Baby Bliss

We are basking in lots of baby bliss around these parts. My husband has 2 weeks off from work, and it's just been the four of us holed up at home all week. Family is coming in starting today, which will also be very nice. Josh has taken Penny to some activities, and we took Olive to the doctor yesterday, but for the most part, it's been lots of cuddles and coziness and naps when possible. That new baby smell is completely intoxicating. I can't stop smelling Olive! We are getting to know her. She loves to be snuggled up and warm. She needs layers of clothes and thick blankets and she is a happy little snug bug. It makes me laugh because Penny hates blankets, and Josh and I always wonder how she can sleep at night without any covers.

Breastfeeding is going pretty well. I had a lactation consultant come yesterday to make sure we are starting off on the right foot. I also started taking Domperidone right from the get-go this time, upon recommendation from my midwife. We want to avoid problems rather than wait around for them to show up. So far, so good. Olive lost 7% of her body weight at day 3, but she is starting to gain it back, which means she is right on target. I think the guideline is to lose no more than 10% and to start gaining .75 to 1.5oz/day starting at day 4. I found this great visual resource for info on the first week. It's the 4th download listed at this link. I have been pumping as much as possible after feedings to increase supply, and we have given her some of what I've pumped if she's seemed hungry after a feed. I have just over an ounce stockpiled in the fridge right now. Her stomach holds about 3/4 of an ounce at this point, so that is actually quite a bit to have extra. I am so relieved to feel like I'm in a good place with nursing and supply this time around. It really is helpful to have prior experience and the right support team. Our LC and family doctor are both really fantastic.

This itty bitty newborn phase is so fleeting, so I am trying to enjoy Olive and really bask in the moments. I hope to have some newborn photo session shots to share soon. In the meantime, this cute song keeps running through my head, so I'm sharing it with you all today.