Sarah

Nurturing. Proud. Grateful.

8 weeks postpartum

What was the hardest thing you endured during pregnancy or delivery? This pregnancy was pretty similar to my first, pretty uneventful and by the book! I would say the biggest challenge was combating the extreme fatigue while also chasing around my toddler! I also had Covid while pregnant, so that brought on some anxiety and fears about the baby. My doctor was a great resource to me though and provided me so much reassurance. I think the hardest thing for me during delivery/the hospital was leaving my son to go to the hospital and being separated from him longer than I ever have been. My water broke, so it was so spontaneous that I just was not prepared in that moment to say good bye to him. I didn’t expect to be that emotional about it, but I cried SO much.

What do you wish you knew before delivery but didn't? This was my second delivery and it took a lot longer than I expected! My water broke on Saturday afternoon and I didn’t deliver until Sunday morning. Once I was close to pushing, they had me lay on a peanut ball for an hour- once it came time to push, Carter was out with 2 pushes- I had never heard of the peanut ball but would suggest it to everyone!

What was something that gave you confidence or hope during the hard times? During pregnancy and now, my husband, friends, and family have been my rocks. I feel so blessed to have such a strong network of people that I can go to at any time. I’ve learned to ask for help and be more vulnerable. My first kiddo has also helped me so much. He’s hilarious, so he keeps me laughing and smiling. He’s also so sweet and has transitioned so well into his big brother role. He’s been a constant reminder to me to slow down and be present.

What is a new strength (other than just moms being super human) that you found in yourself since becoming a mom? Since becoming a mom of two, I’ve learned how To be more patient with myself. I’m accepting that I’m not perfect and I don’t have to be. I think there’s so much pressure on us moms and constant comparing to other moms or comparing our kids. I’ve learned none of that matters and there’s no “right” way of doing things, you do what works for you and your family. I have two beautiful boys that I love and they love me more than anything and I couldn’t ask for anything more than that..

How are you? I’m doing ok. If you asked me a month ago, I would say good. I’m 4 weeks away from going back to work and I’m becoming very sad and anxious about that. Carter is now starting to smile and coo and show his personality. We are starting to get in a good routine and it’s all going to change again when I return to work. 12 weeks just isn’t long enough!

How are you now compared to 1 week pp? I am good. One week PP I was doing ok. I was struggling with adjusting to being a mom of 2 kids. I had a hard time not being able to be with my first son every time he asked. Like hearing him say “mommy come here” or “mommy will you play with me?” and I couldn’t because I was nursing Carter, was very difficult for me emotionally. He’s always been a mama’s boy so that was hard on both of us. But we both have adjusted and I make it a point for just him and I to have time together. I feel blessed to have my husband who is so involved and supportive. We make a great team. And I’m so grateful for our beautiful family.