I haven't written my labor story yet. The past couple of months were the busiest time of my life. I wouldn't say it was without difficulties but still the best. The biggest difficulty I faced was with breastfeeding. I had very good milk production but my nipples cracked. I had pain, a chronic pain which I have never experienced before. Breastfeeding became a nightmare instead of a pleasant experience. Everytime Anisha would keep her mouth to suck it was a nightmare. I survived on 4 ibuprofens a day. I understood how difficult it will be for people who live with chronic pain. And, one fine day, I decided to do my own research and found out how I could cure my nipples. It worked. Now all is well. I am proud I never gave up breastfeeding.The other question people ask me is, is she sleeping well. Yes, she does ! Nowadays I sleep almost 7 h every night. She gets up twice and dozes off immediately after feeding. Afternoons are our very special time. We cuddle with each other and sleep for more than a couple of hours everyday.
I think I will start updating my blog. I have lots to say. Hopefully Anisha will give me a little time for my blog too :)
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| Anisha |
She is so cute, Manju! oh yes, I've heard about the pains of motherhood. Hang in there, soon she'll be walking and dancing and would not need breast feeding! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, motherhood brings with it joy as well as enormous pain too - both physical and emotional ! What made me sad is, nobody took my grievances seriously. I had horrible pain in my breasts, a dull, nagging pain for more than a month. Rajender and my mom totally dismissed my concern by saying I must bear it for Anisha's sake. When I complained, what I heard was, all that you went through to have her and your blog has no meaning if you complain like this. I was surprised ! Shouldn't I call my pain pain just because I fought hard to have Anisha ! A mother is viewed as a martyr, unfortunately ! Mothers' love to boast about their so-called sacrifices too ! In FB, I despise the posts which say that a mother has done so and so for her baby and even worse at the end they ask to share that post if you are a mother !!!
ReplyDeleteTo complete the story, I was worried whether my pain is affecting my ability to do full justice to breastfeeding. I wanted breastfeeding to be pleasant and not a scary experience. The pain was limiting my ability to bond with her. I was worried about the possibility of infection because of the crack. The crack was at the base of the nipple occupying almost half of its length. The muscle inside was exposed. Whenever I fed Anisha it turned red, oh horrible ! After feeding there was a nagging pain and I felt paralyzed. My midwife asked me to use lanolin ointment as it helps wet healing. It does make it worse, nothing healed. My doctor prescribed me St. John wort's oil, as it can promote healing. She was not willing to give me anything else. She also said if my breasts get infected, I can't breastfeed. That sent me into a panic mode. No one even gave importance to my pain.
Then I tried 1% betamethasone cream I had with me. It did the magic. I also asked for a prescription for electric breast pump. When I asked for a steroid cream prescription to my doctor she was not willing to provide me because of the effect it might have on the baby. I insisted I must have it. I had to weigh carefully the risk vs benefit. I felt that the benefit brought on by healing my nipples outweighed the risk it might pose to Anisha. At last a combination of steroid cream plus pumping milk helped. That was quite an experience.
I will miss breastfeeding when I have to stop. I wish I could feed her as long as I could. My hubby drank milk from his mom 5 long years :P
I'm pumping as I'm reading this post.. Lol~ Let's work hard to breastfeed as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteBaby Anisha is very cute. God bless her. I do understand the pain u have gone through. It's worth the effort dear. Her smile must be making u forget everything.
ReplyDeleteIm 7th.month preg with twins. Have severe swelling in feet. Dr suģgested methods here in india has not helped me. My bp is normal. I hear u get some spray in germany which gives instant relief. Is it true?. Take care.
No, it is not true. Please drink lots of water, keep your feet high and check your BP regularly ! Are you having weekly appointments with the doctor ? Have they checked you for gestational diabetes ? Are your blood sugar levels normal ? Do you have swelling only in your feet ?
ReplyDeleteDear Manju,
DeleteI have been drinking lots of water n keeping legs on a pillow too. My sugar levels, bp n hb are all normal. I have swelling in feet n leg. And mild swelling in hand fingers n face. My dr says my uterus is already of the size of term though im still in 29th week. She says it must be the size of uterus with twins going on ur feet leading to swelling. I'm unable to walk properly nowadays (:-. Have been having loose motion too.
I understand that Wil be very uncomfortable. It is normal that many women have water accumulation during pregnancy. With twins it can be much worser. Is your iron levels normal ? If you don't have high blood pressure or sugar there is not much to worry. Nevertheless, if I were you I will be very careful.
DeleteAre you having weekly appointments? Are you staying near the clinic ? Do you know the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia ? When was the glucose tolerance test performed ?
I am not a doctor. My sister is a gynecologist. I will talk to her and let you know what she thinks.
As of now, rest well. Keep yourself stress free. All will be well ! My love to your little ones.
Thanks Manju. Does haemoglobin indicate iron levels?. If so it is normal(12.8). Glucose challenge test was done just 2 days back along with haemoglobin n platelet count. As per the report everything is normal. My dr has asked me to get BP checked everyday, n it is normal all the time. In spite of all these i have huge swelling in feet/leg.
ReplyDeleteHospital is nearby. Is abnormal BP is a sign of pre-eclampsia?. I'm just hoping n praying that i at least go upto 34 weeks.
