I can't believe it's been a week already. Time just flies. Wednesday evening Andy and I were watching TV and I looked at the clock. It was 6:59PM. I said, "this time a week ago my water was just breaking." Hard to believe.
Life as a mom is better than I could have imagined. The first week has been faced with challenges, emotional roller coasters, sleepless night and more love than I could ever imagine feeling for one little being. On Sunday night when I was having my breastfeeding breakdown, my mom came into my room and said, "can you even believe that I loved you that much. You never understand a mother's love until you become one." It was the sweetest thing she could have said at that exact moment. It is so true. (And I'm tearing up as I write this.)
Breastfeeding - Was a challenge. Lyla would not latch on. It was frustrating and exhausting. At each feeding we would attempt to breastfeed, then we'd end up bottle feeding her and I would pump so we would have milk for the next feeding. On Tuesday we went to see a lactation consultant. She gave us some tips, told me I could use a nipple shield (which thanks to my friends Heather and Amanda I had already purchased and used on Monday with success). Lyla has not had a problem latching on since. I haven't attempted not using the nipple shield yet. Why mess with a good thing? I go back for a follow up with the LC on Tuesday. I'm hoping she will teach me how to get her off the shield. I never could imagine my boobs and nipples could hurt so much. I feel like my life revolves around the swelling of the breasts. Not to mention my small mouthed girl makes breastfeeding slightly uncomfortable. But all in all, it is so worth it.
In Lyla's first week of life we have been blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who have come to oooh and ahhh over her as well as bring food for Andy and I.
I will be adding some pictures from her first week as soon as I find where Andy put our card reader.
3 comments:
Aubrey congrats!! Breastfeeding has it's challenges but believe me it gets easier as she gets bigger. Keep at it. I too used the shield but eventually I gave it a shot without and she did fine, and if she prefers to drink it from a bottle that's okay too. The important thing is that she get the breast milk one way or another. I told myself that and before you knew it she could be fed with no problems via bottle or breast. It will make life easier and the bonding process can occur with mom and dad. Good luck!
Isn't the first week nuts? There were times that I questioned even having sex, but then I would look at him sleeping and know that all was right.
Good for you for sticking with the breastfeeding. I had problems with both boys and then my milk dried up both times and we had to use formula. I *almost* think the pain from nursing exceeded the pain from childbirth.
Yay for Lyla and yay for you (and Andy). It is tough but we as Mommys are tougher. From one tough mommy to another Keep it up. :)
Love ya'll and I'll be up to see yall again soon. :)
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