I repeat - breast feeding is NOT easy!
When we found out we were pregnant I began researching the benefits and disadvantages of both breast feeding and formula feeding. I read countless articles and skimmed what felt like hundreds of websites. They all said the same thing (even the formula company websites) Breast milk is Best. So, I decided that I would select a formula to be my back-up and I would give breast feeding my best effort but would take it one day at a time and not be upset with myself if it simply wasn't an option.
Well, I am proud to say that I have made it 3.5 months and things continue to go well despite my being back at work full time.
Breastfeeding is not easy. It it physically and emotionally demanding. Conor likes to nurse to sleep which means I have to be home every night to put him to bed (not that I mind too much but it means I am currently the only one who can put him to sleep which means Dad misses out on that time with him). Conor is still so young that he likes to comfort nurse when he is scared, not feeling well, growing, or overwhelmed by his surroundings (this is all normal behavior for a baby of his age that is breastfed) so that once again leaves things up to me. He will take a binkie for a little bit of that time so Dad does get to participate in the soothing but in the end Conor wants his mom.
Also, while Conor is taking a bottle each bottle requires pumping. I dislike pumping with a passion but I am willing to do it for Conor. I have managed to replace every bottle that Conor has taken while I have been working despite my unpredictable schedule and the lack of a specific place to pump or allocated break times. This makes me so proud of myself and I am even more hopeful that I can continue to provide Conor with milk until his first birthday. If you are out and about and offer a bottle - you have to be prepared to pump either shortly before going out, while you are out (so you might as well just nurse to save the time), or right when you get home so that you don't overflow or - if done too often - damage your supply. Breastfeeding is not easy.
Remembering to drink enough water and eat the extra 300 calories a day is not always easy! Having breasts that change sizes throughout the day and therefore need extra support at different times is not easy and can be frustrating. Breast feeding isn't always easy.
Currently our freezer is full of frozen milk to be used when I am not home and can be used when he turns 6 months old to make baby food. As so many ladies in my support group (mommy class) have milk supply issues (for a variety of reasons) I am very thankful for the abundant supply that I have and my ability to maintain this supply even with the stress of working, running the business, and keeping up with Conor/Hunter and Josh!
Breastfeeding is not easy but it has been made easier for me by having a large group of women, whom I now call friends, who support my decision and offer great advice. Access to a lactation consultant on a weekly basis has also made the transition to work much easier and helped to ease the pain of feeding Conor by identifying his tongue-tie and recommending an ENT to snip it.
Breastfeeding is not easy - we have had some stumbles along the way but, for me, it was worth sticking it out. When I look at my little 14.5lb 3.5 month old baby and I know I provided him the nutrients to grow him that big it makes me proud.
I would never shame a woman for choosing not to breast feed her baby (many people who I call friends have not) I would encourage every woman I know to at least try. But remember, it's not easy so expect there to be struggles because, according to the lactation consultant, many women give up or fail because they expected it to be easy and were too easily frustrated when it was challenging.
Why did I write this post? Because everything else I read seemed to send me the message that breastfeeding was natural and easy. The writing seemed to want to shame women that didn't breastfeed or make them feel guilty and that is not ok. So - my lady friends out there reading this know this: breastfeeding is natural and it is rewarding and does create an amazing bond between you and your child but IT IS NOT EASY. This, of course, does not mean it is the most difficult thing in the world to do but just expect there to be bumps in the road or to have to put a bit more effort into it in the beginning than you expected.
But, it does get easier with time and I am proud to say I think Conor and I have reached that point where it is easy and natural and entirely rewarding!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
A Weekend at the Wentworth
Dear Conor,
The second half of your first February vacation was to be spent with your Auntie Danielle. She arrived Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Saturday. She was going to be your Nanny while Daddy and I worked but Daddy had other plans for us all. He said that he was tired of feeling stuck at the house because we were so used to being on the go and that he needed a little break from the day to day. So, we packed up our things and headed to Portsmouth New Hampshire for a little rest and relaxation.
While at the hotel we did so much! The first night we had dinner in a fancy restaurant where we had to get all dressed up. Daddy wore his nice suit pants and a tie while Mommy wore some nice gray pants and a black shirt. Auntie Danielle also looked very nice in khakis and a button down shirt. As good as we all looked - we forgot to take a picture! You wore the outfit that you came home from the hospital in. After dinner I made some time and took you into the lobby to take a few quick photos of you at your first luxury hotel.
