tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post3071283818039397467..comments2024-03-08T21:22:09.518-08:00Comments on Starring Scarlett: Letting GoBrandi Weckshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163888241085994421noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-81232243027189409562011-03-28T21:53:33.933-07:002011-03-28T21:53:33.933-07:00As someone who struggled the entire time with brea...As someone who struggled the entire time with breastfeeding, I just wanted to let you know that you have done an amazing job. I can't imagine the "fun" if trying to pump in her hospital room. The fact that you managed to keep yourself going is testament to your desire to do everything possible for Scarlett, as is the fact that you are with her every step of the way. Congratulations on her progress and on your ability to let yourself stop pumping. You are doing an amazing job, Mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!krisiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07668301261038047472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-62495520463793080862011-03-27T00:26:17.703-07:002011-03-27T00:26:17.703-07:00Hi Brandi, I just caught up on you guys tonight an...Hi Brandi, I just caught up on you guys tonight and wanted to share my little story. When we had Walter, your sister was truly the best friend I could have asked for. Walter just never latched on and I struggled for 3 months trying to pump and bottle feed. Walter was a baby that wanted to eat, then be held while he slept and then be held while he was awake. LOL, he still wants to be held while awake! While he was being held, he would have multiple exorcist baby moments. My husband was at work, on the ship and Lindi was up just being a friend. I remember sitting down on the couch and just crying to her being so stressed out that it seemed so hard to try to pump when I didn't seem to have the hands to do it. Lindi pointed out something that stuck in my mind and that I want to share with you. She told me that I was still a great mom even if I was no longer breastfeeding and that Walter would still love me. So, I am passing this on to you. Do not feel guilty, or mourn the end of breastfeeding. You are a WONDERFUL mother and Scarlett still loves you. Sleep well tonight and as always, you, Chris and Scarlett are in our hearts,thoughts and prayers.<br />Lots of Love,<br />Tara PoorTara Poorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14451530696886725162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-34481206642738136322011-03-26T12:14:57.331-07:002011-03-26T12:14:57.331-07:00I have been following you and Scarlett's story...I have been following you and Scarlett's story for months and I had to chime in on this one. CONGRATULATIONS for going as long as you did with the breastfeeding. You should not feel any guilt at all about stopping. You and Chris are doing amazing things for her. I am also a mother to a child who has special needs and I have found myself doing so many things different than what I expected. Do not give into the guilt, instead focus on how much love and attention you are giving her. It is a lot to organize the specialists, the appointments, the payments in addition to the emotional impact you are feeling. Stay strong. You have so many people rooting for you from all over.Kierahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09187614427642053939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-11644922238855798462011-03-26T07:48:31.441-07:002011-03-26T07:48:31.441-07:00I was an exclusive pumper for a couple months as o...I was an exclusive pumper for a couple months as our anatomy didn't work out well either. It is the hard work of both worlds. Washing supplies, keeping up your milk supply, and taking double the time and engery to feed your baby. I had problems with this as I continued to get mastsis. So, after being on three rounds of antibiotics we stopped. I think every mom goes through some feelings when she stops...but we are doing what we feel is best for them. When I stopped my baby loved that I felt better and I think they can tell. <br /><br />Hugs for you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-41334610534663168042011-03-25T02:03:27.913-07:002011-03-25T02:03:27.913-07:00this was the chance of getting the revolutionary a...this was the chance of getting the revolutionary among the people things may happen ...thank you...http://www.green4care.comkelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18050790863875817763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-19314576228741548212011-03-24T21:04:39.642-07:002011-03-24T21:04:39.642-07:00Wow, I only can say what others have already said ...Wow, I only can say what others have already said - Great job making it this long. My little guy was hospitalized for only 3 days and my supply to a huge hit. I know what a fight it can be to get it back. I know how hard it can me on you when you have to stop befire you are ready. Please don't beat yourself up about it or feel guilty. Praying for you!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09045569047206293040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-2469205966198238782011-03-24T20:02:35.780-07:002011-03-24T20:02:35.780-07:00Awesome job for making it this far! Pumping is ha...Awesome job for making it this far! Pumping is hard work. I'm not sure if you've heard, but breastfeeding supplies -- pumps, bags etc. are all tax deductible for your 2010 taxes. Every little bit helps!! <br /><br />Still praying for you, Chris and baby Scarlett!Mary Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03349780989688051598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-10472043292758010032011-03-24T17:15:35.221-07:002011-03-24T17:15:35.221-07:00In our home we live by this motto: Happy Mamma = H...In our home we live by this motto: Happy Mamma = Happy Baby. And this is so very true. Try not to feel guitly (much easier said than done - I know)... but instead be so proud that you were able to go this long (way more than I can say for me). You are amazing, and what I consider to be a supermom. I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I truly admire and look up to the strenth that you have. Don't let this get you down.Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-70835922952958602132011-03-24T16:50:29.134-07:002011-03-24T16:50:29.134-07:00Any amount of breastmilk for any amount of time is...Any amount of breastmilk for any amount of time is awesome. I pump full time for my daughter because we could never work out the nursing thing and it is so hard. I can't imagine doing it for as long as you have while being in the hospital while dealing with everything else. You have done awesome and will continue to be an awesome mother. You are doing what is best for you and your daughter and that is all that matters :)Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05146057743097642345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-74241033052748240812011-03-24T16:39:27.321-07:002011-03-24T16:39:27.321-07:00Great Job mommaGreat Job mommaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-27402124297152815822011-03-24T14:24:09.538-07:002011-03-24T14:24:09.538-07:00Congrats on making it so long! That's somethin...Congrats on making it so long! That's something to be VERY proud of!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-9822494029088197622011-03-24T14:00:30.992-07:002011-03-24T14:00:30.992-07:00Stay strong, mamma! I've made the difficult de...Stay strong, mamma! I've made the difficult decision to stop breastfeeding twice and I know how tough it is. You are amazing parents who go above and beyond for your daughter every day.Lindsey rothwellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-3404316626537077112011-03-24T12:21:53.923-07:002011-03-24T12:21:53.923-07:00Please don't feel guilty. You did the best you...Please don't feel guilty. You did the best you could, and honestly I'm really impressed that you made it this far with all of the stress that you guys have been going through. 4 months of breastfeeding is a heckofalot better than none at all.AlaskanAlisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10080307303160517631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-19156957370565895352011-03-24T11:56:02.037-07:002011-03-24T11:56:02.037-07:00Way to go for going as long as you have with all t...Way to go for going as long as you have with all that you have going on! What you have done for her by going this long has helped her so much in so many ways. You are not a bad mom at all for wanting to get more focused on being there for Scarlett. Like others have said, she will be just fine on formula. You have to do what is in her best interest and if that means stopping pumping so that you can be there for her more, than that is what is best for her...not stressing yourself out over your supply.<br /><br />I would be intersted in donating breastmilk to Scarlett if you are intestered...as would many other mothers I'm sure. I have a very large stash in my freezer and an empty insulated box sitting at home that could probably hold 600ozs. If you are interested in receiving donated milk, please let all of us know by posting in your blog...and if you aren't...that would be good to know too.<br /><br />May God continue to bless your family as you continue this journey!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-6191972579210113662011-03-24T11:33:12.534-07:002011-03-24T11:33:12.534-07:00I completely understand what you are feeling. My ...I completely understand what you are feeling. My goal in the beginnign was to try and see if I could. I was able to keep up until my 4.5 month old needed 6 oz a day. Now if I get enough to put a 50/50 blend in I'm happy. I only plan on doing this for one more month - my supply too has diminished from a few illnesses.Wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-14346398401827866182011-03-24T10:30:50.593-07:002011-03-24T10:30:50.593-07:00i'm not the first to say the "letting go&...i'm not the first to say the "letting go" title gave me a bit of a heart attack here.. so glad she's doing well.. i totally get the BFing thing. i had low supply with both my sons -- and i tried pumping... did it with supplements for about 3 months and then just couldn't take another second of it. how you have managed to do this for so long -- i have no idea. i truly think you are an amazing mother. but you'll have more quality time with scarlett -- and that's the most important thing. i found after i stopped that i was able to enjoy my children so much more, instead of keeping to such a schedule. i hope it's the same for you. hang in there -- big hugs from someone who has never met or known you, but checks in every day to see how you're doing.Jennifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-73158663157191181592011-03-24T10:20:28.257-07:002011-03-24T10:20:28.257-07:00This too shall pass! One can really only do so mu...This too shall pass! One can really only do so much and our body's can only handle so much stress. You are both doing such an amazing, incredible job in the midst of this huge adversity. Patti HAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-40208527464567904622011-03-24T08:42:14.414-07:002011-03-24T08:42:14.414-07:00Brandi you have a done a wonderful job with Scarle...Brandi you have a done a wonderful job with Scarlett and I know you will continue to be the amazing mother that you are!Kaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-80786074545488317272011-03-24T08:05:16.014-07:002011-03-24T08:05:16.014-07:00You should be so proud of yourself for making it a...You should be so proud of yourself for making it as far as you did under