My MIL wanted a picture of Rowan with her eyes open, but Ro looks very unhappy every time we try to take one.
So today was Rowan's 2-day (post-discharge) check-up at the pediatric clinic on base.
As most moms know, a baby loses some of their birth weight in the days following their birth. The medical norm is for them to gain it back by their 2-week check-up.
Rowan lost 7% of her birth weight, so she dropped from 7 lbs, 4 oz, which means she left the hospital at roughly 6 lb, 12 oz. That was Sunday morning.
Today's check-up went quite well. It's really an informational visit combined with a baby well-check to see how both mom and baby are doing. I liked the Major very much and enjoyed talking with him. Everyone starts off treating me as a first-time mom, but then when they hear I already have a 10-year-old son, or see how I am (such as in labor or feeding the baby), they immediately say things like, "Of course, you already know this stuff. We just have to go over it anyway." I smile and nod. I don't mind them going over "stuff".
So he stripped Rowan down, and she was very cooperative for him as he assessed her. Then he weighed her and was very, very, very pleased with the result.
Chubberella is up to 7 lbs, 8 oz.
Pardon me, but this is her 2-day, not her 2-week, right? Did I lose a week in there somewhere? Because I could have sworn her 2-week check-up is January 16... *flips through datebook*
She peed for him, and I showed him the record I've been keeping of her wet and soiled diapers, and her feedings. He was impressed with how prepared I was and how well Rowan is eating, excreting, and gaining weight. He went back to his office for a phone number he needed to give me, and when he returned told me, "My staff and I agree you need to join our staff as a breastfeeding expert."
Very flattering.
We chatted a bit more about how what matters is breastfeeding support for the mom, but also support for bottle-feeding moms; as great as breastfeeding is, all moms need encouragement, no matter how they feed their child.
He walked me to the front door of the clinic and asked me questions about homeschooling. He was just really amiable and Rowan liked him. How can I tell she liked him? She didn't scream when he undressed her. She hates being naked. She also didn't pee on him - just for him on the little blue and white sanitary/medical mat that was under her. And, yes, I know from personal experience that she is quite capable of peeing on people.
Either she is becoming more comfortable in this world, or she's a good judge of character when it comes to strangers. ;)
Copyright (c) 2013 Wendy L. Callahan
Aww, a photo of a lovely child. Thank you, a good start to the morning. When will your mother in law get to see her in person? After the move?
ReplyDeleteFunny. My girl baby never peed on me, but my boy baby peed on the ceiling. Ha.
Don't you LOVE it when the baby does better than the 'experts' expect?
I had a doctor say very placatingly, "We know babies lose weight after they're born, so don't be upset if your daughter is a little lighter today then she was at birth. (10 day checkup)
Birth weight 7'13", 10 days later 9 lbs even.
Oh... and did you tell the doctor that you're co-sleeping? I know that quite a few of them think that's the worst idea in the universe, although there are millions of happy babies who would vehemently disagree.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, one more thing. Do you care if I send you something that's pink and blue? As in, "Oh, what a cute little boy!"
ReplyDeleteI dressed Lyssa in a blue jumper thing with little pink ruffly stuff on the bottom of the legs and people thought she was a boy. I didn't care, she didn't care... but I want to make sure that's okay with you... not done dyeing yet.
No more comments from me now, I have to go to work. :)
Happy day!!
My husband says I should probably only feed her unleaded breastmilk. Har har.
Delete(W)hell no, I didn't tell doc we were co-sleeping! They're constantly handing out the "Back to sleep, alone in their crib, is safest" flyers and such at appointments, classes, etc.
So my baby side-sleeps next to me. And we both sleep better for it (plus, I'm so alert to her presence, just like I was with Gavin... It's got to be some sort of animal instinct).
Pfft, I don't mind pink and blue! I honestly don't have a color preference. Just trying to avoid *too much* pink, anything that sparkles or with glitter (though some in moderation is OK), and anything that proclaims "PRINCESS!" :D
One of my friends quit saying she was feeding her baby breastmilk and starting saying it was breastcream. I never had chunky babies, though they grew (and still grow) like weeds, but I love *seeing* chunky babies. They're just adorable... just like Rowan :)
ReplyDeleteChubberella is a cutie :-)
ReplyDeleteHaven't been on in awhile.....
ReplyDeleteHOORAY SHE'S HERE! So happy for you and your family!
-A