WHAT I LEARNED MONTH-TO-MONTH W/HELLO RIVER

We were discharged and heading home! At 47 years old, I was embracing motherhood for the first time, thanks to one successful IVF cycle and a scheduled cesarean birth at 37 weeks. It was an incredibly beautiful journey, one I don't take lightly, knowing the yearning so many women have for motherhood and the setbacks they face. Every day, I gaze at Hello River, and it's as if she's a miracle I birthed into existence. I'm humbled by it all, and words can't quite capture the depth of my gratitude. Hello River weighed just five pounds and six ounces at birth. The moment she latched onto my chest, I knew our breastfeeding journey was about to begin. She's always been a cuddler and a great communicator, letting me know her needs - wet, poopy, hungry, sleepy, or just wanting her mama. The ride home was a mix of pain and excitement, wondering how our first night would unfold. "Welcome Baby Girl" balloons and a stunning flower arrangement from my parents greeted us. It felt so good to be home. I had read countless books and felt prepared, but reality hit hard. Those first nights were filled with pain, figuring out breastfeeding positions, and awkward bathroom trips. I vividly recall waking up every two hours to feed, all while pondering my decision to have a National Geographic/New York Times photographer come on day two (that's a story for another day!). And then, there's her name - Hello River. Unique, yes, but it's also a name that ensures she'll always be acknowledged wherever she goes because "Hello" is universal. The name "River" holds a special place, a tribute to my cousin's stillborn son, a name shared with love. So, join us on this journey of growth and discovery with Hello River and me - her mama! Parenthood is a wild ride, and we're here for every beautiful, messy moment.

When Hello River turned one month old, I still couldn't help but stare at her for hours, feeling every bit like a proud mama. Our days were filled with breastfeeding and pumping, all while squeezing in some much-needed rest during her naps. Before her arrival, I had meal prepped like a champ, ensuring my mom only needed to reheat our meals. I also loaded up on foods that not only boosted milk production but aided in my healing and energy. Veggies, salmon, lentils, oatmeal, nuts, lemon-ginger tea, nut milk, bone broth, and gallons of water became my best friends.   However, we faced pediatrician appointments with those notorious "weight checks" because Hello River wasn't gaining as quickly as expected. Although my milk was flowing, her latch was challenged by her tongue-tie. So, we ventured into pumping and bottle feeds while she made her gradual progress. Every two hours, it was feeding time, followed by pumping every two and a half hours, even throughout the night. The first month is a beautiful blur, and I was determined not to miss capturing every moment of my precious Hello River's first chapter! 

Hello River turned two months old, and each day with her was an ever-unfolding treasure. While we settled into routines, a new challenge emerged - her tongue-tie and lip-tie issues, scientifically referred to as ankyloglossia and labial frenulum. It was a hurdle we faced with determination and an abundance of love. After thorough research and two consultations, I decided on infant frenectomies, a seemingly simple yet nerve-wracking three-minute procedure aimed to remove those ties. My heart raced with anxiety, hoping fervently that this was the best choice for my precious daughter. For any parents or caregivers facing similar decisions, I recommend checking out tonguetiecenteratl.com. They provide excellent resources and information about tongue and lip ties, helping you make informed choices for your little one's well-being. Our journey continued, filled with milestones, procedure healing, weight gains, relearning latching, and endless love. Throughout it all, Hello River's heartwarming smile lit up my days, making every step of this breastfeeding journey truly worthwhile. And yes, we were still navigating those weight checks, all while prioritizing her well-being and bonding in isolation (we still had not welcomed visitors). It was a unique time for us, and it only deepened our connection.

