Can I ever thank you enough for your thoughtful, funny, amazing comments and some crazy stories (… looking at you Eden!) you left me on the breastfeeding post?! I was right – The Secret Underground Society of Women who Hate Breastfeeding DOES exist!
As much as I struggle with breastfeeding and all the joys (aka mastitis… a post for another day when I feel less stabby about how it was handled) that come with it, I definitely have less anxiety about it. There is certain calmness about the whole parenting jazz the second time around. I no longer feel the need to be the hero (well… ok, maybe just a little). I still want to breastfeed but only as long as I can do it without having an urge to stick a fork in my eye. I am not as jumpy every time the baby cries. I even wait until he actually starts crying before picking him up… With Leila I was holding her the second she even looked like she might… possibly… eventually… sort of… maybe start whimpering… Yes, I am one of THOSE mothers… you know, the kind that makes you nervous just by looking at them. Have a bad feeling this will be a popular topic between Leila and her shrink.
With Liam it truly is as if I have grown a pair of cajones. When I was still pregnant I told my OBGYN I want to wait 40 weeks before I go for the scheduled c-section, even though she was strongly suggesting 39; while in the hospital I kicked out the nurses and their baby torture devices out of my room TWICE, because the baby was sleeping and I was not going to wake him up; I almost rolled my eyes at the nurse when she hinted that Liam might have jaundice, because I just knew he didn’t; I did roll my eyes at the doctor who said I should have milk by day three… because it took me almost a week to get milk with Leila and I spent 4 days driving myself crazy with worry that I am starving my baby; oh… and this time I didn’t call the nurse and ask her to show me how to change a diaper… true story.
Liam might not get as much one on one time with me as Leila did, but he will surely have a much calmer, wiser mother… and THAT is a gift that every first-born gives to their siblings.
Breastfeeding is HARD! You seem like such an amazing woman! I enjoy your blog very much so
I can’t wait to have a second child so, I too can experience this ‘calm mother’ thing which you describe! (:
Diana´s last blog ..Where did all of this energy come from
Love it! Something to look forward to eh?
Miss S´s last blog ..How much is too much to share
That picture of Leila is ADORABLE! I hope when I go for it the second time that I am calmer and wiser. My problem is that I don’t remember what the hell to do. Hayden is 3.5-years-old, it’s been awhile since he was an infant. I hope I remember… But being more laid-back with things would be a definite blessing (when the time comes for baby #2).
Good luck!
Melissa´s last blog ..summer party
A priceless gift that every mom wishes for.
Miss Leila so much! Hopefully playdates will resume, either at your house or Maddy’s soon? I offered to come pick Leila up but I’ll be a little late and we’ll need to get another carseat in my car… and only if you’re ok with it… We won’t be able to go until possibly the 15th. Freaking irk… but think about it! So many ifs, I know… sorry! Oh, love your pic of her!!! And glad to hear that you’re not hating breastfeeding life as much anymore and you’re so much wiser this time around! It helps!!
Perfectly put.
Biz´s last blog ..Keeping score
That is so true! I never quite thought about it that way.
annje´s last blog ..An unlikely couple warning- explicit
*love*
This post makes me feel so glad for you.
I hope that you are having a wonderful week and that the reference you made to mastitis isn’t something that you are dealing with now!
Amber´s last blog ..Spin Cycle – Respect
Ok, you just went and did something really stupid. You gave me a reason not to fear having a second. I’ve been saying that I couldn’t do it again…give myself so completely…for a second child. That I just didn’t have it in me. But now you go and tell me I would be calmer and that is an equally great way to raise a babe? FACK!
Amber´s last blog ..Want It Wednesday – Master Bedroom Makeover
Well said!
You’re truly giving me hope for when I pop out this mystery fetus. Yay for mom cajones!
Old School/ New School Mom´s last blog ..Co-Sleeping and The New Baby Part II