Night Two: The one they don’t warn you about

First off, I don’t want to scare you but both Johnny and I agree that the second night in the hospital was the worst. Only because that’s when your baby is like “oh SH*T I’m no longer in this nice warm womb??? I absolutely hate this”.

So be warned now, there will be lots of crying, consoling, cluster feeding and just no sleep. This isn’t to scare you! I do feel as if you go into your experience with this in mind, you will feel more prepared. Now all that’s to say, this was our experience (and others I’ve spoken to) but everyone is different! Maybe your kid is going to still be chill. Who knows. All I know is, Johnny and I were like “oh dear. This is going to be interesting if it all continues this way”.

For us, there was no sleep. Because all Elliot wanted was to be held and fed. And if you are planning on breastfeeding, let me tell you, there’s no milk yet and the pain/weirdness of getting the hang of nursing alone will make you want to cover yourself up and say “please come again. We are closed”.

But really. Looking back, it wasn’t that bad. But remember, I was fresh out of labor. I now have this baby who’s about a day old. Crazy! They have found their voice. And they aren’t afraid to use it. The swaddles keep getting loose. Diapers and clothes are huge on them. Nothing is seeming to console them for very long. I’m starving. The pain from labor is creeping in. It’s all just very overwhelming.

Truly, I was so glad Elliot needed to go for his hearing exam overnight because it gave us a little break from him. Do I feel bad saying that? Sure. But I also know that we were overwhelmed and that hour he was getting his hearing checked allowed Johnny and I to nap and decompress. It allowed me to take him back and not be overwhelmed and doe-eyed. It’s just a LOT. But you can do this! You can do anything.

You are exactly what your baby needs in that immediate moment, even if it doesn’t seem like anything you are doing is working. Close your eyes and BREATHE.

Just think ahead…tomorrow you go home! You get to go back to your house. Your own bed. See your dog. All the things. And start your new life. This too will pass. The days will get better and then worse. It’s a nice little zig-zag of emotions but the highs outweigh the lows EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

If you are in the trenches of night two, you got this. If you’ve been through it, comment below to send some positive vibes to those who are going through it right now or will be soon!