such incredibly challenging circumstances. I think the idea of using donor milk is fantastic, provided that is something that YOU are comfortable doing. There are certainly benefits that she will get from having some breastmilk in her diet. Good luck with whatever you choose. The most important thing you can give her is love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-53369010675294726062011-03-24T07:38:43.240-07:002011-03-24T07:38:43.240-07:00Take a deep breath and tell yourself it's ok. ...Take a deep breath and tell yourself it's ok. Any amount of breastfeeding you did is great. Disposable diapers are fine. When Scarlett is 10, she isn't going to care that she drank formula, or wore disposable diapers, she is going to remember spending happy times with her mommy and daddy. Reading your blogs you are truly amazing. I have a 6 month old and we pray for you all often. I used to scrub every bottle by hand each night. I timed myself one night and it took me over 30 minutes to wash bottles! This was time away from my son. Now I put them in the dishwasher and boil them once a month or so. They are clean, maybe have water spots but WHO CARES :) You have to do what is best for your family, and if choosing to breastfeed no longer and use disposable diapers is what's best, then that's what you do. You are amazing, so give yourself a pat on the back for all you have done and will do for your sweet baby!<br />-Jenna mom to a 6 month oldAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-88384885301561314462011-03-24T06:45:52.620-07:002011-03-24T06:45:52.620-07:00You are doing a great job as a mommy to a beautifu...You are doing a great job as a mommy to a beautiful little girl! I can only imagine how difficult it is to deal with the stress of all that has happened and still be strong for your baby. Your family amazes and inspires me. Scarlett is super lucky to have such a dedicated family. Parenting, unfortunately, can not be planned and executed as we desire. I had a master plan that was thrown out the window the day I got pregnant. You are doing a great job of being proactive towards your daughter's needs. I'm sure she knows that she has awesome parents!Maitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15576317876754669549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-79222701795826826802011-03-24T06:07:34.173-07:002011-03-24T06:07:34.173-07:00Every drop of breastmilk you fought so hard to giv...Every drop of breastmilk you fought so hard to give her these last months has already benefitted her immensely - every little bit helps especially in those early days, weeks. Be proud of that, especially with all you have faced.<br />BTW - the smartest person I know was formula fed - 1600 on her SATs, 4.0 in college & grad school, perfect score on the CPA exam. <br />Oh as for the other benefits which I know are endless, I breastfed both of my children and they still had tons of ear infections and had to get tubes. So, breastmilk is not the be all and end all.<br /><br />All this to say - as moms we do what we can, butwe shouldn't beat ourselves up when we can't do EVERYTHING. You are an inspiration to us all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-9351688514809019032011-03-24T05:34:07.934-07:002011-03-24T05:34:07.934-07:00Your title scared me to death! All I read was '...Your title scared me to death! All I read was 'letting go' and thought "but she's doing so WELL" and then I got to the breastfeeding part. Phew.<br /><br />BTW, I know exactly how you feel about pumping in the hospital. I did it for 10 weeks while my son was there, and made it to 8.5 months, but it was SO TOUGH. There's no way I would have been able to keep it up if we'd been back and forth to the hospital. Be proud you made it this far and she is healthier because of it!Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06257897063300493081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-54666555071035249812011-03-24T05:17:10.670-07:002011-03-24T05:17:10.670-07:00Oh Brandi! I am so sorry. I can only imagine wha...Oh Brandi! I am so sorry. I can only imagine what you are feeling! I know when I started to supplement because I could not keep up I felt all sorts of dark walls around me. If not for the Zoloft I would have crumpled I'm sure. You are a wonderful mommy and I am personally so impressed with your strength. You are doing so awesome with everything that has been handed to you.<br /><br />I hope you have a chance to look into some of those neat milk donor places. With your little love being so sick I could imagine that even just a bottle of BM a day would be beneficial - but just remember that if you can't do it - IT IS OK! She will still continue to grow, and improve and thrive because she has her parents love and support to guide her.<br /><br />Best of luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906621410106004328.post-39364658727999354262011-03-24T05:15:49.704-07:002011-03-24T05:15:49.704-07:00I agree and am so impressed that you have made it ...I agree and am so impressed that you have made it this long. That is awesome! <br /><br />I know the guilt feeling. Ava, who was born in Oct, stayed in the NICU (level 2) for two weeks due to having Hydrocephalus and getting a shunt. She also had weight gain issues, so I would have to pump and fortify her milk. I used to pump in the hospital too and know the feeling, although our time there was nothing compared to yours. <br /><br />I still feel guilty that I am depriving her, but for my sanity (I also have a 2yr old) I couldn't keep up. I was also in so much pain because of exclusively pumping. But, we do the best we can for them and that is what counts.<br /><br />Hang in there and stay strong. You did a fantastic job making it this far, and that is amazing!Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06961656635731535774noreply@blogger.com