Pls let me what your sister says. I have been doing everything i can do get my swelling reduced..but nothing is helping (:-. This water retention has blown me up beyond limits in 3 weeks n it looks scary.
Lots of love to u n Anisha. Take care.
I think you are in safe hands. Your doctor has done everything which can be done. I will ask my sister whether there is any help for the swelling. But as far as I know delivery is the only way. You do not have any other probblems. So please do not worry ! As your doctor suggested, measure your BP everyday. Make sure you know the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and contact your doctor immediately if you don't feel well. Swelling doesn't mean you have or will have pre-eclampsia. All that I said is for precaution.
DeleteDoes the clinic you go have neonatal NICU ? 29 weeks is a great landmark. Premature twins generally do very well. If you are afraid of premature birth, ask your doctor whether a steroid shot is necessary.
Please try to relax ! When I talk to my sister, I will ask her. If she has anything new to offer I will let you know. Take care !
Thanks a lot Manju. Ur words mean a lot at this stage n gave me lot of strength. Looking at my swelling n tummy size ppl are saying i may not go beyond another 3 weeks. That scares me. Yes, the hospital i go to has NICU. I still pray i go upto at least 34-35 weeks. Does the steroid shot to mature babies lungs has any side effects if taken at 29 weeks?. In case, ur sister has any advice, pls do let me know.
DeleteYou take care n do enjoy this phase with ur lil one. Pain n discomfort is a part of mother's role. But ur lil one's smile should make u forget everything. Take care.
What my sister asked is to keep an eye on your BP. She asked whether they did a kidney function test.
DeleteOther thing I would like to ask is, are you on any blood thinners ? Is your amniotic fluid levels normal ?
Dear Manju, i just saw ur mesg. I'm in the hospital. I had severe loose motion n also my regular appt was due. That time BP showed fluctuations,(sometimes 80/120 n sometimes 90/127). She immediately got me admitted n getting all tests done(urine, stool, blood tests) including scan. Im yet to get some reports. Scan shows babies weight 1.3 n 1.1 n corresponds to 29 n 28 weeks. She gave me steroid shots to get babies lungs matured. Lil worried as i don't know whats happening. Except 2 readings rest of the BP monitored for every 4 hrs since yday shows normal. Scsn showed one sac having more fluid n other having adequate. Im on ecosprin 75mg blood thinner. Is that causing any pbm?.
DeleteWhat kidney tests is ur sis mentioning.if it shows some pbm is there a medication at this stage?.
I wish u were a dr who is so technical n beieve in transparency. God bless u.
Have they done a doppler to check the babies ? Please ask for it since one baby has more amniotic fluid ! Do not panic please ! With steroid shots, if you deliver early too, the chances that both your babies are fine is high and they will cope well in NICU.
DeleteKidney function tests - they must have performed on you to see whether your kidneys are doing their function in a good way. I believe they are just blood tests. Are you urinating enough ?
No, blood thinner is not causing any problem. It might help prevent blood clots. If you are in bed and couldn't move please ask for heparin shots ( a much potential blood thinner). If you are mobile enough aspirin is enough.
Pray and stay relaxed. I know it is difficult but that is the best you could do for yourself and babies. You are in my prayers and so are your little ones.
Dear Manju,
DeleteI was admitted in the hospital after my dr noticed fluctuations in the BP reading n increased swelling(edema). She is not convinced sending me home as my BP is now 80/130; n sometimes 90/140. Im also lil leaking urine n my cervix length is only 1.8cms now n is closed. My babies weigh 1516gms n 1480gms. One of the sac has more fluid too. She has already given me steroid shots last week for maturing babies lungs.
Manju, my worry is im completing my 30 weeks tmrw n will start 31st. Isn't too early for premature delivery in the worst case if u have to?. Babies are doing good so far n hospital has good NICU too. My dr is trying to push as many days as possible. Im lil worried about too early delivery even if NICU is good. Pls pray for us. God bless u all.
You are in my prayers. Do not worry ! With steroid injection and 31 weeks, all looks great. Important developments in babies must be over now and they just have to put on weight. That they can do in NICU as well. Do not worry too much, I know it is hard not to. But, you being happy and relaxed can help you to carry them longer. Did they do a Doppler ultrasound ?
DeleteYes. They do Doppler ultrasound everyday and BPS scan once 3-4 days with regular monitoring of BP. So far everything is fine. FHR is checked every 6 hrs once(its around 140-150). Just trying to deviate my mind n push days as long as i can. Thanks Manju.
DeleteLots of love to the little one and the strong mom who continues to fight all odds. :-) Anjani
ReplyDeleteAnjani, how are you ? I wish I could talk to you. Will mail you. Am I stronger than you ?
DeleteShe's delightful Manju
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather !
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that you had to undergo so much pain to breastfeed dear Anisha. Breast and nipples are such sensitive parts and I totally understand how horrible the pain would have been. Akka, you have every right to call your pain pain. Nothing can change this. You as always with your knowledge and wisdom overcame the challenge and breastfed Anisha successfully. Hats off to your perseverance!! I am very glad that this is in the past.
ReplyDeleteSandhya.