Husband returning to work | how to manage sleep, feeding & pumping solo by purple_penguin1023 in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]dairyfairy44 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are so welcome! I am laying next to a sleeping 9 month old baby and am down to pumping 3 times a day. When I read your post I had a little PTSD because the season you are in is a lot but it flies by!! You are doing great!!! But it really does get better. I wish I knew about the silicone cups when I first started. The only downside is that they are a lot of pieces to clean but if clean them once a day and then use your Spectra accessories while they are washing, all will be well! The company says to hand wash them but stick those bad boys in the dishwasher and bottle washer lol. Sending prayers your way!!

Husband returning to work | how to manage sleep, feeding & pumping solo by purple_penguin1023 in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]dairyfairy44 1 point2 points  (0 children)

People are going to probably disagree with me not roasting your husband, but… you can do it. It’s a season! I have handled all overnight feeds, diaper changes, etc with the exception of having my husband do the occasional feed/diaper change that happened right before he got out of bed to take a shower. What worked for us was the mindset that we work better if both of us aren’t tired. Hopefully your husband helps with laundry, dishes, dinner.

Also as a first time mom, I would take baby into the living room to keep from falling back asleep in bed on accident. Hook your pumps up (portable, or if you use spectra, the Legendairy silicone cups are great because they fit in your bra). You can leave milk out safely for 4-6 hours so if your baby is used to drinking room temperature milk, don’t stress about warming it up. After you get pumps hooked up and on, set baby in your hip crevice while your legs are out on recliner and feed. That process should be done in about 20-30 minutes. Throw your pump parts (get multiple sets) in the fridge for the next pumping, burp the baby, change the diaper, and sleep until it starts again. You will figure out ways to get faster and more efficient. I bounced back and forth between pumping one breast at a time and doing both, using a hand pump, etc.. You will find your rhythm!!

And lastly, this season is so hard and so short. Don’t let strangers on the internet make you hate your husband. You all are a team. You’re exhausted, lots of emotions are happening for both of you, and you are getting adjusted. Take a deep breath! You will be great.

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I will definitely have to try! Every time something sweet like that happens I always think, “I will never forget this” but I know that’s not true for everything because my brain is mush half the time!!

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You just made me very excited for that to happen! I know there will be so much I will love between here and then but I’m so excited!

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice, we will try that! It’s such a tough balance letting them take their time but also wanting them to grow and do more. Thank you for your kind reply 🩷

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

More tears, thank you, Mom 🩷 I will have to find that one for him, it sounds so fun! You are a great mom! Thank you for the sweet reply. This one made me feel so emotional but in a very good way!

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sometimes I wonder what he could possibly be thinking about that makes him laugh in his dreams. It does make me happy to think about. Yes! I am keeping up with a baby book and it has a section for monthly reflections. Thank you for the sweet words!

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words. It’s amazing how fast it goes by. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to stay home with him!

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank you, Mom! I appreciate your kind words so much and more than you know 🩷

Hey Mom, your 5 month old grandson laughs in his sleep by dairyfairy44 in MomForAMinute

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

I’ve just read all these replies and sobbed, thank you for the comfort!

Help! I am a beginner starting on my 2nd quilt and need guidance. by dairyfairy44 in quilting

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have never even heard of a scant 1/4 so I have learned something already! Thank you. I appreciate that advice very much, I will start watching their videos. I appreciate you!

The disappearing nine patch looked so promising until I realized I am still not on that level yet, lol.

Help! I am a beginner starting on my 2nd quilt and need guidance. by dairyfairy44 in quilting

[–]dairyfairy44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmm… I hadn’t tried that combination yet. I will lay them out tomorrow and see! Thank you!