So now that I have announced my Christmas excitement to the world, what am I looking forward to?
There is always the hope for snow... I live in the UK and we all know that the stuff that we get out of the sky most of the time is...rain! But I'm an eternal optimist, so maybe we'll get at least the ground covered this winter.
Then there are the lights-Christmas lights everywhere, spreading joy. And of course the tree. I usually try to protect the environment, but when it comes to the Christmas tree, nothing can beat the smell and touch of real one!
Let's not forget the food - all those goodies, savoury and sweet, that my mum is making. I don't know how she does it, but at the end of a few hard working days there are mountains of stuff ready to go straight on our hips and bellies! Wouldn't change it for the world...
I also like sending and receiving Christmas cards - the old fashion ones, on paper, with just a few hand-written words. The electronic cards are cute, but to me they lack the human touch.
And of course there is Santa or Father Christmas. And I still believe in him, in his spirit.
Sadly the father of a good friend of mine died yesterday. Heartbreaking. It has made me think about what is important. Spend as much time as you can with the ones you love, don't miss any opportunity to get together, and when you think you've done enough, do some more!
Be loved and happy - Merry Christmas everyone!
Friday 23 December 2011
Neonatal Unit at New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton, UK rocks!
Not only they looked after baby G very well. They helped us when we came back home. Have always been on the phone if I needed them. Answered all my questions. Provided plenty of encouragement. They've even organised a Christmas party for preemies and their parents! It was not always perfect, nothing ever is. But I'm glad we ended up there.
G has been officially discharged from their care. I'll miss them a little but I'm happy we go our separate ways!
Thank you for your care. And happy holidays!
G has been officially discharged from their care. I'll miss them a little but I'm happy we go our separate ways!
Thank you for your care. And happy holidays!
Wednesday 14 December 2011
Christmas is coming!
A longer break than usual, we had a very special guest and I wanted to give this guest my full attention (or at least what G allowed me). So here I am, on a fine crisp morning, tucked in bed with baby G (and for a change, each in her own bed!), going on and on about Christmas...
We managed to get the first proper outing in our schedule. We went to Birmingham Christmas Market (Frankfurt style, they say). It was quite good, and a lot bigger than last time I went. And it still had some magic of Christmas.
What is it about Christmas markets that they feel...magic? I went to Salzburg once in December. There were Christmas Markets in every square in the city, and it was like a fairytale. All I did was walk around, the whole athmosphere was amazing! I obviously fell in love with the place...
So what is it about places around Christmas that they just give me a special feeling? Is it the lights? Is it the colder weather? Is it the special people i am with at the time? Is it the (much more than usual) people running around with a slightly desperate look on their faces, trying to get last minute Christmas shopping done, knowing that I'm almost there? Or maybe not this last one! But whatever it is, there's something that makes me become a child again (even more than I usually am) and jump with excitement. I even get excited about the Chrismas presents that I am (hopefully) going to get! Even the one that arrived yesterday and I had it opened - and that I'm going to have to wrap nicely for myself. (no, it's not a present from me to me!). One thing is for sure. My heart rate goes up with anticipation.and of course there's the thought of the Christmas tree that I'll be getting soon. A real one, maybe not environmentally friendly, but I just love the smell of a real Xmas tree, and the touch of it.
And of course, what makes this Christmas even more special is that it's the baby's first! And although her eyes probably won't light up with anticipation or with joy at seeing the presents, mine will, and hopefully we'll manage to get some wide eyes and smiles out of G!
Happy Christmas everybody!
We managed to get the first proper outing in our schedule. We went to Birmingham Christmas Market (Frankfurt style, they say). It was quite good, and a lot bigger than last time I went. And it still had some magic of Christmas.
What is it about Christmas markets that they feel...magic? I went to Salzburg once in December. There were Christmas Markets in every square in the city, and it was like a fairytale. All I did was walk around, the whole athmosphere was amazing! I obviously fell in love with the place...
