- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Parenting after a Loss
Getting to know you.....
It's been a while & we have some new faces. So let's go.
Name:
Age:
Lo's name(s)/age(s):
Where do you live?
BF or FF?
What is the "norm" in your area?
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far?
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily?
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Getting to know you.....
Name: Jennifer
Age: 32
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Meredith 10 months & change
Where do you live? Brooklyn, NY
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? We're pretty evenly split.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? I have found a lot of support from odd places. Like fil. However I have a friend who acted like I was playing with myself when I whipped out a boob at a restaurant at lunch.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How frustrating it is and how after 10+ months I still feel like I'm guessing.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I sniff her butt in public to see if she pooped. I also picked her nose if she's got a nasty boogie in there.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I dislike having to defend my parenting choices. I dislike feeling like I have to announce that I'm going to bf my child so anyone who is uncomfy with it can leave. I hate it when she fights sleeps. It makes me feel like a bad mother because she's so upset & angry with me.
It's been a while & we have some new faces. So let's go.
Name: Melissa
Age: I am turning 28 in 3 days
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Eve Amelia - 5 months
Where do you live?- Near Buffalo, NY
BF or FF? - BF, for now.
What is the "norm" in your area? - Most people who have babies my age BF.. but my family has all FF..
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? n/a
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How I can't remember what life was like BEFORE being a mom and how much I hate leaving the baby.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Does Whipping out my boobs constantly count?
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? - Hmm.. Nothing is really suprising. The only things I dislike are the "problems" like our BFing problems and sleep issues..
m/c 1/2/08 and 3/12/08
Eve Amelia- Born 2/24/09. 6lb 9.9oz
Natalie Ruth - Born 6/13/11 7lb 6.6oz
Name: Sara
Age: 33
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Sophia Elizabeth, 1 year old
Where do you live? South Central PA
BF or FF? BF for the first 3 months and then FF
What is the "norm" in your area? either
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? n/a
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How much I can love this little being
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Pick boogies out of someone else's nose, not be bothered my some poop on me or vomit
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? not sleeping in!
Name: Julie
Age: 33
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Emily/ 4 months
Where do you live? Baltimore
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? I'd say it's pretty evenly split
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Yes, mostly from my family. They're big bfing supporters and very open about these things.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How easily she's fit into my life. I was always a very independant person and would need "my time" but all that went out the window when EC got here. Also how fast time goes, I swear someone pushed the fast forward button on time.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I'm more disciplined and can put aside my needs for those of EC.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? How much my brain doesn't work anymore
Name: Kellie
Age: 33
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Tyler
Where do you live? Pittsburgh
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? Not really sure, we're new to this area (& state)
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? It amazes me how I can love my son so much and can't even imagine my life without him
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Feed Tyler while he's laying down (pass the bammy)
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? me being paranoid that something bad is going to happen to me or Tyler
Name: Sarah
Age: 28
Lo's name(s)/age(s):Avery, 9 1/2 months
Where do you live? Huntsville AL
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? I think for the long term, FF, but many people TRY bfing but I don't think many stick with it. I am surprised to find as many BFing/Pumping women as I have.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Yes,I have several friends here who have EBF for over a year, and then I have quite a few friends back home who also have EBF for a long time. I find the most people that I have to defend myself to is people who do not know me as well as my closesst friends do.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? it comes natural to me. I thought I would struggle with patience and parenting to my pre-mom standards (you know all the thoughts of "when I am a mom, I'm never going to _________"). So Far DH and I have been able to realize those parenting ambitions.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily?
Not really - like I said in my previous post, I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into and have been lucky that my thoughts on motherhood have become reality.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
Just being able to leave to run errands, go out to dinner, etc without a) feeling guilty about it or b) missing the hell out of Avery
I love posts like this!!
Name: Heather
Age: 32
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Gabriel (1 month) and Ethan (13 years)
Where do you live? DelCo, PA (about 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia)
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? BF seems to be, but that may just be the people I associate with.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? n/a
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? I have a 13 y.o. already, and I am amazed by how very different Gabriel is, from how I remember Ethan being as a baby. I thought I'd have a head start on the mommy gig, since I've had a baby before. Boy, was I wrong!
