24 HOURS with my 1 week old newborn 🍼 *FIRST TIME MOM* adjusting to this new life!

[@hyrumescueta]

I’m a 21-year-old guy, and watching your vlogs has given me something to look forward to when thinking about finding a lifetime partner. Thank you for being such an inspiration!

[@bearpuns_]

My daughter just turned one. From the pumping, the Frida Mom briefs, contact naps, tummy time… it’s so crazy to watch someone going through all the same postpartum things I was going through just a year ago and now I have a toddler! 😭 He is precious, Rachel, congrats! 🥰

[@Han.Dunigan]

My biggest tip is to get out of the house! I’m a 4x c-section mom of 5 with 8 month old twins. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s staying in the house heightens my PPA so much! Especially if you’re experiencing the dreaded sundown scaries, get out and run to Target, go on a walk, go through a drive thru to get a treat, shoot even sitting outside for a moment! It helps get you out of that feeling like you’re trapped at home where all of your worries are lying.

[@fliegmar]

8months mom of 3here and this is so true!

[@melanieh1615]

the sundown scaries are so real for the first few weeks.

[@samperry16]

Don’t give up with breastfeeding! It took me 2 weeks and a couple days of exclusively pumping to heal my nipples and 6 weeks later we are both learning to feed with a strong let down, very hard but the bond is so rewarding, congratulations from a first time mom to another!

[@isabelgriffin5227]

Coffee run

[@af598]

GIRL HIS NECK!!!

[@jamilettfrias]

omg ikkkr, i kept looking at him in concern lol

[@HeavyInYourArms12]

Rachel as a new mom ( i have a six months old baby boy) the best thing that i did was to follow my instinct. Nobody knows your baby better than you. The first month i was so lost and asked everyone for advice , reading books and posts on Instagram. I trusted everyone except for myself. Now that i trust myself my baby and i are both happier and we are thriving! You got this! As for back pain mine just got better with time. ❤❤

[@jasminelourdes__]

This is SUCH good advice!!! I have a 3 month old and completely agree with this.

[@HeavyInYourArms12]

@jasminelourdes__ thank you! I give this advice to all my friends that are new mothers. I learned the hard way and i want to help other moms to feel better and more confident!! 💟💟

[@brooklin_bernek]

Momma of 5 and this is the best advice I’ve ever heard anyone give a new mama!!!❤❤❤

[@belovedinjesuschrist]

❤❤❤

[@RoseEvelynH]

For this video and all future baby content - Ignore all the people in the comments who think they are experts or who talk down to you. He’s your baby and you know what you’re doing and if you don’t, just listen to your pediatrician and not mom shamers on the internet. You got this! ❤

[@samanthajohbstone6470]

@@RoseEvelynH there’s a very big difference between “mom shaming” which I haven’t seen and people who are also mothers trying to share tips and advice, as mothers have ALWAYS done, not one comment has tried to shame her. People showing concern for a newborns neck isn’t shaming it’s showing motherly concern and trying to help a new mom out. Not everything has to be negative you know.

[@Tommie_Don]

Best comment !!

[@Tommie_Don]

⁠@@samanthajohbstone6470People are trying to TELL her how to raise and care for her child. It is not coming from a good place and most importantly, it’s NOT their concern.

[@allisong3736]

@@Tommie_Don people are concerned with the lack of head support. No ones telling her how to raise her child

[@Tommie_Don]

@ that’s EXACTLY what that is lol. WHERE was she even not supporting his head??? She held his head the ENTIRE video. What, is it the time he picked his OWN head up & supported himself? I can’t even see what the “concern” is stemming from 😂 Ya’ll just miserable!!

[@itumelengshuping2401]

Being a mom suits you Rachel ❤. Watching how you suffered to get to where you are, it's amazing seeing you so happy. And big ups to AJ, he is so supportive. Your son is blessed to have you both as his partner. May God keep you and bless you all the days of your life.❤ I love you guys so much.