So what is it about places around Christmas that they just give me a special feeling? Is it the lights? Is it the colder weather? Is it the special people i am with at the time? Is it the (much more than usual) people running around with a slightly desperate look on their faces, trying to get last minute Christmas shopping done, knowing that I'm almost there? Or maybe not this last one! But whatever it is, there's something that makes me become a child again (even more than I usually am) and jump with excitement. I even get excited about the Chrismas presents that I am (hopefully) going to get! Even the one that arrived yesterday and I had it opened - and that I'm going to have to wrap nicely for myself. (no, it's not a present from me to me!). One thing is for sure. My heart rate goes up with anticipation.and of course there's the thought of the Christmas tree that I'll be getting soon. A real one, maybe not environmentally friendly, but I just love the smell of a real Xmas tree, and the touch of it.
And of course, what makes this Christmas even more special is that it's the baby's first! And although her eyes probably won't light up with anticipation or with joy at seeing the presents, mine will, and hopefully we'll manage to get some wide eyes and smiles out of G!
Happy Christmas everybody!
Thursday 8 December 2011
Having a premature baby part 2
So now you've given birth to your premature baby and cried for Europe and China. The fun has just started!
First it's the language. I learnt loads of acronyms, I know what they mean but for some I have no idea what the initials stand for. Examples: CPAP (a machine that gives them oxygen), NNU (neonatal unit), GERD (gastric reflux), PDA (when the duct between heart and lungs is not closed as it should be), PFO (a little hole between 2 chamber in the heart), etc. Well at least I think that's what they mean, and I'm quite educated and apparently with above average knowledge on anatomy and medicine... Generally the medical terminology - you get to know about long lines, blood transfusions, blood exchange, all sorts of blood tests, even if nothing bad happens. It can be overwhelming especially if you want to know more like I do.
You are of course still scared and counting the 1st week because it's critical, and Then watching out for signs of infection because infection and preemies don't get on well.
And all the potential problems preemies can have... I was so lucky, baby G didn't have many in comparison. Ok, there's the really bad reflux, the PDA / PFO (see above), the hernia but all these are easily corrected. I've heard and seen worse.
And have you ever tried giving a baby multivitamins and iron with a syringe? Don't because it's a nightmare. They taste disgusting (yes, I try everything once before giving it to her). They could put a bit of sugar or honey in them to make them more palatable. Obviously these folks who make them don't administer them to babies! And they have to be given to preemies until they're 12 months!!!
Of course there's also caring for them. Which is great, helps you bond a bit more. But have you ever changed the nappy on a baby who's just over 1 kg of weight? Very very scary... It gets better though. And washing them. And putting clothes on them. I remember first time I put a vest on baby G. It was one that you pull over their heads (again, manufacturers just don't know!!!). I never sweated so much in my life! But I was so proud at the end when it was on. Almost more than getting an MBA!
All in all a character building experience...
First it's the language. I learnt loads of acronyms, I know what they mean but for some I have no idea what the initials stand for. Examples: CPAP (a machine that gives them oxygen), NNU (neonatal unit), GERD (gastric reflux), PDA (when the duct between heart and lungs is not closed as it should be), PFO (a little hole between 2 chamber in the heart), etc. Well at least I think that's what they mean, and I'm quite educated and apparently with above average knowledge on anatomy and medicine... Generally the medical terminology - you get to know about long lines, blood transfusions, blood exchange, all sorts of blood tests, even if nothing bad happens. It can be overwhelming especially if you want to know more like I do.
You are of course still scared and counting the 1st week because it's critical, and Then watching out for signs of infection because infection and preemies don't get on well.
And all the potential problems preemies can have... I was so lucky, baby G didn't have many in comparison. Ok, there's the really bad reflux, the PDA / PFO (see above), the hernia but all these are easily corrected. I've heard and seen worse.
And have you ever tried giving a baby multivitamins and iron with a syringe? Don't because it's a nightmare. They taste disgusting (yes, I try everything once before giving it to her). They could put a bit of sugar or honey in them to make them more palatable. Obviously these folks who make them don't administer them to babies! And they have to be given to preemies until they're 12 months!!!