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I've become completely desensitized to bodily fluids and secretions being in places they shouldn't be. (Spit up in my hair, being peed on, having baby poop on me... you know lol)
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I sometimes feel like I have ceased to be a person in my own right; now all I am is someone's mommy.
Name: Corinne
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Madison, 2 months
Where do you live? Carlisle, PA
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? I think BFing is the norm, well with most moms I know anyway.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? N/A
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How one tiny little being can make you feel so incompetent.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I always said I would never co-sleep and she comes to bed with me after her 5-6am nursing session, I love to snuggle her. I also don't mind her spit up or poop as much as I thought I would.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I also hate having to forwarn people that I am going to nurse the baby or go in another room. I' ve started nursing in front of more and more people ( including my MIL) and that is very surprising to me.
It's been a while & we have some new faces. So let's go.
Name: Rachel
Age: 29
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Trey 10 months
Where do you live? Wilmington, NC
BF or FF? Pumped BM for 9 weeks. Then FF.
What is the "norm" in your area? It seems to be an even split
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Pedi was less than supportive
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How much I love this little one, that it hurts.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Butt sniffing, and booger picking (I am usually pretty grossed out by both!)
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Unsolicted parenting advice....
Name: Heather
Age: 31
Lo's name(s)/age(s): DD is 3 1/2 and DS is 16 months. Baby #3 is halfway done baking.
BF or FF? Both. DD was BF for 15 months. DS was BF for 6 months, then had to be switched to FF due to milk protein intolerance
What is the "norm" in your area? BF is definitely the norm around here.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? It's hard to say. I felt like I got dirty looks whenever I pulled out a bottle for DS (especially with everyone around me nursing), and I felt the need to explain myself a lot. That may have been more about my own insecurities though.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How much I now understand everything my mother once told me.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Honestly, at one point in my life I never thought I wanted kids, and I certainly never imagined being a SAHM. Now, I want even more kids and would be crushed if I couldn't SAH.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Not sure. There are things that wear on me certainly (PTing, 3 year old attitude, etc) but for the most part at the end of the day I enjoy motherhood.
(m/c 1.17.07, m/c 5.15.07)
DS - 03.15.08
DD2 - 12.03.09
DD3 - 3.28.11
Name: melissa
Age: 32
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Dylan, just turned "1"
Where do you live? NY
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? I think it is 50/50 but within my circle is mostly BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? The ability to love one person so completely, how quickly he became the center of my world- I love how even on a tough day one tiny little smile or funny face can erase any frustration.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Never thought I would be one to nurse in public= but when my baby is hungry I have never thought twice.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Unwanted parenting advice, especially from MIL and moms of older generations when certain things were done differently. I hate having to explain why we do certain things the way we do them.
Name: Rochelle
Age: 30
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Adriann / 10 weeks old
Where do you live? Orlando, FL
BF or FF? BF & supplement with formula
What is the "norm" in your area? Not sure... A lot of people seem surprised that I'm breastfeeding, though. So maybe FF is the norm is Orlando
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? My friendsfamily all support my decision
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How easily it came... It's like I knew exactly what to do when she was born. And believe me, I had NO motherly instincts before having my daughter.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Not really... I am surprised that I haven't had a drink in a year LOL. But she's worth it and I really don't miss it that much.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I do miss my relationship with dh... We were always on the go and really spontaneous. That aspect of our life has changed and I miss it. But we do plan on traveling with her as soon as we feel comfortable ... I really want to show her all the cool places in the world.
Age:?29
Lo's name(s)/age(s):?Samantha, 7 months
Where do you live??Northern VA
BF or FF??FF - b/c Samantha has a variant of galactosemia and the geneticist strongly recommended feeding soy formula and not continuing to BF.What is the "norm" in your area??My family used formula. ?DH's family thinks using formula is poison. ?My friends are 50/50.What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far???I'm amazed at how patient I can be when she is crying and having a meltdown.Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily???I co-sleep when Samantha is sick - never thought I was "that" kind of mom.What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about??I really don't enjoy the competitive nature of people -- the questions about why she is or isn't meeting certain milestones. ?I hadn't realized how judgemental people are.