Hello River has turned three months old, and with each passing day, I uncovered new layers of her resilience, leaving me in absolute awe. Together, we've journeyed through this remarkable breastfeeding quest, soaking in every incredible, difficult, and special moment. Breastfeeding has been our shared crusade, and Hello River's weight gain, her growing attentiveness, and those heartwarming smiles have been our rewards. Notably, my doula, who was initially hired to support my birth journey, turned out to be an incredible pillar of strength during my postpartum period. She was 100% focused on both of us and astute enough to make valuable suggestions. Her recommendation led me to an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who became our guiding star in this breastfeeding voyage. With unwavering support, she championed us, offering resources, teaching us techniques, and crafting feeding plans that ensured both comfort and nourishment. As we adjusted to our "new normal," emerging from the fog of those initial weeks, my heart longed for the joy of family and friends' visits. Hello River's first set of vaccinations was on the horizon, promising reconnections and cherished moments. But what truly fueled my soul was the abundance of kisses and cuddles from my baby girl. They say love knows no bounds, and with each day, I was reminded that it's an endless wellspring. Hello River's presence in my life is a gift beyond measure.

Hello River is now four months old, and this period has been marked by her steady weight gain and thriving, making her my little champion. I've come to understand the truth behind the saying, "It takes a village to raise a parent," a sentiment shared with me by another new mom. One of the significant milestones of this month was her ear-piercing adventure. We discovered a charming ear-piercing shop, operated by certified nurses, which greatly eased my mind about sanitation and expertise. They offered a delightful array of earring options available for purchase right there, simplifying the experience. I must confess, I was a bundle of nerves, sweating, and breathing heavily as we entered the shop. Thankfully, my dad was there to capture the day because I couldn't bring myself to. Hello River, on the other hand, displayed remarkable bravery. Tears welled up at the initial shock, but I had a plan in place. I nursed her immediately after, providing comfort and soothing any discomfort. In the end, it was just another day in our lives, with my baby girl shining as brightly as her diamonds.

Hello River has reached the wonderful age of five months, and it's a milestone not just for her but for me as well. These months have been a whirlwind of discoveries, both about her development and about the importance of self-care. At five months, little ones like Hello River usually exhibit some exciting milestones. They might be rolling over, babbling with enthusiasm, and displaying more significant head control. I used high-color/contrast books and mats, as well as a baby-safe mirror during tummy time. Hello River’s favorite book still reigns champ, “Taste the Fruit” by Lizzy Doyle. The book is the original indestructibles, it is chew-proof, rip-proof, nontoxic, and 100% washable. But amidst these achievements, I've also discovered the importance of self-care. As moms, we're often seen as superheroes, capable of doing it all. However, we need to remember that even superheroes need help sometimes. Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. It's about recognizing that to take care of my little one, I need to take care of myself first. So, here's to celebrating Hello River's milestones and embracing the idea that, as moms, we're strong but not invincible. It's okay to ask for help and take time for ourselves. After all, it's in those moments of self-care that we recharge and find the energy to continue being the superheroes our children see in us. 

Hello River hit the incredible age of six months, and it was a time filled with exciting milestones and celebrations. At this age, little ones like her typically achieve significant developmental milestones, which are a source of both pride and amusement for parents. I must say, don’t compare your child’s development with others – your child is uniquely designed and will develop accordingly. Hello River started showing off their newfound skills, such as sitting up with support, babbling with more intention, and starting to explore the world of solid foods. In Hello River's case, we celebrated her half-birthday with much enthusiasm. Our little party was a blend of humor and joy. We introduced her to the world of solids with Organic Whole Grain Cereal (Oats, Spelt, and Barley Blend), mixed with her favorite drink of choice—breastmilk. She was all smiles as she ventured into this new culinary world. To make the day extra special, we invited all her stuffed animals and dolls to join the celebration, complete with adorable party hats. Since we don't yet know many infants or small children, Hello River's plush friends made for the perfect party guests. As I celebrate these milestones and moments, I also look forward to the chance to meet new moms and toddlers for playdates. Parenthood is all about shared experiences and making connections, and we can't wait to embark on this new chapter of social adventures. 

