July 30, 2010

Breastfeeding Challenges

I can understand why women give up on breastfeeding.

I’ve opted to breastfeed my son and it’s been quite challenging to say the least. I never quite understood what it was all about up until now. I assumed it would be uncomfortable at first but nothing could prepare me for what I’ve experienced over the last few days.

First of all, the word uncomfortable is an understatement. When I started breastfeeding, I found it down right painful. I had the nurses at the hospital check to make sure Benjamin was latching on properly and they all said he was. But whenever he fed, I found myself having to clench my feet and hold back my cries. After just two days, I wanted to give up. I was bleeding and sore but was determined to continue through. I’m not against formula feeding at all, but I know breastfeeding is best in terms of improving baby’s immune system, providing optimal nutrition and saving money so I wanted to give it an honest go.

Because I’m committed to this for the next six months to a year, I decided to meet with a lactation consultant (hospitals all have them on staff. You just call and make an appointment). She showed me techniques to improve baby’s latch to relieve the pain and suggested a cream available at all pharmacies called Lansinoh (pure lanolin) to help heal the damage already done. She also explained that for the first three to five days, breasts produce something called colostrum, which is beneficial but delivers only small amounts to the baby. Once the milk comes in, babies feel more satisfied and won’t have a need to feed as much or as vigorously (which explains the abused nipples!).

That meeting was two days ago and already I feel improvement. My milk has come in, and while it’s still not a walk in the park, I’m no longer stifling my tears. I’m going to continue working through this and will cross my fingers things continue to get better!

July 28, 2010

Bringing Baby Home

After spending 36 hours in the hospital, we finally brought baby home.

I had an overall good experience in terms of labour and delivery and the nurses were fantastic but I still longed to leave and get to know my new little one within the comfort of my own home. I couldn’t wait to bond as a family and introduce my son, Benjamin, to his new world without distraction.

Once home, we couldn’t stop staring. We literally sat on the couch for the first three days and gushed at the amazingly beautiful baby we created. From the first signs of contractions to getting discharged from the hospital, we literally went 48 hours without sleep, yet we kept our energy alive with the high I’m sure many new parents experience. We are in awe of everything our son does. Every face he makes and every sound that comes out of his mouth is the cutest thing to us right now.

We have managed to get some sleep over the last couple of days but they’re more like naps. Baby sleeps during the day and is up all night long. He doesn’t like to be put down and doesn’t seem to take to the bassinet we have placed beside the bed. He also seems to be extremely hungry, eating every hour on the hour. It’s been a challenging few days getting used to my new role in life but I’m happier now than I’ve ever been. I feel a sense of purpose that I never felt before and it feels amazing.

July 26, 2010

He Has Arrived!

I’m writing this post as I watch my newborn son sleep beside me.

After a long day of enduring contractions, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy around 1a.m. on July 22.  This day is actually his due date.  Only five percent of babies, especially first borns, are born on their due date so I found this to be quite special.

My son’s not small; coming out weighing an impressive nine pounds, four ounces, but it was a pretty easy delivery with active labour lasting seven hours and delivery lasting just 15 minutes! As for pain, I ended up getting an epidural and I’m so happy I did. Up until getting it, the contractions were getting quite intense. Once I received the epidural I could feel the pressure of the contractions but not the pain. I wouldn’t have done it any other way. For me, it made for as smooth a delivery as possible.

My husband and I can’t help but just sit and stare at him. This is the beginning of an amazing new phase in our lives. I still can’t believe he’s finally here! He’s so precious and I’m in absolute awe over the fact that I’m now officially a mom. There’s no feeling in the world that can describe how I feel except maybe pure love and joy.

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