For the past 8 months I've attached myself diligently to this lovely piece of machinery every 3 hours (yes even at night). Now, I won't lie and say I don't skip a session every once in a while, but the pain of engorgement is kind enough to remind me of my lapse. When Savannah was first born and the realization struck that she would never be able to nurse, no matter how hard I cried or prayed, I thought if I could just make it her first surgery, I'll call it a day and be done with it. Her first surgery was suppose to be at about 3 months old, but didn't end up happening untill she was 6 months old. At that point I was half way through, so why not just keep going. Her next surgery is May 6th (yes, her birthday) and I hope to be able to make it till then.
Why pump? The difference between one ear infection, and a never ending ear infection, that many times leads to hearing loss. The antibodies passed along through breastmilk also lessen the chances of infection on the incesions, and help speed up healing time. After her next surgery she will have to be on an all liquid diet for a while, and what better liquid than breastmilk.
Pumping has been the hardest most unforgiving commitment I've ever had to make. I've endured engorgement, mastitis (infections), cracked nipples, blisters and other uncomfortable moments because of it, but like anything that we've done for Savannah, I hope to be able to someday say to her, we did EVERYTHING we possiblly could for you, and know that it's true.
I pump therefore I am....tierd