Of course there's also caring for them. Which is great, helps you bond a bit more. But have you ever changed the nappy on a baby who's just over 1 kg of weight? Very very scary... It gets better though. And washing them. And putting clothes on them. I remember first time I put a vest on baby G. It was one that you pull over their heads (again, manufacturers just don't know!!!). I never sweated so much in my life! But I was so proud at the end when it was on. Almost more than getting an MBA!
All in all a character building experience...
I hate vaccines!
There is a reason for this title. Baby G has had her second round of immunisation today. Two shots, one in each thigh, they took seconds. But the pain afterwards... Crying hysterically, not eating, generally making me feel useless and helpless in the same time.
On the plus side. Now baby G is the proud co-owner of a kids saver bank account. Co-owner because she might be only 15 weeks old, but i don't trust her to manage herown finances yet! Did you know that kids under 18 cannot have a current account? Anyway I received a "passport" with this account. It reminds me of the thing I had when I was a kid in my country of origin and I used to deposit the money I got from Carol singing at Christmas.
Two more achievements: Christmas shopping almost done - if not fully done. And yes I'm probably broke. You'd be too on maternity pay! But I'm not complaining, it could be a lot worse. Also almost finished writing and sending Christmas cards. If any of my friends read this, you should get yours, if not sorry baby brain again... Organised or what?!? Those who know me expect nothing less of course.
So what else has happened in my land? Not much. It's cold and windy - so windy that my doors won't stay closed (and no, my house is not draught proof). Oh and it's raining. But it's December in England, you can't possibly expect anything else!
Yesterday I got into the Christmas spirit. All I needed was to see the lights and I was full of holiday cheer. I don't need much to be happy!
On the plus side. Now baby G is the proud co-owner of a kids saver bank account. Co-owner because she might be only 15 weeks old, but i don't trust her to manage herown finances yet! Did you know that kids under 18 cannot have a current account? Anyway I received a "passport" with this account. It reminds me of the thing I had when I was a kid in my country of origin and I used to deposit the money I got from Carol singing at Christmas.
Two more achievements: Christmas shopping almost done - if not fully done. And yes I'm probably broke. You'd be too on maternity pay! But I'm not complaining, it could be a lot worse. Also almost finished writing and sending Christmas cards. If any of my friends read this, you should get yours, if not sorry baby brain again... Organised or what?!? Those who know me expect nothing less of course.
So what else has happened in my land? Not much. It's cold and windy - so windy that my doors won't stay closed (and no, my house is not draught proof). Oh and it's raining. But it's December in England, you can't possibly expect anything else!
Yesterday I got into the Christmas spirit. All I needed was to see the lights and I was full of holiday cheer. I don't need much to be happy!
Friday 2 December 2011
Having a premature baby part 1
About 1 in 10 babies born in the UK are premature, by definition born before they're 37 weeks. When they're born early, preemies go into a neonatal unit, in either intensive care, high dependency, special care, or a combination thereof.
I don't think any mother is contemplating having a premature baby. I certainly wasn't but despite my efforts to keep my legs closed and keep G in, she arrived at 28 weeks and 5 days gestational age. And if you think "wow that's early!" although you're right, it could be a lot worse. There were babies in intensive care born at 24-25 weeks, and I saw some triplets born 3.5 months early. The medical staff do wonders these days!
So how is it? Well there's the initial shock - oh my god my baby wants or needs to come out! Then there's hope - maybe I can keep her in for a bit longer! The longer they stay inside, the better for their development. I think it's something like 1 day inside=1 week outside. Then the problem with the lungs - they don't fully form until 29 weeks. The fact that you don't know anything about preemies, you weren't planning on having one! A little bit of excitement that you'll meet your baby. A bit of regret that you haven't experienced the full pregnancy - although this come a bit later when you start seeing really heavily pregnant women, together with some relief that there was no back ache/ heartburns/ being too hot etc. And more feelings, the cocktail can get overwhelming.
On top of the stress that your baby is so early, there's the disappointment that you can't even hold her. As soon as they're out, unless you make an effort to see them - like I did - you'll only get to have a look when they're in the neonatal unit NNU. They go straight to the paediatricians and then in a special incubator to transport them to the NNU. Now that incubator looks impressive - it's like a mini spaceship (and yes, my sense of humour helped me).
