Determination

I went ahead and did a second gDiaper and was not as pleased. Milo got really upset all of a sudden, and I wasn't sure why. So I went in to check his diaper and the gDiaper disposable insert was soaking wet, but it didn't seem to keep the moisture off of his skin. He was happy once I changed it. So gDiaper not looking so hot now. Although it may be better with a cloth insert.

And we determined that my latest nursing wounds are from Compression Blanching. Basically Milo is sucking very hard, which I said from day one, calling him a little Hoover. And he is also clamping down which is visibly evident after nursing. I guess babies will clamp down to slow the flow. So he is sucking so hard the milk is coming out too fast, so he clamps down to slow the flow. Seriously. Basically what is happening is the circulation is being cut off to the nipple. So most of the pain comes a few minutes after I'm done nursing when the circulation begins to return. The plan now is to switch sides every five minutes to cut down on the duration of constant compression. We are also doing some position changes. And I will use dry heat after each feeding to help with the post nursing pain. {I filled a sock with rice to use as my heat source... just microwave... and I've got a great little heat pack} We are going to see how the next 24 hours go, and my lactation consultant is going to consult with her mentor as well.

I am still optimistic that we will eventually be nursing normally and pain free! I am determined for no other reason, than I simply love nursing my son. There are certainly other, perfectly fine, ways to feed a baby. But I want to do this; I want to have this special time with my baby. I've already dealt with and survived engorgement, cracked and bleeding nipples, nipple shields, manual breast pump, prescription ointment that is to be washed off before each feeding, compression blanching... to give up now would be crazy! Ok... so maybe not giving up is crazy... but I am not giving up.

Ok. I put Milo to bed an hour ago... now {hopefully} its my turn to get some sleep.