5 am Wake-up Calls......

Do not presume from the title that I've purchased one of those digital, hi-tech radio alarms, I haven't. Neither am I in a hotel where I've requested for a wake-up call from the Reception. On the contrary, what I have invested in, is something much more long term. It requires no battery changes or any maintenance costs.  

Still guessing? It’s my daily 5am feeding wake-up call. I've always been a late riser all my life. I love my sleep. I want my sleep. This is not what I bargained for in the process of having a baby. But there's not much I can do about it. My day has begun. 

The nurse brings her in, bundled and already crying out loud for her early morning breakfast. She is handed over to me and under the nurse's strict instructions; I start my very first feeding session for my darling daughter. Both of us are novices at the job, or that's what I think. It's a trial and error method, until you strike the right balance. 

Honestly, I am pretty scared; but she's not. Many things running through my mind; which, by the way, is still not functioning with precise clarity. I don't want to choke her or over feed her. Yes! I know about these issues, because I have read tons of stuff on the internet. 

Blurry-eyed, I stare at her in awe. She's more confident at it than I am. She knows exactly what do. Who’s taught her these skills? Maybe God! Or maybe it’s just something purely in-born. And I swear by God, is she quick at it! 10 minutes and she's done. I talk to her, coochie-coo her, and she looks up at me and smiles. "I'm done for now Mummy. But I promise to be back in two hours". Cheeky monkey, isn't she?

Indication! Burp time! Now that's a real difficult job. Again, the nurse gives me another list of strict instructions and this time a demo is included in the package too. I look at my mum, who, by the way, has graciously accepted to be my night time companion at the hospital. My dear mum gives me a reassuring nod. I understand that it's time to take this important step forward. And I do!

Not very good at it the first time, but I'm sure I will get better at it. My idea of perfect execution will not work every time. Each day is a new learning curve for my baby and me. We are just getting to know each in the real world. 

Suddenly I hear, "Buurrrrrrrrrrrrrrppppp." And time stands still.

The Beginning is Always Difficult!

Motherhood.... a strange world for those who've not experienced it yet... and even more strange for those who have. Yes! I am talking about all those who have become new mums and I am one of those lucky ones. Even with all the tons of advice that you're literally drenched with, throughout the nine months of the pregnancy period, it really does not prepare you for what you actually go through when the baby comes.

A 24/7, full time job! And you think you can juggle it all? Don't fantasize about being a super-woman, 'cuz really, you are not. And this is not a joke. I mean with most of us having C-Sections, I honestly would just want to lie down, be lazy and think about "ME". But does that happen? Of course not! Why so? Because everyone is so excited about the new baby that mostly they tend to forget about whose actually carried and brought that little angel (that's because I have a daughter) of yours, into this world. Teeny weeny bit jealous, aren't we? I am being honest, truly!

By the way, this is still the hospital phase. I haven't even managed to get home yet. Please don't be hasty to assume that I am suffering from Postpartum Depression. Definitely nothing as serious as that. But hey! Shouldn't everyone be giving me some importance too? I mean come on, I've delivered a baby for god's sake, and shouldn’t I receive some sort of appreciation for that. But its not meant to work that way. The sooner you realize that, the quicker you will come to terms with this new phase in your life.

And that's when I realized that the battle for me had begun. Not for ATTENTION! Or maybe a little bit of that too. It was all about my baby. I've solely been responsible for bringing her in my life (with the help of the gynecologist... and the pediatrician and the rest of the medical team) and that left me with no room to crib or complain. A sudden revelation.... I AM A MUM! And it is for real... a lifetime commitment. 

I've been granted a Lifetime Membership to the Mums Club. Its benefits:

Free Membership with No Subscription Fees

Sleepless Nights 

Rushed Showers 

Leaving Meals Half-eaten

No Make-up Looks

However much I claim, I wasn't prepared for this change. It's hard, it's difficult and you cannot undo anything that you'd want to change. But... there is this voice in my heart that says... I am not going to fail!

And the heart never lies.