It’s hard to believe we already have a 1 month old! While it’s certainly gone fast, Dave and I agree that it also feels like Violet has been with us forever. While this first month has had its challenges, we are really enjoying every minute with our baby girl.
Growth
Violet was 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth and 6 pounds, 11 ounces when we left the hospital a few days later. Right around the 1 month mark she was coming in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces. She was born at 21.75 inches long but was closer to 21 inches long last we checked, most likely due to her head shape leveling out after birth. She was in newborn diapers and clothes all month long.
Eating
We started off exclusively breastfeeding but did supplement with a couple ounces of formula a few times in the night, when she would still act hungry and I didn’t have any milk for her. She weighed in low at her 3 week appointment, so we were directed to bottle feed only – pumped breast milk or formula, at least 2 ounces every 3 hours. We were able to return to breastfeeding pretty soon after since her weight ‘bounced back’ so quickly, but we’ve found that a combination of breastfeeding, pumped breastmilk and formula have worked well for us. She eats more than average – at least 3 ounces of formula or breastmilk if that’s all she’s getting for that feeding and sometimes 1-2 ounces of formula after breastfeeding, especially in the evening when my supply is lower.
Sleeping
This month of sleep has been sporadic. The first couple weeks she would hardly sleep in her crib or without being held, and we had to wake her every three hours to eat so it was hard to get her on a good rhythm. Now that we don’t have to wake her, she sleeps in 3-4 hour chunks at night. She’s usually up for an hour or so and then goes back down, but sometimes doesn’t want to go back in her crib. Putting a sleepy newborn in the crib and getting them to stay asleep is truly a magic ninja artform, but we are getting better and better at it!
Milestones and Development
- Recognizes mom, dad and our dog, Rico
- Lifts head for 10+ seconds
- Grabs at toys and her tummy time blanket
Loves
- Tummy time
- Walks in her stroller
- Being held
- Being outside
Hates
- Bathtime
- Diaper changes
- Changing outfits
Products we loved this month
- Sassy Floor Mirror – great for tummy time!
- Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Double Electric Breast Pump
- mamaRoo Infant Seat
- Graco SnugRider Elite Frame Stroller – our car seat snaps in and it’s super convenient.
- Baby Bling Bows – the only bow that comfortably fits Violet’s little newborn head!
What I wish I knew before this month…
Everyone talks about newborns like they are little snuggly blobs, but they actually can do so much interacting and are learning constantly. We are always playing, talking and singing with Violet when she’s awake and it’s a lot more fun than I thought it would be! That said, the first couple weeks with a newborn were probably more difficult than I’d imagined. I thought it would be easy to sleep when she slept but I found that hard to do. Here’s a list of things that are hard to do when you’re alone with a newborn that you might need to do when she’s sleeping: pumping, eating, going to the bathroom, refilling your water, making bottles, cleaning pump parts, taking the dog out, brushing your teeth. You get the idea.
What’s happening with mom…
Physically, taking care of a newborn while recovering from a long labor and C-section is no joke! I underestimated how sore and just generally not like myself I would feel the first 10 or so days while I recovered. I gained around 30 pounds in my pregnancy and now am about 15 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. My stomach still looks like a deflated balloon and I’m flabbier all over. Mentally, I’m learning to trust my intuition when it comes to Violet (after I’ve already taken some doctor’s advice that went against my intuition and am paying for it now). I’m also trying to be ok with not being able to get as much accomplished as I thought I could. My most important job right now is to bond with and care for Violet – I just need to keep reminding myself of that!
From Morgan to Mom 