Hanging on

[dancerjodi]

Last night went the best of all so far. Baby spent more time in bed with me and we both slept more. Brian is sleeping downstairs, since he's working, I'm breastfeeding, and though he could change and cuddle Mina I'd still need to get up to feed her.

She has a period of cluster feedings, where she wants to eat every hour. At least it was during the day today. I managed to get myself meals, water (mostly) and a shower. These are big accomplishments these days. The most time I get without her demands during these clusters are about 10 minutes. She has no pattern in her eating/sleeping, but has recognizable chunks of time that just vary when they show up.

I'm tired, but amazed at how I am functioning despite lack of sleep.

Hoping to finally figure out and use my electric pump and my ring sling this weekend. Having Brian back again for 2 days will be heavenly.

She has a diaper rash and I feel terrible about it. I'm trying to gently keep her clean, and put the Burt's Bees cream on the spot as a barrier. I tried letting her hang in the air, but she hated it: screaming/crying. Rash aside, she hates having her clothes off.

I know this won't last forever. Just trying to survive and enjoy the good portions of this early newborn phase.

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Comments

[roaming.livejournal.com]

I know Dale uses a swaddle cloth for Lucas to sleep at night: apparently it makes them feel held close like in the womb. Don't know if you've tried that, or even like the idea. Just wondering if swaddling Mina around her body but letting her rashed butt air dry would work.

[atalanta.livejournal.com]

It won't last forever! I think if you had a shower that is pretty impressive :)
It does get easier.

[(Anonymous)]

Oh how well I remember those days. It does get easier! If you haven't used your pump yet expect it to take some practice. There are good videos online, it's really not intuitive. Don't be surprised if you get very little at first. Amelia used to get horrific rashes in her neck-folds, and is still prone to diaper rashes. It doesn't make you a bad mom! If you're using cloth, switching to disposables during bad rashes helps a lot.

[samhain66.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on having your baby! Great health to you both!

[coffeekitty.livejournal.com]

glad that you're all doing well!

i just stumbled across this - thought it might interest you. it's an article about human evolution and children's sleep.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201110/why-young-children-protest-bedtime-story-evolutionary-mismatch