Extra (detachable) Boobs, please?

The moment I’ve been dreading has come: when Aria wants “nobody, nobody but me.”

In the past few days, she had crying bouts whenever she senses I’m not with her. Tears fall like Niagara, eyes turn as red as an apple, and screams like there is no tomorrow. I pity the little helpless one. But when she sees me, her eyes beam like sunshine, smiles the sweetest, and pulls my shirt to nurse. Pretty smart girl can not be fooled by any tricks.

It was easy during the past months when she can go on four hours without a feeding while I attend a church meeting. They just stay in the mall where she can busy herself with the view, or just sleep away.

But as she turned six months and now that she can eat solids, things changed. She wants to breastfeed more and often, aside from her increasing solid intake. She’s become too clingy, which is both good and bad. I can see she’s a very active girl who never holds still when we change her diapers, give her food and a bath. And she has a ready smile for everyone. Lovely, just lovely.

Yes, it’s heartbreaking. But this April, I shall be working part-time (I’ve calculated it, I’ll be gone for four hours a day – that includes travel time because actual teaching time is two hours only, three times a week for four weeks). We’ve been practicing so I can leave her with my mom and helper while I’m away. I leave her breastmilk and her food good for the time I’ll be away.

To be honest, I’m doing this for my sanity. I’ve been stuck at home for seven months already and I feel like my mind regressed a little. I am afraid to travel alone. Traveling for me is me AND baby.

Hard, right? If only I have an extra lactating boob that I can lend whoever will take care of my baby – that would be my mom and our helper on weekdays andy husband in the evening and weekends.

So for my mommy friends, what do you suggest that I do? Any opinion might help and would be greatly appreciated. I’ll present it to my mom, helper, and my husband before they give up taking care of Aria.

~ Touringkitty

PT/OT

I never though just carrying a baby would send me to rehab.

To the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine unit of San Juan De Dios Hospital, I mean!

And my, I have never seen that many a people in a rehab facility on a Monday morning! Mostly old folks were there who are recovering from stroke and had to undergo therapy, both PT and OT – Physical Therapy for their weakened bodies and Occupational Therapy for their simple motor and cognitive skills to get back to shape.

The patients, along with their relatives or personal nurses, were assisted by cheerful physical therapists, who would greet patients with a big smile and shouting at the top of their lungs.

For the PT, they used gym equipment. I didn’t know they now use Wii for therapy! I’d want to try it, but it’s not part of my session.

The OT was amazing. I didn’t know simple motor skills like pinning sipit or buttoning clothes and zippers can equal to therapy. There was this guy who injured his hand because of riding the motorcycle. So he was asked to take out coins from a clay using only one hand. And an old man who was answering a questionnaire to build back his cognition after a stroke.

I have De Quervain syndrome, or Radial styloid tenosynovitis . In simpler terms, it’s called washerwoman’s sprain, or mommy thumb. It is tendinosis or chronic injury of the tendons.

My right thumb is painful when I stretch it. This started when Aria is starting to get heavy and really malikot when I’m carrying her. My mom, who helps me out in taking care of Aria during the day, has a more serious case of De Quervain’s because aside from carrying baby, she also does other stuff like washing clothes and dishes.

My treatment goes like this:

1. Paraffin treatment: Hands are dipped in uber-hot paraffin wax. I asked if I could just melt candles and do it at home. Of course, they don’t allow it. Salon paraffin also is not an acceptable treatment.

Hospital paraffin treatment. Not your ordinary salon paraffin treatment.

2. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrial Nerve Stimulation): Electricity runneth over your wrists. I don’t think this is powerful enough to cause electric shock.

A TENS unit. From Wikipedia

3. Therapeutic Ultrasound: where a cold gel is applied, just the same as the pregnant ultrasound. The energy is absorbed by the connective tissues.

4. Stretching. Certain stretches were made after the treatment and recommended to do even at home. These stretches were meant to relax the tense nerves but should be done properly.

Another warning is for those who use the cellphone too much. I found out that this condition is also called “Blackberry thumb!” So for those who love texting, better not overdo it. It might send you to your nearest rehab. I tell you, PT/OT is really expensive!

My right thumb is feeling a lot better. I cannot take any medicine since I’m breastfeeding, hence, I was recommended to do the therapy. I have four sessions left and I hope the pain would soon be all gone.

~ Touringkitty