Monday, September 04, 2006

The First Week

I am getting adjusted to having a newborn. It’s joyful, precious, amazing, and exciting, but it’s really hard work! For the first couple of days after my milk came in, Baby Boy had a hard time staying latched on, which was frustrating for both him and me. He would take a couple sucks, pull away, and scream. I tried every position imaginable with my Boppy and regular pillows. But in the past couple of days, he and I have been doing much better with nursing. It still takes us several tries to get a good latch, but at least it’s working.

My mom was with us for several days after the birth. She was so helpful with cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, rocking Baby Boy so I could get in a nap, etc. I don’t know how I could have managed those first few days without her.

Hubby is a tremendous Papa. He loves to play with and cuddle Baby Boy, and he takes good care of me, too.

Baby Boy does not like to be alone. I guess I can’t blame him, after he’s spent nine months inside me. He will only stay asleep a few minutes in the crib, but he will sleep for hours in the Maya Wrap sling or nestled up against Hubby or me. I don’t sleep well, either, if he’s in the crib, even though it’s right next to our bed, because I’m constantly wondering if he’s too cold or too hot, or checking to make sure his blanket is not against his nose and mouth. Last night, I got him to fall asleep in the sling, then loosened it as I got into bed, so he was lying on the bed, still in the sling, and yet not right up against me. I really don’t have any answers; it’s all about trial-and-error at this point for us. I want Baby Boy to be able to trust us and to know that we are there when he needs us, but still, it would be nice to not carry him 24/7 (as much as I love holding him).

I have been downing water and Recharge (like Gatorade, only healthier), and snacking a lot. Emotionally, I’m doing well now (there were a couple of nights when I felt like such a bad mama when Baby Boy was very hungry, but I couldn’t figure out how to get him to stay latched on). I am also becoming less sore, which is nice.

5 comments:

Shannon Sinclair said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
KitKat said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Amity said...

Sorry to hear you have been having some troubles with breastfeeding. Just hang in there, it will get easier!!! I never had any problems with nursing but my sister and some other friends that I know have.
My last baby would only fall asleep when I held her close to me too, whenever I tried to put her down she woke up. My daughter hated being swaddled but I know this does work for alot of people. I ended up just letting her sleep with us. She has finally out grew this (she is 16 months.) Continue to enjoy your precious baby!!!!

Tiffany said...

I want to second Candy's recommendation for swaddling! My little guy is now 3 1/2 months, and for the first few weeks we were ALL miserable because he was SO tired, but couldn't sleep, which in turn made me stressed out. Turned out, he needed to be swaddled - snugly, with both arms in straight by his sides. When we finally figured that out, we were finally able to get some rest! Also, make sure you are laying him down at the first point of tiredness (it took a few days to figure out my baby's cues) - as soon as I figured it out, I would swaddle him, stick a paci in, and he would completely zone out. He became a very good napper in a couple days of persistence (and no crying it out). Now he gives me a look of relief when he's tired and I lay him down (still swaddling him). I hope this doesn't come across as "knowing it all", I just wish someone had told me all this when mine was still teeny tiny! If you've tried all this to no avail, then I really feel for you!! =) -Tiffany

April said...

Congrats on the birth of your son. I saw your blog linked to Candy's & love the title/theme of it. I enjoyed reading a bit & looking at your projects--very beautiful things you have made. I look forward to reading more, especially your birth story. Right now, I can hardly keep my eyes open. God bless your precious family.