OMG Seriously?

[lilmama41078]

ok, so I'm watching Bringing Home Baby on TLC, and I'm wondering why it is that these people always need 5 family members and a freakin' doula to move in with them when they have a baby! They've got people cooking for them and doing their laundry, sterilizing the bottles and holding the baby. And it's not just this couple, I see it all the time on these shows. I didn't need all that help when Ian was born, actually I probably would've gone crazy with all those people around. We managed to cook and clean and take care of our child all on our own, which is more than I can say right now! I think a two year old is way harder than a newborn! And I'm not knocking anyone who did, but I had no problems breastfeeding. I am amazed at how many of these couples end up with a lactation consultant in their home. Maybe Ian wasjust hungry enough that he figured it out, or maybe I just didn't worry about it, so it came easily. I just don't get it. I hope, for my own sake, that Emma ends up being as easy as Ian was. I may end up kicking myself in eleven weeks when I'm begging for 5 family members, a doula and a lactation consultant!

[keirasmommy425]

Sep. 24, 2008 at 12:04 PM

man I was going to ask to be your doula!!! HAHA

guess thats a no!

[doulala]

Sep. 28, 2008 at 3:22 AM

I had no help and never wanted a ANY.  But as a doula myself, I understand the tradition of having a lot of postpartum help.  It's common to have this in the past and now (in other cultures).  Us Westerners scoff at help, maybe, but it's normal to have it.  I kinda wish I'd been less arrogant, LOL!   i should have accepted the offers.  Too late now, hehe.

[lilmama41078]

Sep. 28, 2008 at 9:58 AM That's the thing- we didn't get offers! Our familes were very considerate about asking when they could come visit (everyone is here in town), and my friend drove me to get more nursing shirts & stuff the day after we came home, but nobody offered to stay the night & get up with him so we could rest. That's what these people had! I was bf'ing so that wouldn't have worked anyway, but seriously. And I wouldn't have scoffed at offers of help, but I never would've thought to ask for stuff like that. I'm thinking when Emma comes in a couple months, I'm definitely going to want help, but I still can't imagine asking for anything more than someone to watch Ian for a couple hours or to stop at the store on the way over. I guess I'll have to try & think of something really good to ask for!

(Original Poster)

[carwells]

Sep. 29, 2008 at 3:30 PM

I totally agree with you excepically when I came home with just Carol.  I will let you know though I asked my best friend if she would be able to spend a couple of days at our house after Emily was born and she said sure.  It was a great help.  Mainly we sat around talked and she played with Carol a lot but just having an extra pair of hands around while you are getting used to taking care of two little ones was a huge help.  I had problems breastfeeding with Carol and was kinda nervous about the same with Emily but things are going so much better b'fding with Emily.  I don't know if you have anyone like that that you would want to come over but I will say it was a God send.  Also something to ask if you are looking for something is just some meals.  The ladies at the church got together and brought over some frozen cassaroles, meals etc.  it has been nice not having to think of something to cook and husband is loving taking care of meals for me he feel like he is doing something since he can't help with the feeding right now.  Hope you have a great time with your delivery and remember I will do something just ask if you think of a need somewhere.  See you at playdate soon.