Introduce yourself and your daughter:
R: My name is Ruth Butah and I live in London, England. I’m a working mum, currently at home on maternity leave with my new born baby daughter. Her name is Fafa Naomi and she is eight weeks old and counting
How would you describe Baby Fafa?
R: Fafa Naomi is a super chill baby. She loves to be hugged, loves her skin-to-skin contact and absolutely HATES having her nappy changed and being bathed…lol
What is your birth story?
R: Well my birth story is a little traumatic. Fafa Naomi was actually due to be born in June, but due to my very weak kidneys I was advised by my doctor to deliver her six weeks prior to her expected delivery due date. This meant I could not continue to follow my plan for a naturel birth, and was given an elective c-section.
The procedure itself was very straight forward. I was given gas and air and an epidural. The operation itself was fine. But the recovery was a complete killer! You’re completely numb from the breast down, so I was not able to hold my little girl post delivery. Plus I was given a whole host of pain relief and anti inflammatory drugs. I was constipated, sore from the stitches, weak in the muscles, the skin on my face broke out..uugghh i was a walking disaster…..
Do you breastfeed?
R: I totally breastfeed Fafa Naomi and also express the milk into bottles for when I’m tired of her being on my breasts. But I also feed her formula for the days when I’m not producing enough milk due to lack of sleep and dehydration. I love breastfeeding Fafa Naomi as it bonds us in ways I believe God intended.
How do you balance breastfeeding and managing your home?
R: I’m still establishing a breastfeeding routine. When possible I try to plan ahead and express breast milk into bottles early evening and very early in the morning. I then make bottles of formula milk as a back up. Because breast milk digests so quickly, she gets through it very fast. In the late evenings I put her on the breast for comfort as well as feeding to get her to sleep.
What is your biggest parenting challenge right now?
R: My biggest parenting challenge is feeding Fafa Naomi during the early hours of the morning when I have no sense of self, time and awareness and she is requiring all my attention. Her daddy helps out also but the onus is definitely on me as she smells the milk on me and needs me to comfort her. I’m definitely finding the fact I can no longer just sleep all night a challenge.
How do you determine that Fafa is thriving?
R: By her weight gain and her alertness to her new surroundings.
How do you carve out time for yourself?
R: This is still a work in progress. I try to wash, eat and catch a nap when she sleeps, and I continue my household chores whenever she lays down.
How does your partner contribute to child-rearing?
R: He helps out with her feeding, nappy changing, etc as he completely adores her.
Who is your child-rearing support group?
R: My mother and aunts are our support group, offering traditional African tips on child care, cooking food for us, and looking after her where possoble.
What advice would you give to a new mom?
R: Take each day as it comes and don’t put pressure on yourself to be this ‘super woman’. You and your baby will find your feet at your own pace.