Name: Christina
Age: 29
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Ayden, 10 weeks
Where do you live? MI
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? the crazy hormones and emotional rollercoaster i've been on since giving birth. oh! and the fact that I STILL do not have control over my body any more then i did while pg.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? hmmm...good one. not that i can think of right now.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? nothing that i can think of at the moment. i think i was pretty prepared & realistic having 2 sisters & 7 nieces & nephews. again, good question.
Name: Janine
Age: 30
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Jenna 1 year
Where do you live? NJ near Princeton
BF or FF? BF for a year, now supposed to be milk...
What is the "norm" in your area? FF by far it seems
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Not really, constantly looked at like wow?! or commented like - why are you doing that, are you done yet
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How bad the first month was
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Join Moms groups and make Mom friends - we have no friends that are married let alone kids and none in suburbia but I usually don't talk to people especially by myself. Also quit my job - I always wanted to but never really thought I would do it and be able to do it.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I guess still a bit surprised about the lack of freedom because no one else we know has kids so although we have brought her to a lot, we don't see everyone nearly as much
k, thought of something for the last 2.
i wouldn't have thought that i'd be so comfortable if i happened to flash the girls to someone. i could care less who gets a glimpse of them now. not like i'm flashing them on purpose.
i also dislike having to explain things to people 50 times (like fil) about WHY bf is best and easier for us then ff. i also dislike having my baby passed around from person to person even if it is family. while i want/need a break at times, i still don't want a ton of other people besides dh and i holding him.
Name: Christine
Age: 36
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Evie/10 months
Where do you live? NYC metro
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? I have no idea really, but it was hard for me to find other "hippie moms" like myself for a long time.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? I found the LLL & met some wonderful ladies w/whom I am starting an AP group in our community. It is wonderful!
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How much I love it. I mean, I always wanted to be a mom, but I had no idea that it would be the best thing in my life, EVER.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I've let my appearance go to some degree. I used to get $300 haircuts/color & stuff like that, but no more pampered princess here. At least not until I'm makin' the big bucks again...
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? DH actually. He's not living up to the potential I saw in him.
Mama to Lewis Elijah-11/18/05
and Evangeline Mae - 12/06/07
and two angels 3/17/07 at 5w and 12/16/08 - 11w partial molar pregnancy with bonus chemo
Best Kind to Have-blog
Name: Kelli
Age: 26
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Joseph 5mo
Where do you live? Philly burbs
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? Most of the people I know that have babies BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Yes I did find support. To be perfectly honest though I could give a rat's ass if people support how I choose to feed my child.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How instantly things are put into perspective. I also find that I am no longer taking people's crap anymore, don't really know what that's about! LOL
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I am very over-protective with him and literally can't stand the thought of someone else watching him. Before I had him I swore when the IL's came to visit they could watch him so DH and I could have date night, yeah that has never happened. I need to work on that it's a bit psycho haha!
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
I guess not having any free time which I'm really not surprised about. I mean I had to hold my DS during my pap smear last week because DH couldn't watch him because he was sick. It was horrible, I was mortified!
Name: Renee
Age: 28
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Kate - 1 year
Where do you live? Washington, DC
BF or FF? Kate was fed pumped BM and heavily supplemented with formula until she was 5.5 months old when she became 100% FF. Hopefully we will be able to make the switch to milk soon (she didn't tolerate milk protein or soy so I'm not sure how she will do).
What is the "norm" in your area? I don't know...it seems like everyone always assumed that I was BFing.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? If I had been able to BF without any issues, I think the support I was getting would have been great. Unfortunately, I had really bad supply problems, was dealing with some health issues, and Kate couldn't suck effectively and ultimately rejected all BFing efforts. I think I would have beaten myself up less if I had not had the general BFing recommendations reiterated so many time (i.e. don't supplement with formula; supply problems rarely happen; all babies are sleepy and have a hard time; etc.). It made me feel bad because I felt like others were judging my actions when we were doing the absolute best we could. I do think people were trying to help, but the general advice just didn't take into account the combination of issues we were having.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? Kate does everything her way...I thought I knew how things were going to go, but she put me in my place pretty early on : )
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I'm surprised that I still want to work PT. Kate and I both do better when we have a little time apart.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I dislike how judgmental and/or critical some moms are of the choices/parenting styles of others. I really don't understand this.
