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Posted By: csw Home with Ana Sofia - 04/12/04 01:32 PM
Hi,
Well after 17 months in process, 9 in Guatemala,,we can finally say we are home! I had made 3 trips during that time and then the 4th trip I just stayed there..lived in Antigua..and we got home March 30th. She had just turned 9 months. With all our one on one time in Antigua, I thought I would try to get her to latch again..first I disguised her bottle in a towel..she would frantically search for it and get really upset..I tried the Lactaid threaded through her usual nipple..wouldnt have anything to do with it..tried the lactaid through a nipple shield..no go..tried the Avent bottles again, would not suck..it is hard for her to be separated from her care giver of 8.5 months, get used to the apt in Antigua, then 3 weeks later get used to the house here in Maryland etc..we have bonded tremendously well..she cries if I leave her sight..and calls me "Mammy".. she will lay on my breast, pinch my breast and yesterday did suck 3x for a few seconds each..I had started pumping and domeridone in Jan, she got a little bit of breast milk..I had used my frozen milk for her on my first trip last August..and Mary also gave me some..she is mainly on soy now, has severe diarrhea with milk based formulas (they kept putting her on regular powdered milk, started at 4 months, even though I was supplying all the soy..I think the foster mother was selling it) and applesauce as her sole source of nutrition..she was so thin, that is one reason I just decided to go over and foster her..she gained 3/4 lb with me in the first week.
Any suggestions on trying to get her to latch I would appreciate it..Aside from Mary, Bella has also generously offered me her stash of bm..so getting bm will not be a problem, I just really want her to nurse! She is very high spirited also, not your laid back kind of baby, so that doesnt help! Thanks alot, Cathy

Attached picture 3363-DSC00568.JPG
Posted By: Lalle Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/12/04 05:37 PM
Cathy, I would say you are on the right track. You got her to latch yesterday, that is a success. Keep it up, and enjoy the snuggle time with baby. I think persistance is the key here. It sounds like she is thriving with you. <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/13/04 12:36 AM
Forgot to say,,see attachment..a photo of her in Antigua with my apartment landlord holding her...she is 8.5 months in that photo..thanks! Cathy
Posted By: Lalle Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/13/04 02:02 AM
She is beautiful!
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/13/04 05:05 AM
Thanks Laurie..Cathy
Posted By: Nona Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/13/04 05:43 PM
awww she is just a doll! I am so happy for you Cathy.
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/18/04 02:24 AM
Thanks Nona,
And you are having a girl also! How great..Ana keeps trying to suck and then will bite my nipple..she has two razor sharp teeth on the bottom..its tough when they are older when they come home..she is still up every 2-3 hours at night..her schedule has always been reveresed..although she only sleep for a short time during the day,,she is taking in 32 ounces at night! She has gained almsot 2 lbs since she has been with me full time since March 16th..
I will keep trying! Cathy
Posted By: Esther Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/19/04 10:44 PM
Hey Cathy,

This is such good news!!! I'm so happy for you. She's gorgeous!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Esther
Posted By: Lenore Re: Home with Ana Sofia - 04/22/04 04:30 AM
Hi Cathy,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It's been a long time coming. You certainly deserve this.

Fondly,
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