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Two premmies and tongue-tie, one successfully breastfed – Sally’s story

Posted on September 29, 2009
Filed under: Exclusive expressing, Expressing, Premature baby, Tounge tie

I always planned to breastfeed my babies, why wouldn’t I? It’s the most natural thing in the world. My plans went downhill when at 28 weeks my waters broke. My little boy was born at 30+1 weeks weighing just 1545 grams (3lb 6oz) He spent 6 weeks in the NICU before coming home, I was never given the opportunity to fully breastfeed before discharge and we came on using a nipple shield.

Brendan - 5.5wks

We hit many obstacles including, poor weight gain, week suck and tongue tie. I was never able to fully breastfeed him as he would get too tired, therefore for 5 months I expressed for Brendan. My milk eventually dried up and even after seeking professional help, which wasn’t helpful (I was in a remote community and only had 1 Dr and 1 community child health nurse) I am very proud to have made 5.5 months of full EBM with NO FORMULA!

Tristan - 6 days

When I was pregnant with my second child, I was even more determined to get him to breastfeed. I armed myself with lots of information and knew that should I run into milk supply troubles there were things I could do to help. At just 26 weeks I went into pre-mature labour. Thankfully they were able to stop it and I was given steroids to help my baby’s lungs. I kept going into labour until eventually, at 34+2 weeks, they decided not to stop it anymore. Tristan was born at 34+3 and spent just 6 days in NICU and 2 days rooming in with me. Tristan is also tongue-tied, but not to the same extent Brendan was and therefore breastfeeding is easier for us. He was fully suck fed by day 3 and fully breastfed by day 7. He too started off on a nipple shield, due to jaundice making him sleepy, I was able to wean him off by just 3 weeks of age. Tristan is now 3 ½ months old, fully breastfed and sleeping through the night (9:30 till 7:30)!!. He was given formula in the first 6 days when there wasn’t enough EBM for him.

Update (Jan 2010): Tristan is now 6.5 months old and still breastfeeding!

I have found a recipe for lactation cookies which help increase my supply on down days or when I am sick. They are fantastic and have got me through a few rough patches. They are very addictive and anyone can eat them :D My 2yo LOVES them!

Housepoet’s Famous Lactation Boosting Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip & Flaxseed cookies

Serves: 6 dozen cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 cup butter or marg
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 4 tablespoons water
* 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (can be found at any local health food store)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups oats, thick cut if you can get them
* 1 cup or more chocolate chips
* 2 tablespoons of brewers yeast (be generous) (IT MUST BE BREWERS YEAST, NO SUBSTITUTIONS)

Directions:

* Preheat oven at 375 degrees F.
* Mix together 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal and water, set aside for 3-5 minutes.
* Cream (beat well) margarine and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mix well.
* Stir flaxseed mixture and add with vanilla to the margarine mix. Beat until blended.
* Sift together dry ingredients, except oats and chips. Add to margarine mixture. Stir in oats then chips.
* Scoop or drop onto baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment or silpat. The dough is a little crumbly, so it helps to use a scoop.
* Bake 8-12 minutes, depending on size of cookies.

I make mine into 2 slices, just make sure the slice is no thinker than a cookie. It’s quicker and easier that way, especially with kiddies running around :-D

Filed under: Exclusive expressing, Expressing, Premature baby, Tounge tie

Comments

2 Responses to “Two premmies and tongue-tie, one successfully breastfed – Sally’s story”

Liz on October 11th, 2009 7:28 pm

Great to read your story Sally,

In regard to the cookies/biscuits – yes they’re very addictive and yummy.

Just in case people can’t find flaxseed meal, you may need to look for it under the name of linseed meal.
Sally on August 3rd, 2010 5:20 pm

Update: Tristan breastfed until 12 months and 3 days old! I’m so proud to have made the 12 month mark, such an awesome milestone.

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