I’ve been a mother to a living child for all of 20 days, and I feel like all those baby classes we took during my pregnancy with Andrew were pretty much worthless. Well, maybe not completely worthless. I firmly believe that there’s nothing that can truly prepare you for this crazy journey of parenthood (especially these first few weeks/months), but I’m so very thankful for the Lord’s grace in this. We have so very much to learn, and while that sometimes seems a little daunting, I look at our little miracle baby and pictures of her older brother in heaven and know that we’ll learn as we go. Here are a few things that I have learned over these past 3 weeks.
1. Natural childbirth does hurt as much as people say.
In all seriousness, I totally respect each person’s preference on this because it is such a personal decision that really isn’t an issue worth arguing over. Just remember though that taking pain medications doesn’t make you any less of a mother!! 🙂 I plan to post more on Savannah’s actual delivery soon as time allows.
2. Breastfeeding is NOT easy!
We had a couple of obstacles to overcome in this area, and thankfully, we are making decent progress. The fact that Savannah spent her first 6 days of life in the progressive care nursery made it more difficult. It was impossible for me to nurse her at every feeding while we were home without her at night. I pumped as much as possible to make sure she was at least getting my milk, but formula was necessary at times as well to help supplement while my milk came in. Aside from Savannah being in the hospital longer than anticipated, she has struggled to latch well. We struggled for at least a week after being at home, but slowly she has come around. And just like getting an epidural doesn’t make you a bad mommy, neither does choosing to bottle feed or formula feed!
3. My husband is even more wonderful than I thought!
We have been through a lot together, and I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us in the years to come! One thing I’m not looking forward to is him going back to work on Monday. He’s the best hubby and daddy a woman could ask for – it’s been so special to see him interact with our little girl the past few weeks!
4. God is awesome.
Not only has God walked with us (and many times carried) during the toughest of times, He’s also allowed us to experience amazing joy once again! We have done nothing to deserve such an amazing blessing, but yet He has chosen to lavish us with His love and mercy anyway! It’s been a truly awesome experience to see God’s plan of life unfold right before my very eyes – life is an absolute miracle!
I’m sure the list will continue as we settle into more of a routine and as my sleep at night becomes more regular. So much of these first few weeks has been survival mode, so hopefully we can settle in get into our groove soon! 🙂
Sarah
Great post!! I will be praying that things continue to get easier for you! I too have struggled to nurse Karlena. She also isn't latching well…basically she is a bit lazy and doesn't like to work for her food! 🙂 The first few days were really frustrating but each day she does better and I am sure she will be a champ in no time…as will Savannah! Take good care of yourself!
Kristin
Love this Post!!! God is a God of blessings even when we are hurting. James was in the NICU for 30 days so I know all about the bf-ing difficulties , but hang in there I promise it will get old hat. Soon you will albe to empty the dishwashe and nurse all and the SAME time!! LOL Or at least that is the activity I chose to mulit-task with
She is so cute
I'm sure you are loving on her so much! Lainey was my first natural childbirth and I loved it. (It was a water birth too!) Heck yeah, it hurt like the dickens but it was the most amazing experience ever and I would totally do natural again!