Week 4, not 6

It turns out that I am 4 weeks pregnant, not six. This confusion is not due to my sleep deprivation. It turns out that breastfeeding can make cycles quite irregular and so, the pregnancy is now at an earlier stage than we thought.

Breastfeeding while pregnant

SOrry, what?

The first doctor’s appointment was last week, and I was surprised to find out that the pregnancy is still at about four weeks. It turns out that, because I am still breastfeeding, the cycles are irregular and it’s hard to tell when the last one started. Oh well.

We had an ultrasound, and you could already see the nest made for the baby and a flickering movement that eventually becomes a heart. It was moving. 

There was also some discussion about the Gestational Diabetes, which I had the first time around. I am tempted to skill the Glucose Test and just assume that I have it. The test takes a whole morning, it’s quite unhealthy, and the odds that I’ll have it again are very high. So, why not just assume that I have it back, take care of my diet and measure the sugar levels? The doctor is not convinced, but I haven’t given it up yet.

In the meantime, I’ve been getting more and more tired and always a bit nauseous. It’ a good reminder that I am, actually, pregnant. It is a slow process actually to realise it. Maybe because it happened so quickly – on the first month we “tried” – maybe because there’s my baby to take care of. Either way, it seems like it’s happening and it’s all exhilarating. 

Finally, the doctor suggested I stop breastfeeding, mentioning I’ll need all the energy I can get. Plus, the baby doesn’t need it anymore, at nine months. It was a bit hurtful to hear that. Breastfeeding has been a wonderful gift for my baby, and we both enjoy it. In my mind, I was hoping to continue until he’s at least one year old, as recommended by United Nations and La Leche League. It’s the golden content of the milk, the bonding we get out of it, and the safe space it provides him to process his feelings and his day. So, unless, something changes, I will continue to breastfeed him for a bit longer. 

My doctor is right, though, I do need all the energy I can get: between a low producing thyroid gland, low iron levels and a fantastic super active baby to take care of, there’s not an abundant supply of energy for the pregnancy. Thankfully my husband is the best and has been in helpful. But we have no family here to lean on for support, so my presence and caring is pretty much permanent. No complaints – taking care of my baby is wonderful and I’ve been loving it. It’s just extra important now to be smart about time and energy. Maybe we should consider finding a babysitter that we get to know and can call now and then. It would allow me an opportunity to sleep, go for a walk or make it more convenient to go to the doctor’s appointments. 

Something to think about. Having someone else caring for my baby is strange. Still, he is becoming more and more sociable and curious about people. Hence this could be an exciting way for him to get additional exposure. 

Let’s see. For now, it’s time to get us ready for a music session with other kids.