As a first time mum, I was unaware of the surge of emotions and the physical demand new mothers experience in the postpartum period. Despite my medical background, I wasn’t prepared for what literally hit me.

I was not only faced with my own needs – an aching and sore body trying to heal in addition to caring for a newborn. Which is literally – 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. No end of shift, holiday or a pause button 🙂

I realised, I had a somewhat blind view of motherhood and as quick as the character “the flash”, I gained a much broader insight into my new role.

I recall nights, I had fallen asleep while feeding only to wake up and see those lovely eyes staring at me puzzled I presume and wondering, what’s wrong with this woman. After what feels like a long nap, I am startled back to reality as it dawns on me what has just transpired, almost dropping the baby in the process. (This was before I discovered the gift of lying to feed)

I was always grateful to God that I had someone not dropped the baby and it wasn’t long before I mastered the skills to win at fighting sleep during the most needed night feeds.

I have seen the bond between us grow stronger and glad our breastfeeding journey got so much easier and longer than I had anticipated. My determined baby knew Breast is best and fought with me. I have also benefited from the melatonin surge and release during a late feed, which was a much-needed fix for a sleep deprived mum (sleep ninja) and it wasn’t long before I started looking forward to this sleep aid.

I can go on and on……

From dealing with a fussy baby to the smiles, cues, affectionate gaze, clingy phase…. I have learnt to pause, take a deep breath and embrace these special moments.

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecc 3:1 (NIV)