First of all, I want to thank all of you who commented on last week's podcast. Talking about Elliot's birth is obviously still pretty emotional for me and it was nice to have some support outside of my small circle of family and friends. And, don't worry, I'm spending lots of quality time with Elliot and not a lot of time dwelling on the birthexperience.
This week Elliot is one month old. I can't believe that a month has already gone by. I'm trying to figure out how to squeeze some of my former life back into my daily routine. So far, that's proving hard. And part of me doesn't want to have anything to do with my former work life... but, alas, how will we pay the bills?
This week, I thought I'd share with you all the things I've done that I swore I'd never do as a parent. As I said, I'm only a month into this thing and already I'm sticking my foot in my mouth.
For instance? Formula. We had to supplement Elliot with formula for a week after her birth because she lost too much weight in the hospital. That was an extremely emotional thing for me because...after already having failed at childbirth, I felt as though I was also failing at motherhood. I couldn't nourish my baby. Well, we got past the formula thing pretty quickly and my milk came in. But, the formula sure is tempting. The baby sleeps longer after eating it and my boobs get a break. I have definitely thought about giving her more on the days when she just won't stop nursing. But, I know she's nursing for a reason and we already went through one growth spurt so I watched how her increased nursing led to an increase in my milk... so I'm exclusively breastfeeding and hoping not to give her formula again... at least not until she's older than six months.
Also? We've given Elliot a pacifier. Lactation consultants and the La Leche League will tell you that, if used during the first month of life, pacifiers cause nipple confusion. We actually gave Elliot a pacifier one night while we were still in the hospital. She was inconsolable and Jason and I didn't know what to do- so we called a nurse and she brought a pacifier. The kid sucked on it for about 20 seconds and fell asleep. We only started re-introducing the pacifier this week and I can tell you there has been no confusion. What there has been is relief for my nipples when she's seeking to console herself.
I've also put the baby in the bed with us. Although, I'm honestly not comfortable with that because I worry that one of us will roll over on her. But, she cuddles with us when she sleeps during the day and I feel bad putting her alone in her bassinet at night. She's swaddled and sleeps between two and three hours, but sometimes I think she just needs to lie down with one of us. I don't do it very often. But, it allows for a nap for me. We don't have a family bed... yet. I just can't believe this overwhelming desire to have her sleep with us. I'm not sure whether it's a good idea to resist that urge or not. I know there are strong supporters of either side and I'm clearly on the fence.
I like how one mere month of parenthood has already humbled me. Sure, I could read books about having a natural birth and about what to do and what not to do with a baby, but until you're the parent, you cannot possibly declare what you would do. I went into this parenting thing feeling confident in my parenting philosophy and ready to stand strong for my convictions. But, really? I'm just rolling with it here.
Next thing you know, we'll be going for a car ride each night to put Elliot to sleep. I'll never say never again.
Give this Post a Thumbs Up!
Get the Mother Popper: Podcast -- Free in iTunes!
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341ca53353ef00e54f018b6b8834
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Why I'll Never Say Never Again.:
»»Happy Spring! »»Etsy Shop: Nami Sue Rocks Our World! »»Twilight Movie Review, or An Open Letter to Robert Pattinson »»Cool Stuff: Sabuda Pop-up Cards »»Happy Halloween!
Video results for shoe shoes:
Related posts for shoe shoes:
workout fashion
calvin klein watches for
best running shoes for narrow
men black shoes
not a plastic bag for sale
See also for shoe shoes:
cheap cloth
designer men suit
varsity leather jacket
and vintage t
short sleeved dress
No comments:
Post a Comment