Tuesday, August 25, 2009

First Week Home Recap!

I can't believe Jude is already 1 week old! It has been a very good week- an adjustment for everyone but good overall. We have had lost of help from friends and family which has made the transition much smoother. I don't think I am ready to go at it with two kids alone yet-which is why I will be staying at my mom's next week.

My husband has been unexpectedly called back into work next week cutting his leave short by a week. I guess it is expected considering they called him to see when he was coming back the day my son was born even though he made it clear that he would be gone for three weeks. I REALLY appreciate that phone call. I am pretty infuriated by the entire situation. I LOVE corporate America.

OK- vent over- moving on...

The day we came home we were slightly overwhelmed. Pete brought Eliza to the hospital to meet Jude before we checked out. In retrospect this was NOT a good idea. We hadn't had Eliza at the hospital at all because of her croup. We were playing it safe. Eliza is deathly afraid of doctors and nurses. She didn't handle being at the hospital very well which made checking out rather hectic. We arrived home at lunch and were scrambling to get E fed- in the meantime I realized we had no Motrin and I was in pain. It took a bit of time, but things finally settled down.

Sleep has been a big issue for me this past week. I am not sure what was going on but I could NOT sleep at all in the hospital or most of our first week home. I had heart palpitations pretty much every time I tried to relax. I felt like my whole body was buzzing. I think at one point my lips went numb. I listened to music, tried to do some deep breathing, read-nothing seemed to be working. I kinda started to freak out and get anxious. It is a vicious cycle. Anxiety causes lack of sleep- lack of sleep causes anxiety. I kinda lost it on Saturday night and had a meltdown. That night I had a dream I was spinning out of control and asking Pete for help but he didn't seem to notice me. Talk about an anxiety dream! The following day my parents were here for a visit. That night I was finally able to settle and sleep with no problem. My heart stopped palpitating and I was no longer buzzing. Since then I have been a little anxious here and there but doing much better. I have suffered from both anxiety and depression on the past so I need to be very careful.

Breastfeeding is going OK. I have had some concerns that my let down is too forceful. At times I feel like Jude is choking. We are trying to work out the bumps and I have received a lot of advice. I am contacting an LC today- she is my childhood best friend's mother. Breast feeding is a touchy issue for me after my struggles with Eliza. A lot of my anxiety and stress is over breastfeeding and wanting to be successful. I am doing my best to stay positive.

I go back to the doctor to have my stitches checked on Thursday and Jude goes back for his visit on Friday. We have been so busy the days are flying. I really appreciate all of the positive comments! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summers!

10 comments:

Pam said...

Oh Danielle, I am so glad things are going well. I hope the anxiety works out for you and you can continue to sleep and get rest. It is a tough transition and I'm so glad that you have so much help and support! I'm sorry about your hubby having to return to work though.

Lori said...

remember it is all an adjustment and adjustments are never easy. You will work it out all in time. take all the help you can get... it's tough trying to juggle two who both need your attention full time. hope things settle for you and soon

EP said...

Wow! Congratulations on the first week, lady! I hope you're getting some more sleep now and that things are continuing to go well and that you're showered with lots of love and support from family and friends.

I'm so excited for you!

Rebekah Gonzalez said...

i am so excited for you!! congrats!!! perfect perfect perfect!

La Mama Naturale' said...

That first week is a whirlwind isn't it? Shame on your hubby's work for calling so soon. Sheesh! I can't talk tho' Ty had to go back after 3 days for both! When your self employed you gotta do what you gotta do ;) Anyway, hang in there mama. You're a strong woman. You'll get through this. I had overactive let down with Tristan and it lasted a couple weeks. He choked and spit up...but finally, thank goodness we adapted. I expressed by hand in the shower and would do it when he was napping or before he would nurse to alleviate the let down. It was horrible.What us moms go through, I tell ya! Sending you positive thoughts, love and light. ((hugs))

Andrea said...

It's good to hear that you're settling in...though I agree...that really stinks that Pete has to go back to work early!

Marcy said...

In Switzerland women get 16 weeks of (partially) paid maternity leave. Great, huh? Except men get only ONE DAY. It's insane. Clearly we still have plenty of work to do in breaking gender role stereotypes, at home and abroad.

Glad to hear that things are going well enough so far for all of you. I'm sending warm thoughts to you and hoping the adjustment continues to go well, and that little Jude shows himself to be a sweet ,mellow little guy who gives you no trouble at all. Not too tall an order, right? ; )

CherryBlossomMJ said...

AT starting my fourth week home, I completely can relate to everything you say! Except I'm a FTM. Here's to praying for us both!

Sheri said...

Thank goodness you have help! I am sorry about your hubby's job. Sounds like my husbands. I have heard the strong let down concern many times in my LLL meetings. They were told to lay back while nursing. Maybe you can attend one close to you. They have been such a huge help this time around. We are all here for you! It sounds like you are doing a great job!

cathy said...

Congrats on making it through the first week! I totally feel you about the BF thing... It took over 2 weeks for my milk to come in and I was a wreck about it! The best advice my LC gave me was to know that I'm already the best mother I can be, and whether I BF or use formula, my daughter will always know that I love her. You're doing great!