Oh and the birth itself is a different experience. Forget about privacy. I had 1 midwife, 1 doctor, and 3 paediatricians. But more about childbirth separately!
So. You don't hold your baby, she goes straight to NNU. Then they take you to see her. And you get the shock of your life. Not only she's in an incubator attached to all sorts of medical devices that you know nothing about. She's also got all sorts of tubes coming out of all sorts of places in her tiny body. Oh and there's the size. G weighed 1.01 kg. Although she was long, about 40 cm. Seeing your baby connected to all types of machinery, with a tube in to help her breathe, after the shock of childbirth, is absolutely heartbreaking. And when you hear her cry, a weak, kitten-like cry, then you start. You can touch her but you're afraid to, she's so fragile! You do it anyway, she's your baby, you love her, want to feel her close to you. Forget about holding her, she's way too fragile for that!
Then you go back to the postnatal ward and you cry. And cry. And cry. Until you eventually fall asleep but wake up shortly after and cry again. And you keep telling yourself, you've gotta be strong for her, and you have to start getting her some milk. But you can't stop crying. You start expressing - and it's hard work, you don't get much, you get upset because you know that's what your baby needs. But you keep going because that's what your baby needs! And you take your milk to NNU whenever you manage to get a few drops, they're precious and best for her. And you keep crying, but it gets better.
After 2 days I was discharged. And worried sick because the first week is critical. At G's gestational age, 90% survive. But then you wonder whether there will be any complications. Or an developmental issues. Which by the way you won't know until much later! But you have to carry on, think positive and get that milk to the NNU.
I was going to the hospital twice a day, a few hours in the morning, home for lunch, a few hours in the afternoon. I was lucky, G was only ventilated for a night and she did great. The staff were amazing. They explain everything to you, and they encourage you to bond with your baby, and they get you involved. After a few days I was allowed to hold G for a few minutes. I'll never forget those few minutes, it was so precious, and scary in the same time, holding that weightless little body close to me. Then I started to do some cares and tube feeds.
Obviously you learn everything on the go, you never had the chance to attend antenatal or parent craft classes! But they teach you how to do everything. If you think changing the nappy on a newborn is tough, think again! Try changing it on a fragile baby just over a kilo!
How did I go through it? Well it was a challenge. I usually like challenges - although I would have preferred not to have this one! So I got my determined attitude and carried on. And I'd like to believe that all the bonding with G - holding, touching, being there, talking to her - paid off. She was out of intensive care after about 5 days, and out of high dependency and into special care after another week or so. I could bring her home after just over 5 weeks, way before her due date (when they typically can come home)! And you know what? She's worth every tear, every sleepless night, every stroke of the breastfeeding pump. More on preemies to come...
I don't think any mother is contemplating having a premature baby. I certainly wasn't but despite my efforts to keep my legs closed and keep G in, she arrived at 28 weeks and 5 days gestational age. And if you think "wow that's early!" although you're right, it could be a lot worse. There were babies in intensive care born at 24-25 weeks, and I saw some triplets born 3.5 months early. The medical staff do wonders these days!
So how is it? Well there's the initial shock - oh my god my baby wants or needs to come out! Then there's hope - maybe I can keep her in for a bit longer! The longer they stay inside, the better for their development. I think it's something like 1 day inside=1 week outside. Then the problem with the lungs - they don't fully form until 29 weeks. The fact that you don't know anything about preemies, you weren't planning on having one! A little bit of excitement that you'll meet your baby. A bit of regret that you haven't experienced the full pregnancy - although this come a bit later when you start seeing really heavily pregnant women, together with some relief that there was no back ache/ heartburns/ being too hot etc. And more feelings, the cocktail can get overwhelming.
On top of the stress that your baby is so early, there's the disappointment that you can't even hold her. As soon as they're out, unless you make an effort to see them - like I did - you'll only get to have a look when they're in the neonatal unit NNU. They go straight to the paediatricians and then in a special incubator to transport them to the NNU. Now that incubator looks impressive - it's like a mini spaceship (and yes, my sense of humour helped me).
