I finally got my pictures back up on Blogger so I'm ready to post again. Since my last post in October, I had a beautiful baby girl...and Im totally in full mommy mode! Elizabeth Michaela Pompeo was born on October 17th weighing 6lbs 4oz!
Needless to say, I've been so busy with mom-ing that I haven't had time for much else. It took me a full two months to get into the swing of things and sorta used to travelling and being with my new human every day. I have learned a few things along the way:
As always......
Needless to say, I've been so busy with mom-ing that I haven't had time for much else. It took me a full two months to get into the swing of things and sorta used to travelling and being with my new human every day. I have learned a few things along the way:
- A birth may never go the way you planned or want and you may have to make decisions you never thought you had to...whatever is good for the baby and yourself.
- Its OK to say no to visitors until YOU are ready. Take the time to get to know your baby and recuperate before you "entertain" guests.
- Its OK to cry for a couple of weeks, even if its every day! Hormones are funny, funny things and they will fluxuate quite a bit once your baby has arrived. If your sadness extends past two weeks...seek help from a doctor, midwife, family member or friend.
- Asking for help from someone else does not mean you are a bad mom. Especially if its your first one, you may not be able to do everything on your own.
- Its cool to take advice from family members and friends but noone knows your baby the way you do and as you get to know her better, you will realize that your gut instincts are the best ones! Always listen to your mother's intuition....it will never lead you astray
- Its OK to be overprotective of your baby - especially when there are a lot of people around....you don't want them hurt (especially under three months when the skeletal system is still pretty fragile).
- Studies show that little ones (especially under two months) need to be introduced to the world SLOWLY. Its totally cool if you stay around your house for the first month and take your baby out to be socialized a little later on.
- Its OK to want a break! Don't feel bad if you just want your baby to sleep so you can watch TV or take a shower...or ask someone else to help you out.
- Breastfeeding isn't easy at first, especially if its your first time. But the proper guidance and persistence (and a bit of pain tolerance) will get you and baby breastfeeding like a pro. My Doula and Midwife were excellent in getting me going. If you can't get professional help, La Leche League International can always help.
- Stress will ALWAYS reduce your breast milk. This is personal experience. If something is bugging you and you can't resolve it....let it go! Its not worth it for you or your baby to loose milk. Keep feeding and take the tips on La Leche's website above to help.
- Talk to other moms...experience truly is the best and you won't feel so "alone".
- Its OK to make mistakes, you learn as you go....noone is perfect.
I have so many other pointers that I'll get to as I go on....feels so good to be back.
As always......
Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