[@melanieh1615]

You're doing great, Rachel! Some advice on the breastfeeding that someone once told me: never quit on a bad day, you may regret that decision on a good day. Also lactation specialists saved my breastfeeding journey with my last baby. If you can make an appointment with one, it may help! Also breastfeeding usually gets easier after the first 6-8 weeks. No advice on the post-partum insomnia. I started having kids 7 years ago and I still don't sleep through the night. Hang in there :)

[@darielis22]

Rachel I just want to thank you for this video , I will be a 21 year old mom in may 2025 . And as excited as I am I’m also very very scared 😢 so thank you for showing how true and raw it actually is so I can mentally prepare haha , you’re doing great mama and congratulations!!

[@Naive76]

He’s an absolute blend of you both. Love the creation of our Lord🤍

[@cassidypeterson6656]

Don’t give up breastfeeding!! You’ve got this Rachel! ❤ It’s so convenient and gets so much better. I would recommend going with the flow of your baby. Routines are kinda impossible so early on and can be frustrating when they don’t follow the routine. I know it seems impossible but you will adjust to not having a full nights rest and you’ll loook back one day and miss all of this.

[@tbsp]

This was such an amazing video to watch - I have a 3 week old (first time mum) and our experiences are SO SIMILAR! (Failed induction, emergency c section, trouble latching, I’m crying and exhausted from not enough sleep, too wired to sleep, trying to breastfeed but both getting frustrated so doing loads of pumping, not knowing if they should be sleeping or awake or playing etc…) it’s so comforting to see someone else go through the same experience. I’m also not giving up on breastfeeding but oh my goodness it’s a mental battle. Hopefully when they get a little older with a bigger mouth they can latch better (that’s what my lactation consultant said, and I’m clinging onto hope haha!) you’re doing amazingly, keep it up mumma. Thanks for sharing your experience - it has made me feel way less isolated ❤

[@julianafoulkes6817]

My son wouldn’t latch either. It seemed like we both just got frustrated I had a lot of people tell me not to “give up” and it made me feel so guilty. If pumping is less stress on you mentally or even formula feeding then girl do that! A fed baby is what matters! ❤

[@Greeneyesengage]

Awe please don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you are missing out on anything! If Your baby has a full belly…. You are doing amazing! A fed baby is best!!!!! Those who push anything or make you feel guilty about anything, did not have the same experiences you did.

[@allisong3736]

When I had postpartum insomnia I would literally count in my head from 1-5 over and over with the rhythm of my breath and that would help me stop focusing on other things and I would fall asleep

[@kriszhamarquez1318]

Baby Jessie is here. You're such a great mom. I feel so honoured seeing you grown so much, I'm excited for future vlogs. May God bless you and your family ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@isabel2589]

Quick tip / advice, if I may, from personal experience with my little girl. Try to constantly change the placement of the mirror and the cards, from his left to his right, don't always place them on his left. My baby developed a preference for the left side and we had to do kineto therapy (I don't know the US name for it, it's basically a trainer that helps the baby stretch and correctly move his body).

[@1993RAC]

I am 3 months postpartum and have struggle/am struggling with postpartum insomnia and PPA. When I wake up in the night to feed I use a red light as a nightlight because it doesn’t disrupt your sleep cycle. I also try to stay off my phone because I know that disrupts my sleep too. I’ve been drinking chamomile tea before bed which seems to help some and also using lavender essential oil. It’s so hard when you’re exhausted, but you just feel so wired for some reason! Hope it gets better for you soon!

[@MrJustCallMeMclovin]

Magnesium glycinate helped me so much get good rest. And I'm taking it now being pregnant for a second time. It doesn't help you fall asleep but make you feel rested with the little sleep you do get. Hope it helps! Also getting outside even for a 20 min walk helped me too

[@lovelifelaugh2727]

Me too and took it before pregnancy- after getting off of a sleeping pill I was on for years god sent

[@madisynwestphal]

Just had baby #2 on the 1st! I know from having my first that following a sample schedule can be helpful while you are learning and getting into a rhythm, but take it with a grain of salt and don’t get too hung up on it. The #1 thing I’m doing differently this time around is just following baby’s cues. Every time I tried to stick to a schedule with my first baby it caused so much extra stress and anxiety. You’re delivery and postpartum experience are so similar to what I had with my first, hang in there mama it gets easier I promise ❤

[@Han.Dunigan]

Also, can’t recommend the football hold enough for tiny babies who struggle latching! It’s hard for them to get a good latch when you’re holding them in a cradling position. It helps so much! You’re going amazing 🙌🏼

[@allisong3736]

Yes!! I still football Hold my 8 month old when I nurse him in bed!!!