Oh and the birth itself is a different experience. Forget about privacy. I had 1 midwife, 1 doctor, and 3 paediatricians. But more about childbirth separately!
So. You don't hold your baby, she goes straight to NNU. Then they take you to see her. And you get the shock of your life. Not only she's in an incubator attached to all sorts of medical devices that you know nothing about. She's also got all sorts of tubes coming out of all sorts of places in her tiny body. Oh and there's the size. G weighed 1.01 kg. Although she was long, about 40 cm. Seeing your baby connected to all types of machinery, with a tube in to help her breathe, after the shock of childbirth, is absolutely heartbreaking. And when you hear her cry, a weak, kitten-like cry, then you start. You can touch her but you're afraid to, she's so fragile! You do it anyway, she's your baby, you love her, want to feel her close to you. Forget about holding her, she's way too fragile for that!
Then you go back to the postnatal ward and you cry. And cry. And cry. Until you eventually fall asleep but wake up shortly after and cry again. And you keep telling yourself, you've gotta be strong for her, and you have to start getting her some milk. But you can't stop crying. You start expressing - and it's hard work, you don't get much, you get upset because you know that's what your baby needs. But you keep going because that's what your baby needs! And you take your milk to NNU whenever you manage to get a few drops, they're precious and best for her. And you keep crying, but it gets better.
After 2 days I was discharged. And worried sick because the first week is critical. At G's gestational age, 90% survive. But then you wonder whether there will be any complications. Or an developmental issues. Which by the way you won't know until much later! But you have to carry on, think positive and get that milk to the NNU.
I was going to the hospital twice a day, a few hours in the morning, home for lunch, a few hours in the afternoon. I was lucky, G was only ventilated for a night and she did great. The staff were amazing. They explain everything to you, and they encourage you to bond with your baby, and they get you involved. After a few days I was allowed to hold G for a few minutes. I'll never forget those few minutes, it was so precious, and scary in the same time, holding that weightless little body close to me. Then I started to do some cares and tube feeds.
Obviously you learn everything on the go, you never had the chance to attend antenatal or parent craft classes! But they teach you how to do everything. If you think changing the nappy on a newborn is tough, think again! Try changing it on a fragile baby just over a kilo!
How did I go through it? Well it was a challenge. I usually like challenges - although I would have preferred not to have this one! So I got my determined attitude and carried on. And I'd like to believe that all the bonding with G - holding, touching, being there, talking to her - paid off. She was out of intensive care after about 5 days, and out of high dependency and into special care after another week or so. I could bring her home after just over 5 weeks, way before her due date (when they typically can come home)! And you know what? She's worth every tear, every sleepless night, every stroke of the breastfeeding pump. More on preemies to come...
Who am I?
Maybe about time I write something non-baby related. Although from now only life will revolve around G. I digress again!
So who am I? It's not a philosophical question, just a way to introduce myself to the potential readers.
I'm a woman in her late thirties (just about) who lives in the UK although Eastern European of origin. Having lived here for a long time, I am probably "anglicised" although I miss home. I like reading and travelling. I am stubborn and apparently lack modesty. I am demanding, temperamental, impatient, optimistic, passionate. I love my family, love my friends, and like "arty" (non-American) movies. I don't like rain. I got the country wrong then!
That's it for now, the rest is to be discovered...
So who am I? It's not a philosophical question, just a way to introduce myself to the potential readers.
I'm a woman in her late thirties (just about) who lives in the UK although Eastern European of origin. Having lived here for a long time, I am probably "anglicised" although I miss home. I like reading and travelling. I am stubborn and apparently lack modesty. I am demanding, temperamental, impatient, optimistic, passionate. I love my family, love my friends, and like "arty" (non-American) movies. I don't like rain. I got the country wrong then!
That's it for now, the rest is to be discovered...
How to bond with your baby
Easy: hold them all the time! Whatever I do I end up with G lying on me. Or almost upright on my chest. Before getting pregnant I thought I'd instil some discipline. F I ever had a baby. discipline? What's that?!? All those ideas went out the window. G lies on me most of the time, sleeps with me, generally has me wrapped around her little finger!
