The Tsai Family: 06/01/2006

It's been over a week since my last post so get ready for a long one...
Last week started off rough because Shaunyi experienced some issues with the breastfeeding. After a couple visits to the lactation specialist and very diligent feeding and pumping (breast-pumping, that is) by Shaunyi, things have really turned around over the weekend. To give you some perspective, just last Friday, Summer hadn't gained back the weight that she had lost after birth. This was very concerning since most babies lose weight right after they are born, but then gain it right back within 2 weeks of birth. We just had Summer weighed today, and thankfully, she's back to her birth weight. Watching those numbers jumble around on that scale reminded me of that reality show "The Biggest Loser," except instead of a weight loss we were praying for a weight gain. When the scale finally freezes up on a number that is close to her birth weight, I felt like throwing my arms up and yelling, "woo-hoo!"

This past weekend was also my birthday and Shaunyi's birthday. We marked the occasion with a cake and stayed home both nights. We both couldn't have asked for a better present than a beautiful, healthy baby!

The best advice I can give for parents-to-be who plan on breastfeeding: stick to the plan. The minute you step out of the hospital after some great coaching from the lactation specialist, you will be bombarded with advice and opinions from doctors, nurses, family members, friends which will all amount to nothing but confusion and self-doubt. If you are adamant about breastfeeding (these days the trend is to be, with experts touting how beneficial breast milk is over formula), remember this: your lactation specialist is your savior. Not all hospitals offer post-partum lactation consultation for free. If yours doesn't, take a class, see a specialist, attend a support group (yes, there are lactation support groups!); whatever you do, make sure you create a plan for yourself and stick to it. The first nights you are back from the hospital and exhausted, it is easy to let up and rest a little longer than you should; and your family will feel bad and encourage you to sleep. But understand that the first few days of breastfeeding are so crucial that it is far better to suffer a little loss of sleep and exhaustion than develop clogged milk ducts or even worse, a breast infection.

Keep in mind also, that breastfeeding is not for every one. Before Summer was born, Shaunyi and I attended an infant care class and I remember this one lady who replied to the instructor's question about who plans on breastfeeding, "I'll breastfeed as much as I can, but most likely I'll go with formula." Although no one did this, I could almost feel the gasp from everyone else in the class, "How can you think of not breastfeeding your child?" I have to admit, I was a little taken aback since all the other couples responded as if it was a no-brainer to breastfeed exclusively. But thinking back on it, that lady is probably going to sleep better at night knowing that if breastfeeding doesn't work out, it's time to pull out the formula.

Most mothers these days are so determined to breastfeed that they place an enormous amount of pressure on themselves and feel extremely guilty if they are not able to successfully produce breast milk for their babies. Future moms, don't get me wrong. My intention is not to get you to admit defeat and fall back on formula. I just want you to understand that if you feel strongly about breastfeeding, be prepared to be tested both physically an

d emotionally like you've never been tested before. And most importantly, make sure you have the full support of your partner and your family.

Wow, I went off on this breastfeeding topic more than I thought I would. I guess after all the round-the-clock feedings, the emotionally trying times, and the loud cries of a hungry baby, it's no surprise that the last week would culminate into one long advice column on breastfeeding. And all written by a man! I just hope that I've done justice to Shaunyi's cause, because really, she is the one that deserves all the credit. I can only imagine that it is the irreplaceable mother's love that fueled such drive and determination. Summer's lucky to have such a loving and caring mommy.

Okay, enough writing and more of what people really want: photos of the baby. Below are pics of visitors we had last week.