Things I Would Do Differently If I Got Pregnant Again

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my entire pregnancy journey.. Every single bit of it. Ok, maybe not the yeast infection and body aches, but you get the gist. I miss the whole journey so much I find myself reminiscing it every so often. From how this blog started, seeing a TMC, testing positive etc etc.. I even miss going to Dr W's clinic for the routine checks.

However, if I were to get pregnant again with a #2, there are a few things I would do differently, mostly post delivery.

1. Engage a confinement lady

Yes so my sisters did it without, but one of them gave fm right at the beginning, another had her mil stayed with her. It was basically just one sister who went thru it with no help. 

I underestimated the importance of rest during confinement and never understood why people said confinement is for the mother to rest and recuperate. Say what? Why? My birth was so easy and I don't think I need any recovery.

WRONG. Especially if you plan on breastfeeding, then rest is very important. So is food. So is the ability to not worry about the laundry and dirty dishes in the sink.

2. Breastfeeding options

I'm not sure with #2 if breastfeeding will be easier, but if I do plan on breastfeeding, then I should totally pump after each latch especially in the first 2 weeks. 

Really, big boobs are hindrance to breastfeeding. I am pumping every 4 hours now, with each pump yielding about 180-230ml. But if I can latch him on, it would make our lives so much easier, ESP if we need to go out. No need to worry about pump schedule, warming up the ebm, waking up in the middle of the night to pump, sterilising.... If only. But hey, B is still getting all the BM nutrients and filling up well. Same same.

3. Listen to your heart (or a professional you trust)

More often than not, people will make you feel terrible about yourself and ability to care and provide for baby. Just do what you think is right. Be firm and don't give in. I was adamant about not giving pacifier and the rocker, but I gave in eventually. Though I have to admit, it made my life much easier. 

(UPDATED)

4. Baby shower

Do not hold it at home. I somehow seem to forget I have a big family. Also, even if you are catering the food, don't forget there's still the clean up! Oh my... The thought of it. Next time, it will be either at a restaurant or somewhere.. Wherever, just not home

At this point, we are not thinking about #2 yet, but DH is keen. Me? Just because I miss the whole pregnancy so much I'm willing to try again. But I'm just not sure about how I can divide my love because now, B is my entire life and I want to give him all my attention and love.

A Tribute to the Most Important Man in My Life

To the most amazing man who ever existed:

While many others might beg to differ, as to each his own, you ARE my most amazing man and every day I count my blessings to have you in my life.

I keep commenting Bradley takes after you in terms of his impatience, no doubt I think there is an element of truth there, but somehow, you've been the most patient guy to me.

I am an untidy freak, since young and you have been silently, patiently cleaning up after my mess, all these years. I do notice it and never thank you enough. Whose husband does all the laundry and cleaning of the house? Mine does.

Always tolerating my nonsense and horrid temper. No one needs to tell me, I have a bad temper. Something I hope B doesn't take after. While most time you don't take my shit from me, you always end up being the first to give in or apologise even when you don't think it's your fault. Thank you for that. Have I told you lately I love you?

Our relationship apart, thank you for giving me the best gift ever - our beautiful lovely son. It never really occurred to me how tough it is to be a parent. But I'm amazed with how much love I can have. The love for both my husband and son. Thank you for letting me feel love.

When I see you with B, my heart warms and my tears automatically swell. It's the most beautiful scene ever, and its my favourite image of you - you carrying B in your arms, smiling at him, telling him stories. You might not know, but it is picture perfect.

This Fathers Day I didn't manage to get you anything, the high tea was ridiculous. A lousy attempt to make me feel better, I'll make it up to you someday. But meanwhile, I hope this lets you know how much I love and appreciate you. Thanks for being my hubby and the father to my son.

Xx

Little Piglet

Its so heartening to see him chubby up. 

Baby B at 6w+

 Where has the time gone? B is already on his 6th week! I guess it's so much faster when I live my life by the hour. How you ask?

B feeds every 2 hours, his feeding schedule is so prompt u won't need a clock. During the night.. It stretches to 3-4 hours. Me on the other hand was pumping every 2 hours until recently I've moved to pumping every 3 hours. 

During B'a first 4 weeks, I was latching him exclusively. That time, breastfeeding was tough because he seems to want to latch all the time, hungry all the time. Little did we know it was due the foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. For some reason he wasn't able to get the hindmilk regardless how long I offer the same breast. So I've decided to pump exclusively so it's easier for him and he's still getting all the nutrients of BM.

When a mother latches exclusively then moved to pumping, she'll be surprised by how little milk she can pump out. At first, I managed to only pump about 30-60ml. And since B was not getting enough from latching and I'm pumping so little, I got stressed out again. Pumping every 2 hours was a form of trickery in hopes that my body will produce more milk. It was very, very tiring, but alas, my supply went up. From pumping 30-70ml to now 120-180ml. I'm also pumping every 3 hours instead of 2. Hopefully in time to come 4 hours is fine, I'm just so tired! Sometimes when I'm home alone with B, it's almost impossible to find time to pump. That's when the manual pump comes in handy - carry B with one hand and pump with the other.

Logistic wise, our current arrangement is such that DH drops me at my mum's place in the morning as he goes to work and pick us up. Here, at least there's someone to help take over when I need a toilet break, lunch break or even a quick nap. But, even with the help if my mum, it cannot be compared to the synergy DH and I have when we take care of B at home.

Speaking of which, DH will be in Japan for a week!! I'm moving over to my mums for a week and im not happy about it. What to do? 

Given a choice, I'd still do this all over again.