Gratitude List of the Day
Joseph, Day 8 (Thursday)
I am grateful for all the prayers, well wishes, and encouragement. Those who know me personally as an exclusively nursing mother for the prior six years understand the emotional pain I'm feeling from having a newborn who isn't nursing without my having to spell it all out. Right now, I am clinging to hearing that my former IBCLC in Atlanta has never had a baby she couldn't get back to nursing, my current IBCLC in more than ten years has gotten hundreds of babies back to nursing, and how many anecdotes women friends have shared with me about how it took them days, weeks, or months, but they succeeded in getting a baby to learn to nurse. Nuestra Senoa de La Leche et Buon Parto, pray for us!
By Day 8, Joseph regained and exceeded his birth weight: 6 lbs 7 oz!!! I don't have a new bilirubin count yet, but his color is better and he is waking up a bit, so we know there is good improvement.
On Thursday I could fit into my loosest non-maternity clothing and wear my largest ring on my wedding finger again. These little things make a gal feel good!
A friend introduced me to "Keeping Up Appearances," which is available on Netflix Instant Streaming and has me in stitches--something I need right now to keep up spirits!
I enjoy the feeling of falling in love with a newborn again. Some aspects of it are instantaneous, some grow over days and time as I get to know him. Feels so good!
On Thursday, Joseph had at least two more periods of quiet alertness!
I am so relieved to be able to stay cocooned in my home right now thanks to two adults taking care of me, parishioners delivering meals, a midwife who makes house calls, a local grocery store which offers delivery service, etc. Many mothers are not so blessed.
Bonus Reading: Click here for a blog post about the idea behind "professional parenting." It resonates so strongly with my perspective on my vocation as a mother. I look forward to having the time to explore the many links in the article.
Katherine,
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts and prayers often through the day. I can chime in here as an example of one who has taught a baby to nurse several weeks after birth. Lucy was my preemie and spent the first 19 days of her life in the NICU. With lots of help from lactation consultants, she learned to nurse! The only issues I had were supply. Otherwise, she was great!
I think you're doing an AMAZING job of feeding him the way you are! So many mothers would just give up from the fatigue of your schedule and the extra steps you have to take. You're already seeing the proof of how it is working in beautiful Joseph. I know I'm far away and not in your house, but I'm really proud of your tenacity. You are a shining example to all of us.
I love the practical tips from your bonus reading!! And Joseph is so cute with his arched eyebrow in the last picture :)
ReplyDeleteAshley: Thank you for reminding me about your Lucy! Now I remember her being in NICU and all your nursing work. You were dogged in your perseverance!
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