My little one was 8 weeks old yesterday. Where in the world did the time go? Before I had him, I had read every book, article and blog that I could get my hands on. I was so certain on how I wanted to raise him. There would be no doubt about it, I had this whole mothering thing down.
It turns out my new human had something different in mind. I had forgotten that being a parent was a partnership between us and our baby. His needs and wants ultimately win out over our plans.
Here are 5 things I've learned in the 8 weeks since I've given birth:
1. Breastfeeding can be difficult.
For me, breastfeeding was a dream. He had no latch issues, and my supply was more than ample. He gained almost 11oz. each week. For the lady next to me at the hospital, however, this was not that case. Her poor little one had a hard time getting latched, and once she finally did get on the boob, she was so congested that she couldn't drink and breathe at the same time. I can't imagine not being able to feed my child from my own body, but for most moms, problems are normal.
2. Pacifiers aren't as bad as I thought.
I was entirely anti-pacifier when I was pregnant. I didn't want my baby to get attached to his "Nummy" and have it hell trying to wean him off. I dreaded the "nipple confusion" that would happen if I gave him anything other than my own breast. Baby A just likes to suck for comfort sometimes. When it happens while I'm driving, or out in public, it isn't always possible for me to give him my boob to suck on. I'll try distracting him first, but sometimes he just wants to suck on something. Thankfully, he isn't fussy on his pacifier. He could take it or leave it most of the time. He doesn't keep it in his mouth long, but it's just long enough for him to be satisfied.
3. I turned into an accidental co-sleeper.
I will do anything to help him sleep, because it allows me to sleep. After two hours of trying to lay him down in his bassinet, I will usually breastfeed him in bed laying down. If I fall asleep, it's not a big deal because I don't move when I sleep, and I put a pillow on the other side of him. My darling husband rolls frequently in his sleep, so he gets pushed to one side of the bed, and I lay in the center. I find Baby A will sleep much longer in bed with me than he does in his own bassinet.
4. I felt like a milk machine the first few weeks.
I foolishly thought I would come home from the hospital, and be on a perfect schedule. He would sleep in his bassinet and wake me only when he was hungry, three hours later. He had other ideas. During the day, it took him an hour to eat, and he was hungry an hour or two later. Nighttime, he didn't want to sleep unless he was attached to my breast. I felt as if I was feeding him all the time, because I was. My mom pushed me to give him some formula to keep his stomach fuller for longer, but I resisted. Now we have a much better breastfeeding schedule. He still feeds on demand, but he is much quicker at it, and can go a few hours without a feeding.
5. Everyday I become more in-tune with who he is.
He loves country music, Dr. Seuss, and being up in my arms while I dance around. He isn't fussy on his pacifier, or having tummy time. He is extremely content being bathed, and he enjoys sitting in his bouncy chair while I cook supper. His favorite songs are "Rock me, Momma" and "This little light of mine". He continues to grow and discover every day. His smile can brighten my day when I'm having a tough time.
I will admit, although I look forward to his growing, learning to walk, talk, and play, I wish he could stay as small as he is. One day, I'll turn around and he will no longer fit in my arms. This is why I write this as he sleeps on my shoulder. I'm going to enjoy every moment with him, even if it did take me two hours to get him to sleep.