Lovely feeling though - holding a little thing, soft and warm, glued to your body! Note to self: ask Santa - aka my sister - to bring me a wrap. That should last me until she goes to university!
PS. G doesn't discriminate, she sleeps on her granny too.
PPS. Oh and beds seem to develop stinging nettles as staying in them too much seems to hurt G!
Lovely feeling though - holding a little thing, soft and warm, glued to your body! Note to self: ask Santa - aka my sister - to bring me a wrap. That should last me until she goes to university!
PS. G doesn't discriminate, she sleeps on her granny too.
PPS. Oh and beds seem to develop stinging nettles as staying in them too much seems to hurt G!
Crying
What is it with babies that they cry and you just can't tell why? They always have a reason but poor things they just can't point out what it is. At least I'm no longer feeling helpless and almost wanting to cry myself when it happens! Just deal with it, woman!:-)
I was tricked into a false sense of security when I was finally able to bring G home. She wasn't crying much. So I thought, I've hit the jackpot! The nurses did warn me, just wait until she's officially born. They were right... And I am actually lucky, she's not too bad.
Here's an interesting thing about premature babies. They are noisy. Not crying, just all sorts of weird and wonderful noises. I don't know whether that's a sing of things to come and she'll be talkative (I wonder where she's got that from?!?). I heard a mother of a preemie was wearing an ear plug in one ear to muffle the noise a bit. There's moaning, grunting, twisting and turning, sighing, all sorts! It can be comforting as you know they're well when they do this. Stops you from checking that they breathe. Considering that before I brought G home the hospital made sure I know how to do CPR, checking the breathing every 5 minutes could have been an issue!
I was tricked into a false sense of security when I was finally able to bring G home. She wasn't crying much. So I thought, I've hit the jackpot! The nurses did warn me, just wait until she's officially born. They were right... And I am actually lucky, she's not too bad.
Here's an interesting thing about premature babies. They are noisy. Not crying, just all sorts of weird and wonderful noises. I don't know whether that's a sing of things to come and she'll be talkative (I wonder where she's got that from?!?). I heard a mother of a preemie was wearing an ear plug in one ear to muffle the noise a bit. There's moaning, grunting, twisting and turning, sighing, all sorts! It can be comforting as you know they're well when they do this. Stops you from checking that they breathe. Considering that before I brought G home the hospital made sure I know how to do CPR, checking the breathing every 5 minutes could have been an issue!
Supermarket trip
Today we went to the supermarket. Not my favourite, they don't stock bed mats (or baby brain kicked in and I couldn't see them!). Anyway it was very boring, until the end when as we were leaving an old black guy came and gave G £1.20. Or rather put the coins in her sling. He was probably charmed by her - most people seem to be! That was really sweet and it reminded me of home. But more about home later.
Thursday 1 December 2011
Breastfeeding in public
For some women this apparently is daunting. Now I'm not shy. so breastfeeding in public is almost natural. Almost because I'm not a pervert!
I started feeding my little girl - call her G - while she was still in hospital. In such a clinical environment it was really easy. To the extent that the nurses were trying really hard to convince me that I needed a privacy screen. Privacy? In a hospital? After childbirth? I don't think so!!! I haven't even used a blanket, then or now. It is the most natural thing to do. Do you eat a snack, sandwich, etc in public? Do you drink when you're thirsty in public? Well babies are like us so they're entitled to it!
Interesting places and situations where I ended up breastfeeding:
- when G had a canula put into her little hand for a blood transfusion. Apparently breast milk is the best anaesthetic so the doctors asked me to continue.
- in Pizza Hut. We were both hungry so we both ate. In the same time.
- in the middle of my village on a bench. G was very hungry, you wouldn't want your child to get distressed, would you!?!
People's reaction to it? Generally ok. I haven't come across ane pervert yet although I heard a horror story. Men usually turn their heads with slight embarrassment. So cute! Surprisingly some women tighten their lips disapprovingly. Others smile with encouragement. Young children remember when they were doing it. Older children usually pretend not to see you.
And if anyone makes any nasty comment, i've got 2 options on what today to them: either the above speech on eating in public. Or: these breasts are no longer an objec of sexual desire; they're food!
