Sleepless Nights and Sleepy Grins

I read recently that the first three months of the baby's life is sometimes called the "fourth trimester," referring to the extension of difficulties from pregnancy through to postpartum life.

As we are coming up on four weeks since Jackson was born, I can see why some refer to an infants' early months in this way.

I won't sugarcoat it and say that it is all fun. It is really hard to get up when you just finished feeding your baby 45 minutes ago and he is awake and wants more-- all night long, for several nights in a row. It is hard to go to the kitchen and feed yourself while your baby is sleeping, when you'd much rather also be sleeping. It is really hard to find time to shower, to pee, or brush your teeth. I never thought I'd be so grateful for three hours of consecutive hours of sleep.

On the other hand, when you've just finished a feeding, and your baby gives the cutest little coos of satisfaction and sleepiness, it warms your heart. Seeing him smile as he's falling asleep just makes all the long nights totally worth it.

Knowing that my body is capable of making all the nutrition that my baby needs for his early life is so satisfying. Although breastfeeding is very demanding in pretty much every way, it is also very rewarding. (Not to mention the tons of benefits for mom and baby.)

 I am much looking forward to getting through the growth spurt that Jackson is going through right now. I'm hoping that his sleeping stretches lengthen and his feedings spread out a bit. Even if it takes a while though, I'm in it for the long haul!