Saturday, November 9, 2013

Advice

I was supposed to post this last week to link-up with Kelly at Kelly's Corner, but I never got around to getting it uploaded. Since the posting has good insight, I will go ahead and post and just ditch the link-up feature.

The link-up for last week was to offer advice to new mothers. Since I am getting ready to enter the realm of “New Mom” again in the spring of next year, I thought I would reflect on my own experiences as a new mom with J-Man to not only remind myself when the new baby arrives, but to also offer some thoughts for my readers.
via HLAY Photography aka Suzanne Rollman Photography
1)  Nursing is t.o.u.g.h.! My point here is not to sway you to formula feeding or nursing your baby. The path you take is 100% your choice. However, I made the decision to try and nurse J-Man. They really should have more classes on this to help you learn all the tricks of the trade. I, thankfully, had wonderful lactation nurses in the hospital and a family friend who helped me with nursing J-Man - but not everyone is this lucky.

Nursing is a learning process for both you and your baby. I, unfortunately, had a little one that was not very receptive to nursing. He just wanted to either pacify me or sleep. The fact that I didn’t really produce a lot of milk may have been part of the reason as well but I finally realized it just wasn’t going to work when he lost nearly 2 pounds the first 2 weeks of his life. Even though I desperately tried, I had to make myself understand that I was not a horrible mom for having to switch to formula.

2)  Relax. Not only is nursing tough but a lot of aspects of learning your baby, your baby learning you and being a mom are tough too. You will find yourself in high levels of stress probably often. Another thing to add here is that your baby knows when you are stressed. It can make your situation worse if you don’t get yourself together - I say this from experience. Breathe in. Breathe out. Step away. Take a moment to gather yourself together. These little people obviously don’t come with instruction manuals. (My, don’t we wish they did sometimes!) Trying to stay calm and relaxed will help you and your baby in that moment and in the long run.

3)  Ask for help. Whether it be a family member, a close friend, or even a close church member – when you need help, ask for it. Someone will always be there to lend a hand. Especially if you just need 30 minutes of shut eye. That can make the world of difference, I promise.

One last thing… I know it sounds cliché, but don’t blink. This time will fly by and before you know it, the baby you are rocking to sleep in your arms (who isn’t much longer than your arm) will be on their way to kindergarten.


Diana Bradley Photography

1 comment:

  1. That first photo is still my all time favorite. I still have it in my bedroom. I hope you have Suzanne take one just like it of the new baby. I struggled with you during the rough times of trying to nurse. I never nursed you or your brother, but I was ever so proud of your determination and ultimately your ability to forgive yourself for not being able to do what you wanted to do so badly. You are an awesome mom and Wayne and awesome dad. I'm am blessed to have all of you as part of my family. Anxiously awaiting the new little one and to see how your lives grow and change.

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Thanks for sharing your love!