PS Well done to all mohers who do it and to all places - shops, restaurants, etc- who allow or encourage it!
I started feeding my little girl - call her G - while she was still in hospital. In such a clinical environment it was really easy. To the extent that the nurses were trying really hard to convince me that I needed a privacy screen. Privacy? In a hospital? After childbirth? I don't think so!!! I haven't even used a blanket, then or now. It is the most natural thing to do. Do you eat a snack, sandwich, etc in public? Do you drink when you're thirsty in public? Well babies are like us so they're entitled to it!
Interesting places and situations where I ended up breastfeeding:
- when G had a canula put into her little hand for a blood transfusion. Apparently breast milk is the best anaesthetic so the doctors asked me to continue.
- in Pizza Hut. We were both hungry so we both ate. In the same time.
- in the middle of my village on a bench. G was very hungry, you wouldn't want your child to get distressed, would you!?!
People's reaction to it? Generally ok. I haven't come across ane pervert yet although I heard a horror story. Men usually turn their heads with slight embarrassment. So cute! Surprisingly some women tighten their lips disapprovingly. Others smile with encouragement. Young children remember when they were doing it. Older children usually pretend not to see you.
And if anyone makes any nasty comment, i've got 2 options on what today to them: either the above speech on eating in public. Or: these breasts are no longer an objec of sexual desire; they're food!
PS Well done to all mohers who do it and to all places - shops, restaurants, etc- who allow or encourage it!
(Breast)feeding a baby
And before you protest, no, this is not a lesson in how to breastfeed a baby! There are (illustrated) guides for that in various baby books.
I've woken up just after midnight again to feed my little girl. It's called feeding on demand. She moans,I wake up, change her, give her the medicines (more about that later, one of the joys of having a severely premature baby),finally latch her on (not that she needs encouragement!). A few minutes later she's done, and you wonder, was that it? By this time I'm fully awake and in any case must keep her upright in case her gastric reflux turns out quite bad.
Breastfeeding is wonderful. But let's go through the problems first.
1. Irregular feeds - when baby wants it not when you want it!
2. Can't leave the breasts at home and go out, although you can express and leave the milk with someone. Now I had to express for over a month when she was in hospital so my appetite for it has simply disappeared. I don't know how some women do it for as long as 6 months. Respect girls!
3. You can get all kinds of ailments. A nasty one is mastitis. It seemed to me worse than child birth - and I was induced so it was more painful! Let me explain. Contractions are not continuous. The pain is excruciating but you get some breaks in between. Mastitis pain, or at least the one I had, is continuous, and whichever position you pick, it doesn't get better. A memory to cherish...
4. Leaking breasts but there's help available!
5. Feeding sometimes every 1-2.5 hours is draining. My best happened for he last couple of nights when she was at it for 3-4 hours with very short (max30 minutes) breaks.
The positives:
1. Your baby gets the best food ever. Full of antibodies, tailored to the baby, it's fantastic.
2. The baby digests it very easily. Sometimes too easily as they get hungry quicker.
3. No pain making or warming it. It's on tap at the right temperature.
4. You never run out. Out shopping? No problem, find a chair and get your breast out!
5. You get big -and I mean BIG - breasts.
6. Very important. You form a very strong bond with your child. So strong that mine refuses to take the bottle from me. Why would she take it when breast is so much better?!?
7. Babies are very sweet when they start opening their mouths looking for food. Like little birds!
Would I do it again? Oh yeah!
Next: breastfeeding in public...
I've woken up just after midnight again to feed my little girl. It's called feeding on demand. She moans,I wake up, change her, give her the medicines (more about that later, one of the joys of having a severely premature baby),finally latch her on (not that she needs encouragement!). A few minutes later she's done, and you wonder, was that it? By this time I'm fully awake and in any case must keep her upright in case her gastric reflux turns out quite bad.
Breastfeeding is wonderful. But let's go through the problems first.
1. Irregular feeds - when baby wants it not when you want it!
2. Can't leave the breasts at home and go out, although you can express and leave the milk with someone. Now I had to express for over a month when she was in hospital so my appetite for it has simply disappeared. I don't know how some women do it for as long as 6 months. Respect girls!