[@jenniferfulford5257]

I started with the football hold and then later as we both got used to things she was able to do cradle!

[@aerosmithgirl13]

also side laying nursing!! Which I tried that more in the beginning, especially if you have a fast let down that overwhelms your babe :)

[@Dugg124]

Reminder that pumping IS breastfeeding! Nursing can be challenging, but it can get easier - never give up on a hard day! Also, in case you dont already know, be cautious about too much LMNT, it has decent lead levels!

[@Urgirl_lex123]

You guys are lovely!! You are doing awesome... giving us these updates give me so much hope. I'm currently 17+1 and high risk pregnancy. I always need these doses of positivity

[@BrendaDon]

Congratulations! The lack of neck support makes me anxious 😂😂

[@mhayasondlo8560]

me too it is too much

[@VelezBiH]

Here to say the same 😊

[@samanthajohbstone6470]

@@BrendaDon I agree

[@warmbreeze43]

Same

[@cc82JesusisKing]

Omg i was going tilo type this and then i saw it lol. I second this.

[@dixanella]

I love your house, it's not messy at all. Beautiful baby and a beautiful family! ❤️

[@lupitakirby]

thank you so much for showing the beautiful and fun times but also the hard times of having a newborn and postpartum! I’m due in a few weeks with my first baby and I’m so excited but also a lil anxious and mainly with breastfeeding wanting to know more so your video was so helpful! You got this girl, you’re a hard worker and it’s all worth it for your cute lil guy! Love watching your videos! 🩷

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🥰

[@EternalHope836]

Ahhh I remember being a first time mom and trying to figure out what was best for my new family. Thank you for being so real. You asked for advice so here is what I’ve researched and learned as well as being a mom of 3 with one on the way. When you give birth your brain changes to instinctively keep baby alive. You might be so anxious at night because your baby is in a whole other room and your brain, body and hormones are like where is the tiny human I am supposed to keep alive. Also, you are a light sleeper because you’re supposed to wake when he startles. It’s a purposeful thing most woman have. You’re not suppose to sleep all night now and neither is baby at 10 days old. I encourage you to research how your body and his are suppose to sink up and communicate. It’s actually quite beautiful, you have natural instincts trust and follow them. It may surprise you at how much the anxiety subsides when you follow those instincts and not fight them for more sleep and a schedule. Give yourself grace you got this mamma!

[@kayleenrosenberry]

Love this Rachel! So happy for you. A little suggestion from a mom to mom: it looks like maybe his car seat straps were too loose and the chest clip in the wrong spot. The chest clip needs to be at just below the armpits and the straps need to be quite snug. You can look up the instructions for your car seat. Just sharing to keep everyone safe and sound. This is coming from a place of love. You guys are doing amazing 🥰🫶🏻 10:54

[@allisong3736]

Yeah wow I'm shocked at how loose he is in there. It's not only for collisions but keeping baby secured in the car seat prevents positional asphyxiation

[@alexandralynne4073]

We had the same exact problem with breastfeeding and I told my husband every day I wanted to just exclusively pump. It took around 6 weeks to get to a point where she preferred to nurse and it is so much easier going places and doing things now because of it. At the end of the day, your mental health is what matters most because (for the most part) if you’re happy, baby I’d happy. Congratulations!!

[@DymondAriel]

I watched your whole journey and seeing this video just brings me to tears!!!! 💞💞💞💞

[@taylorbennett3373]

Love that you’re sharing your real moments. I’m 30 weeks pregnant and always appreciate seeing other people’s experiences. Take care! ❤

[@nicoleyoung8729]

Breastfeeding after a C-section is so hard! I decided to pump for my own sanity and it also allowed my husband to help during the nights. My baby is now almost 6 months and pumping has been so great and I am still producing for him. It also helped going back to work because I could pump before and after and whoever watched my baby could feed baby. Also if you do the pitcher method make sure the milk is the same temperature before combining it together 😊

[@knowurworth1]

My baby was officially 1 month on yesterday!! He has been really good ❤ GL to you!!!