While at the hotel you went swimming in a pool for the first time. We went on Friday and on Saturday. Friday night you weren't so sure what to think. The pool as a little darker as it was night and I think you may have been tired. But, on Saturday morning you had a great time. There were lots of kids around and one other baby in the pool. It was much brighter as the sun was shinning and I think that might have helped make you feel more comfortable as well.
You were very well behaved at the hotel and it was not that hard to travel with you. We set up a changing area on the desk and we brought your Rock n' Play for you to sleep in. You did not cry that much (which was a huge change from just a few days ago) and we believe that it was simply good timing and that your medicine had started to work!
When we got home you spent a little bit more time smiling and loving on your Auntie before she had to leave.
We were very sad to see Auntie Danielle leave and are so thankful that she was able to join us on our mini vacation. Because she was there your Daddy and I were able to relax a bit more, get a bit to eat together (without you) and have an extra set of hands to help with you and Hunter. Thank you Danielle for coming along!
xoxo
Mom
PS. Your dad was awesome and surprised your Auntie and I with massages on Friday morning - they were awesome!
The second half of your first February vacation was to be spent with your Auntie Danielle. She arrived Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Saturday. She was going to be your Nanny while Daddy and I worked but Daddy had other plans for us all. He said that he was tired of feeling stuck at the house because we were so used to being on the go and that he needed a little break from the day to day. So, we packed up our things and headed to Portsmouth New Hampshire for a little rest and relaxation.
While at the hotel we did so much! The first night we had dinner in a fancy restaurant where we had to get all dressed up. Daddy wore his nice suit pants and a tie while Mommy wore some nice gray pants and a black shirt. Auntie Danielle also looked very nice in khakis and a button down shirt. As good as we all looked - we forgot to take a picture! You wore the outfit that you came home from the hospital in. After dinner I made some time and took you into the lobby to take a few quick photos of you at your first luxury hotel.
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| Shall we call you Mr. Conor?!? |
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| Friday night swimming |
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| Family Photo in the pool |
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| After swimming you were very happy to lay in bed with Auntie |
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| Saturday morning swimming with Daddy |
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| Saturday morning - after swimming- snuggles with Auntie. |
When we got home you spent a little bit more time smiling and loving on your Auntie before she had to leave.
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| I LOVE YOUR SMILE! |
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| One last picture with Auntie! |
xoxo
Mom
PS. Your dad was awesome and surprised your Auntie and I with massages on Friday morning - they were awesome!
Hosting a PlayDate
Dear Conor,
On Thursday, February 23, 2012 you hosted your first playdate. You had many friends RSVP but everyone kept coming down with colds and they didn't want to get you sick. Because of this, only one friend ended up coming and that was Carter. Carter is a few months older than you and was showing off his new skill of sitting while he was over.
After Carter left you took a little nap while I packed because that afternoon we were all headed for an adventure!
xoxo
Mom
On Thursday, February 23, 2012 you hosted your first playdate. You had many friends RSVP but everyone kept coming down with colds and they didn't want to get you sick. Because of this, only one friend ended up coming and that was Carter. Carter is a few months older than you and was showing off his new skill of sitting while he was over.
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| You watching Carter sit unasissted |
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| Carter watching you play |
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| Both of you trying to reach for the same toy |
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| Good Friends |
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| Even Hunter joined in on the fun! |
xoxo
Mom
A Visit with Auntie Cathlin
Because I am so far behind in blogging the next few posts are very much out of order!
During February vacation we had planned to have family visit with us to help take care of Conor so that Josh and I could get caught up on regular work since Conor gave us little time to get it done since he doesn't nap. Cathlin was the first to volunteer to come and she arrived on Tuesday, February 22, 2012 to love on her nephew.
However, Conor - you had different plans. You were terrible for your poor Auntie Cathlin! Although she is smiling in these photos you certainly were not. You were miserable. We now know that your behavior was due to acid reflux and that the medicine had not fully started to work yet. We felt terrible that Auntie Cathlin didn't get to spend any 'nice' time with you so we hope she will come back to visit soon!
Auntie Cathlin was so patient with you and she tried so hard to help you feel better. She rocked you, bounced you, held you tight, pumped your legs, and did anything and everything she could think of to make you feel good.
Auntie Cathlin left the next afternoon and by that time you were in a slightly better mood and judging by the picture below you were feeling your island roots (just kidding - you don't have any)!