3. You can get all kinds of ailments. A nasty one is mastitis. It seemed to me worse than child birth - and I was induced so it was more painful! Let me explain. Contractions are not continuous. The pain is excruciating but you get some breaks in between. Mastitis pain, or at least the one I had, is continuous, and whichever position you pick, it doesn't get better. A memory to cherish...
4. Leaking breasts but there's help available!
5. Feeding sometimes every 1-2.5 hours is draining. My best happened for he last couple of nights when she was at it for 3-4 hours with very short (max30 minutes) breaks.
The positives:
1. Your baby gets the best food ever. Full of antibodies, tailored to the baby, it's fantastic.
2. The baby digests it very easily. Sometimes too easily as they get hungry quicker.
3. No pain making or warming it. It's on tap at the right temperature.
4. You never run out. Out shopping? No problem, find a chair and get your breast out!
5. You get big -and I mean BIG - breasts.
6. Very important. You form a very strong bond with your child. So strong that mine refuses to take the bottle from me. Why would she take it when breast is so much better?!?
7. Babies are very sweet when they start opening their mouths looking for food. Like little birds!
Would I do it again? Oh yeah!
Next: breastfeeding in public...
Motherhood (and apple pie)
How do you prepare for motherhood?
You can't! No matter how many books you read, how many people you talk to, how many warn you that a child changes your life, it's nothing like the real life! Holding that little bit of you in your arms is amazing yet frightening. Farewell freedom to do whatever you want! You are now responsible for another human being. Scary. This other human being is totally dependent on you.
Does it change people? I was told it does. They were right. Priorities change, you are no longer that important, and you are no longer selfish. Ok you might not have been selfish in the first place but I was!
There's nothing like motherhood, feeling the warmth of your baby close to you, feeling the deep connection.
Oh and the intensity of the love that you feel is unbelievable. I didn't know such love exists!
Let's not forget the apple pie. My mum makes a killer apple pie, called "Turkish". No idea if they make it there but it's delicious. Apples and cinnamon inside, chocolate sauce on top... I am willing to share the goodness and publish the recipe on public request!
You can't! No matter how many books you read, how many people you talk to, how many warn you that a child changes your life, it's nothing like the real life! Holding that little bit of you in your arms is amazing yet frightening. Farewell freedom to do whatever you want! You are now responsible for another human being. Scary. This other human being is totally dependent on you.
Does it change people? I was told it does. They were right. Priorities change, you are no longer that important, and you are no longer selfish. Ok you might not have been selfish in the first place but I was!
There's nothing like motherhood, feeling the warmth of your baby close to you, feeling the deep connection.
Oh and the intensity of the love that you feel is unbelievable. I didn't know such love exists!
Let's not forget the apple pie. My mum makes a killer apple pie, called "Turkish". No idea if they make it there but it's delicious. Apples and cinnamon inside, chocolate sauce on top... I am willing to share the goodness and publish the recipe on public request!
The beginning...
This is my first attempt ever at blogging so bear with me. To top it up, I only had one attempt at keeping a diary when I was a teenager and failed miserably. I just had no patience for it! Those who know me will say "that was a sign of things to come"!
Today's achievements: did some grist as shopping and went to Pizza Hut, both with my 3-month old daughter! Now you might think she is old enough, but she was born 2.5 months early. So technically she is less than 3 weeks old.
today's failure (ok call it improvement opportunity): I could not make her take the dummy. You might think "surely that's a good thing!". You would be wrong. She is using me as her giant dummy!!! This is the second night. If however after she does it she sleeps 5 hours like she did last night, tomorrow I will volunteer!
Today's achievements: did some grist as shopping and went to Pizza Hut, both with my 3-month old daughter! Now you might think she is old enough, but she was born 2.5 months early. So technically she is less than 3 weeks old.
today's failure (ok call it improvement opportunity): I could not make her take the dummy. You might think "surely that's a good thing!". You would be wrong. She is using me as her giant dummy!!! This is the second night. If however after she does it she sleeps 5 hours like she did last night, tomorrow I will volunteer!
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