quickly overflowing and I was permanently engorged (ouch), but, this was a god send when my c section scar became infected and I had to start taking antibiotics to treat it as it the antibiotics went through my milk to Harrison. I was lucky that I had enough of a stock pile to feed Harrison whilst getting through my course of antibiotics.
During those weeks, with a lot of hard work, dedication and luck, Harrison learned how to breastfeed again and, once he had regained his lost weight (and then some) we were able to wean him off the bottles and back on to the breast.
This was a scary prospect being that Harrison had shown no signs of illness previously, so much so that numerous doctors, nurses and midwives couldn't tell he was poorly. So moving from quantified measures of milk to the unknown volumes of exclusive breastfeeding was somewhat intimidating, but we had a lot of support to ensure he remained healthy.
Where Are We Now?
Harrison is now 5 months old, he's in the 75 centile for height and weight, he is the happiest, healthiest and most incredible young fellow and is an absolute pro at breastfeeding.
I plan on giving Harrison breastmilk until he is 2 years old. If he self weans during this time, I shall start expressing again and giving him breastmilk in a cup.
I love our breastfeeding relationship and, though we had a rocky start, I am so so grateful for the support we received from the hospital who took such wonderful care of my boy, allowed me to stay in the hospital with him, wheeled me back and forth from my room to his at all hours night and day, taught us how to maintain his interest in breastfeeding whilst taking expressed milk from a bottle and helped us get him back on the breast.
It was tough, but 100% worth it and I'm so thrilled to be able to breastfeed Harrison and be an advocate of the wonders of breastfeeding. I cherish our breastfeeding sessions, feel empowered when I breastfeed in public and can not recommend it highly enough.
#SupportNotJudgement
*I would like to make it clear that, though we are pro breastfeeding, this does not make us anti formula. We are all about #supportnotjudgement and would like to send a virtual high 5 to all parents out there who nourish their children, no matter the format in which they do so*
To begin with, I want to share that I was already very passionate about breastfeeding before having Harrison. I was determined to do it, but I was concerned I'd not be able to.
Due to my infertility issues, I don't produce the right level of hormones. So much so that I can't remain pregnant without medication. There was a good chance that I wouldn't produce the correct hormones for milk production either. Or, if I did, I wouldn't have the levels necessary to sustain Harrison.
It was a huuuuge relief to me that my hormone issues actually worked in my favour and gave me an over supply. Knowing so many woman who have struggled with under supplying, I am even more grateful for this.
Along Came Harrison
Harrison was born via c section (I wasn't able to have a natural birth due to very severe SPD) so I wasn't able to do skin to skin immediately, which I was disappointed about and hoped wouldn't affect his initial rooting instinct.
As luck would have it, my hungry, 9lb 7oz, boy took to it like a pro and rooted away as soon as I was taken in to recovery.
The next 31 hours, before being released from hospital, me and the new love of my life spent our time cuddling and practising his latch. He had a very strong tongue tie which made it difficult for him, but we were both determined and kept at it.
Home Time
He was born on the Monday, we came home late on Tuesday and our first midwife home visit happened on Wednesday. Basking in the glow of new motherhood, I listened, happily, as the midwife told us how strong, healthy and alert Harrison was.
The midwife returned on Thursday, repeating the praise of my strong, lovely, alert and healthy young man. We, at this point, made her aware that he had not had a dirty nappy since a couple of hours after her visit the day before. We were told not to worry being that there is very little waste from breastmilk and advised to keep a track of things and discuss it with them the following day when they would call to check in.
When they called the next morning, we told them that there had still been no nasty nappies, again, we were told not to worry and they would call that evening to check again.
Another call and another 'still waiting' from us, followed by a 'don't worry' from them.
A Sign That Something Wasn't Right
The following day, Saturday, day 5 of life for my love, we had a different midwife visit. She was there to check Harrison's weight and other stats.
She gave him a quick check over and agreed that he looked wonderfully healthy, alert and, let's be honest, blooming gorgeous. She then weighed him, paused, weighed him again, paused again and then asked to put the scales on a different surface.
The same weigh, pause, reweigh, repause happened. She then gave us his new weight - 7lb 9oz.
Panic hit, understandably, and a whole host of confusion. The midwife said that she couldn't believe he had lost so much weight and decided to go back to the doctors to get another set of scales. She felt it was far more likely that her scales were broken than this healthy, happy little chap had lost almost 2lbs.
She returned a few hours later, armed with different scales and a presumption that she would get a different result. No such luck! Harrison really had lost nearly 2lbs.
Back To The Hospital
We were immediately sent back to hospital where Harrison was, again, checked over by multiple nurses and doctors. All of which told us how bright, lively, alert and healthy he looked. We were assured he was not dehydrated as he showed none of the normal signs and told that he may have been weighed incorrectly at birth as it seemed far more likely that this very healthy lad could have dropped nearly 20% of his body weight.
Blood tests were taken and we were advised that they expected them to come back perfectly, but we could stay over night so they could observe our latching and make sure he had a dirty nappy.
No such luck!
The Results
The results came back...and they were bad. Really bad! 'The worst we've seen' according to the hospital.
Harrison was severely dehydrated and his sodium levels were through the roof. He would have to be taken straight to NICU, put in an incubator and given fluids to rehydrate him.
