Since I last updated, things have been a bit up and down. For a few days, Adelyn was not sleeping well at all. She seriously wouldn't nap more than 30 minutes and would wake up fussy, exhausted, and not easily soothed. Needless to say, I was exhausted. I was always told, "sleep when the baby sleeps..." But what if you're baby didn't sleep?? As a new mom, you really have no idea what is normal and what isn't. After about 4 days of practically no long naps, I really hit a point where I just knew something wasn't right. I was getting no sleep and growing more and more anxious and stressed by the hour.
After a sleepless night, I was sitting on the couch nursing Adelyn when my mom called to just check in. She knew we'd be having a hard couple days but she had no idea about the stressful night we just had. When she asked how I was doing, I broke down. I mean, I really really lost it. I was at a point where I couldn't imagine doing this for weeks-even months! I couldn't figure out how to get this little gal to sleep! I had also noticed that morning that my breast milk didn't seem to be there as much. When my mom heard this, she put the pieces together and told me her gut was that Adelyn wasn't getting enough to eat. I had ruled this possibility out because she seemed to be nursing great but I hadn't considered that she may not be getting much out despite her long nursing times. My mom suggested I supplement with a little formula after nursing to see if she would take any. So I did. And guess what. She took almost 2 ounces of the formula... after 35+ minutes of breast feeding!! She was hungry! THEN after she took the formula, she went down for a two hour nap. I couldn't believe it.
I'm not quite sure why my breast milk supply has dwindled so fast. Maybe the stress. Maybe the fatigue. Maybe I'm not getting enough calories (I haven't had too much of an appetite). Who knows. All I know is that since we started supplementing formula, Adelyn is a different child. And I am a different mom. We are all much happier people lately. It absolutely breaks my heart that I didn't know she was hungry. But I'm learning that in motherhood we have to give ourselves grace. I'm doing the best I know how to do. Just like every mom out there is.
Since we got the feeding thing a bit under control, I feel like I've hit my stride a bit. I'm no longer antsy to get out or feeling super lonely when I'm home. I'm growing to love and enjoy Adelyn more every day. She melts my heart with her hilarious facial expressions and funny little squeaks and noises she makes. I love cuddling her as she wakes up from a nap. I love being able to soothe her to sleep in my arms. I love that she turns her head towards my voice. My heart also melts when I see Austin with her. When from the other room I overhear him talking to her or reading to her. When I see her cuddled up on his chest. I'm absolutely melted and more in love with my husband then I have ever been.
This month has been long and bumpy road but we are making it. We are growing tons and being strengthened by the daily challenges we face as parents. It's been an adventure and I know it's only beginning.
Here are a few pictures for your itching eyes from a photo shoot I had with Adelyn this morning.
We recently borrowed this swing from a friend of ours. Adelyn LOVES it! I can't believe how fast she calms down in it. It's going to hard to not have her nap in it every time!
No comments:
Post a Comment