Every time I steal a glance in the rearview mirror, I'm greeted by the sight of my daughter, Hello River. It's a reflection filled with innocence, inquisitiveness, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around her even while sleeping ;). It's a sight that never fails to both warm my heart and bring a smile to my face. As a parent, I have one clear mission: to nurture her in a way that helps her make wise decisions, love herself and others unconditionally, and live her life to its fullest potential. It's a role I wholeheartedly embrace because I hope I'll always be there, standing by her side, and encouraging her dreams and aspirations. The game of peek-a-boo won't always be her favorite, but every time I look at her, it's more like "peek-a-boo, I see you." I see you, Hello River, and you've been my greatest teacher. Your presence in my life has not only brought immeasurable joy and love but has also shown me how to be the best version of myself. I love you more than words can ever express, my little bean. 

Hello River, has gracefully reached the age of seven months, and it's a time of enchanting milestones and pure joy. At this stage, she started to showcase remarkable progress in their development, making each day a marathon to catch up with her. By seven months, babies typically demonstrate newfound abilities, such as sitting up with confidence, exploring their surroundings with curiosity, and perhaps even showing signs of early mobility (crawling or pulling up). In Hello River's case, she's taken to sitting up and pulling up on her crib like a big girl - displaying a sense of independence and courage. One of her favorite activities these days is enjoying her very own splash pool. It's a reminder of how she's growing, exploring, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. As parents, these moments of discovery and growth are incredibly rewarding. They remind us that parenthood is a journey filled with love, laughter, worry, and cherished milestones. I eagerly await the adventures that each new month brings, knowing that Hello River is blossoming into a remarkable little person right before my eyes.

Hello River, has embraced eight months as a foodie, master of mischief, and mama’s sidekick. She is absolutely showcasing her determination and curiosity, leaving me in awe and, laughter at every turn. Her milestones are like little fireworks, one pop, two pop, and then there are so many I am using baby developmental APPs like Huckleberry and Kinedu to keep track! And since all babies are unique, our little ones will progress just as they should - no comparisons. Imagine our living room transformed into an obstacle course, all thanks to the fastest crawler in town – Hello River! She stands strong, surveying her world, and let’s just say my so-called "baby-proofed" house is her playground. Her knack for finding every nook and cranny keeps me on my toes, equal parts amazed and slightly frazzled. In the culinary department, we've become quite the team. Lentils and leeks, eggplant with chickpea pasta and tomatoes, plantains and kale, and her “sometimes” fav – kiwi or apricot popsicles. My baby meal-prep skills have definitely been put to the test, but it's all worth it when I see her little face light up with every bite.  Our daily routine has turned into a delightful comedy sketch. Seatbelt struggles, diaper change acrobatics, and sock-wiggling drama – Hello River has mastered the art of "helping" me with every task. Despite the chaos, her early sense of independence with a smile turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Motherhood, in all its messy and “joyful” sleep deprived-ness, has become my new normal (lol). Each day with Hello River brings new surprises and endless love. Here's to more safety-proofing, interactive learning tools, more culinary creations with my little explorer and thee, oh so needed ‘self-care’ time. 

Side-note: I received a Wonder Wise Activity Walker and one day the smallest part broke, and before Hello River could put the piece in her mouth, I caught her. Tip: periodically check or tighten the parts to toys and stuff’s as your baby matures as the toys naturally will wear and but should not tear. I contacted the company and they resolved the problem, so I feel ‘okay’ mentioning them in this post. Just saying!

In nine months, we've come so far. Breastfeeding's been our guiding star.

Challenges faced, together we've grown.

A stash of milk, who would have known?

Ravae, my doula, Nikki my IBCLS, Greeta, my therapist, and Auntie too, helped us conquer, and reach the skies. Thriving, healthy, my little dear, in every drop, my love is clear. To moms and babes, a cheer we send. No matter how, we all transcend, a toast to love, in every trace.

HAPPY nine-months my sweetest embrace.

                                                                 ~ Mama

P.S. If you want to connect with a Doula, International. Board Certified Lactation Specialist (IBCLS), or Therapist send me an email @contact@helloriiver.blog

Cradles the arms and creates a coo.

Life's first taste, breastmilk's bond, eternal grace.

Nature's pure nectar, nourishing love.

                                                     ~ Mama's Haiku

Check out Hello River's Playlist for her newest Sleep Song that keeps her in a dreamy space.