When we first got home with Mateo, it was so magical yet it was a whirlwind. Chris only had a week off, so when he went back to work & drives for work so he needed to sleep at night. I was so grateful my mom was there for me. She came every single day for the first 40 days(when Chris was working) after I gave birth because she had me do “la cuarentena.” For those who don’t know, it’s a 40-day period of rest, healing foods, daily use of a faja, and staying out of the cold (except doctor appointments — which i forgot, it was a lot at first. My boy had jaundice after we went home). I only had a few tears and did not need to get any stitches. The diapers were my favorite! – NOT hah. Ugh what another process. It was an interesting time but honestly so special because my mom stuck it out with me, and I am so grateful I listened to her and took care of myself, with her guidance of course. Her & my mother in laws food – the best. Also, I don’t think I would’ve kept breastfeeding without my mom.
& oh my gosh—breastfeeding. That was its own rollercoaster. Mateo was born at 4 lbs 14 oz, and my colostrum just wasn’t enough. We had to give him donor breast milk in the hospital. When we got home, he was so used to bottles that he didn’t want to work for it. (He was on formula coming home). I’ll never forget the days where we were both crying—him frustrated, me desperate—Pumping, latching, trying again, giving up, trying again. Eventually, he latched and I cried all the happy tears. I can still feel how heavy those moments were.
Those first weeks were filled with exhaustion, love, frustration, and gratitude, all at once. And looking back, I realize how much I was already learning: about him, about myself, and about how much support really matters.
🤎🤎 What were those first weeks like for you? Did you have help, or were you mostly on your own? And for those who’ve been through feeding challenges—what was the hardest part for you?
✨ Gentle reminder — everyones journey is different. I want to make space for it all.