I am so thankful you have such a patient and loving Auntie! Thank you again for coming Cathlin and we would love to have you again anytime!
xoxo
Mom
During February vacation we had planned to have family visit with us to help take care of Conor so that Josh and I could get caught up on regular work since Conor gave us little time to get it done since he doesn't nap. Cathlin was the first to volunteer to come and she arrived on Tuesday, February 22, 2012 to love on her nephew.
However, Conor - you had different plans. You were terrible for your poor Auntie Cathlin! Although she is smiling in these photos you certainly were not. You were miserable. We now know that your behavior was due to acid reflux and that the medicine had not fully started to work yet. We felt terrible that Auntie Cathlin didn't get to spend any 'nice' time with you so we hope she will come back to visit soon!
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| Trying to help Conor stop crying. |
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| A rare moment of quiet |
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| Still crying! |
Auntie Cathlin left the next afternoon and by that time you were in a slightly better mood and judging by the picture below you were feeling your island roots (just kidding - you don't have any)!
I am so thankful you have such a patient and loving Auntie! Thank you again for coming Cathlin and we would love to have you again anytime!
xoxo
Mom
Summer in March
Dear Conor,
This week the State of Maine (and most of New England) has been setting records for highest recorded temperatures. Yesterday (3/22/12) Portland Maine was around 80 degrees for most of the day - the previous highest recorded temperature was 60 degrees!
Because of this beautiful weather we have been doing a lot of outside activities. On Tuesday we went to playgroup at Mercy in the morning where you and your friends played inside while the sun was at its peak.
After playing inside we went down to the East End Playground and had a picnic lunch and for a nice long walk along the trail. One of the reasons I love our Mommy Group is because I am learning all the nice places to take you and Hunter for a walk! This walk was very much like the Cape Cod Rail Trail that your Dad and I took our bikes on a few years ago.
When we got home we played in the yard with Daddy and Hunter until the sun made all of us too hot! Being too hot and having the sun in your eyes made you cry so it was clearly the right time to pack it all up and call it a day!
On Thursday (which was yesterday) your Daddy and I decided that we couldn't spend these beautiful days working (because who knows how nice the summer will be) so we headed to the beach. We were not the only ones that had this idea as Pine Point was very crowded.
But, we enjoyed your first true beach day anyways. We set up the tent that your Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Sean got you for Christmas to keep you out of the intense sun and applied the sunblock to all your exposed parts (thank you to your aunt and uncle for the summer survival Christmas gift!). After a little rest in your tent we took you down to the water to put your toes in the sand for the FIRST TIME!
When we got home from the beach you were very cranky and did not want to take a nap. So, we decided that if you weren't going to nap at home we would go to another beach (this time Mother's Beach) to take Hunter for a walk and you would maybe nap in the car.
You didn't nap on the way to the beach nor while we were at the beach. We didn't use your stroller but your new carrier that came in this week. It's called the Beco Gemini and while you currently face in - when you have more neck control you will be able to face out and then when your even older you can ride backpack style or on my hip. This carrier was well worth the wait and the cost! Daddy thought we looked cute walking so he snapped this picture.
When our walk was over it was time to head home and get ready for bed. I gave you a bath (which you loved) and then it was time for bed. You were so tired that it didn't take too long to get you to sleep - about 35 minutes (it usually takes about an hour with two feedings to knock you out!).
You looked so relaxed in your sleep that I had to snap a picture and send it to your Aunties and grandparents. You can thank Great Nannie and Dar for the adorable Chip n' Dale onesie!
I hope you enjoyed your first beach day as much as we enjoyed spending it with you.
xoxo
Mom
This week the State of Maine (and most of New England) has been setting records for highest recorded temperatures. Yesterday (3/22/12) Portland Maine was around 80 degrees for most of the day - the previous highest recorded temperature was 60 degrees!
Because of this beautiful weather we have been doing a lot of outside activities. On Tuesday we went to playgroup at Mercy in the morning where you and your friends played inside while the sun was at its peak.
