It's been almost three months since we had our daughter. Motherhood has been the most fulfilling and beautiful journey of my life. Truly, I am forever changed as a woman in all of the best ways. I prayed so long for my sweet baby girl and every day I pinch myself because I can't believe I am her mommy! Newborn bliss has had its challenges and lessons, so I wanted to share a few things I've learned and what's been working for us! Every baby is different so of course just trust your instincts and do what is right for you, your child, and your family.
Breastfeeding
We began with a strong but shallow latch in the hospital. The result two days later ... bleeding and blistered nipples! I had an oversupply that caused me to be engorged all day - every day. I used all of the creams I could get my hands on to heal my nipples. Find a full list of my breastfeeding essentials here as well as a bit more about this journey! We did warm water salt baths for my nipples whenever blisters appeared and nursed right after rinsing so that she could help clear any milk clogs. I pumped regularly to drain my breasts. I found that the Haakaa Milk Collector worked best for me. I'd nurse her on one side and Haakaa the other to collect the let down.
Everyone assured me that there would be this miraculous 6 week turning point where breastfeeding became more enjoyable. It was true for me! I LOVE nursing my daughter. The hormone release that happens during breastfeeding has been wonderful for my well-being. My nipples are no longer painful and she has a great latch. The engorgement only seems to happen when she sleeps through the night and my supply has regulated to her needs. Nourishing her body with mine has been such a life changing experience and I thank God every day that I am able to do it. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of other mom friends and my lactation consultant.
Sleep Routines
When we first brought our daughter home, she was sleeping in 2-3 hour stretches at night in the bassinet in our room and would take 2 hour naps during the day. As our little girl progressed in her motor skills and brain function, her sleep regressed. Sleep regressions are totally normal and something that happens when babies grow, develop new skills, and become aware of the world around them.
Bedtime
At night, she sleeps in her crib in our bedroom, but now in 5-6 hour stretches with the occasional 8-9 hour stretch! We achieved this by using simple bedtime techniques like turning on white noise, darkening the room, swaddling (we now use a sleep sack), cuddles, and a good feed. Currently, we don't do any other sleep training. We respond on demand and do our best to meet her needs: changing her when she is dirty, feeding her when she is hungry, comforting her when she wants to be held. My hope is that with this more gentle approach, we can help our little one become a good sleeper without needing any more intense training like the CIO method.
Naps
Nap time is where we've seen the most regression. I'd rock her to sleep, place her in her bassinet, and 30-45 minutes later she wake up - angry! We tried everything from black out curtains, white noise, swaddling, etc. It was challenging to feel like I couldn't help her get the rest she needed. Newborns need 14-16 hours of sleep each day so she was in a serious debt that was making her cranky! She began to boycott her crib in the daytime altogether. In an effort to give her some rest during the daytime, get her on a schedule, and to give myself more freedom to work, I began baby wearing. Linking my BabyBjorn Carrier here! It was a game changer!
We follow the Moms on Call schedule for naps, play, and bedtime. I highly recommend it if you're looking to create more structure around sleep! I only divert from the schedule for feedings, which I still do on-demand. She hasn't missed a nap since, she's in a great mood during the days, she feeds more consistently, plays more energetically, and falls asleep more easily. Baby wearing has also been great for my mental health. I feel closer and more connected to my daughter than ever and I can actually get things done during the daytime! I know I am fortunate to work from home and this isn't always an option for some moms. I also know baby wearing isn't for everyone. But if you feel called to hold your baby, and have the ability to do so, don't let anyone guilt you about it. At this point, we've seen no interruptions in her night time sleep because of it. If anything, she is sleeping better because all of her emotional needs for comfort are met during the day.
Weight Loss, Recovery, and Exercise
I totally reject bounce back culture. Our bodies go through SO much to carry our babies for 9+ months. Our organs shift, our uteruses grow, we retain fluid, etc. Our bodies are designed to store up nutrients and fat so we can grow healthy babies and feed them when they're born. Childbirth is serious. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or c section - it causes major trauma to your body and it will take weeks or months to recover. When people ask me what I'm doing to bounce back ... nothing.
Here are a few things I am doing:
- Prioritizing eating enough calories each day to sustain breast milk production and to fuel my body with healthy food. Being a full-time mom that also works full time is a lot. I need energy to take care of my daughter. I make food choices based on what my body needs and not based on what I want to look like. There is plenty of time to lose weight once I've recovered from childbirth and am no longer nursing.
- I walk 30 minutes each day to keep my body healthy and help rebuild my core strength!
- I shower ... moms out there know how transformational a warm shower can be.
- I ask for help. If I am feeling sleep deprived, I tell my husband so that he can take a few night shifts for me. If I am feeling baby blues, I tell my husband so that he can talk me through my feelings. If I feel like I need to get out of the house, I tell my husband and we will go on a walk or daytime date! Not everyone has a spouse they can depend on but try to find someone in your life who can be a support. Ask for help when needed and accept the help when it is given. Talk to your doctor if you feel like you don't have the support you need or if your mental health is suffering. They have resources like support groups and counselors who can help. Your church is also a great resource for added support.
That's all for now friends! Thank you for taking the time to read!
Comments
No Comments