Leah Lichy and Ireland (5 months).
"I lived in this world of birth, babies and breasts for 10 years as a birth and postpartum doula before giving birth to our first born in December of last year. Beyond knowing that I always thought my breasts looked a little "weird", I had been educated on the term "Insufficient Glandular Tissue" and feared that was me...and it was. Our daughter was born into water at home with Christmas lights twinkling and carols playing. Within moments, she latched, on her own, while still attached to me by her cord! I was immediately in love and SO happy that she seemed to want to nurse right away! We continued, skin to skin, all day and all night, offering the breast at all times to try and give my supply the best chance. On day 4, she had lost 8% of her birth weight and was getting jaundice. I wasn't making enough for her. I grieved hard and heavy, on and off for a few days, but I was prepared and sprung into action, amongst the tears. I continued to feed my baby, at my breast, but added donor breastmilk to my SNS (supplemental nursing system) that I had ordered in advance, "just in case". She drank happily, latched deeply, and didn't seem to even notice the new addition of the thin, rubber tube that had been slipped into the side of her mouth. For a few weeks, I pumped aggressively and took Goats Rue and the medicine, Domperidone,to try to increase my supply. But I officially had, what we lovingly refer to as a "micro supply". I ceased trying to build it and just focused on giving her the drops that I was making. One of the greatest gifts I have ever received has been the incredible outpouring (literally!) of nutrient dense, perfectly designed, lovingly donated human breastmilk from numerous mothers; some of whom I know incredibly well and witnessed become mothers as their doula, and some whom just wanted to help. For all of them, I am forever grateful! Ireland is 5 1/2 months old, absolutely amazing, and a 100% breastmilk fed baby! My ultimate goal is to be able to bring her to my breast, gaze into her eyes, cuddle close, and nurse for at least 2 years....so far, so good!"