He completes our world

Despite the usual parenting hurdles they have faced, nothing beats the joy Doryce Sibilike and her hubby, Anthony, derive from watching their baby, Adrian Rio Kindly, reach his milestones. She shares with BabyLove…

Adrian was born on 8 September 2009 at 8.35pm weighing 3.7kg. It was a normal delivery though I had an episiotomy. When we got home the following day, reality dawned on me. Here I was alone with my husband and this little angel, who was under our care.

Booby issues

Immediately after delivery I had no milk. I placed the baby on the breast all night and day but nothing came out. The following night, I diluted a little milk with water. He drank some and calmed down. In the meantime, I was on a diet of ripe bananas, porridge and lots of Milo drink. In the morning he managed to suckle, but I was in pain because my nipples were sore. Feeding time was anguish for me, I almost cried out. I was relieved when it subsided after a week. By then I had so much milk I expressed and discarded some of it.

Night shifts

My husband is great! He was very supportive and did the chores as I recovered. For two weeks, we had this ‘night shift’ thing going. Adrian would wake up around 1am for a crying spree.

I’d give him gripe water then dad would lay him on his chest and he would calm down and sleep. That was the routine.
So I made a point of resting during the day when he slept most.
There was no complication while at home with Adrian. But the stump, where the umbilical cord was attached, gave me quite a scare. I cleaned it religiously with methylated spirit.

I breast-fed Adrian exclusively for three months. I supplemented that with formula thereafter while at work.When I introduced fruits and porridge at six months, he was a bit fussy. He would laugh, cry, smile—but with the mouth closed for even 30 minutes as long as it was feeding time. We had to be patient. But he now feeds well.

Favourites

Since we got baby, every moment is great. He’s very jovial, adventurous and playful. He’s a very determined baby and already showing signs of a go getter.

Thankful

I am ever so grateful to my boss who is very understanding. She assigned me morning shifts (8am-lpm) at first so that I could gracefully adjust. This saw me scamper for the house every 1pm. The only person I trusted the baby with was my husband. So he had to reschedule his working hours. At least he’s more flexible now that he is self employed.

Finding a reliable house help was quite a task. But thanks to my mother, who took it upon herself to get me one. January this year found me with a good girl who’s so much in love with baby. When I am away at work, I’m at peace knowing that Adrian is in good hands.

We have high hopes for our baby as he grows up. We hope that Adrian attains all milestones as stipulated; growing to be obedient, God-fearing and clever.

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