Name: Danielle
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Ethan, 5 Months
Where do you live? San Diego, CA
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Not sure... I think BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? There's support for both in our area as well as in our circle of friends
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? Being able to love someone sooo much
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Not caring much about dirt/germs when it comes to LO
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Time spent away from DH
Name: Rose
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Levi - 2 months
Where do you live? - Minnesota
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Don't know
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? There is a lactaction consultant at the local hospital, so yes.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How little I am in control, and how much life revolves around what he wants, when he wants it.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I'm amazed that I can get so little sleep and still be cheerful with the person who is the cause!
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? nothing that I can think of right now.
Name: Kelli
Age: 29
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Xavier-14months and babies 2&3 are almost done baking
Where do you live? Iowa
BF or FF? Bf and supplement for 4 wks then ff. We are going to try bf again this time and see what happends.
What is the "norm" in your area? Its pretty 50/50.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? I wasnt really surprised by anything. My h on the other hand has been surprised by everything.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? If I wasnt pg I would be able to do the puking thing but right now I cant handle that part.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? There really isnt anything that I dislike.
It's been a while & we have some new faces. So let's go.
Name: Meghan
Age: 29
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Jacob ( almost 3) Brooke ( 4 months)
Where do you live? San Antonio, Tx
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Split, although my inner circle I would say BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? the amount of patience that I have even when my son is throwing a temper tantrum & how you somehow find the energy even when you are so tired!
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Smell there butts in public for poop and picking boogers out!
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
The constant worry
Name: Mara
Age: 26
LO: Harris - almost 5 months!!
Where: TN
BF or FF?: EBF, for a little while longer. I have no desire to ever start solids, though I know it must start sometime...hehe. Next month.
What's the NORM?: Not sure, I think BF is well supported, but I know a lot of moms who gave it up or were forced to FF early. I only know 2 other moms who BF for a year or more. Most that I know had to quit at 3 months or less. I will say that I've not come across any other moms NIP when I'm out and about. I do see a lot of bottles when I'm out in public.
Am I supported?: I have tons of support from close friends, and even when I NIP, I get support from passers by, oddly enough. Women come into a lounge and talk about how much they enjoyed nursing their kids, etc.
Surprise about motherhood: How great my baby is. I think he's spoiling me. I hope all our kids are this happy. However, even though I anticipated how much work I'd have to do, I didn't have a real idea of what kind of energy it would take.
Something I don't dislike that I normally would: I'm surprised that I don't complain about cleaning up spit up. Even when it stinks all over me, it's not gaggalicious and I'm fine with it...lol. In fact, I'm surprised that I laugh about all the gross stuff rather than griping and complaining.
Something I dislike about motherhood: I dislike that I have to spend so much time "entertaining." I dislike that due to his need for entertainment and lack of napping I can't get much accomplished. I dislike that I feel like my sister and other friends don't want to spend time with us anymore.
Name: Ashley
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Zoe, 3 months
Where do you live? KS
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? Of people I know and from what I see, FF is the norm. It seems like people give BF a try and then end up FF for whatever reason.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? When I was giving BF a try I had one nurse that was supportive and even made a house call for me but other than that no one really acted like they cared one way or the other.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? That I've fallen into the role so easily. I was always the girl that said I was never having kids. DH and I had discussed it before we got married and agreed not to have kids. Good thing we both changed our minds.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Have a kid spit up on me daily and not care!
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? The newborn stage. As she gets older I'm having more and more fun.
Name: Natalie
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Isla 3.5 mos
Where do you live? Pensacola, FL
BF or FF? both, about 50-50
What is the "norm" in your area? seem to lean toward BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? yep
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How much I WANT to co-sleep. I used to think "that will never be me", and no, I don't want to have a kid that won't ever sleep in her own bed, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE snuggling with her and I wish I could guarantee I wouldn't roll over on her or knock her off the bed. Because I want her to sleep all snuggled up with me...but I am too scared.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? nursing w/o a cover infront of my mom and girlfriends. I've lost most of my modesty.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? My boobs. No growth, inadequate supply. Stupid broken ta-tas. And how frickin long it takes to get out of the house. I have to start HOURS in advance just to run to the grocery store.
