The First 6 Weeks

Six weeks ago I was giving birth to Henry. WOW...6 weeks...where did they go!?! Some lessons learned and reflections on motherhood:

• I never knew I could love someone so much. I've heard mothers time and again say you'll never know a love so deep. Now I finally know what that feels like, and it is amazing!


• Don't wait until you are 9cm before you get an epidural. Request it much earlier! Having said that, labor and delivery was not nearly as bad as I had feared (but don't get me wrong, it WASN'T pleasant).


• Diaper rash is my nemesis!!! I've found that plain toilet paper and plain Vaseline works better than any commercial product, but it still doesn't solve the problem. Apparently my son has a particularly sensitive bum. And by the way, why didn't anyone ever tell me that babies poo a lot...I mean a LOT.


• Babywearing is essential, otherwise I'd need to hire a maid and a chef. I swear by the Moby Wrap while around the house. I like the Beco Baby for taking walks. I even did some weeding last week while wearing Henry.


• Nursing was WAY, WAY harder than I thought it was going to be. I was glad the breastfeeding class I took told me to commit to breastfeeding for 45 days before making a real decision about whether to continue nursing. The first month was TORTURE. I am happy to report that things are SO much better and I plan to nurse at least 6 months, which was my original goal.


• Apparently you actually can function on just a few hours of sleep.


• Daytime television is awful! Nursing while just sitting there is just too boring though.


• I have an all new appreciation for all the sacrifices my mother made while while I was growing up. My love for my mother has grown exponentially since becoming a mother myself.