Friday, October 10, 2008

A little update




Brady is nine days old today. The first week is over. It is always the most difficult. When I brought him in to see the lactation consultant for one week weigh in, etc, he weighed 7 lbs 10 oz. I told her how the previous night--Monday--was a little rough for a few hours. I wasn't sure about my milk levels, he was so fussy, maybe it was a tummy ache, and Thad was getting upset because he couldn't 'fix' the problem. Anyway she said two things that resonated with me that I wish I had for perspective prior to the appointment.
1. Babies are mammals. We are the only mammal that sets our babies down to get other things done. She also said that mother animals constantly have their babies sucking their milk. They don't fuss because that is all the mother does and they are up close to her. Even in more primitive societies, the woman wears a contraption keeping the baby on her breast at all times. All they want is to be held, fed, and be warm.
2. Women seem to get amnesia regarding the first week post delivery. It's such a tough adjustment on our bodies, minds, and life in general. We tend to forget after it's over how difficult it really was. Thank god for that!
Anyway things have really improved since our rough Monday night. Brady is such a sweetheart, but then again, what baby isn't? I am in love all over again. The sounds, smells (well most), and all else outweighs the difficult moments.
He is a pretty good eater and sleeper. Of course, he ends up in our bed, but the lady also said there is no scientific proof of a connection with nursing babies in a home where the mother isn't drinking or smoking or using drugs and SIDS. So we get cozy as morning draws near. Lately what is waking him during the night is a wet onesie. I forgot how many outfits boys go through. They leak through everything!
The kids are adjusting well too. Ryan and Kate haven't been affected much. They are busy with school, activities, and friends. Olivia is my little helper. We are having fun together at home. I would say she has become more emotional, but I have had to scold her more often as she hovers over Brady, wants to give him a pacifier every ten seconds, and just gets too close.
I have to also thank some of Thad's colleagues. They called on Monday and informed us they would be bringing us dinner meals for the rest of the week. That has been a very kind gift!! A cooked meal each night has taken the pressure off of me to make something. We are humbled by their kindness.
That's it for now....I normally am on my computer while feeding Brady so I can never type more than a sentence or two. I guess I overdid it this time!

7 comments:

Vicky said...

What a great post to start off my day! He looks like pure sweetness! I know because of breastfeeding we slept at least half the night with the boys in our bed when they were small and still occasionally find them on the floor next to our bed in the morning. Sounds like you found a great lactation expert, having support is so helpful. Great to hear things are well even though a little bumpy at times!

Anonymous said...

Bonnie he is beautiful and you are such a wonderful mom you should be proud. I'm glad the first week is over and you can start to see the routine come back into perspective! a week of hot meals is the best gift what a great group.Take care
Kami

ABCDH said...

Oh, he is precious!
I still have Laila in bed with me by between 3 and 5 a.m. every morning. She just wants to be close and I just want some sleep. More often times than not I offer her the breast and she just needs that reassurance to go back to sleep - and doesn't even eat most of the time.
Ah, I tell ya, there's nothing better.

Anonymous said...

Bonnie - Brady is absolutely adorable - it makes me excited for a new little baby soon. And Sorry - thought you knew about ours. I think you might want to check with your hubby on that one, cuz Jay said that he told him a long time ago. I have about 4 weeks to go...can't wait to be done with this pregnancy. Sorry again

Take care and keep up the great mothering...you're awesome

Amanda

Unknown said...

Seriously, this post made me weepy. You are a great "mammal" mother and keep making me want to procreate.

Unknown said...

Seriously, this post made me weepy. You are a great "mammal" mother and keep making me want to procreate.

Unknown said...

oops