What they say is true: being a parent is the hardest job in the world. I am forever grateful to my parents and all parents for that matter for raising children and making sacrifices along the way. Its been a little over a month since Miles joined our family and I can’t say it has been the easiest transition but it’s definitely the happiest time in our lives. I say this with caution because there were moments and days where there was a lot of self doubt, feeling utterly lost and helpless and even feelings of despair.
I really don’t want to sugarcoat this journey because as much as there were ups there were some downs. The first time I felt truly stressed was when my milk wasn’t coming in and Miles was waking up every 1-1.5 hours during the night and he just wasn’t getting enough milk because there wasn’t any. I remember looking at my husband sound asleep as I struggled to calm Miles and rocked him back to bed for almost an hour. Not fully recovered myself, sleep deprived and not being able to feed my own child is just the most awful feeling in the world. The tears were real that night for the both of us. Needless to say, the first few days were definitely the most challenging. Thankfully, my friend Suzie helped reassure my insecurities and even brought over a hospital grade Medela’s Symphony Breast Pump to help initiate my milk. I remember seeing the first few droplets coming out of those tubes and just balled! It was sheer happiness and reassurance that my milk was slowly coming in. I can’t stress enough how much messages and support from other mamas got me through the first few days. As a first time mom, I honestly didn’t know what to do and am thankful for all the tips and words of encouragement.
We were blessed to live at my parents-in-law’s home for the first month. They helped us take naps between feeds and fed us because surely we would have starved or been stuck with a huge Uber Eats bill at the end of the month. It also helped them bond with their first grandchild and it was so amazing to watch them become first time grandparents, relearning how to change diapers, sing lullabies and give baths. They were lifesavers and looking back now, I really don’t know how we could have survived without them.
Everyone said that the first month would be the hardest and I definitely felt it. One thing I learned is that all parents have an opinion and the best advice someone told me was not to listen to other parents and their parenting ideas. You’ll find what works best for you because all babies are not the same! Miles is now sleeping longer through the night and we’re currently slowly stretching his feed times. I recently started pumping with my Medela’s Sonata Smart Breast Pump, saving up milk to introduce a bottle soon. Of course it’s important to give our child all that they need and more, but also to have our own lives too even if that means just stepping out to pickup groceries sans baby. Miles has changed our lives in so many ways but truly for the better. There are tough moments but they are definitely worth every sweat and tear. I can’t believe that it’s already been one month and I don’t want him to grow up anymore! The next few weeks will be difficult as we try some sleep training techniques so please wish us luck. I know this post isn’t for everyone but I wanted to share what I have also heard a lot of other moms go through. Just remember, a mama’s health is just as important as baby’s so build your support group!
A happy milk drunk baby.
*Medela gifted the Sonata Smart Breast Pump, however all opinions are my own*
