I broke my arm last Sat. during a boat trip. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 4 month old. While in the hospital I managed to still pump my breast milk to maintain my supply. I have been home since Monday and my 4 month old had to be supplemented with formula while I had surgery. As soon as I got the green light I began to breast feed her again. She is not sleeping the same at night and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed because the only way I get her to sleep for long periods of time is propping my arm above her head and breast feeding her on the couch while laying down. Everytime my hubby puts her in the crib she starts crying. I know the formula gave her a lil gas but now she is back to just breastmilk but her sleeping patterns have changed on me. Also, it's very hard to manage every day chores with just 1 arm. My hubby is a BIG help but he goes back to work next week. Any suggestions?
Hello N.
I am not sure what area you live in and I know this sounds strange (being as I have never met you) but I have two little ones also and I know how difficult it can be to get things done. If you don't live too far away I wouldn't mind coming to help you with everyday chores. I belong to a church community that has several ladies that are stay-at-home moms and we would gladly give of our time to help you in any way we can.
Dear N.,
God bless you! I live in Margate and willing to help you like so many other wonderful moms here! I am 48 and I raised my son and now raising my 2 nieces age 4 & 8. If you are close to me feel free to answer my offer!
Sincerely,
Kathy N.
N.,
I just pulled muscles in BOTH of my arms this Tuesday and my arms went numb, painful and totally had no function. I was in the same predicament you were in, could not bathe, lift, breastfeed my 3mo old or fix cereal for my 3yr old. My husband too was a big help. I got thru by praying, I know that might seem corny, but that worked for me, because honestly I too was on maternity leave and will be going back to work after the holidays and was extremely worried how I would function. Second practical thing that I did as far as breastfeeding, I would let the baby stay on my bed and sleep versus his crib, because I couldn't lift him out, then I would guide my 3yr old to get milk from fridge, pour it, and put his cereal in his bowl(thankfully he is at the stage where he wants to help, so he was willing to do it) Lucky for you, you have one functional arm, you didn't say which. Occupy yourself with the 2yr old, put in a movie, sit on floor and play with him, whatever that can distract him, so he doesn't mess with the baby on the bed. Leave the housework until your husband gets home and can help you. Hope your arm gets better, it is just no fun at all.
Hi N., I imagine you even wrote your request with one hand...
Do you have relatives nearby, friends in the neighborhood, church members or perhaps people at hubby's work to ask for help?
As your baby is still so young, she's picking up on your frustration and nursing is not comfortable for her right now; but things will smooth out as your arm heals and you are persistent and as calm as possible. The oldest is 2.5? He's a bit young to help you with chores; but can get the baby's blanket or a diaper, get you a glass of water while you are nursing, prop up the pillow and then he can sit next to you while he reads a book or watches sesame street and feel important (which he is!)
Thank god your husband is still there for you until he goes back to work, which is another stressor for you.
Can you afford a babysitter for a few hours a day?
Let us know where you are at (I'm in Delray) and let Mamasource angels help you out, bring dinner ready made, perhaps a play date with the oldest, rock the baby so you can take a shower...honey, you need a hand. Just ask.
Blessings, S.
Hi N.,
I really feel for you. I have three kids ages 5, 4, and almost 2. Last year, I broke my wrist and my youngest who was barely 1 was still breastfeeding. Thank God he was much older and eating solids as well, but it was such a challenge to get anything done around the house, change his diaper, carry him, etc. Hang in there. I'm sure the breastfeeding will get back on track after a little while, and definitely nursing her in the bed is probably most comfortable for both of you now - yes, we ended up co-sleeping. You'll see that probably in another week you arm won't hurt as much, and you'll probably feel a little more comfortable. If you do have the option for a helper to come in, I would highly recommend it. I didn't have that opportunity, so I just decided that I would just take care of the priorities and I really had to let housework go - my husband was very understanding and would come home and help out with that. Hang in there, things will surely get better each week and you will become quite skilled at doing things one-handed... I wish you the very best.
Hi N.,
Sounds like your daughter got used to the formula she was given when you were in the hospital. Maybe you should find out what exactly she was given and stop breast feeding her.
I breast fed one son and not the other and they were both just as healthy.
D. P.
Wow, you've got a lot on your plate right now! It is hard enough having two little ones those ages as it is. First off, congrats on pumping to keep your supply up. You are definitely one dedicated mommy. :) What about bringing baby to bed with you? Breastfeeding laying down is definitely the way to go because you can rest your body and relax a little.
Do you know any high school girls in the area that might want to help out? Do you have a little extra to pay her to be a mother's helper maybe?
I'm probably not much help, but I just wanted to commend you for your dedication with the breastfeeding! Your baby will thank you in the long run. :)
Ohhh.... you know, it could be just a coincidence that her sleep isn't as good (might not have anything to do with the formula). But, give her a few more days...she might work it out. My daughter starting teething around that time.
Good luck!
