I've been keeping journals since I was in the 3rd grade and I'm so glad to share some of my most intimate life moments with you here!  Here, you'll find inspirational and encouraging stories of me and other broken people like me. We are all jars of clay who have been afflicted in every way, but not crushed...struck down by not destroyed.  Here, you do NOT have the right to remain silent, so as you read, grab your favorite snack and drink and leave a comment...share YOUR story. I can't wait to connect with you in this beautiful safe space. 

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xoxoxoxoxo,
Sachel 

SachelSamone Photography

February 4, 2017

IT JUST GOT REAL | NEW MOM SERIES

I feel like it’s been FOREVER since I’ve written a blog, but I have to admit…it felt amazing to take time off! Being a new mom is such an adventure. Over the past month, I’ve been pooped on, peed on and spit up on more times than I can count. There are days where I feel like I’m totally winning…and there are days where I feel like I’m failing. MISERABLY. It’s only been a month, but regardless of what the day brings, I learn something new:

Giving Birth

When I first decided to have a natural birth, I was VERY nervous. I mean, you hear nothing but horror stories about the pain and how an epidural will SAVE YOUR LIFE, so I wasn’t sure if I was actually going to be able to do it. I watched tons of videos of natural births (which I probably shouldn’t have done because I was SO not ready for what I saw), read books, had very encouraging conversations with a fellow pregnant mama, but once I was actually in the moment, none of that mattered.

The truth is, nothing and I mean NOTHING can fully prepare you for giving birth. Once those labor pains hit, all logical thinking goes out the window! Even with my labor playlist playing in the background, which was meant to keep me cool, calm and collected, I started screaming all kinds of things when I felt those back pains!! And even if you have a plan, you have to be flexible. There are so many things that can happen that may cause you to deviate from your plan and if that does happen, it’s totally okay. At that point, it’s not about what’s best for you, it’s about what’s best for your baby and a safe delivery. I’m really glad I chose to deliver him naturally. It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would and after it was all said and done, I felt really empowered. And the pain I did feel was totally worth it once I heard his cry and held him for the first time. I learned that everyone’s delivery experience is different and what may work for others, may not work for you. Now would I deliver naturally again? Well….we’ll cross that bridge when I get there. 🙂

Sleep? What’s that?

You know how all parents warn you that you get NO sleep with a newborn? Yea….they’re TOTALLY not lying. When I was pregnant, I could sleep 10-13 hours a day easy. When we brought J’Aiden home for the first time, if we got 30 minutes of uninterrupted sleep, we were WINNING. Between the constant diaper changes and late night feedings, getting adjusted to this new normal is definitely taking some getting used to. Now we’re getting, wait for it….3 hours of sleep at a time, so it’s definitely getting better, but I have to say…I’ve never appreciated sleep more than I do right now.

NEW MOM SERIES | SACHEL SAMONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Breastfeeding is NOT easy

Before I started breastfeeding, I always assumed that all you had to do was put the boob in the child’s mouth and everything else would fall into place. MAN was I wrong. There is a true art to this thing! Making sure he has the proper latch, dealing with plugged milk ducts, engorgement, wondering if I’m producing enough milk…whew. Y’all…I’m telling you: breastfeeding is TOUGH and it takes a LOT of work.

Thank goodness for Ms. Regina, my lactation consultant! She has been a GODSEND! On top of learning that it’s necessary for me to keep taking my prenatal vitamins, that I need an extra 300-500 extra calories a day and that stress can actually affect my milk flow, she has taught me so much. She reassures me that I’m not the first woman to deal with these challenges and I won’t be the last.

I’ve also learned that “pumping and dumping” is actually a waste of milk! Anyone who knows me knows I love a good glass of cabernet, but I’ve been worried about actually drinking since I breastfeed. But I learned that an occasional glass of wine actually will not harm our sweet boy! Though I don’t think I’ll be going out and buying bottles upon bottles of wine, it is nice to know that Ethan and I can share a glass from time to time.

Worry is my Middle Name

Is he too hot? Is he too cold? He’s congested and is breathing funny? Should we take him to the doctor? Since this little guy has come, especially since he came early, I find myself worrying about everything! Even though it’s natural to worry about everything, I’m learning to relax and not stress out over every little thing. It’s definitely easier said than done, but…baby steps.

NEW MOM SERIES | SACHEL SAMONE PHOTOGRAPHY

This entire new chapter in my life is such an exciting one. Even though there are a LOT of changes happening at once, this little face makes it all worth it. He’s my inspiration to to be better wife, business owner and overall woman. Sure there are going to be times where I freak out and stress a little (read a LOT), but I’m learning to give myself a lot of grace. All of this is so new and it’s ok that I don’t have an answer for everything. What matters is that Ethan and I are conquering this together and I honestly can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!


NEW MOM SERIES | SACHEL SAMONE PHOTOGRAPHYSachel Samone Photography | Alaska Glamour and Elopement Photographer | www.sachelsamone.com

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