Once upon a time there was a mom who just came out of maternity with a big and very painful C-Section and a beautiful, small, colicky baby girl.
That first day and night was hell on earth. Why? I don’t have friends with babies, relatives to help, just me and my loving husband, both in a situation where we had a little soul to take care of. And no one told us it will be hard, a colleague told us “They grow up fast all by themselves” …
I did make a lot of research before having her, but you know what works fine with others doesn’t mean it will work with yours – and keep this in mind each time you will read my advices on my blog.
We used medication for colic, prescribed by our pediatrician, but it didn’t seem to work. Her moments of pain were soul crushing for us as parents. I cried a lot, my husband encouraged me, I was frustrated all the time, punishing myself and feeling guilt.
I couldn’t breast feed and was advised to give her formula – we bought the best that was on the market. But I can tell you the smell of that thing was repulsing even for me. Still, she ate it for a while. She was constipated all the time, but we were told it was normal for babies.
At about 5 months old my daughter started to refuse the formula. It was another reason to be devastated: “Oh no! What do we do?! She will starve! What did I do wrong???”. So, we changed her formula with one that was recommended to have a better taste. She loved it, indeed the smell and consistency imitated fresh milk.
But two days later chaos started again – I tackled this in another post “Lactose Intolerance Journey”
One month later I had to introduce her to solids. This is another episode with ups and downs that if you want, I can describe in another post (comment down below if “Yes”).
The short story is: I started with sweet potato, made it in a very smooth puree, she loved it and still does.
2nd favorite is Hokkaido pumpkin, which she eats with cinnamon.
Fast forward, everyone I met was asking me if she started walking. She was holding on to furniture and walking side-ways like a crab, but wouldn’t let go of her hands.
I was always thinking maybe I did something wrong or maybe there’s something wrong with her.
You see, being a 1st time mom bring more guilt than necessary. Things happen with “baby steps” and I accepted this (a little too late), to let her develop at her own pace.
Her 1st real steps were close to this moment; my husband saw her, because I was at a dentist appointment, and he was in awe.
At this moment, when I am writing this post, she is 1 year and 6 months. She is happy, growing, walking, talking (mostly in her own language). She has no allergy, no illness, nothing more to worry about at this moment. Thanks to the time we live there are many alternatives for lactose products and the possibilities to make delicious food are unlimited.
If I could turn back time I would take other decisions. If I ever have another baby, I will for sure.