Bringing Baby Home —
My daughter’s nursery!
Closer to me giving birth, I would walk into her room and imagine her lying in her bed. Rubbing my pregnant belly, I’d say, “Thank you, God.”
Bringing my baby home.
There are so many emotions involved when having a baby. There is joy, excitement, and many other happy feelings… and there are feelings of doubt, worry, and fear that aren’t talked about as much.
The day of delivery, I remember being calm and a bit nervous. I had prepared myself for this moment, and it had finally arrived. I remember checking into labor and delivery, and there being a woman on a stretcher who was pregnant as well. She seemed to be in labor, but she had no one with her. She was on the phone speaking to someone while the front desk clerk and a nurse assisted with getting her checked in.
For some reason, seeing her alone while going through contractions began making me nervous. I gently grabbed my husband and stood behind him seeking comfort. We eventually got checked in, and within one hour and a half, baby girl was born perfect and healthy.
My Hospital Stay Was Amazing
The medical staff were very attentive and informative, especially the nurses. I could not have asked for a better team of ladies. They made me feel very safe and secure every step of the way.
There were about 3-4 nurses who were on rotation checking in on me and baby girl. Every couple of hours or so, we would get our vitals checked, or they would take her to have routine tests completed. After a while, I began to get to know more about the nurses. We’d talk about their babies and birthing experiences. We even discussed their journey to becoming nurses. I began to trust them more and truly connected with them.
Bringing Baby Home
After about 3-4 days in the hospital, I was released. I was really ready to leave by then. I was excited to be home and finally make use of all the baby things. The ride home was so special. I remember thinking about how I’d remember it forever. Her little self in her car seat sleeping as the night sky shined into the car. I was thankful!
We got home… settled in… and then it hit me! There was no more relying on nurses and other medical professionals as I did before. They would no longer ensure me that my baby was doing fine. It went from day and night vital checks, lactation consultants, etc., to nothing at all. The feeling of being worrisome overwhelmed me.
This crib was the only crib I ever wanted. So timeless.
The first night was the roughest. I think I stood over her bassinet for about thirty minutes just staring at her. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I kept thinking about falling asleep and something happening to her.
I continued to have sleep anxiety for the first few days of having her home. Barely sleeping, I would wake up to check to see if she was breathing.
Chair is from Pottery Barn Kids. It was on backorder for about a month. Worth the wait.
Time Granted Me Peace
As the days went on, things became more manageable. I wasn’t as on edge. Too, baby girl was definitely waking up for her nighttime feedings. That gave me confidence that she was okay.
Being able to bring her home from the hospital was a true blessing. I know some moms have to wait weeks or months before their little ones go home. I’d constantly remind myself of that. I also trusted that God would not bring me this far into my motherhood journey to just take it away.
We use this changing table everyday now!
With the help of close ones, every week got better. My confidence continued to grow. I continued to push positive thoughts into my brain and told myself to live in the moment.
I would read stories about how fast it all goes by. And till this day, I’ll be out with baby girl and moms whose kids are older will tell me to cherish these moments, they go by fast. I hear it often!
I almost didn’t buy this clothing hamper. Glad I did!!!
I just want to say to the mom who may be experiencing something similar, you got this! It does get easier.