Maternity Leave #2
February 11, 2019
Maternity leave is a strange time. I’m not a big fan of the early days. Skinny newborns are scary to handle, the weird noises they make while sleeping are concerning and disturbing, and the sleep deprivation is no joke. Even though I had a toddler to add to the mix this time, I found this leave more enjoyable. Though I was still tired (and irritable), I was calmer and more mentally clear.
Traditional Chinese customs suggest certain practices during the first 40 days after women give birth to help them heal and recover. While I didn’t follow these ideas precisely, I did embrace the philosophies. For the first 5+ weeks I rarely left the house. I didn’t drive. I showered on occasion. I didn’t really have visitors. Everything I ate was warm, cooked, and nourishing. Jason was home, and between help from my family and our nanny I found it an oddly enjoyable time, though still grueling and demanding. I was inspired by the ideas in The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, and recommend new moms read it during the 3rd trimester.
The second part of my leave started with panic: How will I get back to work? When will I study? When will I exercise? How am I really doing with breastfeeding? How will I ever fit back into my clothes?
My past experience of returning to ‘real life’ after my first maternity leave is comforting during times of doubt and concern.
The second part also came with longer stretches of sleep at night (hooray!) and a better understanding of our baby so I could read her cues. I was able to listen to recorded classes from the graduate mentorship program I’m enrolled in while nursing and introducing baby to walks in her stroller. I began doing yoga most nights after both kids were sleeping.
As I started venturing out of the house, I had a private yoga session with Alicia, lymphatic massages from Danielle, a relaxing and rejuvenating facial from Laura, and acupuncture with Njemile. Each of these women is very skilled and played a role in getting me back to feeling like me. I am extremely grateful for their time and care.
My baby is no longer skinny, and I’m more rested. It’s time to return to work. I get emotional thinking about it. I’m eager to return. I’m eager to keep learning. I’m sad to leave my baby, but grateful to be able to start part-time and know she is in good hands when I am away. While I’m still getting back into shape, I am starting to feel fit and strong again. I’m grateful for the time off. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
In good health,
Molly B. Shapiro L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. 