First weeks home: Lessons learned

  

Sleeping and nursing seemed to be what my life consisted of after I had my babies.  I was aware of the clock only because every two hours it was time to feed them again.  I was in a dream like state of exhaustion and awe.  Everything was new; new routine, new body, new person in my life. 

I remember looking in the mirror after Jacob was born and realizing that my body was changed forever.  I went from looking like a young lady to looking like a woman with wide hips and cleavage.  My nipples even looked different! 

During the first week I struggled with breast feeding.  I could not figure out how to relieve my engourged breasts, and every time he would latch on it felt like sharp needles were coming out instead of milk.  I remember laying in my bed with my toes curled and my teeth clenched saying over and over in my head , "You can do this, You can do this, You can do this".   I tried warm showers and massage which seemed to help, and eventually it all subsided.  We continued to learn together how the whole thing was suppose to work.

Lesson learned: Relax

I bought a bassinet before he was born and planned to use it full time.  That was until I brought my sweet tiny baby home and realized it was much easier to roll over and nurse half asleep than to wake up, turn on the light, climb out of bed, try and stay awake until he was done and then get him back to sleep...

Lesson learned: Co-sleeping is GREAT

Then came the day when I decided I was ready to have intercourse again...

Surprise!  Oxytocin stimulates the milk let-down reflex and is also the hormone produced during orgasm!  It was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.  These are the times when I am thankful I have such an understanding husband who didn't mind a little harmless milk getting on him. (Okay it was a lot...)

Lesson learned: Wear a t-shirt

I sit here now reflecting on a time that feels like a yesterday.  My son is now 11 and we are still learning together how this whole thing works.  He may not remember the sleepless nights or nipple torture I went through for him,  but I am sure he appreciates it. 

Lesson learned: You can make it through any challenge with a sense of humor and a willingness to be patient with yourself.