whitneyandjon: September 2010

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I knew before I had Amelia how important breastfeeding was to me, and, in talking with friends who recently had babies, I knew it could be challenging. I was committed to making it work for us. I was so lucky that Amelia knew what to do (more than me!) right away...she latched with little help as soon as she was placed on my chest after she was born. We had some guidance in the hospital, but overall the initial learning phase was pretty easy. Our patience with each other through that learning process certainly helped us through it.

Fast forward to our first week home...breastfeeding IS hard work! It is painful and time consuming, and makes sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time very difficult. It amazes me that something so natural would be so difficult (and hurt so much those first couple of weeks!). But knowing that I am able to provide something for my daughter that no one else can is quite an empowering feeling, and I'm so glad I've stuck with it.

I have started pumping so that Jon can help with some of the feedings to give me a little break, and so that we are ready with a supply for when I go back to work in a few weeks. Amelia took to the bottle right away, and we haven't had any problems switching between the bottle and the breast.

Whew...

I finally have a few minutes to catch my breath...and catch you up on my first month of motherhood. Amelia is napping peacefully next to me on the couch, and while I should be napping myself, I usually find myself trying to squeeze in other tasks...checking email, catching up on work stuff, straightening up the house, laundry, etc. Life with an infant is exhausting!

But, while exhausting, this first month has been an absolute joy, and has gone by way too fast. She has grown and changed so much in these first weeks, and it is exciting to see and a little frightening that it has flown by. From 5 lbs/13 oz, she is now close to 8 lbs (at least according to my bathroom scale...which I don't always claim is accurate :). She is still in "newborn" sizes, but I imagine we'll be moving up to 0-3 months before I know it.

We spend our days napping, taking walks around the neighborhood or going to the park, running errands and playing together. It is quite interesting trying to figure out how to entertain a one-month old. We do tummy time, read books, and sing songs, and I can't wait until we see some interaction on her part. She seems mesmerized by our voices, watching her mobile or other toys and every day I see a new expression or movement and am thrilled to watch her develop.

Sleep has been difficult - on average I get about 2 hours between feedings and diaper changes. Luckily, she isn't a big crier, but she does fuss quite a bit when she needs something (as all babies do, I'm sure). I'm ready for some longer sleep time, and really hope that happens before I return to work, as right now I'm not sure how I would survive an 8 hour day without my morning nap!