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| Lots of Mommies and Babies at Mercy |
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| Your friend C trying to teach you to roll over |
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| You are never without your favorite accessory lately - drool soaked shirts! |
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| Your girlfriend A....she's an older woman :) |
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| Picnic Lunch |
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| Some of your older friends swinging -you were too little still |
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| Me and my boys |
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| Take me inside Mom! |
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| While I console you - Hunter poses for one more picture |
But, we enjoyed your first true beach day anyways. We set up the tent that your Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Sean got you for Christmas to keep you out of the intense sun and applied the sunblock to all your exposed parts (thank you to your aunt and uncle for the summer survival Christmas gift!). After a little rest in your tent we took you down to the water to put your toes in the sand for the FIRST TIME!
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| Safe from harmful sun's rays inside the tent! Mom hoping you'll take a little nap. |
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| Family Beach photo 3.22.12 |
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| Sandy Toes for the first time |
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| With Mom by the water |
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| And with Dad! |
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| Silly Daddy! Pretending he was going to drop you in the water! |
You didn't nap on the way to the beach nor while we were at the beach. We didn't use your stroller but your new carrier that came in this week. It's called the Beco Gemini and while you currently face in - when you have more neck control you will be able to face out and then when your even older you can ride backpack style or on my hip. This carrier was well worth the wait and the cost! Daddy thought we looked cute walking so he snapped this picture.
When our walk was over it was time to head home and get ready for bed. I gave you a bath (which you loved) and then it was time for bed. You were so tired that it didn't take too long to get you to sleep - about 35 minutes (it usually takes about an hour with two feedings to knock you out!).
You looked so relaxed in your sleep that I had to snap a picture and send it to your Aunties and grandparents. You can thank Great Nannie and Dar for the adorable Chip n' Dale onesie!
I hope you enjoyed your first beach day as much as we enjoyed spending it with you.
xoxo
Mom
Monday, March 19, 2012
First St. Patrick's Day 3.17.2012
Dear Conor,
We celebrated your first St. Patrick's Day by having a party the day before with your Tuesday Group friends. The party was hosted by Carter and his mom and they went all out with lots of fun toys to play with, rainbow themed foods and an awesome craft project.
When we got to the party many of your friends were already there and were very excited to see you! It is always a joy to see you interact with your friends!
Your art project was a footprint shamrock. You smiled when the cool feeling paint was put on you little feet. We only made one little shamrock but we might have to do something like this for your family members someday soon. Your friend Carter made each party guest a special magnet. We came home and put your magnet on the fridge!
Since you didn't get much of a nap you were pooped by 6pm and asleep by 6:30pm. You slept until 9pm and then went right back to sleep after a quick snack until 1pm where you resumed your normal night routine. Seeing you this tired and having so much fun with your friends reminds me that it is important that I continue to make time each week for you to interact socially with your peers.
Saturday was the real St. Patrick's Day and it was a day for me, you and Hunter to hang out at home while Daddy worked. I took that time to take photos of you and Hunter (they all look photoshop-ed because Hunter is still a little leery about getting to close to you).
We had a great day just playing with your toys, practicing independent play while I did laundry and organized some of the house.
I can't wait to celebrate your next St. Patrick's Day with you - my little irish man!
xoxo
Mom
We celebrated your first St. Patrick's Day by having a party the day before with your Tuesday Group friends. The party was hosted by Carter and his mom and they went all out with lots of fun toys to play with, rainbow themed foods and an awesome craft project.
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| Telling Mom to hurry up and get dressed so we can go! |
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| Baby B: 8 months old looking up at you |
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| Playing with Baby N and Baby C: loved seeing all the babies in green! |
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| Sitting with Baby N's Mom |
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| You and Carter |
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| Practing Tummy Time |
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| Independent Play |
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| Your Art project - and bring home gift! |
Since you didn't get much of a nap you were pooped by 6pm and asleep by 6:30pm. You slept until 9pm and then went right back to sleep after a quick snack until 1pm where you resumed your normal night routine. Seeing you this tired and having so much fun with your friends reminds me that it is important that I continue to make time each week for you to interact socially with your peers.
Saturday was the real St. Patrick's Day and it was a day for me, you and Hunter to hang out at home while Daddy worked. I took that time to take photos of you and Hunter (they all look photoshop-ed because Hunter is still a little leery about getting to close to you).
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| Celebrating the day right from the start with green jammies and a green diaper! |
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| Excited that it is all about Irish today! Hunter is not so sure about your movements! |
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| As close as Hunter would get to your sour puss face :) |
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| Hunter 3.17.2012 |
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| Irish from your toes to your 4-leaf clover binkie! |
I can't wait to celebrate your next St. Patrick's Day with you - my little irish man!
xoxo
Mom
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