It's all so new

[MeredithK]

Wow, I feel like I've been away from here forever. It's so amazing to read everyone's birth stories and share in the excitement.

Dylan is 12 days old now. We're still getting used to life together. He has good sleeping nights and not so good sleeping nights.

I'm struggling a little with breastfeeding. Trying to decide if I should just keep at it or go to a LC. Some days are fine, others not.

But, I had a question for you guys. I feel like I am a little bit of a worrying type mom, but when do you guys feel comfortable taking your LO out in to the world? We've gone to the dr. and for a car ride, but I'm so nervous about going into a store with him. It's a combination of not wanting him to get any germs/flu bugs and he's a little unpredictable in the screaming department. When do you take the adventure?

[MamaAcorn]

Whenever you feel ready.

I tend to get restless around the house quickly, as do my older kiddos, so I'm usually out somewhere at a week or so. When I go out, I only change the baby's diaper in the car to avoid the changing areas and bathrooms, which I can't imagine are clean enough for my precious newborn. I also wear the newborn in a sling at all times to keep strangers away.

I don't think you're over-worrying at all to want to stay in with the baby for as long as possible! I think your wise!

[Pandme]

I use a wrap. She doesn't scream in that. And she will scream in a stroller.

[MandyB]

What sort of BFing issues are you having? We had a ton of issues with nipple soreness, due to a shallow latch and I had a clogged milk duct (ouch!) for a good week, but now we're doing a lot better.

I totally understand not wanting to take him out! I've been the same way, although I think part of my problem is that it's just so much work taking out all four of my kids with a newborn too! I'm terrified of him getting sick, so when we DO go out, I put him in the sleepytime wrap I purchased when he was a few days old. It's like a moby wrap, super comfy for both of us, and I can completely cover him up so people don't even know I have a baby in there! When my first daughter was 3 weeks old, she came down with the flu and it was AWFUL and I felt so guilty and terrible for her! I would like to avoid that again!

[southernmommie]

Your baby's immune system doesn't "kick in" until a couple weeks old.

[MeredithK]

Originally Posted by MandyB

What sort of BFing issues are you having?

Well, first I think that I had a plugged duct. It started with a bleb (that's what it's called, right?) then I felt a lump by my armpit. After massaging it and nursing often, it finallly went away. Now, on that same breast, the nipple is just really sore. Sometimes it feels like someone is stabbing me right in the nipple...both while he's on the breast and when he's off. I just don't think that I am getting a good latch. He's also a sleeper while nursing, so I'm not always sure if he's actually nursing or just nibbling away....

So much to learn!!!!

Originally Posted by southernmommie

Your baby's immune system doesn't "kick in" until a couple weeks old.

So, I guess I can justify keeping him in a little longer!! My parents think I'm crazy for not bringing him places yet. Now I have a good reason!

[lil_stinkyfeet]

Definitely wait until you are ready.. It can be stressful taking the baby out and there is no reason to take him out until you are good and ready.