Toddler Life, Work Life, Pumping Life, & How do I know if I am producing enough?*

Giulietta was not feeling well Monday morning. She is still all stuffy from something she picked up at school. Her school has a “strict” no sick kids policy, which I love, but sometimes kids slip through. Giulietta did not want to miss playing with her friends on the playground, so we gave her some Zarbees dark honey cough syrup and put some baby rub on her chest. She was good to go and was able to enjoy her day at school. When she came home, we finished organizing her room. Maybe I can eventually convince her to sleep in the bed. I am going to try and buy some princess sheets and other items to make her room feel more like “hers.”
Giovanni got his hib vaccine yesterday, which went pretty well. We met a group on triplets who were born in vitro. They were so cute!
So, after rearranging Giulietta’s room, I explored princess sheet ideas with her. She told me that I would have to sleep with her. I started laughing because she is so smart!
My first “real” night at work went well. The 8 hours flew by fast due to pumping for 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Giovanni even cooperated for daddy! Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for me. At 3 a.m. it decided to torrential downpour and my umbrella was in the car, lucky me. I was so soaked that my mascara dripped all down my face and my clothes stuck to my body. What fun!
Tuesday was pretty uneventful.
Wednesday, we woke up and took Giulietta to school. I only had 3 1/2 hours of sleep. Surprisingly, I felt amazing! Joey went for routine blood work that he’s been avoiding since age 17. I had to force him. That was exciting! It only took a few minutes. We picked up Giulietta from school and she came out with a turkey with feathers and a pretty owl. I loved it!! I was exhausted come 6 p.m. for work. I don’t know how I made it through. Joey went to my moms and then came to pick me up at 12:40 a.m. Giulietta had to pee, so I took her to the restroom in the building of my job. Pumping at work has been pretty good. I manually pump, which I love. Since I have an oversupply, I pump for ten minutes on one side and five on the other and vice versa every 2-3 hours. I think I am doing an amazing job! I get anywhere in between 3 1/2-5 or 6 oz every time I pump. I notice that during my work week as it progresses, I get less. In the beginning of the week, I always get more. Most likely, because my body is relaxed. During my 30 minute break, I pump 10 minutes on each side. I haven’t been doing a bad job keeping up with money either. I have been doing fairly well considering my pump breaks. One night one of the security guards accidentally walked into my pumping room. He was so embarrassed, but he really didn’t see anything. I felt bad for him. I traumatized him for life. People don’t realize that after you have a baby, all chivalry is lost. I am literally laughing my butt off thinking about it. I guess I still have some pizzazz because on Wednesday night, I got hit on by a kid who was probably 5 years younger than me. It all started because I carded him Tuesday night on the poker floor. He came up to me Wednesday night and asked if I was carding people. I was working the casino floor and I usually don’t have to because they get carded when they walk in. I am allowed to card anyone I feel the need to card. He never carries his i.d. and I don’t know him. So, he continued on to ask why I was not working poker and asked if I was Italian. I am completely naive when it comes to someone hitting on me. When he continued on, I got the hint. He asked if we could be friends and then started with do you have Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, etc. I was like no. I was dying laughing inside. He must have been the most, 24 years old. He only tips .75 on top of everything. I felt awesome to get hit on. I told everyone. It’s nice to still have the spunk.
Thursday night at work was awesome. I worked with a girl that has mellow and great energy. I lost my favorite coworkers to the morning shift. Anyways, this is my first impression of her, but time will tell. I worked 5.5 hours and was able to go home. I ate something and went to sleep.
I was so excited for cyber shopping and bought a deep freezer for my breast milk. Unfortunately, there is not a high demand for it in South Florida anymore. It is good for at least a year in a deep freezer. I am surprised no one seeks donations. If for some reason, I was unable to produce, I would inquire on Human milk 4 Human babies- Florida or Eats on Feats-Florida. I would want my child to have the best for the first year of his life. Some people are grossed out by it, but not me. Do you know how many children are failure to thrive and unable to gain weight on solely formula? I have donated to mommas who have adopted and their children were only able to gain weight on breast milk. It is an extreme myth that breast milk has no fat. If you pump your milk and look at the bottle after a day or two in the fridge, you will see the fat of your milk in the bottle. It’s a huge creamsicle of yummy stuff for babies. There are a lot of people who don’t breastfeed because they don’t know if their baby is getting enough. That is why there is a chart to track wet/dirty diapers. Some people don’t do it because they don’t want their babies attached to them all day. I love it! I know my children are thriving attached to me. It’s the most amazing experience in the world and I give kudos to all of the breastfeeding mommas out there because it’s not easy. I have been judged and ridiculed. Honestly, I could give a shit. I am a free spirit that will pull my breast out anywhere in the world. In my opinion, “breast is always best.” Again, I am pro-feeding baby and there are mommas out there that simply cannot produce enough for their children due to high stress, medications they are taking, or previous cancer treatments. Sometimes, they have no choice. Remember, our bodies were meant for feeding our babies. If they weren’t, we would be unable to produce milk all together. Women have been breastfeeding for centuries. Do not fear judgements of the world. Always do what’s best for your babies. Wether you decide to do it for the first week, three months, six months, twelve months, etc., I applaud you. I think that following your maternal and bodily instinct deserves recognition. You are one of the few in this world. According to the CDC, if you have breastfed for three months you are part of the 44.4% of the population, 6 months 22.3%, first year 30.7%, ever 81.1%. These numbers are incredibly low. Do not ever give up. Remember that breastfeeding is supply and demand. Don’t stop just because you don’t feel like doing it anymore. I know that pumping at work is a lot, but it’s worth it. Do not get discouraged if you don’t pump a million ounces. There may be issues with the pump you are using, you may have to change the parts, or change that pump. Some mothers do not get as much milk with an electric pump that they do with a manual. Always try. Remember that 4 oz is enough. A breastfed baby does not need more than 3 oz a bottle every 2 hours if you are properly pace feeding. They get much more off the breast. If you are ever in a frenzy, do not be afraid to reach out to a lactation consultant. They are angels in disguises. They will help do weighed feedings if you’re afraid that you are not producing enough. Some mommies are stuck on the idea that babies need 8 oz a bottle. This is only true if you’re formula feeding. Research shows that the formula fed infants belly is much different than the breastfed Infant. If your baby is on the boob all the time, that is great! They are building up your supply! Have an amazing weekend everyone! Hope you all had a great thanksgiving with your families. I went to my amazing mothers. I am always grateful for her and all of the work she put into the meal. Her turkey was super juicy and delicious. Tomorrow, I am eating at my mother in laws. I am super grateful for all of my friends and family.







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