[@julietpackard9236]

You’re doing amazing!!! I’m a fellow IVF mama (had my baby back in May) and I really commend your routine and night shifts with AJ. My husband and I were seriously floundering 10 days postpartum 😂 I really craved a piece of “normality” ( and honestly, my autonomy) freshly postpartum so I completely understand wanting to get back to vlogging. You have to do whatever keeps you sane and grounded for baby Jesse. Happy Mama equals a happy baby. He is SO ADORABLE! And strong, wow! What a sweet boy 💕 Congratulations!!

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you so much! It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but we’re learning!

[@Hannahsunshine-]

15:11 "it's by a British person who claims to know what their doing" 😂 idk why but that made me giggle. You're doing great mama!

[@8662heidi]

I’m 11 weeks and have been watching you for a year now. Thank you for sharing with us ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jessranalco]

Rachel! It gets so much better. I had my son in August and the sleep stretches are longer, and he is genuinely happier and so am I! you are doing great!!

[@princessash5270]

I went through this with my lo & what helped me was prayer lots of prayer , looking up Bible verse that are about sleep & also having a strict bed time routine where I took time to myself unwind took a bath , and listened to worship and prayer while I was in the bed. Also praying over my pillow my room. I hope this helps! It does get better!!!

[@niloufardousti7336]

Hi Rachel. Congratulations. He is adorable. You can store your pump parts in the fridge for up to 8 hours. You dont have to wash/sanitize them every time after use. It was a game changer for me when I heard that from a pediatrician. Now that my baby is older I wash them every night before bed :D

[@kaygeayla]

for insomnia, what worked brilliantly for me is 320 mg magnesium glycinate, 200 mg l-theanine, and 850 mg tart cherry supplement about an hour or so before bed. can't hurt to take a teaspoon of reishi powder in the evening. hope this helps!

[@christinas5936]

My baby boy is only a few days older than Jesse. He was born on the 29th and I was also induced. Thanks for being so real about post partum, especially breastfeeding. I’m not sure why people never talk about hard and painful it can be- tbh, not sure who has cried more, me or my newborn 😂 Love watching this journey, take care xx

[@MandasFavoriteThings]

I've been watching your channel for years--through TTC, IVF, and now. You holding sweet little Jesse fills my heart 🥹❤️ I'm currently 30 weeks, and your content has been so encouraging to me. You're doing great, mama!!

[@simonepicou-bennett5893]

Oh my goodness such a strong little boy that tummy time was so cute! ☺️

[@smugglersnotch88]

Jesse is a great name! Congrats on your baby - he’s perfect 💙

[@kaylaaa1998]

Rachel I love this, I love seeing as a mom! Most importantly I love seeing you both as parents... 🫶 Congratulations again on your baby boy he's so adorable omg. 💙💙

[@SusieQZee]

Try magnesium for sleeping not melatonin. Research the correct form on magnesium and best combo. Congratulations! When I had my first baby, my only son, my prince (15 years ago), it gave me such a new appreciation for my parents. 😊

[@Taylor.Stafford]

Little advice just had my first baby 6 months ago. The best thing that worked for me was keeping a good schedule which you have! I was very blessed with an easy baby and keeping her on a schedule helped me tremendously especially now that’s bigger! So keep doing what feels right for you and your baby.Congratulations to you ❤❤❤

[@ashleyh2519]

My baby just hit 3 months and the first 3 weeks were so tough.. the lack of sleep, the pain, and figuring everything out all at once is something I wasn't prepared for but I wanted to give you some words of encouragement that it does get easier and you got this!!

[@lishbayvibes]

I still remember the time when you were struggling with a baby and fast forward now, you have baby in your arms, so so happy for you.❤

[@rachelesker8359]

The newborn stretch at the beginning has me 🥹🥹🫶🏼

[@myers19761]

Jesse is ABSOLUTELY adorable

[@haleymg77]

Breastfeeding really does get SO much better! I cried many times in the beginning and now my baby is 16 months and it’s the most natural easy thing! Praying about it really worked and consulting with lactation consultants! Also, congratulations!! He’s adorable!!

[@cbebop5]

You're doing AMAZING and INCREDIBLE as a mom!!! 🙌🙌Congratulations😍😍God is so kind 🙏🏾💙

[@kimberlyfernandez3759]

He is so handsome. And YOU look fantastic! Congratulations to you both.

