Life The Last Two Months
So my son is officially two months old, and it hasn’t been the easiest two months of my life. Here’s why:
•Colic
•The Pacifier Struggle
•Strictly Pumping
•Finding The Right Formula
•Struggle Bonding
That’s just a short list of the main struggles up until here lately. First off, colic is probably the last thing I expected with my son. It made the first month of postpartum miserable! The constant screaming and crying. I felt like a horrible mom, because nothing I did soothed him. Finally, after he was a month old, the doctor at the pediatric office put him on famotidine 40mg. It has help tremendously. We still have our days, but he’s a totally different baby now that the problem was addressed.
Secondly, my son HATED pacifiers. I would pray everyday that I could just find one pacifier that he would take to soothe him. My son wanted to soothe himself with a bottle, but doing so would make his colic symptoms 10x worse! ): We tried every brand and finally someone mentioned to me the tommee tippee brand, and at first he didn’t like it. Now at two months old and consistently trying, he loves them! I assumed he would like the Dr. Brown ones since he took their bottles too. That was definitely wrong. Thankfully the other brand has worked so far 💛
Thirdly, strictly pumping as a SINGLE mom as the dad was absent was a living nightmare. I had the Elvis Stride pump, which was honestly amazing!! The only downfall was I had barely any help except for my grandparents taking shifts with me. Getting up every two hours to pump, while still trying to sleep and soothe him was the most exhausting thing I’ve ever done. It made my postpartum depression 10x worse. I will say it did help me lose quite a bit of weight. I started at 217 at my highest weight and 2 months postpartum I am now at 181 lbs. that’s been a major accomplishment. 😊 I did end up losing my milk production after a month due to not pumping as often as I should have, because I was ultimately exhausted from sleep deprivation. I am proud though, because I at least was able to give him a good amount of breastmilk.
FORMULA, oh lord. My son switched to multiple formulas after breastmilk and it was heartbreaking. He threw up nearly everything he drank, no matter what it was. Doctors kept telling me to give it time but at that point he wasn’t getting anything in his belly due to throwing it all back up. Finally one doctor listened to me and we tried hypoallergenic formula. Wic covers it too! From day 1 of trying it, it has been a life saver. No more throwing up, or major waterfall of a spit up from him getting sick off the formula. Took quite a while but we got it figured out!
Lastly, bonding didn’t come naturally to me as a first time mom. I loved my son, but I struggled to connect with him like I should have for the first month postpartum. I barely wanted to hold him, or have anything to do with him. I’d say a lot of it was to do with my postpartum depression getting progressively worse week by week.
Wow, reading your journey really resonated with me! Those first few months are incredibly challenging, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. It takes immense strength to navigate all of that as a single mom. Your honesty about colic, pumping, and PPD is so important for other new parents. Let me share a few more thoughts and tips that helped me through similar struggles, hoping they can add a little extra comfort and practicality for anyone else going through this. More on Tackling Colic: It's truly heartbreaking to watch your baby suffer with colic, especially when nothing seems to work. Beyond medication like famotidine, which was a lifesaver for you, I found that specific soothing techniques made a difference. 'The Five S's' (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, sucking) were my go-to. Also, paying close attention to my baby's feeding position and burping technique sometimes helped reduce gas. Keeping a food diary if you're breastfeeding (even partially or pumping!) or trying a slower-flow nipple on the baby bottle can also be beneficial. Remember, it's not your fault, and it does get better. Mastering the Pacifier Puzzle: The pacifier struggle is real! It's frustrating when you just want a moment of peace. My baby was picky too. Beyond trying different brands like Tommee Tippee, I learned that some babies prefer different shapes – orthodontic versus traditional cherry shapes. Sometimes, introducing it when they're already sleepy, but not fully asleep, works best. Consistency is key, as you found! Don't give up on finding that one magical paci. Pumping & Supply Tips for Exhausted Moms: Pumping every two hours, especially as a single mom, is an Olympic sport! It's amazing you kept it up for so long. For those struggling with supply or exhaustion, remember that power pumping (pumping for short bursts over an hour once a day) can sometimes mimic cluster feeding and boost supply. Also, staying super hydrated and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods (even if it's just quick snacks) can make a difference. If you're considering formula due to milk loss, please know that fed is best, and you've already given your baby an incredible start. Don't feel guilty. Navigating the Formula Maze: Switching formulas can be a nightmare, and hearing your story about finding the right hypoallergenic one is so valuable. It reinforces how important it is for doctors to truly listen to parents. For others struggling, common signs a formula isn't working include excessive spitting up (beyond normal baby reflux), extreme fussiness, gas, or unusual stools. Sometimes trying a sensitive formula first, then moving to a gentle or hypoallergenic option under doctor guidance, is the path. Always check if your insurance or programs like WIC cover specialized formulas; it can be a huge financial relief. Bonding & PPD: You Are Not Alone: Your honesty about struggling to bond and dealing with postpartum depression is incredibly brave. So many moms feel this, but don't talk about it. PPD can really steal those early moments. Remember, bonding isn't always instant; it's a gradual process, and it's okay if it takes time. Skin-to-skin contact, even just 10-15 minutes a day, can help. For PPD, reaching out for professional help is crucial. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or join a support group. It’s a health issue, not a personal failing. Taking care of yourself is the best way to care for your baby. Even simple things like getting a few minutes of fresh air or enjoying a warm drink while your baby is safely in their car seat nearby can make a difference. You're doing an incredible job, mama!
