What does it all mean?
Dr. J says right now he does expect Mason will need a shunt, possibly putting it in by the end of the week. The hydrocephalus isn’t resolving (fixing) itself. His plan is to do another head ultrasound Wednesday and see if he’s improved or if we’re about ready for the shunt. Obviously they’ll keep an eye on his head between now and then and ultrasound sooner if his soft spots get firmer.
In Other Areas:
I would appreciate prayer for my milk-making abilities. My body is struggling to make enough milk for Mason and so we’re pumping when I’m not at his bedside to nurse at night, nursing all day on demand, and supplementing after each nursing session. This is something I’ve always struggled with, we suspect it has to do with my hypothyroidism making my own hormones unbalanced and not lactation friendly. I’m working with the lactation consultants here at Children’s today to see what we can do to increase my milk, but we’re also fully committed to getting Mason fed well to keep him growing so we’re supplementing as he needs it. With the staff here at Children’s overseeing everything he’s growing just fine. I’ll continue to nurse and pump for as long as we need to, we’re praying to have peace knowing what to do as we go along. We’re also praying that my body figures out the milk-making business!
I'll keep praying for Masons hydrocephalus to work itself out.I'll also pray for your nursing too :0)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
I'm praying
ReplyDeleteYour little guy is so CUTE!!! I love his hair and those wonderful alert little eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if your lactation specialist has recommended it or not but there is an herb mix called I think More Milk Plus that helps with most women (it didn't with me, but I know many others that it has helped) I would get the pills over the liquid. Also brown rice and oatmeal are show to help. Good luck! You are all doing so great.
I had a similar issue with Z- the only thing that helped was a pill (i can't remember the name, but increased milk production isn't its primary thing, it's just a side effect). The problem with the medicine is that you can only take it for so long and right as I was out, Z hit another growth spurt and my body still couldn't keep up. Some is better than none though.
ReplyDeleteI had milk supply problems with my last two kids. There is a drug the dr can prescribe. I can't remember what it's called. It works great, but also makes you really tired. Not worth it to me! What worked the best for me was Fenugreek. It's a natural herb and for me and my babies came with no side effects. I took 3-4 pills 3-4 times a day. You have to take A LOT of it to really work. You may smell a little like maple syrup. :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLoving the updates on Mason! Praying for his fluid to go off on it's own! As far as your milk production. I had issues with milk supply and I went to a breastfeeding clinic at our children's hospital. They prescribed me Reglan and it was amazing! It is not intended for this purpose, but with lots of pumping and nursing, I went from having only enough of a supply to express a few drops, to producing enough milk for my little man! Granted the entire process was about 3 months, but it was well worth it! You can also take Fenugrek, but with certain health conditions you have to be careful. I hope that you have a nice support system of knowledgeable consultants/doctors who can help ensure your milk supply so that you can breastfeed as you wish! :)
ReplyDeleteMason is so cute! Looks like he is going to be a strawberry blonde. Praying for all of you as you proceed on this journey. He looks chubby and healthy-yeah! Hugs to you, dear Tristan.
ReplyDeleteHe is such a cutie. ;0) Praying that the fluid decreases and your milk increases...I had milk production issues with all my children and in the end did not successfully breastfeed any of them without heavy supplementation. Praying that your lactation consultants can help you so you'll have one less thing to worry over.
ReplyDeleteMy son has had 9 surgeries in his short 3 years of life. My advice when considering the shunt...rely on the spirit!!! I do not like making decisions, but I always felt what was right and when it was right concerning all of my sons medical decisions. I don't know how people are able to make it through things like this without the spirit to guide them! Good luck with the breast milk. We'll continue to pray for you and your entire family. Have any of your children been able to meet their new brother yet?
ReplyDeletePraying for your milk supply and your sweetie!!!
ReplyDeletefenugreek really helped me!! i had 2 little ones with nicu stays that i had to put for. i struggled with milk production as well both times. praying for you and mason!
ReplyDeleteMason is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for keeping us all updated. I enjoy keeping up with his progress and will definitely be praying for your milk supply and for little Mason.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Tristan, you have such a cutie there! Praying for milk production. When I worked L&D and when I was working I was told that pumping after you nurse stimulates more milk. The breasts think they are still nursing the baby and they will learn to make more. I never had thyroid issues however so I leave you with that possibility and the wonderfully skilled lactation specialists. :) Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually comment, but I keep up on your homeschool blog & I just want to say congratulations. He is beautiful. And you are amazing. Will pray for you!!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried mother milk tea? when I have drank it, it has increased my milk a lot
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear updates. He is VERY cute. We will continue to pray for you all. Someone once told me to eat a lot of spinach for mild production. Ask the Consultant though. I have problems with that as well. How are the other children doing? Who is watching them?
ReplyDeleteTake care :)