We were terrified. After 3 years of trying to start a family, 4 miscarriages and a high risk pregnancy, we had finally breathed a sigh of relief that this was real and, now, everything felt like it was crumbling. We couldn't lose Harrison; he was our everything, our whole world.
The next week was a whirlwind of tests, tubes, crossed fingers, fear and hope. With an extra and very intense element...
Express Yourself
Harrison was 5 days old when he went in to NICU. My milk supply was still establishing and should have been increasing by the day along with the needs of Harrison.
However, Harrison was too poorly to breastfeed so was being fed through an NG tube.
I was using one of the hospital breast pumps and expressing every 90 minutes, 24 hours a day, to try to increase my supply.
I was still in a wheelchair with my SPD so was being wheeled down to NICU to deliver my milk to their fridge and hold Harrison's hand through the holes in his incubator.
With me not being able to hold my baby, my supply began to dwindle and I was finding it difficult to keep up with his needs.
Boosting My Supply
Finally, he was strong enough for me to do skin to skin with him (aka kangaroo care) and my next expressing session gave me double the yield of the one prior. More contact with Harrison allowed my body to get the message to produce more milk and I was able to meet his demand and more.
It was such a wonderful day when Harrison started to make real progress and was able to leave NICU and join me in my hospital room, and even better still when we were released from hospital and allowed to return home...part 2.
Exclusively Expressing
The next few weeks were spent on a 2 hour routine of skin to skin, attempting to breastfeed, bottle feeding Harrison specific volumes of expressed breastmilk, more skin to skin and another expressing session to produce milk for the next feed. This left approximately 15-30 minutes for me to sleep every 2 hours.
To say it was a hard going schedule is a massive understatement, but every second of it allowed me to fulfil my dream of giving my son breastmilk and allowed me to bond with him and teach him how to breastfeed with his tongue tie.
My supply, during this time, sky rocketed and I would produce enough milk for between 4 and 6 feeds every 2 hours. The freezer was quickly overflowing and I was permanently engorged (ouch), but, this was a god send when my c section scar became infected and I had to start taking antibiotics to treat it as it the antibiotics went through my milk to Harrison. I was lucky that I had enough of a stock pile to feed Harrison whilst getting through my course of antibiotics.
During those weeks, with a lot of hard work, dedication and luck, Harrison learned how to breastfeed again and, once he had regained his lost weight (and then some) we were able to wean him off the bottles and back on to the breast.
This was a scary prospect being that Harrison had shown no signs of illness previously, so much so that numerous doctors, nurses and midwives couldn't tell he was poorly. So moving from quantified measures of milk to the unknown volumes of exclusive breastfeeding was somewhat intimidating, but we had a lot of support to ensure he remained healthy.
Where Are We Now?
Harrison is now 5 months old, he's in the 75 centile for height and weight, he is the happiest, healthiest and most incredible young fellow and is an absolute pro at breastfeeding.
I plan on giving Harrison breastmilk until he is 2 years old. If he self weans during this time, I shall start expressing again and giving him breastmilk in a cup.
I love our breastfeeding relationship and, though we had a rocky start, I am so so grateful for the support we received from the hospital who took such wonderful care of my boy, allowed me to stay in the hospital with him, wheeled me back and forth from my room to his at all hours night and day, taught us how to maintain his interest in breastfeeding whilst taking expressed milk from a bottle and helped us get him back on the breast.
It was tough, but 100% worth it and I'm so thrilled to be able to breastfeed Harrison and be an advocate of the wonders of breastfeeding. I cherish our breastfeeding sessions, feel empowered when I breastfeed in public and can not recommend it highly enough.
#SupportNotJudgement
*I would like to make it clear that, though we are pro breastfeeding, this does not make us anti formula. We are all about #supportnotjudgement and would like to send a virtual high 5 to all parents out there who nourish their children, no matter the format in which they do so*
Something truly exciting is coming...
We'll be trying out and reviewing this gorgeous, and very extensive, range of BREASTMILK JEWELLERY!
That's right, you can keep a part of that beautiful time and bond you have/had with your child by having some of your milk made in to jewellery for you to cherish forever.
@momsownmilk are kindly offering a discount to our viewers and they ship worldwide so no one has to miss out on this beautiful keepsake.
Stay tuned for details and head over to @momsownmilk website to take a look at the beautiful pieces available.
http://www.momsownmilk.com
I know you'll love the incredible range as much as me.
#EventualMother
...and don't be shy, let us know what you think in the comments>>>
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get alerts for our new videos. You'll be notified as soon as we publish the review for this jewellery so you can decide to buy or not (I'm confident it will be the former)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXpEZSPNV-aF4tNuXwtqTA
We'll be trying out and reviewing this gorgeous, and very extensive, range of BREASTMILK JEWELLERY!
That's right, you can keep a part of that beautiful time and bond you have/had with your child by having some of your milk made in to jewellery for you to cherish forever.
@momsownmilk are kindly offering a discount to our viewers and they ship worldwide so no one has to miss out on this beautiful keepsake.
Stay tuned for details and head over to @momsownmilk website to take a look at the beautiful pieces available.
http://www.momsownmilk.com
I know you'll love the incredible range as much as me.
#EventualMother
...and don't be shy, let us know what you think in the comments>>>
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get alerts for our new videos. You'll be notified as soon as we publish the review for this jewellery so you can decide to buy or not (I'm confident it will be the former)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXpEZSPNV-aF4tNuXwtqTA