Six Years Ago
19 July, 2001 - 1:57 p.m.
Six Years Ago
I held a tiny bundle that didn't seem so tiny at eight pounds twelve ounces and after twenty hours of labor. But she was beautiful, and she was worth it. I was blessed with a healthy baby girl.
I learned some things after giving birth even for the second time. It probably doesn't matter how many times you do it; you will learn something each and every time, but I hope I won't be learning any more. My second child was my last. For all those out there that aren't finished yet, here are some of my own words of wisdom.
- If the hospital is remodeling the birthing unit, run as far away as you can. You will get stuck sharing a tiny room after your baby is born with air conditioning that doesn't work.
- If you give birth in the summer, there will be record setting heat. It happened to me not once, but twice. Have a spring or fall baby.
- Epidurals aren't always what they are made out to be. I had the maximum dosage, still felt everything, but couldn't move my legs. The anesthesiologist would have keeled over if looks could kill. I would repeat my thirty-seven-hour natural birth before even thinking about doing the twenty-hour epidural birth.
- Don't politely turn down the help everyone will offer you. Take it. Take it all. Ask people to come on different days or different weeks, but don't ever, ever refuse� unless you hate them.
- Cloth diapers make better burp rags and dust cloths than diapers. I really really tried to use them both times I had babies. I always ended up covered in pee. There's enough laundry to do without having extra.
- Get Caller ID. I don't even have to explain.
- Finger foods are your best friend.
- Those stupid bows and headbands for little girls are about the only thing that will keep people from asking if your baby is a boy or girl. Some will ask anyway. Get used to it. Don't even feel the need to correct strangers.
- You will vow to keep the baby book up-to-date. It won't happen. You will give up at about week four. Two words: video camera.
- Ripping was 1000 times better than getting cut. It doesn't sound pretty, but it's better than feeling like your rear end is dragging five feet behind you for two weeks.
- If you want to breastfeed, do it. If you want to bottle-feed, do it. Learn to give a mean stink-eye.
- If you breastfeed, you will leak milk. Keep a sweater in the car. Keep a sweater in your desk. Keep a sweater in your purse. Keep a sweater on your shoulders. Keep a sweater. Keep a sweater. Keep a sweater. Stuck without a sweater? Just wet your whole damn blouse. It's about the only way to disguise it.
- Best advice ever? Do what you want.
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