Steph, when I had my fainting/dizzy spells last taken to a doctor, one of his questions was whether I was on my period. It is blood loss, after all.

But I know nothing about the rest of your symptoms, and hope you feel better soon.

And these women get so discouraged, because no one told them that breastfeeding is really fucking hard, and exhausting, and sometimes painful, and not at all the "instinctive" thing that romanticized versions of it would have us believe--it's something both mom and baby need to learn how to do

I know I've mentioned how happy I am that one of my regular nurses, when I was in for my billionth NST, told me that, a: it would probably hurt a little for the first couple of days while my nipples got used to use; and b: it gets better after the first few weeks. The honesty and encouragement were both refreshing.

If women heard this at every prenatal checkup, perhaps the fact that the baby wants to eat once an hour on the second day of life and that milk won't pour out of their breasts like a fountain until around the third postpartum day wouldn't come as such a surprise.

Ideally, I think lactation consults should start in the third trimester, and continue through the first month. Even if you've got latching down while you're recovering, once the milk comes in, you'll probably need help again on account of Holy Mother of Painful Fullness. I got help on day 2, day 4, and again on about day 6 or 7.

I've encouraged my friend who's due in November to talk to an LC a month before her due date, and to have her nipples looked at to make sure they're not flat, and to start her on shells if they are. Not doing that's the closest I get to regret, because a newborn deflatting them for you isn't exactly comfortable. (I avoided shields, as even with improvements, I've heard negative things about their effect on production.)

I hope you feel better, Steph. Does your doc have weekend hours or a nurse that you can call today?

I've encouraged my friend who's due in Novemeber to talk to an LC a month before her due date

I'm going in EARLY this time--before the baby comes, instead of dealing with it in the baby's first week.

Steph, when I had my fainting/dizzy spells last taken to a doctor, one of his questions was whether I was on my period. It is blood loss, after all.

Yeah, which is why I'm wondering if it's a double-whammy with my BP meds.

Which might mean that, when I'm not on my period, my BP is low enough that I don't need the meds anymore, which would be cool.

In the meantime, I'm trying to find out info via google (it's what I do, you know? at my job, I mean), but I'm feeling so fuzzy-headed and headachey and dizzy (even lying down) that I'm having a hard time with my reading comprehension.

Also, I'm amused that I'm engaged in that most Buffista-ish of activities -- posting while medically unwell. (Like "I'm delivering my baby RIGHT NOW!!!! Hey, does anyone know if BSG is new this week?")

Tep, I'm not sure how much help I'll be but I'd be glad to help google symptoms or whatever else. Give me a task! Is someone else picking up your bro and SiL from the airport? (Obviously I can't be *any* help there but I definitely don't want you swerving off the road.)

Hmm. Don't hit people with your car, Teppy. That's my advice. Also, maybe eat a banana. Or drink some Gatorade.

I want to rent some movies, and buy some jello. But the grocery store and Blockbuster that are next to each other are like, a mile away. With no parking. So I am still sitting on my couch. Hmph.

Many happy returns of the day, Fay!

Nifty Spice Wall, Jessica

I have no comment on the childbirth and breastfeeding stuff.

I get to spend the day going through my class transcripts and spiffying them up for turning in a week and a half. Fortunately, I get to do it while sitting in front of the tv.

I went to Lush yesterday (I needed to get there before my trip home at the end of the month, and next weekend will be Eeeevil). The Skinny Dip shower gel is kinda...intense-smelling. I got a free sample with my purchase.

My mom -- after getting all flustered and spazzy -- is picking them up at the airport. Am drinking Gatorade (flavor: purple). Google informs me it could very well be very low blood pressure and/or an electrolyte imbalance.

Am going to nap and see how I feel when I wake up. If I still feel like this, I'll call my doctor. Obviously.

Hoping you feel better when you wake from your nap, Steph.

meara, it's been ages since I had my persistent case of strep but it eventually came down to me being put on this syrupy stuff (in addition to the antibiotics) that knocked my ass OUT. For 16 - 20 hours a day, all I did was sleep. And it still took three or four days of that to feel 75% healthy.

I hear you about the bad timing and work needing you. Sometimes it suck being an adult. Health~ma to you!

Feel better, Teppy