wildflowersoul: (Jim & Pam laugh)
[personal profile] wildflowersoul
I so wish I had read this article pre-baby. It would have probably saved me a lot of angst, though ultimately I'm glad I stuck it out on breastfeeding long enough to be at the point now where our mix of daytime formula/night nursing works well for us. But the guilt! I could have been saved a boatload of formula guilt! Now I just have "I don't spend enough time with our baby" guilt. Poor kid gets nonstop enrichment while he's home.

West is starting to figure out his hands, and also starting to explore everything by very clumsily putting things in his mouth. It might just be the cutest thing ever.

Also, apparently there's a name for the excruciating pain in my wrists: De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Or "New Mom Wrist." Ladies who may have babies, heed my warning: do not pick up babies exactly the same way all the time, you will kill your wrists until you feel like you have two useless claws for hands.

Also, I love it when research that sounds really hard turns out to be pretty easy thanks to the power of books! I always tell my attorneys "why reinvent the wheel when someone has probably written about your topic before." Don't start doing case research until you've checked the books!

Date: 2010-11-18 05:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tenillypo.livejournal.com
I am constantly amazed by the controversy over whether or not breastfeed. My position is: do what works for you, and don't feel guilty about it either way.

Also: have some baby pandas.

Date: 2010-11-18 07:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wildflowersoul.livejournal.com
Baby pandas are sooooo cute!!!

Yeah, that was my position until the baby popped out. It's really hard to ignore the ceaseless mommy advice on the interwebs.

Date: 2010-11-18 07:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tenillypo.livejournal.com
Yeah, I don't doubt it. Just made the mistake of reading through the comments on that article and they are typically crazy-making. *sigh*

You are doing just fine, lady. Don't let judgmental busy-bodies make you doubt yourself! West is a lucky baby. :)

Date: 2010-11-18 09:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] doplar.livejournal.com
That article rocks - too long for me to read it all at work, but it is really interesting to see the overall exploration of the historical/cultural/scientific aspects. The phenomenon of overprivileged snooty judgy moms needs to be squashed - maybe by an army of non-breastfed toddlers.

I didn't know about the Mommy Carpal - it is amusing to imagine one of those hyperbole and a half style cartoons with a mommy with little claw hands trying to lurch over and pick up a baby. Surely not amusing to have the pain esp with a job where you are typing and computing all day.

Date: 2010-11-19 05:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wildflowersoul.livejournal.com
Hee, I was just thinking the other day that I really wish the Hyperbole & a Half lady would have a baby because she could write some hilarious posts about babies. Did you read the recent one about moving with dogs? So funny!

Date: 2010-11-19 03:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] incandes-flower.livejournal.com
Thanks for sharing that article. It is pretty much how I feel about the entire process.
My mom breastfed me for a LONG time. I had TONS of allergy issues as a child, have a chronic illness and have struggled with my weight since I was a kid. I'm thinking genetics play a stronger role in these things than breastfeeding can.
That said, I still think it is worth trying but I am not going to freak out if I need to make the decision to stop.

Date: 2010-11-19 05:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wildflowersoul.livejournal.com
I totally agree re: genetics. I get that people want to give their kids the best care possible, but I'm starting to realize there is no rule book for "the best" and we're all just winging it. I'm trying to cut down on my crazy need to be enriching West all the time and let him set his own pace. Harder than it sounds!

Date: 2010-11-19 04:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] watchamacallit.livejournal.com
I still think breast is best but there are clear reasons for adding formula. What kills me are the women who don't even try or give up in days because it's 'too hard.'

Who knows what will happen when I go back to work... Hopefully I'll be able to manage pumping for another 6 months.

Date: 2010-11-19 05:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wildflowersoul.livejournal.com
Have you done any pumping at home? I was surprised by how annoying I find it, I can't wait for the day when I don't have to hear the wheezing of the pump. But pumping once a day at work has turned out to be pretty manageable, and I do like being able to send him to daycare with a bottle of "the good stuff."

Are you going to be up this way any time for upcoming holidays? We'd love to meet your little guy!

Date: 2010-11-20 01:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] watchamacallit.livejournal.com
I haven't tried the pump at all... Waiting until my supply is better established at 6 weeks or so before I even try. I know for sure I'll hate it though. I tried the one at the hospital and it was terrible.

Date: 2010-11-20 01:02 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] watchamacallit.livejournal.com
Forgot to say we'll probably be up for Christmas. Play date!!

Date: 2010-11-19 09:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kayranord.livejournal.com
I think the article is awful, and I'm sad for the author, but I'll spare you. Mainly 'cause I'm personally over it and also I don't want to inadvertently add to any mommy guilt for you.

Bottom line is... only *you* can decide what is best for *you*. We all know that statistics and studies can be found to support whatever we want. Do your own research, decide which sources you trust, reflect on your own circumstances, and make the decision that is best for you. And then own it.

(From my perspective, a lot of the "mommy wars" comes from people a) not respecting other women's choices and b) not taking ownership of our own choices.) To paraphrase Marshall Rosenberg (Non-violent Communication guru): what other people do/say may be the *stimulus* but *we* are ultimately responsible for our feelings and reactions.)

I'm glad that you've found peace and balance that works for you guys. :D

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