Six Months On

Charlotte Galadriel, 22/09/2016 - six months

I never imagined how quickly six months could pass. It has been the most incredible six months of my life. Of course, they've also been the most tiring and heartbreaking. Going from working twenty hours a week to being responsible for a human life 24/7 is a pretty huge leap. But I wouldn't swap it for anything in the world. Offer me a million pounds on a silver platter and I'd politely decline.

Being able to grow and carry this child for nine months was such a pleasure. Breastfeeding has allowed us to continue this bond, using my body to help grow hers. Our lactation journey has been fraught with obstacles, but I'm so happy with the balance we've found between my milk and supplemental formula. Spending time with a bottle has taught Charlotte to thrive away from her mumma, allowing more bonding time with her father. It's also given her more opportunity to explore the world around her, as quicker feeding times provide more time for play. 

It's been wonderful watching her learn to use her body. The delight on her face when she first learnt to roll was astounding. The same look comes onto her face whenever she learns a new skill, but amplified each time as it earns her the ability to better explore the confusing world around her more. She sits, rolls, crawls, cruises: each skill pleases her more than the last. I relish in watching her reach objects that were previously out of her reach (before quickly picking her up and moving the offending item: usually baby wipes). Even as I write this Charlotte is cruising holding onto the sofa, attempting to look over at me and get as close as she can. A look round from me prompts the most incredible smile.

I hope the next six months pass a little slower so that I can appreciate them more. The drawback of having an adventurous baby is that we didn't get to experience enough of those tranquil, still newborn cuddles. Charlotte has only just let me start nursing her in cradle hold again: something she refused for months. I'm determined to make the most of it this time, even if it only lasts as long as her teething does. 

Here's to the next six, baby girl 

Tips For Surviving The First Week With Your Newborn

It's time. After approximately forty-one weeks of joyous anticipation, your little one has finally arrived Earthside. The first few hours are an oxytocin induced state of bliss. For some lucky few, this stage even last a few days. But then you're home and even though the oxytocin is still flowing, it seems a little harder. A little less ahhhh, a little more argh! There's more screaming, more poop, they're constantly hungry, they won't sleep (unless, of course, they're on you and you need the toilet). There really is nothing that can prepare you for that first week, but here are a few tips that helped us through.

1. Set up camp on one floor and stick to it.
Preferably whichever floor has a bathroom, so you don't have to leave your little one alone for too long.

2. Pack a lunch box
I know you're not a kid anymore. But seriously, unless you're one of those lucky mothers whose baby sleeps well from the off, you are not going to have time to prepare separate meals. Plus this helps you stick to the first tip. I also found it really helpful to bring a bottle of squash upstairs.

3. Hydration
The simplest of things, but so easy to neglect. Whether you're breast feeding or not, hydration is key. Our bodies may have been designed for birth, but it's still one hell of a recovery process. Hydration can only aid in that. I know that for me, my head would instantly start spinning every time little Charlotte would begin nursing. A pint of water at every nursing session worked for me,

4. Do not try on your pre-pregnancy clothes/Leggings are now trousers
Fight the temptation to try on your skinny jeans. And forget the beautifully crafted, high waisted lingerie you treated yourself to. Your uterus needs a while to shrink back to it's normal size and whilst it might appreciate a postpartum belly band (though I must admit to never using one), it will definitely not appreciate anything cutting it in half. Leggings, pyjamas and even tights are your friends now,

5. Don't be afraid to put off the in-laws... or friends, family, work colleagues...
This is your special time with the being you've been nurturing for nine months. Sure, everyone you know is excited to meet your little bundle of magic, but no one is as excited as you are. If you're happy for to people to visit you straight away, then of course go for it. But if you're not ready, don't feel pressured into it. From personal experience, we were guilty of this. Charlotte was five days old when she started meeting family. She came into the world by emergency c-section and the recovery was tough. What should have been the most amazing afternoon of love turned out to be an afternoon I can barely remember, as I was too tired and sick to appreciate it properly. I ended up falling asleep feeding Charlotte upstairs. Not how I wanted the first time she met my family to go.

6.a Bottle feeding?
I can't recommend anything more than the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine. From four weeks, Charlotte has been combination fed. Waiting for milk to cool whilst trying to console a hungry baby is heartbreaking. This magic machine prepares a feed in two minutes and presents it at drinking temperature. It's a lifesaver.

6.b. Breastfeeding? 
Don't be afraid to use a pump to ease some of that engorgement. Use it sparingly though, otherwise it will just make it much worse. And do not pump and chuck, you never know when that extra milk might come in handy. Milk can stay in the freezer for six months, so invest in some milk storage bags.

7. Don't be afraid of co-sleeping
Let's be honest, it gets a lot of bad press. You might have been adamant throughout your pregnancy that your baby is only sleeping in it's cot, no matter what. But then they're here and they'll only settle on you. So you give in... and it's pretty incredible. Then someone tries to shame you into stopping it. Common examples include "they'll never sleep in their own bed". I promise you that they will. But in these first weeks, you can afford some leniency. My favourite part of parenting is, and always will be, when Charlotte comes into out bed at 5AM for a nursing session and a snooze. Completely against modern parenting 'rules', but it's completely safe as long as you follow the guidelines.

8. Wear your baby
If you do need to get things done, invest in a baby carrier. We have a mei tai which we still use now (Charlotte is twenty weeks). They keep your baby safe and supported whilst giving you full use of your arms. It's life changing.

Honestly, the most important thing you can do is trust your instincts. Other people might have good intentions (myself included) but only you know what's best for your baby. Do what you feel is right and, most importantly, don't let anyone stop you from enjoying this time with your child.