May 2023
2 years ago
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Learning to be a Mom
I've decided there is much more that goes into being a mom than I realized. I am learning that my day is filled with feedings, diapers, and worries. The feedings are pretty much doubled now that I have to pump all the time instead of breastfeed. Little Chelsea had a hard time with latching on and breastfeeding was causing a lot of pain so my lactation consultant recommended pumping since I do not want to use formula. It's hard because I really want to breastfeed, but this right now is best for me and Chelsea. I find that I worry about how much she's eating, if she has enough poopy diapers, if she's sleeping enough, not to mention the bigger worries like what kind of person she'll be, if I will set a proper example for her, if we will get along when she's 13, and what she will contribute to this crazy world. To be honest having a baby reminds me of being a missionary again. It's a lot more difficult and time consuming than I imagined. It requires a lot more patience than I imagined and I don't immediately see the results of all the time and effort I put into it. But there are those quiet times...those times when it's just me and her...where I see in her eyes all that is good and right with the world. The spirit is so strong and all at once life makes a little more sense and I am filled with more love than I imagined possible. That is why I love being a mom.
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9 comments:
I couldn't of said it better myself Mel. You are a GREAT Mama! Chelsea is so lucky to have such a great Mom.
Darling Melanie and beautiful baby - what an angelic mother/daughter pair you make! In regards to nursing - have you tried out your local La Leche League group? I had the most wonderful experience there! A room full of experienced nursing mothers and trained leaders can provide support and ideas that a lactational consultant can't always give you. Nursing can be rough at first, I know, and I am so proud of you for trying to do your best and make good decisions. Pumping is no easy task! You are a super momma! So far in my vast 18 months of experience it seems that most of the time I'm just trying to do my best, sometimes failing, sometimes succeeding, sometimes compromising or changing my views, and the best part is that my baby boy still gazes at me adoringly and throws his sticky arms around my neck for a hug no matter how bad I mess things up. :c) Chelsea will always adore and love you, too. The rest of us do. Keep up the good work, momma!
Love! Nessa and Jed
Isn't it just the hardest but most rewarding thing you've ever done! The beautiful thing is that it just keeps getting better and better.
I had trouble with Caleb's latch too and pumped for a few months. The one thing that did help the few times we were able to breastfeed successfully was using a nipple shield.
My sentiments exactly. Thank you for keeping us posted.
:)
It can be extremely hard and frustrating at times but it's all completely worth it. Just wait until your little girl starts smiling. I know how you are feeling with the nursing as I went to formula with both Shannon and Emma because of the same issues and being so frustrated but Hannah seems to be doing well with it, all babies are just different. The pictures of Chelsea are BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to eventually meet her.
I had the same nursing issues with Alana, and it was really hard that first 6 weeks. But we stuck with it now nursing is SO rewarding! Don't give up! You are such a great mom, thank you for your sweet thoughts!
Isn't that the truth! Having a baby reminded me so much of the mission too. SO hard, but SO worth it. And you lose yourself in it.
Don't let anyone scare you about the whole weight percentile thing. As long as you are offering Chelsea the milk she needs and as long as she keeps wetting her diaper, she'll be fine (Tyler had low weight too, but plenty of wet diapers). Keep practicing the latch as much as you can stand, that's the only way she'll learn, but it does get better as she grows. Maybe because her mouth gets bigger? I don't know. And Newman's Ointment to heal you. It's a miracle ointment!
I also found this to be helpful as a new Mom - http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-the-First-Month-of-New-Motherhood
Miss you!
Actually, if you want to meet some LLL people, I have their phone numbers. They totally helped me out when I was stressed about breastfeeding at first. They also have meetings the 4th Wednesday of every month at the Provo library.
-Heather
My little girl is the best mommy that Chelsea could ask for. She is more beautiful now than when I saw her 2 weeks ago (both). That would have seemed impossible at the time. Now I see pics in Cal and she's GORGEOUS. I'm not biased, I'm not biased (I'm just a grandpa, what can I say?) Love ya Mel. Matt I love you too. Love, Grandpa
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