I can't belive it but I'm at week 13. Week 14 marks the start of the 2nd trimester and I couldn't be more excited for next Friday. Overnight something happened -- my belly popped out. I'm still looking fat, not pregnant but you'll have to wait until Sunday to see it. Lil Berger is the size of a medium shrimp.
I'm still mostly tired and sometimes when I eat, I feel sick. I am having aversions to meat too. I'm always hungry. It's mostly annoying more than anything. My sleeping is great but sometimes interrupted by bathroom trips. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow.
I've been seeking advice from new mothers on breastfeeding. I'm really leaning toward not breastfeeding since I'll be a working mom but I also want to bond with my baby as well as have Brian bond. Maybe I will and pump so he can be involved.
The best advice I've received this week is to stop reading baby books because they'll just scared you most people say. I have to agree with that theory.
7 comments:
Ummm... can he be involved by changing diapers? ;)
I nursed, and the best part is it's really a lot less work. Less to carry around, less to clean up. Even when you pump.
I'm with Jen. Nursing is also super convenient - you always have the right supplies with you! This matters when the child is screaming! Also, it makes those middle of the night feedings simple - no roaming about the house looking for things and warming up things. Roll over, pop baby on, and you're good to go!
I pumped for Zippy (went back to work when she was 4 weeks old - ugh!) for 14 months, and I'd do it again. I never minded pumping - it was a nice break in the midst of many crazy days! Once you get rolling, you'll be amazed at the stash of milk you can build up!
Breast milk is also a great healing potion - it's pretty amazing stuff!
I was weired out by breastfeeding right up until the moment we started, but now I find it strangely empowering. I'll give you my two cents on the working/pumping thing next time I see you.
I nursed all three of my kids for different lengths of time. I am glad that I did. Don't give up after the first month - it is way easier after that. If you feel like giving up call the hospital for a lactation nurse. It really is worth it.
PROS:
- It's free (formula is spendy)
- It's always ready
- You get some serious bonding time with the baby
- It is the healthiest thing you could do for your child. It is their perfect food.
- It has been proven to provide life long benefits to your baby in everything from temperment to overall health to weight management and increased IQ.
- Nursing for 12 months or more dramatically reduces your chances of breast cancer
My husband was awesome with diaper changes, burping, baths, and walking around the house with them when they were fussy. They had their own special bonding time.
Breastfeeding was something I was totally committed to as well, even though I have to go back to work when Claire is 9 weeks (only 3 more weeks!). It's going great. It hurt for about 6 days straight and then again for a few days after that, but then it seriously goes away. Just stick with it, get a lactation consultant to watch you do it in the hospital, take her corrections and teaching, and do it. Just do it. It takes perseverance and patience, but with any luck (like mine) you'll have a great latching baby and have no problems. Invest in a good quality pump (Madela Pump in Style Advanced is what I bought) and buy it new, not used (you can buy new on Ebay and shave $100 off retail). That's my advice! Good luck and feel free to email/comment me for more questions! :)
p.s. Another benefit? I've lost 21 pounds of the 26 I gained in pregnancy already (7 weeks). Thank you breastfeeding!!
I breastfed all the kids for varying lengths of time, but switched between breastfeeding and formula for kids 2 and 3 when I went back to work, and they didn't have an issue with formula during the day and me at night, but not all kids are like that. With kid 4, I used the Avent Isis handpump, but that was just in case I wanted to run errands or see a movie and needed one or two bottles around.
It is so much cheaper to breastfeed, and so much better for both you and the baby, plus it's easy and convenient once you get the hang of it.
However, if you choose to formula feed, don't let the breast nazis make you feel bad for your decision. Only you know what works best for you.
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