I'm starting to think that it's not fair that I am a woman. Don't get me wrong, I love being a woman, a mother, and a wife. I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed with my role.
I recognize that I'm dealing with post-pregnancy hormones, so bear with me.
You see, I'm starting to think that it isn't fair that women have to be pregnant for 40 (sometimes 40 plus) weeks. Then, when baby is ready to make his/her arrival, we have to go through the experience of labor and delivery. Then, after baby has arrived, depending on if the birth was vaginal or surgical, we have to recover from the delivery. Slowly heal and get our strength back. During the healing process, we get to care for a newborn baby--which is a lot of work. Even though all they do is "eat, sleep and poop".
In my current situation, the "eating" part takes a lot of time and energy. I'm breastfeeding my son, which I am proud of. I had someone once tell me that she doesn't breastfeed her babies because she is "not a cow"-so I wanted to shout that I am a cow, and MOO!!!!, I'm proud of it. Anyway, small tangent, sorry, with the breastfeeding a woman can oft times find herself with sore nipples, plugged ducts, and even sometimes an infection (thankfully I have not experienced any of these problems this go around--yet!).
Then there is the byproduct of "eating" that women have to concern themselves with when caring for a newborn. Are there enough wet and dirty diapers? Is baby getting the nutrition that they need to grow and develop? Oh the things a mother has to concern herself with. Can I just mention that I can't wait until my son stops pooping during the night. I feel bad because sometimes I will hear him pass a bowel movement during a nighttime feeding session, but we'll both fall asleep, and I won't remember about the dirty bum until the next feeding. Poor thing has a slightly red bum because of his forgetful, and sleepy, mother.
So, on top of all the time and effort it takes to care for a newborn, a woman is also expected to care for any other offspring she has created, keep up with the laundry, make meals to sustain her family, and keep the dwelling they reside in clean and tidy. That is a lot of responsibility for one person. Needless to say, this person (me) recognizes that everything has a priority, and some things are being pushed to the side. This is hard for me, because I like to keep a clean house, but I know that my house will be more tidy and organized with time. Right now, it is important for me to take care of myself and my family, and if that means that my house looks like a tornado hit it at the end of the day, so be it.
I am happy to report that my son (Oh, I'm thinking of nicknaming him GW, or G-Dub for the internet) had his two week appointment today, and everything is great. He now weighs 9 lbs, 4 oz, up 1 lb 13 oz since birth and he has grown a quarter of an inch, and is now 21 1/4 inches. I'm happy that he is gaining weight and developing well.
Speaking of responsibilities, I have a few to attend to. So, until next time....
ETA: I need to make a clarification, lest you think my husband is a slacker. He is the one picking up the slack right now, and I couldn't ask for a better husband. I am the one moping and whining that I can't do it all. He is sweet enough not to complain.
11 comments:
Amen. It ain't easy!
"so I wanted to shout that I am a cow, and MOO!!!!, I'm proud of it." That's my favourite part!!
MOO!!! LOL
I wish I could offer you some help. I really intended on helping you. But, we are still sick. Everyone one of us now.
I finally decided to take the kids to the doctor today and now they are both on antibiotics . (I really hate that).
Try not to feel overwhelmed. I think you are such a great homemaker and you always seem to have it together. Just remember that there will always be cooking and cleaning to do. And these little babies will be all grown up before we know it.
It will take a little while, but I promise things will get back to normal...or at least a new normal!
I totally understand. It does get better with time and just do the best you can. I am so thankful for the internet that helps us stay involved in each others lives. I miss you.
The first few weeks are really rough, but things will start to get easier soon and you'll be missing those sweet newborn days.
Just enjoy that little guy and don't worry about anything else (well, okay -- mabye Jader).
I'm thinking it's time for Daddy to clean the house ;)
You are just fine...you are totally normal and I know you know that...but sometimes that is good to hear...the one thing that I remember everytime I have a baby is "This will end" Your baby will not need feeding, changing and will not be crying like he is right now...it all ends which is a bitter sweet thing, but mostley sweet for me.
MOtherhood is a huge role and really is like the full time job of 3 but we are expected to do it...I guess we choose what expectations are realistic for ourselves.
Good luck my friend, if I didn't live so far away or we could have Jader come over and play to give mom a break...I don't think she would like going 20 mins away from home with a stranger though...please let me know if I can help!
Amen-I hear you on everything because I'm going thru the exact same thing. There is nothing sweeter than being a mom but nothing as hard either!
Wow, the hormones must be making you a little more wild.... you have color on your blog!!!! I love it red, is good!
Good luck on your coming adjustments as a mother of 2!! It does get easier, just in time to have another one!!!!!
Just offering some validation for you-extra hormones are likely to blame and it's perfectly okay to let some things take a back seat for a while. Sometimes I just sit down, breathe, and smile at my two beautiful children and ignore any mess that may be swirling around me. You are doing great! I had to laugh at the nicknames you're considering-my hubby was called both of those when he was younger. And, I too like the new look of your blog!!
That is so normal! I'm glad you are cutting yourself some slack, because nobody else expects you to everything all at once either. I've been babysitting a little neighbor boy for 2 hours the last three days, and it was EXHAUSTING so I can only imagine how you must feel! BTW, G-dub sounds like a refference to our last president. Was that intentional? Just curious.
Hang in there! We all have those feelings-and then we forget!! (ha ha) I think that is so we will keep having children-! I love the whole breast feeding story-I am also a cow-I love to nurse my babies-even though it's the hardest thing for me!
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