Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Thoughts from a first time mommy.

Mom...the job
Being a mom is a full time job, and sometimes it's not easy. Matter of fact, I think it's one of the hardest jobs in the world, but the most rewarding as well.
Unlike any other job you don't receive prior training or a handbook with all the answers. Instead what we get as FTM is on the job training and may other sources(books and internet) that we can use in our daily challenges / struggles as a new parent. Wouldn't it be nice if someone said, "Here is _____ Handbook, it has everything you will ever need to know about your son/daughter and his/her specific needs." Maybe in a dream world that could happen, but let's face it this is reality.
Sleep
I have slowly learned that sleep, who once used to be my friend, I rarely see. Yes, sleep is something that is far and in between when dealing with a newborn. Even when I do finally fall asleep, I find that I am not as much a sound sleeper any more. I am sure there will come a time when my baby boy will sleep soundly though the night and I will to again. Until that time comes, my eyes will always pop open when I hear movement and sound coming from his bed. I even find myself checking on him when I don't hear any sounds, but usually he is just fast asleep.
Diapers...what a mess
It's not like I haven't changed a diaper before, and you think by now I would know what to expect. Things I have learned...if changing diaper on cloth (such as a bed or couch) have something under bum that I don't mind getting wet (or poopie). Have both diaper and wipes handy and maybe even some diaper rash cream. Be prepared to be peed on at least just once, or twice,or hey they say third time is a charm ;).
Keep a nose plug handy, cause just because they are small doesn't mean they make small smells.
Feeding time
You always hear that breastfeeding is the natural thing to do, and babies do it instinctively. From my experience, that is so not the case. When I first went to breastfeed in the hospital I was expecting this great bonding experience where my baby just knew what to do. HA! I was tricked. It wasn't this beautiful bonding experience that I thought it would be. Instead I was met with a screaming baby who was doing everything in his power not to latch on. It caused me stress and I wanted to cry because I felt like I was doing something wrong. It is now a little over a month and we have the hang of it now. Although we are now using soy formula and breast milk because my supply is so low.
Keeping busy
Your baby will always keep you busy.When he/she is awake you are spending your time with them (unless you are a lucky one who's baby doesn't need 24/7 attention/holding), and when they are sleeping you are using that time to catch up on cleaning, cooking, etc. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I look at my house and see the laundry piling up, or the floors getting dirty and dishes not being cleaned. I think to myself, "there just isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done." I am happy when Vincent is around to help because I can tell him, "hey can you watch Kyle while I do this or that." But the days it's just me and him, nothing really gets done.

I know that in time things will come naturally for me, and this stressful time of having a newborn will pass. I even know that one day I will look back and even miss it. Having Kyle in my life has been the biggest blessing I have ever been given.

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