Babys First Year Blog
The Greatest Rewards and Frustrations
There is such an interesting dichotomy that comes with motherhood. It’s simultaneously frustrating and rewarding that Tate prefers me to pretty much everyone else.
I have worked and sacrificed so much for him, it’s gratifying that he values me enough to want to spend most of his time in my arms or snuggled to my breast. Despite the rewards, this is also where the problem lies. It’s difficult to get a lot done, heck, some days it’s difficult to get anything done. Even when there is a willing husband or helper, in the end Tate will want me.
I can always calm him down as long as my boobs are involved. We do a lot of comfort nursing around here, which works fine for us, until other people try to calm him or put him to sleep.
It isn’t that Tate is a clingy baby. In fact, compared to some babies, Tate is a regular social butterfly. He rarely cries when being passed on, and loves it when people play with him.
At the end of the day, Tate just wants his mom. And as frustrating as it can be, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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3 Comments
Elle commented on Feb 01 12 at 9:07 amI feel this way sometimes, too. Our sitter is able to get our little guy to nap by laying him down and patting him. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED FOR ME! He insists on being held. I know, I know, a lot of people would sleep train. But he actually sleeps really well, so we’ve decided it’s just not for us. I was kind of irritated for a while that she was able to get him to sleep so easily, but then I realized that it’s because he wants ME to hold him…he doesn’t care about her! And that feels really good!
Sara commented on Feb 01 12 at 9:42 amI agree with every single thing. We comfort-nurse even at 8 months old, and I love it. His other caregivers have other ways to get him to sleep, so it works fine. My son is also very adventurous and loves new people. I think that’s because of how I treat him. I feel when a baby’s needs are met by mom unconditionally, it makes them more confident and tolerant of new/unfamiliar people and situations.
Stefanie commented on Feb 01 12 at 7:24 pmFor the past two days, my husband has set my son down to grab something before he prepared him for a nap and he fell asleep on his own. I tried this, but nope, when I am home he wants me and only me to hold him to put him to bed.
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