Day 12 - "Is my baby healthy?"

Carmen Fourie
4 days ago
3 min read

"Is my baby okay?", "Is my baby healthy?", "Is this XYZ normal?" - the worry I think most moms can relate to?

Especially in these early days. When they are so so tiny. They can't tell us if something hurts. We are on high alert to detect any symptoms and to watch for signs of healthy growth.

Until today I was so grateful to see consistent and constant feedback that our little man is going great. Back to birth weight quickly. Lots of poops and pees. Feeding well. Looking alert.

But then last night he seemed to be congested. This has continued today and as you can image - I worry.

A sleeping baby in blue pajamas with "Sleeping is an art" text, lies on a fluffy white blanket, exuding a peaceful mood.

Sadly, my other sweet baby (Elba - not really a baby - almost 3) also went from being healthy and well to having a cough and snot...

I don't have much experience with sick kiddos - I am so thankful that Elba was not sick as a baby. She has never had anything other than a mild cold, and she only got that much later (she was 9 months old the first time she had a minor cold that lasted 2 days).

Given my lack of experience, but also just.. it is scary to have our kids experience anything I am grateful that I have a postpartum visit scheduled for tomorrow from the postpartum care company Vivara - where two registered nurses will be coming to do a session in our home.

*It is a collab session, but I feel relieved knowing that two nurses will be able to have a look at our little man in our home, and that I can ask them some questions about it.

Check out Vivara Instagram here to see more about Jen & Celeste who will be coming to do our home session.

Anxiety vs Mom Concerns

I am sure you're tired of me saying it by now - but PP is a very sensitive time for moms. There are several things that leave us at risk to have postpartum anxiety or depression. With Elba I definitely had an abnormally high level of anxiety.

It could have been for many reasons, and it is probably a combination of factors - but my theory is that it was first time mom + the Pitocin injection after Elba was born (and after placenta) that I was too tired to say no to + being in a new country with no in person community + I wasn't as healthy as I am this time due to us moving countries half way through my pregnancy with Elba).

This time I can honestly say I feel so grounded. I don't have that unnatural anxiety. My concerns and my worries are proportionate to my experience. I say this because in this sensitive time it is important to determine if we are experiencing disproportionate emotions related to our current experience.

This is something I will continue to be mindful of - and journal (I keep a daily freehand journal of my and Baby M's symptoms and experiences).

For now - I am a little concerned about such a little body having congestion.

Other things

Hand holding a glass with liquid and a metal straw, next to a wooden box of vitamin bottles. Soft, cozy setting with a pink cushion.

I went downstairs for breakfast & dinner.
For the first time is since birth (so 12 days) I poured my own juice and made my own coffee (partially - I just poured it). How amazing to have gone nearly 2 weeks where I didn't do a single thing in the kitchen?
Had some family chats via video call (we do this often when we are home in winter)
My bleeding picked up - urg.
Hemorrhoids way less painful, but my digestion is slow and not by any means regular which is not good and I will see what I can do to support that.
I am back to lots of reading - I enjoy reading nonfiction books that I believe are life enriching.

I am currently still reading Aware Baby.

Open book showing page 131, Chapter 5: Play. Text with sentences highlighted in yellow. Background shows a blurred room with furniture.

Support

People won't always know what feels supportive for you - so tell them.

Stacked towels and clothes by a white bathtub in a bathroom with tiled floors and a textured mat, creating a tidy, cozy atmosphere.

I didn't tell Ian about this before the time, but it definitely felt supportive when I said I wanted to bath and he laid out towels and my PJs for me next to the bath when doing the laundry (which he has done in addition to food every single day).