Hello and welcome to PIRLbyKate! I am so excited to begin this journey with you all. Don’t forget to enter your email to start receiving the monthly newsletters. The newsletter will give you some book suggestions that will cover topics that are relevant what’s going on in our current society.
Now that the intro is all taken care of, lets get down to some baby loving business!
A couple weeks ago I sent out a survey to 30 soon to be mamas to see what personal worries or stress factors came to mind when asking them about the unexpected 4th trimester. To my surprise most of them said society pressure and breastfeeding. When reading through the surveys it broke my heart that women who are currently in one of the most vulnerable, uncomfortable, limiting times in their lives were worrying about what others will think when they bring this new baby into the world. After realizing how many women in my very small survey group mentioned this, I knew that I needed to start bringing awareness to this next generation of mamas and dads. Sharing your experience whether its super easy or super challenging can be a vital part of growing this community that supports everyone’s experience with the 4th trimester. What holds you back from sharing those not so pleasant aspects of childbirth and the weeks to follow?
Every birth story is unique and wonderfully yours. From c-sections to vaginal and even a v-bac (vaginal after a cesarean) your delivery can be short or long but regardless your next step is recovery. Recovery happens in your 4th trimester and is an added challenge to overcome with having a new baby in the home. It's important to take the moments you can (there won't be many at first) to focus on clearing your mind, showering, changing your clothes and preparing for the next round of feedings. Consider making a list of your favorite things to do when you unwind to look at in these moments. This list can really help when picking something in a pinch to treat yourself to some me time while baby sleeps. Don't forget to take pictures, take pictures of the good and the not so good. One day it will be wonderful to look back at your journey with each of your children and remember their specific journey into this world and how incredibly selfless you were in guiding them to be the best they can be.
Up next- the ever so glamorous topic of breast feeding, I will be doing an entire post on breastfeeding with tips, holds, and suggestions on how to approach feedings.
It is very common for women to be weary about how breastfeeding will pan out for her and her baby. My advice would be to research a few lactation consultants in your area that you can meet with once or twice after baby is born to get some hands on experience. Meeting with a professional will only give you more confidence now that baby is here. This will be a great opportunity for you to talk and get your questions answered without judgment. Now that baby is here, you are getting way less sleep, less 'me time', and basing every decision off when baby needs to eat next- don't add on extra stress by skipping a consultation with a lactation consultant.
Some women absolutely love breastfeeding and others absolutely hate it. Breastfeeding is definitely the best and cheapest way to feed your baby as the mother’s body creates colostrum and specialized ‘milk’ exactly for their baby. With this being said, there are circumstances and outside reasons why one may chose to not breastfeed. This is their right as a mother and as a human being. If breastfeeding creates more stress, mess, and frustration than you can handle you may opt out in order to be the best mama you can be for you baby. Who has the right to judge you on that? No one. Just as one mother decides to breastfeed, every mama out there is doing their best in their situation and should be treated as so. YES, breastfeeding is best and if you can physically breastfeed you should try for as long as possible… it is not the end of the world if formula fits better for your family. This decision is just ONE of many you make as a parent and you should feel 100% confident and respected when doing so. Trust yourself.
Each decision you make in your new role has the potential to stir up talk amongst those looking in from the outside. Be you. Be confident. Use your resources.
xoxo, K
Message me with any questions you have. I would love to help in any way I can.