Just a short note to say that I am recovering very slowly. I am always tired. I have had a ceaseless headache since last Friday. I am often dizzy when I try to stand. It is likely just anemia, but I have no way to test it. And, with Paul's unpredictable schedule, I cannot make an appointment to see a doctor. I am taking all the supplements and vitamins that I took while pregnant. But, maybe they are not enough to support me and a nursing baby.
Paul is driving a UPS truck today. And, is likely to be driving far more often in the new year. UPS laid off 7 full-time drivers. And, in their place, they are using part-time drivers (like Paul). Good for Paul. Good for pay checks... not good for me at home trying to recover. I want to be stronger than I am. I want to be able to get up and cook meals, clean the house, etc... but I can't. A few ladies from the local homeschool association are bringing me meals for another few days. And, for that I am very grateful. Then... the real work begins.
In these hard days we are watching a lot more movies. We are reading a lot more books. Rebecca is reading to the little kids. And, I do not know what I would do without her! Praise God for teaching her to read at just the right time! (She read Meet Felicity this week, all by herself!!!)
Pray for me, in my extreme fatigue. Pray for Paul as he is working more hours than before - and very soon adding even more hours. We need a lot of prayers.
8 comments:
Praying.
Any chance you can get your hands on some liver? At this point even store bought is better then none.
Sadly, supplimental iron does not absorb well, nor does it do quite the same thing.
Also, make sure you are not consuming any dairy and supplimental calcium at the time you are ingesting the iron.
Especially processed dairy.
The calcium blocks the uptake and absorption of the iron.
Very exciting news about Rebecca's reading as well!
Paula
Praying in Uganda. A mama who understands. Love and hugs.
I know exactly how you feel, I was extremely anemic (sp?) after my 5th child. It takes a long time to feel "normal", I'm mean a looooong time. It's only been a week for you, and he is your 5th little babe, it just takes time. I would just get so disappointed in myself, thinking that I SHOULD be doing more. Yes, your body is under great stress, trying to keep up with it's own healing while making milk for your sweet Josiah. Best advice, is to park yourself on the sofa, with baby near by- that way your right in the thick of your home. Yes, have meals prepared that you or someone can easily warm for you and do include lots of iron ladenned protien items. Only get up when you need to and make it a big trip, like needing to use the restroom, go and refill drinks or get food all in one trip. Ignore the laundry, let the formal schooling slide. Your job is to sit on that sofa. You can even change him right there on the sofa, you'll be surprised at how much your children want to "help" you. I'm glad you were able to get a post up, you've been in my prayers and I was hoping for an update. I will continue to pray for you.
Ditto everything Kimberly said. But I know it is much easier for us to say it, then for you to do it. I will pray for you today Bethany.
Dear Bethany,
Please, please, please let the laundry and dishes and school work, go. If you can't call the church for help (which I recommend HIGHLY) please know that a healthy YOU and BABY are more important than those other things. I am border line anemic. After giving birth to my second daughter, I ended up being COMPLETELY incapacitated with a breast infection because I wanted to be able to be and do. Bethany, I nearly ended up in the hospital and Maggie (our eldest) had to be sent to a friend's house. I couldn't get out of bed AT ALL. What I would have given for someone to speak the truth to me like these dear ladies are speaking to you!!
Please try to have lots of spinach and eggs and liver. Nuts are a great (and very easy) source of protein - get the cheapest - they are all good for you! Oh, how I wish we lived closer!!
I agree that *if you can* let the kids help! God gave us each other - and what a blessing to be helpful and useful!! Rebecca will have great memories of this - my girls remember with great fondness when they were big enough to be *needed*!! :)
We will be praying! PLEASE take care of YOU!
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Annie
Praying for you sweet friend. I wanted to let you know that I started taking something called Floradix a couple of days ago. They took my blood at the doc but won't get the results back until next week. In the meantime I was feeling horrible. A friends midwife advised me to take the floradix. It's a liquid, plat-based iron+herbs. I feel like a new woman and it has only been 2 days! We got it at the healthfood store. Just thought I would mention this.
Love to you
RoseAnn
I'll be keeping you and your family and in prayer dear friend. I know you've heard this before, so I'll say it just one more time. Yes, REST...do not be to hard on yourself for not "getting anything done." Honestly the truth is we're the only ones who really care, no one else ever notices or cares what our house looks like. Take Care and prayers headed your way!!
Blessings
I agree, please take care of yourself! We're praying for you all on this end!
Love,
Krista
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