Name: Suzie
Age: 31
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Leo, almost 8 months
Where do you live? Los Angeles
BF or FF?
Formula feed. I started out BFing and switched due to multiple issues at a month.
What is the "norm" in your area?
DEFINITELY breastfeeding. I am the only one in my Mommy&Me group who FF.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
No. But now that I have been researching a book on the topic, word got around, and people are coming out of the freaking woodwork and breaking down to me about their struggles and anger around BF. So I've actually found support in retrospect - but it's still very hush/hush, like the women don't want anyone else to know they feel this way...weird.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far?
God. Everything. That it has opened me up creatively and emotionally.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily?
Well... I definitely make a fool out of myself every day entertaining Leo, but I used to do that anyway as an actor, so....
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
I really dislike being a WAHM. I need more time for my work and it makes me feel guilty as sometimes I just need a break from mommy duty. I think Leo and I are happier when his babysitter comes for a few hours!
Name: Tina
Age: 28
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Lincoln/1 year!
Where do you live? Arizona
BF or FF? EPed for 7.5 months, now FF/whole milk
What is the "norm" in your area? BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Yes
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? Other than having a sick LO...how hard BFing was, and that we couldn't get it to work out in the end. I am also suprised thatI was able to stick with EPing for 7.5 months!
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Stay at home
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Haven't gotten my body back yet. I thought that it would come back easily, but it turns out you really do have to work at it! Maybe after my next LO I will find some time!! LOL!
Name: Gwyneth
Age: 32
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Milo, 15 months
Where do you live? Malawi, Africa
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Whoa, definitely BF! Child mortality here is very high, and FF in Africa more than doubles the risk of death. More than half of all women BF past two years of age.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Well, people give me some flack for having weaned already (just a few weeks ago) because advice to BF to two years of age here is really strong. Everyone gets the message. But I explain that my son is growing well, and he eats a much richer diet than your typical African kid.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? My son was sick and had to go the hospital a couple weeks ago and I was panicked, just bawling. I was surprised at how strong my gut reaction was - I don't really think of myself as a worrier.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Hmmm. I guess I wouldn't have predicted that I'd become such a big cloth-diapering fan. And I've gone really crunchy-granola over the last year.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? The whole mom-social-scene. Well, specifically moms that don't talk about anything else but their kids really bug me. IRL, I only have a few moms that I can hang out with, the others bore me to tears. Wow, that sounds really mean! But it's true.
Name: Jess
Age: 25
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Lanon, just shy of 2 months
Where do you live? Camp Hill, PA
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Not really sure, I would say BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? N/A
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? I would say how well I've adjusted.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Hmmm...my patience....I don't have any when it comes to others. lol
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Everyone's advice...except on here...I just mean irl
12.6.07 CP at 5w
5.21.08 BO discovered at 7w, D&E at 8w3d
8.31.08 CP at 4w5d
BFP Sept 25, 2008 bfp buddy lkstor Landon born June 6, 2009
3.25.11 missed m/c discovered at 9w6d, D&E at 10w2d
4.28.11 MTHFR a1298c homozygous discovered
4.2011 Began NaProTechnology
10.12.11 Diagnosed with Type III Luteal Phase Defect
10.2011 Starting hcg injections on 5, 7 & 9 dpo
BFP 12.7.11 - EDD 8.14.12 - IT'S A BOY! Fruit Baby
Life During and After RPL
Name: Kelly
Age: 41
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Oliver, almost 16 months
Where do you live? Connecticut
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Nobody really made a bid deal out of it, more my mommy guilt that I couldn't do it.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How deep the love.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? pick boogers
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? How frustrating it can be.
Name: Kelley
Age: 29
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Emma, 6 months
Where do you live? Suburb south of Boston
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? Both
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? I was FF but my mom supported me trying to BF and my mw was very supportive when I decided to stop BF.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How she controls it all. I thought I would be able to get her into a nice routine with scheduled naps and all that...boy was I wrong! But it has taught me about flexibility which is something I am not good at.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I never wanted to cosleep and we did for a month straight and still do if she wakes up before 6.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? How bad sleep deprivation can make you feel.
