First Time Mom Chronicles III

Joys and Milestones

My baby girl is almost 9 months old and it is crazy how much things change so fast. She wants to constantly stand, jump, and climb! She can definitely be a handful now that she wants to run around but can’t just yet. I have a feeling she will be walking in the next month or two. She has said her first word which is of course “dada.” She loves to speak her mind with all sorts of sounds and screeches. I was definitely blessed with a very happy baby!

Switching to Formula

I made it 8 months breastfeeding and i do wish i could go the full year but mentally it was taking a toll. With her being more active and only taking two naps a day now it was hard to remember and set aside times to pump as well as keep my supply up since she was feeding 5 times a day at 6oz each feed. It was stressful which can reduce your milk supply as well. I definitely beat myself up about it the first week or two but then soon realized how much happier i was and less stressed to take her places and not have to worry about a cooler or my pumps or when i would have time to pump. She transitioned very well like she didn’t even notice the difference which was a blessing and a relief. “A fed baby is a happy baby.”

Mom Guilt

I thought I had mom guilt early on but it’s nothing compared to now. The thoughts of “am I playing with her enough, is she learning anything, am I feeding her the right foods, is it okay for me to leave for a few hours?” The questions never end! I stress myself out trying to be super mom by making homemade foods, keeping up with chores, taking care of 3 dogs, and spend as much time as I can with my baby since I get to stay home with her everyday. Not to mention, taking care of myself which is a whole other story.

Partner Resentment

I can’t believe we are talking about this because it shouldn’t be a thing but so many moms go through it. Let me try to explain, this happens when the person taking primary care of the child/children (default parent) resents their partner for things they can’t do that their partner can. For example, the default parent usually has to ask to do every day takes, “can you watch the baby while I… take a shower, go to the bathroom, get dressed, cook. This leads to tension and anger towards the partner which definitely isn’t fair to them but we do it anyway whether that be in our heads out loud in anger or attitude. The default parent feels like the whole world is on their shoulders because they have to remember everything, pack the bags to leave the house, make sure the baby is changed, fed, and happy. It is definitely exhausting. This also makes us the go to person for the child whenever they are upset or need something. The separation anxiety is real!! Resentment is bound to happen in every house hold but it is important to voice your feelings and work through a system that helps you detach and get a little alone time. As long as you have good communication and understanding this phase will pass.

Until next time, I’m sure there will be many changes after she turns 1.