Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Where I am at these days....

Creativity:

I haven't had much time or energy for creativity, but my mind hums with things I would like to make in the near future. In the meantime i have been browsing my favorite sites for inspiration and ideas. One of my new favorite is a site called pintrest

When I can't create, I like to organize and de-junk my supplies. My craft room now doubles as our TV room now that we have cable television (for the first time in our married lives), so I have made space for a couch as well as some creative space for Amelia. Now that she is older she has her own stash of craft supplies as well as a painting and chalkboard easel.



Breastfeeding:

I am finding breastfeeding more challenging this time around. These are the reasons why:

1. I got mastitis two weeks after Claire was born. Ouch.

2. It has taken 5 weeks for Claire to latch onto my left breast, which means I have been pumping that side like crazy (to avoid getting mastitis again). I feel a little like a dairy cow. The upside of this, is the fact that Nathaniel can bottle feed Claire when I need a break or want to spend some quality time with Amelia.

3. Breastfeeding dominates at least 90% of my day (or at least it feels that way). When I only had one child I could easily spend that time reading, watching a movie, scrapbook, or visiting with a friend, but now I have a sweet little toddler that wants to spend every waking moment with me.

4.I find that I am growing more and more uncomfortable with my breasts and eagerly looking forward to the day when I can get a reduction. I was horrified the other day when I checked the label on one of my nursing bras and it said G! Breastfeeding bras(at least in my experience )are not flattering or supportive.

5. I have to consider what kind of bra I am going to wear, and whether or not my shirt is "breastfeeding friendly"(ie: easy access).

5. I actually get stressed out when I have to breastfeed in public. I find this odd, considering I was extremely confident and vocal about breastfeeding in public with Amelia.

6. I leak. I never leaked with my first child. It weirds me out.

That being said.... I should share some of the things I am loving about being able to breastfeed again. Here is what I came up with:

1) I am immensely thankful that I am able to breastfeed. Many women are unable to despite their attempts.

2) I love how Claire's eyes get bright and excited just before she latches on. She looks at me out of the corner of her eye and snuffles away like a happy pig in the mud. Not only that, she paws at me like a little kitten and scrunches up her nose when she is finished. It makes me heart melt like chocolate on a hot day.

3. Not having to spend money on formula.

4. That my milk is available 24/7 and always the perfect temperature.

2 comments:

Caroline said...

So glad to hear from you again Jocelyn, even when you aren't always feeling great. I check your blog everyday :0)

I pray things go smoother with breastfeeding. Good for you for seeing the positive in it!

Anita Grace said...

you're so cute & i LOVE your craft room... I smiled when I saw the art easel as Joseph & Liam have one in my creative space too :)
Being a momma to young babes is mostly all about giving of yourself but its those little moments, like what you described about Claire when she breastfeeds that are our reward.
For me lately one of my favorite moments with Liam is when he comes every morning to my side of the bed and quietly slips in beside me for morning cuddles. And when they go pick dandelions for me from the grass thinking they are beautiful flowers... love it!

I thought of another bonus of breastfeeding to add to your list... the fact that its your natural post-pregnancy weight loss plan! (you look amazing for just having had a baby!)