Name:
Cynthia
Age:
25
Lo's name(s)/age(s):
Ava, a little over a month
Where do you live?
Springfield Ohio
BF or FF?
FF
What is the "norm" in your area?
Both
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
n/a
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far?
How much you can do on what lack of sleep you get, how much I love my little girl
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily?
not that I can think of
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about?
the lack of sleep or the preperation it takes to take her out somewhere
Name: Katie
Age: 28
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Nora, 2 weeks
Where do you live? Falls Church, VA
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? Not sure ... probably BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support?
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? Its WAY harder than I thought. I thought it would be hard, but I really had no clue. I have a whole new respect for parents.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Not yet but its still early.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? I'm sure if this is exactly about motherhood ... but I'm really disliking how much more time I have to spend with the in-laws now ... not that they aren't wonderful people, but I can only take them in small doses.
Name: Trista
Age: 27
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Fiona/ 3 mo
Where do you live? DC area
BF or FF? BF
What is the "norm" in your area? both.
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? We have a great BFing center in DC. Unfortunately, I didn't take advantage of their numerous (free) services. Most of my BF support was via my pedi, who is a huge proponent.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? The first few months were REALLY hard! There were so many unknown variables, everything was new, and hormones were all over the place. I feel like I am much more able to understand/anticipate/address DDs needs; we have figured each other out. It surprised me that it took so long to get to that point and getting there was much more agonizing than I had assumed.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I actually feel like DD has fit into our life pretty well; several of our close friends have babies as well so the "group" has already become more child-friendly (ie afternoon bbqs instead of late night outings). Either that or I haven't noticed the adaptations we have made. I am surprised that I really want to take her everywhere; before motherhood I wondered why you couldn't just leave baby with a sitter - now I realize that it's because you want to spend time with baby and show her the world. Perhaps that sounds naive, but I have relished discovering things anew with LO and sharing all of her "firsts."
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? There are not enough hours in the day! I love that DD is on a pretty good routine and goes to bed pretty easily at 8pm, but she is at daycare from 8-6 so I only get a few hours with her each day. On top of that I am always tired, we don't eat dinner until 8:30 or 9, and my house is a disaster!
Name: Meghan
Age: 27
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Hailey, 11 months
Where do you live? Southern California
BF or FF? FF
What is the "norm" in your area? I live in such a big area....who knows? And I really dont care to research it
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? n/a
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? The love you feel immediately for your child. & how the ibg life hcanges dont really matter, its all about family now
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? Use a pacifier
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? Mommy Wars. The competition is quite pathetic, it shouldnt be a competition.
Name: Kerri
Age: 28
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Benjamin & Katelyn- 9 monthsold
Where do you live? Charleston SC
BF or FF? Pumped for 4 months now ff
What is the "norm" in your area? Not sure to be honest.
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? How things change moment to moment.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? How casual I am about germs at times.
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? How I still feel like it is a guessing game at times and that it should be easier to figure them out but sometimes it isn't.
Name: Molly
Age: 27
Lo's name(s)/age(s): Maxwell, almost 5 months
Where do you live? CT
BF or FF? I tried my best to BF but had to FF
What is the "norm" in your area? BF
If what you're doing is not the norm did you still find support? Honestly no one has said anything to me. I'm sure my MIL says stuff behind my back but I don't really care... we're doing what we have to!
What have you found to be the most surprising thing about motherhood so far? That I question every little decision I make. I normally just roll with the punches but I'm so cautious about everything now. I just want to do whats best for him.
Is there anything you're surprised you do as a mother that you wouldn't have ordinarily? I thought for sure I would never let him co-sleep. He comes to bed to snuggle with us on the weekends or if he's up early in the morning. I also didn't realize how big and strong he would be at 4 months. He likes to hit me (in the face, boobs, arms) and he can pinch like no other!
What do you dislike about motherhood that you're surprised about? nothing really, but I didn't realize how much it would affect my marriage. That has been a really big adjustment.