[@kristen_leigh]

As someone that has been here since before you even decided to stop taking birth control, seeing you with sweet Jesse fills my heart❤

[@nix27]

Well done Rachel, you’re doing amazingly. The learning curve is steep along with trying to recover physically so it’s super challenging, but you will get there (currently have a 3 month old so I too have been in the trenches!) Have grace for yourself in this new season ❤

[@bethcameron5863]

It’s great to see a realistic video like this, really shows me what to expect. It seems a lot more intense than imagined. I suppose it gets easier and less intense.

[@kerrylewisRN]

It does

[@AshleighLauren92]

N’awwwww!!! The clip of tummy time was THE CUTEST 😍 he’s just adorable ❤ x

[@pattyharrill1442]

I’m due with my first and February and I love every video! I truly feel like we have experienced this together without ever meeting. I know you may not see this comment but I’m so impressed by you and how you mother your little one. This is such a hard job no one teaches us to do and yet here you’re putting yourself out there and showing us. I love it! Full support to you and your family 🫶

[@RachelVinn]

That is so sweet, thank you so much!

[@olhakrasnoshchok335]

Rachel, congrats on this handsome little boy, you are doing really great, the first months are really tough, but you're gonna make it ❤

[@Vrsenese1095]

Fellow C section momma and full time working- 6 months PP and I wish someone told me that sleep will be AMAZING and comes back at 6 months. I ended up realizing early on that not sleeping and the late nights were the most special together with baby. I now look back and miss those special moments and snuggles 🥹 you are an amazing momma!!!

[@UlyssiaGayle]

You’re doing great! As a mom who exclusively pumped with all 3 of my kids to me pumping was so much easier than nursing.If you decide to continue pumping and would like more flexibility I 1000% recommend the pumpables genie advanced ( it has the same strength as your spectra) and pair it with collection cups ( I used legendairy milk). This set up was a game changer for me! 💙

[@jenniferwallace5283]

You're doing great mama! Jesse is so lucky to have you. ❤

[@MonsterAtedMyBrainz]

Congratulations Rachel and AJ, you are both doing great ❤️❤️❤️ what a sweetheart!

[@xtinriver143]

congratulations rachel and AJ! jesse is so loved 💙💙💙

[@housewife108]

This was the most realest video, thank you for sharing, you’re strong. Best wishes from a pregnant momma 🤗

[@JessicaMillerNashville]

Wow! His tummy time is award winning! Congratulations on the new addition!

[@cytlalyestrada]

I have been on a KZbin break for a few months now and when I left you were getting treatment … NOW YOU HAVE A NEW BORN 🥹❤ congratulations times a million ✨

[@LeahElizabeth]

Thank you so much for sharing! Especially 1 week postpartum ❤ good on you mama you’re doing amazing! 😊

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you!! 😊

[@dorcasolayiwola5472]

Congratulations so happy for you 🎉. I’ve been watching you since your journey of trying to get pregnant and I just thank God for answering your prayers. You’ve got this Mama! Keep trusting God and everything will fall into place ❤

[@ASMRDreamCatcher]

I do not have kids, but you seem to be handling postpartum really well. It’s almost like you have done this before, you seem like a natural. Congratulations on your baby boy and well wishes for the rest of your recovery.

[@kati6963]

I've also had a lot of back pain after my C-section and for me it really helped to walk as much as possible. My doctor and midwife actually advised me not to wear a supporting band, because it makes your muscles "lazy". At ten weeks post partum I was allowed tot start post partum physical therapy and it helped really well. Good luck with your precious boy!

[@laurenbendahoffman]

Hi! I have an almost one year old. I was the same way as you with sleeping. It ended up leading to terrible PPD/PPA. I know it’s hard but try your best to sleep. It will help immensely. I was prescribed an anti anxiety and it helps sleep SO much. I take it right before bed. Please ask for help ❤

[@stephaniemarquez988]

I’m curious if it’s a primal to need the baby near when you sleep, and that’s what’s causing the anxiety at night. I wonder if it would help if you 3 are in the same room but AJ gets up during the night with baby? I know that worked for our family on both occasions. All I can say is with the first it’s all trial and error. Wishing you the best for your family of 3!

