It’s always been amazing to me how much life changes after you have a baby. I mean, obviously it changes…but even when you’re pregnant you still cannot fathom just how differently you will think and act after that little baby is born. I see this during the prenatal period when I have mothers-to-be in breastfeeding class and they ask about leaving the baby to go away on a work trip or a night away with their partner. It comes up again after the baby is born, but with much more of a frantic tone, with mom verbalizing her absolute fear and anxiety over leaving the baby. Pre baby, the question is phrased in more of a nonchalant manner:
“We have an out of town wedding when the baby is 2 months old. How much milk should I plan to leave?”
The post baby question is a little more frazzled.
“We have to go away for a wedding. I don’t even want to go this is not a good idea. How am I supposed to leave the baby and enjoy myself? What if the baby cries all night for my in laws? Am I supposed to pump every couple hours? How does this work??”
Leaving your baby is never easy. As a mom of older kids, I can tell you that I don’t think it’s easy at any age. You will always worry. They are a part of you – how did you ever manage before they came along? It’s like a part of your life was erased and nothing mattered before your baby was born. You actually used to take trips with your partner and didn’t have to worry about who was left behind? Are you sure that ever happened? It is definitely harder for us as mothers, than it is for babies. Yes, they will miss you, but they are fine. The bigger adjustment is for YOU, the mom.
This week on the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast, it’s all about leaving baby for the first time. Whenever that may be and why it may be (no judgment here). Hey, life happens – we are just hoping to make that transition a little easier.
