Leaky boobs!

Breastfeeding has gone well at least thats what everyone is telling me! My milk came in on day 4-5; but prior to my milk coming BF was hard and exhausting. I felt like all I did was BF and if I wasn't she was screaming. It really challenged my desire to keep BF. I completely understand why moms stop BF! If it was not for Ben's incredible support I do not know if I would still be BF. He has been a huge cheerleader for me!

Our BF story includes supplemental that first few days until Mommy and baby were more in sync. This allowed Mommy to get some much needed sleep.

At her one week appointment, Ava weighed almost 1lb over her hospital weight and a half lb over her birth weight!! That is amazing, per the doctor! The doctor hopes babies weigh at least their birth weight at there 2 week checkup and we surpassed that within a week! This gave me an amazing sense of confidence that I actually am doing well with BF!

I love the special time Miss Ava and I have while BF. I don't mind getting up (most nights) to BF. However, I hate leaky boobs! I feel like all I do is leak milk constantly! I go through milk pads like no other! I leak while BF; I leak while watching TV; I leak when Ava cries; and I leak in the shower!

I have started collecting from the leaky boob while I am BF from the other boob. I can collect about an ounce from the leaky boob! Its a pretty crazy sight I am sure! Plus, Miss Ava mean mugs the bottle collecting the leaky drippings! It cracks me up that she is claiming her milk!

I do feel bad that Ben does not get special time with Ava like I do. He does not seem to mind though. I am open to any suggestion on how to involve him more!

My breastfeeding advise for anyone about to start BF- this is your story! There is no right or wrong way. You need to find what works for you. If you don't supplement-great! If you do supplement-great! Remember this is your story- you write it as you go along. Also, find your cheerleader and get as much support as you need!

Note: While on FMLA I will be posting via my iPhone. My apologize for all typos and what not!

Love these chubby checks!!

Events leading up to November 28th

November 22 - It was my 30th birthday! Wow, 30! I still see myself as an early 20 year old. It does not bother me to turn 30 though; I feel my life is getting better every year. My marriage is stronger than ever, we are having a baby, and work is ok. Life is good!

November 23 - Our weekly maternity appt. Dr. B talked with us about inducing. I am measuring 2-3 weeks smaller than my actual 39 week status. I was about 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. told him I wanted to try to induce labor naturally. Dr. B said he didn't want me going past 40 weeks. I said ok.

November 24/25 - I never walked so much in one weekend before! George (my dog) and I walked around our pasture. George protected me from our cows. I bounced on the exercise ball, everything you name it! But nothing crazy no special teas, castor oil, etc.

November 27 - My last day at work and our weekly doctor's appt in the afternoon. The last day at work was great! I was so ready to leave and 3:00 didn't come fast enough. Ben had to work on tuesday. (He works second shift. He is a cop.) He went to the appt with me in uniform. (He is so handsome!) The doctor had scheduled a ultrasound. At this point, I was ready to have this baby. The baby looked good in the u/s but Dr. B said that the baby isn't growing anymore. She had weighed about 5.5lbs on week 37 and now almost 40 weeks the baby only weighed about 6lbs 3 ounces. The placenta wasn't giving the baby the nourishment it needed anymore. I knew he was going to recommend inducing. I told him I was ready whenever he was. He schedule the inducing the next morning. I looked at Ben and said he was not going into work tonight. He laughed and said of course not.

Stay continued for November 28th!

Introducing our little IVF miracle:
Miss Ava Clare!

She was born November 28, 2012 healthy and happy. Her birth was how I wanted it but there were some complications with the placenta... more on that later.

We are tired and overjoyed!