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Boot Camp - Additional Information:
As baby begins to accept breastfeeding, you can drop one 5 minute pump cycle in each two hour period and begin to switch to a 2 hour nursing routine. Your child should nurse about 5 minutes on one side, burp, change diaper and then nurse 10 minutes on the second side, burp and switch to first side for a few more minutes. This will allow the baby to get extra hind milk. Total time should be 20 to 30 minutes. Then take a break of at least 15 minutes (for some personal time). Carry your baby skin to skin if they are fussy as you do the activities in each two hour period. If needed nurse on side 2 again until the 2 hour time period is done. Move on to next segment.
Remember the more often you nurse, the more milk is produced in a 24 hour period. Short frequent nursings are more productive than an hour spent nursing followed by a long sleep. Exception - tandem nursing with an adopted baby. Even though you are producing milk, your milk supply may need supplementing for some time. Changes occur in the breast structure and the composition of your milk as the baby grows. A toddler's nursing pattern is usually quite different than an infant's.
Search for an acceptable formula or modify goats milk as a supplement. Ask your friends to help supply breastmilk or see if your doctor will prescribe a few weeks supply from a milk bank. Request a copy of the Milk Donor Info Sheet which has locations and instructions. Do not feel you are unable to fulfill the needs of your new baby. A low milk supply is just a quirk of nature and not a reflection of your abilities. Like all adoptive mothers, the nurturing benefits of breastfeeding you provide will enhance your relationship immensely.
Five to ten days of Boot Camp should increase your milk supply. Careful attention to supplementation (for filling in any gaps) should have you on track. Use a supplementer for an infant. For babies on solids use extra milk added to solids or in a sippy cup.
Give yourself a pat on the back for doing a great job of mothering naturally. Everyone will be moving toward a return to "real life." Take time to decide what is really important. Do not try to be all things to all around you. Being a Mom is a full time job. As other demands arise, keep them in perspective. Every few months there will be changes, allowing you to take on more outside activities. Remember the successful executive delegates authority (and housework). Make that your moto and keep the best job for yourself...
Ann Sutherland
