Things I’ve Learned in the Past Two Weeks January 25, 2007
It’s hard to believe that as of last night Adam has been with us for two weeks. It’s definitely not been an easy couple of weeks, but we’re doing a bit better every day. It’s taking time to figure out what the heck we’re doing, but that’s to be expected. So far I’ve learned that…
1. Even though I had countless blood draws throughout all of the IVF stuff without flinching an inch, it makes me physically ill to watch Adam get them. My reactions have ranged from physically shuddering to turning white as a ghost. He had a bunch of heel sticks because of the jaundice issue, but as of a week ago he’s officially done with the bili blanket. I’m glad that’s behind us.
2. Dan is an amazing dad. I knew he would be, but it is so awesome watching him interact with our little man. I honestly don’t think I could have gotten through the past two weeks without him. He goes back to work on Monday, and I’m so not looking forward to that.
3. The physical recovery is both easier and harder than I expected. My body is recovering fine. I didn’t have any tear or episiotomy issues to deal with so that helped. Plus, I managed to lose 17 of the 28 pounds I gained while pregnant in the first week and a half. However, the hormone crash has been really hard to deal with. Like everything else, though, it’s getting a little bit better as time passes.
4. Breastfeeding is hard. It’s getting better, but it’s not an easy thing. I think I’ve gotten through most of my “I can’t do this anymore” moments so I consider that an accomplishment in itself.
5. The My Best Friend pillow kicks the Boppy’s ass for breastfeeding. I was having so much trouble getting a good position for both me and Adam with the Boppy, so I ordered the other one. Ah, it makes such a difference.
6. Slings rock. I wore Adam in the sling for the first time today and immediately my mood changed. It’s wonderful to be able to get up, walk around, and get a few things done while still having the little guy right up next to me.
7. Being able to get even a few minutes of fresh air can make a huge difference. It’s been so cold and rainy here the past two weeks that we haven’t been able to leave the house except for doctor’s appointments. Today it finally warmed up some and the sun came out, so we were able to take our first walk around the neighborhood. So nice.
8. I love being a mom. Sometimes I still can’t believe it, but it’s even more than I thought it would be.
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
so glad you are feeling better and Adam is doing great! I am going to google this best friend pillow right now.
Amanda, you made me cry. All that fighting, crying, hoping, praying, has finally paid off for you. You have arrived. Thanks for continuing to update us. Hugs sweetie. :-)
Delurking to say congratulations again to your family! It’s amazing how the post-partum haze starts to lift after a couple of weeks - the smallest things make you feel “normal” again!
For anyone interested in the My Brest Friend breasfeeding pillow you mentioned, their website is http://www.mybrestfriend.com/. I used it while nursing both of my kids, and I really think it’s the only reason I didn’t give up on breast feeding after a week!
Can’t wait to hear more about your parenting adventures! Good luck!
I ditched the boppy for breastfeeding pretty quickly - but I just used regular pillows instead. However, when it came time for Axel to learn how to sit up, the boppy was very handy! Don’t get rid of it!
I love this update - you’re a mom! I can relate to almost everything you have here… except the no tears part. I guess that’s what I get for birthing a behemoth. (A very cute behemoth that I wouldn’t trade for the world!) Oh, and the sling- we never could get Axel to ride in one comfortably. I did have some luck with a wrap though.
That’s for keeping us posted!
Amanda, I live in Oklahoma and we just now are recovering from a pretty bad ice storm. It knocked our power out for a couple of weeks, so this is the first that I’ve been able to say Congratulations on Adam.
Parenthood is the most amazing thing…scary, but amazing.
Thanks for the update, I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot. For me, the hormone crash of the first week was the absolute worst part of it all. Physical recovery was a piece of cake compared to the emotional recovery I went through.
It all gets easier and better every day, with setbacks here and there. Enjoy that little man and keep updating!
I’m glad you’re doing okay! It’s a whole new world, isn’t it? It does get better–especially breastfeeding, I promise!
I hope you’re able to get out and about more. I think it can really help everyone’s mental health. And as long as the little guy likes the sling, use it all you can!
All great lessons. It’s amazing what you’ll learn that no one could have adequately conveyed to you, prior to having him in your arms.
Did you know the My Brest Friend was invented by a single man in San Francisco? Amazing, isn’t it?
So glad you love being a mom so much.
Sounds like you are doing a fantastic job : )
Hang in there, it all does really get sooooooooooooo much easier in time. So glad your little man is healthy and well : )
AH, you’re a mom! That sounds so lovely; I have to keep repeating it to myself: “Amanda’s a mom, Amanda’s a mom.”
;)
Wonderful lessons from the past two weeks :-) And honestly, it gets even better.
Glad to hear that you’re enjoying yourself and Adam and every bit of it. You deserve this happiness so revel in it–you’re a mom!
Our boys are not far apart in age. Congratulations, Amanda. YOu have certainly waited a LONG time.
The emotions definitely take their toll those first few weeks. I had a really hard time— but I promise it gets better.
Sometimes I look at Madelyn and go “OH MY GOD. You are my baby. I am your mother.” I still can’t believe it.
Welcome to the world of motherhood. It’s the best place to be.
I love #8. I’m glad the bili blanket is a thing of the past. I know what you mean about it being so very difficult to watch our little ones get stuck. I hated those heel sticks more than anything. The big toe is the worst too.
So very very glad to hear that all is well and Adam is thriving! Congrats on your beautiful boy.
I still can’t smiling for you guys. Such a long road, and finally, all this. The My Best Friend Pillow, eh? I’m not familiar with that, but the Boppy was never much use to me with P & E when I was actually trying to nurse them rather than just using it to hold them while I gave them bottles simultaneously. Hmmm. . . think I’ll go look that up now. Maybe I’ll have better luck with the nursing this time around if I have the right equipment.
Delurking to offer you a breastfeeding tip: my favorite position for night feedings was in bed, lying down, with dd astride alongside me. No pillow necessary and I could semi-sleep. Was very nervous about this when dd was a newborn, but my friend, a bf’ing veteran encouraged me to try and it was wonderful!!!! Try it! You’ll love it! Good luck!
hi amanda,
you are doing great..i hope you know that! i think that one of the most comforting things for me was to hear that someone had been there and had a funny story to tell so… here are a few from me…hehe….
breastfeeding…wow…this was so hard for me even through all my determination. at first, my nips hurt soooo bad (sorry if that was too much info) then my boobies got soooo big (36 DDD) & sore (yet again, tmi) & i’m not a huge chic (size 8 jeans) but the upside is that i finally got it together & i promise that it was a piece of cake after that.
jaundice…my son was had it soooo bad that he & i had to go back to the hospital for 5 days. now this is the funny part..my mom was staying with me and (for once) trying really hard not to step on my toes. she kept telling me that my justin had yellow eyes & i am was in COMPLETE denial (hormones, thank you very much) anyway, when i called the doc, obviously, he had jaundice. everytime they stuck his heel i would cry like a big baby.
yes…i too love being a mom. it is very different when you wait sooo long and go through so much to get there.
sorry to be so long winded…i just want ed you to know that you are doing great!
~hugs~ jennie