As I write this my baby, Eden, is
laying tummy down on my chest. I hear
little baby noises as she breathes, see her soft hair, tiny features, fresh
eyelashes, and smell her baby sweetness.
I felt awesome after she was born. The birth was amazing and I was so thrilled
and happy. I was looking forward to the
time that I could relax and nurse
her. I was going to enjoy this time and
get to know this fresh person. As we
began that journey together, it turned out to be more difficult than I
anticipated.
The first time I nursed Eden something felt wrong. I think I even said, "That's not right." I hoped she just latched on wrong and that
next time would be better. I kept trying
to help her latch correctly. She was
frustrated, swallowing lots of air, and I was in a lot of pain! She would grunt and it seemed like she was really uncomfortable. When she was two days old things were
extremely painful. That night I had an
IBCLC (breastfeeding guru) come over to see how to fix things. She grimaced with me. She validated the poor situation. She also told me that Eden needed her tongue
and lip released. She was lip tied and
tongue tied. I know there are worse
things in the world, I do, but this was sad news. We each got a blessing that
night.
We called the dentist
the following morning and took her in.
They used a laser to fix the problem.
She was wrapped and held down while they did it. She screamed.
Brian said he saw smoke come from her mouth. My heart hurt!
She did not nurse better right away. In fact, it got really bad. I had sores and was in so much pain. Her lip swelled up. When she tried to nurse, she let off in
pain. It was so sad. I felt so bad for her. We had to rub and stretch the wound so it would not re-adhere. She hated it! So did I and I admit I made my husband do it. About a week after the procedure, I felt like
things were starting to get better. She
is four weeks old today and nursing still needs to improve. It has gotten better than in the beginning,
but we are not completely there. She
still gulps lots of air. Some feedings
go better than others, but she always has lots of large burps and is fussy
after she eats.
We have tried lots of things. I think we have spent $600-$700 trying to
help her. This includes the Dentist, Chiropractor, Cranial Sacral Therapist, and Massage Therapist. Things will get better.
My recovery physically, as far as the birth, has been very
good. No discomfort or pain in my
bottom. I had after birth pains/cramps that
were intense for about 24 hours after the birth. I took 800mg of ib profin, but
felt like it didn't touch the pain. In
past births, that totally helped. Not
this time. After the first 24 hours,
they lessened in intensity and I could cope better. I have had to make an effort during this recovery not do too much. If I was too active, then my bleeding would increase and I would feel more achy and have pressure in my bottom.
Emotionally I have felt well. It helps to have the support and help from my
husband, kids, parents, in-laws, and my sister.
I have had food brought upstairs to me in my room several times. I really appreciate that! I am tiered and frustrated with the nursing
struggles, and that can bring me down emotionally. I feel good for the most part. I have snapped at kids and feel bad about
that. They have been so patient. It is hard to get things done. Eden likes to be held. A LOT. When she is
being held, she likes to be held upright and usually is swaddled. She likes pressure on her tummy. Thank
goodness I have big kids who don't mind holding her so I can use the
bathroom. Going outside always helps
calm her down. She loves walks in the
evening. She also loves being in warm
water. Kids have also helped switch
loads of laundry. Dinners that were
brought into us were FABULOUS!! Now I
have been making pretty simple meals.
Really, dinner is hard for me to get done. I can't do a little here and there or let it
go if it doesn't get done. My kids need
to eat.
Yesterday I went through all my baby boy clothes. That was a sad thing for me! I am thrilled that Eden is here, but sad that
I will never need my boy things again.
Plus, I think I am mourning the
fact that I will never have a tiny baby again.
I am good with that and know all is well, but knowing this is my last
baby does make me sad. I took a bath
with her tonight and wanted to hold on to the moment. These are my last baths with a tiny baby. She is changing so fast and I will never have
these tiny moments again.
I am grateful to have Eden here in our family. I hope she continues to improve her
feedings. I think that will help her and
I feel better. She is cute as can be and
I love her so much. It is fun to see her
develop and notice new things about her.
She is beautiful! Our family is
so blessed to have her!!!!
