More Realizations

I have so many things that I want to share, but sleep is more important, so it’ll have to wait. But one thing that has been bugging me since I’ve been home from giving birth is why doesn’t anyone talk about how hard breastfeeding is and the recovery from labor?

I feel like those were the two big things that no one talked about. I was so preoccupied with labor, I never thought much about the recovery. In some ways, it’s almost as hard as labor because it lasts longer and you have to take care of a newborn. Anyway, late in my third trimester, I tarted reading this book, From the Hips, which I think really does touch on things the other pregnancy books didn’t.

And breastfeeding… it is definitely a learned skill for me & baby. As a mom, you want to give the very best, right? It’s been so emotional and draining, I wish the books I read didn’t make it sound so “natural” and easy. It’s complicated stuff and there is no one solution for each baby because it’s different for everyone.

I’ve resorted to seeing a lactation consultant who will come to my house at $150/hr. This makes me wonder — is breastfeeding a luxury? I went to a breastfeeding support group this week and every mom in there had used or is using a lactation consultant. If I were a sociologist, I’d be curious to see how many high income households breastfed their children and used consultants.