I will say this. Recovery has been less fun than labor and delivery.
Going back and forth to the hospital while trying to pump every three hours was exhausting--both emotionally and physically. Especially when every minute I had with my son during his first two weeks of life were so limited. Initially leaving Rich at the hospital was possibly one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I knew it was for the best for him, but as time wore on, I just wanted to get my baby home.
But home he is!! And life is so much better with him here. (Truthfully. I'm getting more rest now, which is lovely. And I feel more in control of my own life.)
Physically, recovery has had its ups and downs. My stitches from the episiotomy are healing nicely. I haven't really had any problems there. Occasionally, a little discomfort (but that's what the meds are for that Dr. Harward prescribed.) And thankfully, I haven't felt like I needed medicine very often.
Unfortunately, I've also been dealing with engorgement. I won't go into too many details here, except to say that Saturday morning I woke up FREEZING cold, and could not get warm--no matter how many blankets I had on. And my head was killing me. By Saturday afternoon, I was miserable enough to call Dr. Judd, who quickly prescribed an antibiotic for me. By Saturday night, I had a fever of 103.7 and was so grateful for a wonderful husband who stepped up to the plate and took care of literally everything for me. (Minus pumping milk.)
As for pumping milk, working with Richie to breastfeed has been tough because he is a preterm baby. His mouth is really small, plus he's pretty fickle. He takes to a bottle like a champ, but breastfeeding is a little more of a struggle for him. I'm confident he'll catch on eventually, but even if he doesn't, at least he's still getting breastmilk.
Anyway.
I'm so glad my mom was here to help out. I don't know how we could have gotten everything done and ready without her.
And I'm so grateful for Tyler. He really makes life easier for me, and is an incredible dad.
Boy am I glad to have this cute kid home! (And yes, I am sucking in in this picture.)
4 comments:
haha!! I was going to say.. Wow, you dropped the baby weight fast. :) But you do look good. And so does your baby. I am dying to meet him. I am sorry you got sick and I hope you are doing better.
Breast infections are the WORST! I am so sorry you had one! I had one with Violet and it was the MOST sick I have ever felt. My mom's doc used to say to her that it takes as long as you are pregnant and nursing to fully return to your "normal" self~ But you will feel good again soon. You look amazing, and I am so happy that Rich is home!
Erin
so glad your baby is home! :)
I just remember that it took me 4-6 weeks each time for life to take some sort of predictable form again. Until then it was just a blur of days and nights all mixed together. I remember when my first was about 2 weeks old and I was loading the dishwasher when suddenly I decided to take a nap right there on the kitchen floor. Crazy times. The rhythm of life will come back in a few weeks and you will feel so much better. Also I remember a nurse at the hospital telling me back then that it takes a women 4-6 weeks after giving birth just to get her blood count back up.
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