I remember that when I had DS1, all the books talked about what to expect the first year-- but what about just those first few lonely, surreal, sleep-deprived few days? I thought I was losing my mind. A few quick things for the new mamas (and for me)...
Day 1...
Can't sleep. Too much baby mojo. Labor started at 2am, so I know I will regret this later. Just laying around watching the baby exist.
My butt is so sore. Luckily no tears, but it is still achy and a stings a little.
I have a terrible headache. Pushing so hard? Can't feel my right foot. Hoping there isn't permanent nerve damage.
The after-birth pains are setting in, I'm alternating Advil Migraine and Extra Strength Tylenol, but they are interfering with nursing. Ugh.
Day 2...
Flow has lightened a lot. Was using Depends, so I switched to regular pads. Still very watery and gushy, not too many clots. The midwife stopped by with some arnica to help with the AB pains, they are god awful. OMG. I know they are normal, but they are worse than contractions. No peak, no end in sight, just constant cramping.
Nursing is going okay, but the latch isn't right. I find watching vids on YouTube pretty helpful.
He's peeling, so we gave him a light coat of olive oil. He doesn't cry much, mostly when he's getting changed. Meconium poo today, but not much pee. Milk should come in tomorrow.
Day 3...
No engorgement yet. He was up all night fussing, I didn't sleep. By 8am, I was in tears, sobbing for some rest. DH took him for 90 minutes, and it was enough to help me get a little rest, enough to stop crying. Forgot about the placenta smoothie yesterday, so I had some and immediately felt better. More energy, moodiness gone. The difference is so stark.
Still, the latch is not working. My nipples are sore and I have a couple of small blisters. Trying the football hold and cross cradle.
The Belly Bandit doesn't fit. Wearing some Hanes control top panties instead from Target, but they make my belly ITCH!!! Finally got myself down the stairs even though my foot is at about 60% feeling now. Really hoping this clears up fast.
Day 4...
Milk came in today! It really helped to take a shower with a string bikini top on. Otherwise, the water hitting my nipples felt like tiny daggers! OW!
The afterbirth pains are still pretty horrendous. I'm taking an Advil Migraine once every twelve hours and wearing some Hanes shapewear undergarments that I got at Target. The Belly Bandit is still a tad small for me, and it bunches uncomfortably when I sit to nurse! Got a spandex girdle thing at Target too, it is much better than the Bandit, but hard to get over my hips. Still, I need all the support I can get now. Can't believe how much tighter my tummy/hips already feel. No wonder the AB pains are soooo painful.
Both me and DS4 had our first bm's today
His was a poop-splosion! I forgot about those! No wonder he was so incredibly fussy last night and this morning!
Day 5...
Most of the feeling in my right leg/foot is back, but my toes still tingle and I walk funny. We had our first visitor last night (besides family) and it was good. I forgot how draining it is to have a simple conversation with someone. All of my energy is focused on the baby and breastfeeding. Plus, I need to concentrate to get a good latch.
Latching on is getting better. With DS1, I had a lactation consultant come to the house to help. Wherever she is, I am sending her MAJOR thanks, I would have given up on bf'ing without her. Nipples are slightly sore, but I think that is from attempting to nurse lying down -- which went pretty well! I got a lot more rest last night, woke up feeling human. (I drank a ton of placenta smoothie yesterday, so I think that helped as well, and then had MY FIRST BEER IN 10 MONTHS! Man, it was awesome.)
He's had three poops today already. I hate changing him with that cord, I feel like I'm hurting him. Hoping it falls off soon! DH did the first load of cloth diapers, what a pro.
The boys are both sick with the flu..... UGH. I'm just taking it easy. Trying not to stress about anything. Eating, eating....
Day 1...
Can't sleep. Too much baby mojo. Labor started at 2am, so I know I will regret this later. Just laying around watching the baby exist.
My butt is so sore. Luckily no tears, but it is still achy and a stings a little.
I have a terrible headache. Pushing so hard? Can't feel my right foot. Hoping there isn't permanent nerve damage.
The after-birth pains are setting in, I'm alternating Advil Migraine and Extra Strength Tylenol, but they are interfering with nursing. Ugh.
Day 2...
Flow has lightened a lot. Was using Depends, so I switched to regular pads. Still very watery and gushy, not too many clots. The midwife stopped by with some arnica to help with the AB pains, they are god awful. OMG. I know they are normal, but they are worse than contractions. No peak, no end in sight, just constant cramping.
Nursing is going okay, but the latch isn't right. I find watching vids on YouTube pretty helpful.
He's peeling, so we gave him a light coat of olive oil. He doesn't cry much, mostly when he's getting changed. Meconium poo today, but not much pee. Milk should come in tomorrow.
Day 3...
No engorgement yet. He was up all night fussing, I didn't sleep. By 8am, I was in tears, sobbing for some rest. DH took him for 90 minutes, and it was enough to help me get a little rest, enough to stop crying. Forgot about the placenta smoothie yesterday, so I had some and immediately felt better. More energy, moodiness gone. The difference is so stark.
Still, the latch is not working. My nipples are sore and I have a couple of small blisters. Trying the football hold and cross cradle.
The Belly Bandit doesn't fit. Wearing some Hanes control top panties instead from Target, but they make my belly ITCH!!! Finally got myself down the stairs even though my foot is at about 60% feeling now. Really hoping this clears up fast.
Day 4...
Milk came in today! It really helped to take a shower with a string bikini top on. Otherwise, the water hitting my nipples felt like tiny daggers! OW!
The afterbirth pains are still pretty horrendous. I'm taking an Advil Migraine once every twelve hours and wearing some Hanes shapewear undergarments that I got at Target. The Belly Bandit is still a tad small for me, and it bunches uncomfortably when I sit to nurse! Got a spandex girdle thing at Target too, it is much better than the Bandit, but hard to get over my hips. Still, I need all the support I can get now. Can't believe how much tighter my tummy/hips already feel. No wonder the AB pains are soooo painful.
Both me and DS4 had our first bm's today
His was a poop-splosion! I forgot about those! No wonder he was so incredibly fussy last night and this morning!Day 5...
Most of the feeling in my right leg/foot is back, but my toes still tingle and I walk funny. We had our first visitor last night (besides family) and it was good. I forgot how draining it is to have a simple conversation with someone. All of my energy is focused on the baby and breastfeeding. Plus, I need to concentrate to get a good latch.
Latching on is getting better. With DS1, I had a lactation consultant come to the house to help. Wherever she is, I am sending her MAJOR thanks, I would have given up on bf'ing without her. Nipples are slightly sore, but I think that is from attempting to nurse lying down -- which went pretty well! I got a lot more rest last night, woke up feeling human. (I drank a ton of placenta smoothie yesterday, so I think that helped as well, and then had MY FIRST BEER IN 10 MONTHS! Man, it was awesome.)
He's had three poops today already. I hate changing him with that cord, I feel like I'm hurting him. Hoping it falls off soon! DH did the first load of cloth diapers, what a pro.
The boys are both sick with the flu..... UGH. I'm just taking it easy. Trying not to stress about anything. Eating, eating....
