It’s been ten weeks of quarantine. Since all this began, life has changed so much—both because of covid and because we had a baby at the peak of the pandemic. We’re not only adjusting to life with three kids but adjusting to a new normal along the way. And since every day is the-same-but-different as information and recommendations change, “new normal” seems like a moving target. 

I’m baaaaaaack! It’s been a nutty, crazy, busy season. My oldest started preK, my youngest and I had the flu, this pregnancy took a major toll on me physically, and it just felt like I was barely keeping my head above water there for the last few months! And now, here we are in the middle of a pandemic. I’m 37 weeks, and it’s time to get serious.

Things are going well with this pregnancy, despite the discomfort, and for that I’m eternally grateful. Now nesting is in full swing, so thankfully even with the sheltering in place going on, I’m staying busy. The last things left to do are arrange the baby’s clothes in her closet and pack our bags.

I already wrote about postpartum depression once before, but I want to mention it again for two reasons:

1. I have a lot of friends who just recently had babies (not their first), and let me just tell you PPD is a whole different beast with subsequent births for a myriad of reasons.
2. In dealing with my own depression, I have relearned the value in speaking up and showing up.

I’ve got so many friends and family who have recently had babies or are expecting soon, and they are either currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. I wanted to compile a brief list of lessons I’ve learned along the way. I just celebrated my 3-year anniversary of CONSECUTIVE nursing: my sweet Claire weaned herself with some gentle coaching from me on New Year’s Eve. Together we chanted “new year, new you!” She had nursed for 33 months by that point. When she was 33 hours old, I wondered if I was going to make it to 6 weeks, let alone 6 months (my initial goal)…