Going into this whole third baby scenario I knew 6 weeks was my usual breaking point. In the past it involved lots of tears, sayings like "I can't do this" and "What were we thinking?" Sure enough, it came but I held out a little longer than usual, 7 weeks 1 day.
James was sick and I was on my way to the pediatrician, I backed into a parked car and completely wrecked the tailgate of my minivan (which I LOVE), had not slept more than 3 hours that night and was just finishing up antibiotics. Why was I on antibiotics? Good question as I had not taken any in years, so long I can't even remember but my nipple was severely damaged from nursing. I tried Polysporin, Gentian Violet, different nursing positions, advice from lactation consultants and nothing was working. 6 weeks into it I was still crying each time Baby James latched on and would break out in a sweat. I started a 10 day course of medicine and on the 9th day nursed with no tears. Whoo, relief, thank you. But when my dad called that morning I think the conversation went something along the lines of, "I am so tired. I can't do this. I just backed into a car" BUT lo and behold just a mere 2 weeks later we survived and are actually thriving. I got 7.5 hours of sleep last night! Yep, ME, 7.5 hours. I woke up ready to run a marathon, climb Mt Everest, start extreme couponing- just do something BIG! When all was said and done, I ran 3 miles AND took a shower. A good day to say the least.
I am keeping all of my finger's and toes crossed that this is not a fluke and we are on our way to blissful sleep each and every night. We will see but now that I am a bit more coherent I wanted to jot down those things that are "life changers" with a newborn. I would like to thank.....
1. Babywise. This is the book that changed it all. I started the program with Luke and continued it with Eli. Amazing. Yes, the baby does cry it out which some folks don't agree with but I think of it as winding down. Just like I might read a book or take a bath. The little guys are wrapping up their day. The basic premise is you work off a schedule- the babe eats, plays and then sleeps usually in a 3 to 4 hour block. With two older kiddos I have had to be a little more flexible but overall, we love it! Lots of sleep makes for a happy baby.
2. Miracle blanket. This little blanket can make your newborn into the tightest little sausage swaddle ever. No breaking out of it which means longer naps. Interestingly enough James is the first baby we have had that soothes himself by sucking. He is finding his thumb so I am going to have to figure out how to make the swaddle work for him- I have left an arm out, given him a pacifier. I am still experimenting.
3. Napping. Everyone told me with Luke to nap when he naps. Why did I not listen? I was able to make it work so all 3 kiddos nap or have quiet time simultaneously each day. Which means I have actually laid down and taken a quick nap. This can change the whole perspective on the day and make the sleepless nights bearable.
4. Eat. With Luke and Eli I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight at 8 weeks. Here I am at 9 weeks and am close but not there. Why? Because I eat and boy does it feel so much better. I snacked when little guy was getting up at night and it felt great. I also think it made for a faster recovery overall. So simple, so effective.
5. Accepting help. This go around my parents were here for 2 weeks to help me, we have Mrs. Mary during the week to help and my in-laws and nephew will be coming for 2 weeks. It really does take a village and I know this is not profound but the extra hands and hugs make a difference!
Minus the breakdown this post partum has been wonderful :) Maybe I am more at ease or a little more laid back but I am begging Matt for one more (baby that is). His response, "No way". My response, "We already have to get the big table when we go out to restaurants."
