Nursing Along A Scarf
Now that May's collar is done, I had to find another project that I could work on while nursing. For me, the ideal project is something that
a) doesn't take too much thought
b) doesn't involve double pointed needles*
c) isn't insanely monotonous
d) can be stopped and started at almost any place without being difficult to figure out where I am
e) is already on going and needs to be finished
f) doesn't require row counting
This more or less eliminates socks on double pointed needles (which is my favorite sock knitting mode at the moment), lace (i.e. the Diamond Fantasy scarf and another lace scarf project I have started), my Habu scarf, Rogue, the Kaleidoscope Vest I am still working on for Dad and casting on something new -- I just have too much that needs finished up right now to justify starting a new project.
The two projects that were left to me then, were the Stained Glass Scarf and my Mountain Colors Targhee Log Cabin square blanket. The blanket might get some play later on, but for right now, I didn't want to deal with scissors and crochet hooks.
So I started working on the Stained Glass Scarf again. It pretty much fit perfectly with my qualifications. It's one of those projects that makes me crazy if I try to work on it in any kind of faithful or dedicated way, because it takes so long for any progress to be visible. The double knitting makes a very nice thick fabric (one that I think would make a great headband for John, so this might not be the last time I use it) but when you have to knit every row twice, it makes for pretty slow going. However, it is just mindless enough not to be something that requires a chart, but not so mindless that I'd rather read a book than work on it. And it's easy to pick up and put down on a moment's notice. About the only challenge is a baby who likes to fling an arm out and grab at yarn -- it's an accidental thing at this point, but knowing my baby it will be more purposeful in the not too distant future.
Since Z usually nurses from 30-60 minutes** a session and we have about 3-4 sessions a day when I can sit in a place where I can work on it, I'm hoping that with a week's worth of nursing I'll be able to see some progress. It would be awfully nice to be able to have this scarf for my husband while we're still in this decade...
* Z is getting more and more active and I worry a double pointed needle could be potentially dangerous if she flung a hand or any other body part in the wrong place at the wrong time.
**Yes, I know this suggests that she might just be pacifying, but I'm pretty good at telling the difference between her real nursing and just nibbling...and she really does seem to be nursing all that time -- I figure I must not have a huge capacity, but I keep producing in a steady enough fashion that if she just keeps at it she gets what she needs. Also, she only nurses 5-6 times a day instead of the 7-8 that a lot of babies her age nurse, and she has one 7 hour stretch at night when she doesn't nurse, so I figure she's making up for lost time. And, truth be told, I'd rather have fewer longer nursing sessions than more short ones... it's easier for me to manage my days that way.
Sounds like both of you are doing great! Oh how I wish I had rediscovered knitting while I was nursing, that would have been great!
Enjoy that lovely nursing connection! In the grand scheme of childhood, it really doesn't last very long -- and it is oh-so-wonderful to share that time.
You are very wise about flung hands and dpns. Yesterday, at 66, I flung my hand while talking and plunged a dpn into the fatty pad at the outer edge of my palm. It stuck, it hurt and still is sore, also bled a lot. I read to mine, now it seems it was much safer and also helped to encourage the joys of reading. Good luck.
I love the colors in that scarf.
No need to defend the pacifying. I know for certain my firstborn spent a lot of time at the nipple pacifying. She wouldn't go to sleep without a (real) nipple in her mouth. Initially I tried to prevent it. Then I realized how futile that was, gave in, and accepted that I was my baby's pacifier. Like all things, she outgrew it eventually. (but I won't say it wasn't frustrating when I had things to get done!)
I was the same way! When Robby was that young, he would nurse for at least 45 minutes, and at least every three hours :P Those days are gone, and during the day, he nurses for maybe 30 minutes TOPS! And, I can't knit anymore, he's too active, it looks like you're doing the right thing, taking advantage of the only time you can sit still and knit :) Your stained glass scarf is looking beautiful!
And I thought knitting with a cat in my lap was tough! You are a very coordinated lady...
Imbibing Baby Blessings!
My daughter would nurse for 10 minutes and be done, but like every hour. She gained weight very well, though. Every baby has her own schedule and there's nothing wrong with pacifying in my book. Especially since neither of mine would take a binkie at all. It never bothered me until my son decided I was the all night deli and would nurse from 4 to 7 a.m. STRAIGHT THROUGH. That was the end of night nursing for him!
Oh I miss the long nursing sessions! So gentle and sweet and so much reading time...I tried knitting but tweaked my neck and wrist so went back to my OLD lovely habit. But now baby E is toddler E and only nursing 2-3 times a day: morning, evening, and bedtime.
You have just enough milk for your gorgeous girl.
just had to comment, about the feeding for that length, my eldest was the same, he was also born at 36 weeks and the midwife said its quite common even when baby is only a month early sometimes I felt like I was ALWAYS feeding him. your doing a great job, you should be very very proud xxxx