Monday, June 2, 2008

Milkshakes, Pizza and Beer, Oh My!



Larkin went to her first pediatrician's appointment this morning. She had been visited by a couple of nurses at our home over the weekend so they could check her weight gain and bilirubin level in order to evaluate her jaundice. Luckily, Larkin has been eating really well and her normal newborn weight loss bottomed out at 5 lbs. 7.6 oz. and her bilirubin level topped out at 13.9, both on Saturday. That was great news because it meant that Larkin would overcome her jaundice herself and would not need any blue light therapy. Today, at Larkin's pediatrician appointment, she weighed in at 5 lbs. 11 oz, which was a nearly 4 oz. weight gain in two days! The pediatrician was really thrilled about that. Larkin's length was 18.75 inches and her head circumference was 13.5 inches.

When I asked the pediatrician a few questions about breastfeeding, one of the things he asked me was how I've been with my eating and drinking. I've already lost 12 of the 22 lbs that I gained while pregnant. I responded that I've been eating healthy foods, but admitted that I am a bit dehydrated and need to drink more water. That's when he said the most amazing thing! He said that I didn't need to worry aout water, but rather I need to increase my volume of fluids and foods with calories. He said that I need to be eating all of the things that I'd normally think I shouldn't be eating right now...milkshakes, ice cream, yogurt, pizza, cheese, and beer. Yummy, and they're just what the doctor ordered... literally! He said that the hops in the beer would help with breast feeding and the fat in the other foods would make sure that my breast milk provided Larkin with the right amount of calories. He told us that normal breast milk contains between 18-24 calories per ounce and formulas contain 20 calories per ounce. He said that if I don't have enough fat in my diet, then I could be giving Larkin "skim" milk, which is only 8 calories per ounce! So, it's not just the quantity of milk she ingests, but the number of calories she gets. What a great lesson!

Well, I'm not one to ignore a doctor's orders, so..... this afternoon, the entire family piled in the car and we headed to Winstead's, a diner that we go to for the best milk shakes in the world! Our favorite is a chocolate/cherry milkshake, and wow, it was fantastic! Tonight we're considering some pizza and I just might have that beer. Yummmmm....

1 comment:

The Bucklers said...

Oh honey, after 2 babies, I could have told you that! :) For those that think b'feeding is so "limiting," it really isnt! You can have fun and not worry about limiting your foods/drinks for a while. :) By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!! I know you have the best, most precious bday gift ever right now in your sweet girl.