[@HaleySmith]

I'm 6 weeks post partum myself and I want you to know it's very normal to not sleep. You're coming off the high and detoxing all those hormones from pregnancy and birth. It's also very natural to be awake a lot in the night because the body is telling you to feed your newborn and be protective of them. We are after all animals. The best advice I have is to put your phone away early, do a deep destresser breath in for 4 and our for 6, visualise something that makes you calm. For me it was the same visualisation I had for birth but find what works for you

[@curlyvassa]

You’re an inspiration!!! You and AJ are great parents 🤍🤍🤍

[@jfkwifey]

as a pregnant woman, this has been very helpful, thank you so much! ❤

[@RachelVinn]

I'm so glad!

[@SamanthaMichelleP]

Sending you restful vibes❤ Jesse is the perfect addition to your adorable family! Congratulations girlie!

[@yellowrose13]

Magnesium is the most important nutrient for clearing catecholamines released during labor and birth (think adrenaline and dopamine), can help your nerves be calm which is supportive of sleep and combats anxiety, plus it helps make GABA (one of the only neurotransmitters that puts the breaks on our mind). But you probably need more than you think so prioritize that over melatonin supplement is what I would recommend.

[@Sarahmsmith617]

So so happy for you!!! You are doing amazing!! Love watching your new little family!

[@autumn.467]

Just a tip, be careful freezing so much milk in one bag. You might want to do some smaller bags so you can de-thaw only what you need. BTW you’re killing it. Good job mama! Tummy time was so hard for us at that age! And we love a schedule just remember if you get off schedule today. Tomorrow is a new day. 😊

[@louisebourne5779]

Aww congratulations he is absolutely gorgeous. Your doing so well as a new Mom well done you. It is very hard to sleep when you have a new baby it’s hard to shut off as all you think about is your precious newborn and want to be there for your little one, trust me it will get easier and you will sleep it’s all exciting and new. I think your amazing caring for your newborn and doing social media: your a brilliant Mom 🥰🥰

[@tiffaniakers913]

For my C Section, I put an perinatal ice pack that you usually put in the depends, directly on my incision. Also tip, when you brake open the ice pack, wet it, it becomes colder that way! These were my saving grace for weeks!

[@iarmengolt]

In tears watching you go through the newborn phase 😢🩵 that was me 6 months ago and I don’t think us mothers realize what we are going through at the moment. Sending you all positivity and well being to you and your beautiful baby boy. You look amazing Rachel.

[@shelbymadson6762]

Rachel, my heart goes out to you during the newborn phase ❤️ It certainly has its fair share of challenges, there’s no doubt! You are doing great and you are the best momma for your boy. Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle feed, you’re still doing great and Jesse is still getting exactly what he needs. I went through postpartum insomnia myself and had anxious racing thoughts when I’d try to sleep. I found a KZbin channel called the SleepCoachSchool and it has tons of helpful tips for anxiety and insomnia. Maybe this could be a helpful resource for you. Hang in there! It does get better… I’m typing this as I stare at my 3 month old baby girl who just finished a bottle and is smiling ear to ear 😊

[@DannieWay]

Wow, I can't believe this little cutie is finally with you!!! Lots of love and blessings to your amazing family!!

[@Quantresearchprep]

I have been following your journey for over 2 years now and so so happy for you ❤ I am also struggling with fertility had 2 failed IUIs this year and got polyps removed yesterday. Hoping to be where you are soon by the grace of god!

[@shiannefrazier5219]

Check for a lip tie too. My daughter had one and she had a hard time latching too

[@missmegs37]

Girl u look so good still even when u said u dont feel it ❤ im in third tri rn and I can't wait to continue seeing u both thrive as parents. Jesse is rlly the cutest! ❤

[@bearsb0930]

I ended up exclusively pumping because my daughter was so big (10lbs 5oz 😅) that there was just so much stress about if she was getting enough with breastfeeding in the beginning. I wish I would've tried harder but I ended up pumping for a full year and it was tiring but also doable. I followed the plan from the exclusively pumping website and it made it a lot easier to manage and wrap my head around when I needed to do it to be consistent.

[@1991inaaa]

Ab muscules do not get cut in c-section. They are just moved (separated).

[@PenguinMama1014]

I’m so excited to follow along with your motherhood journey. You are doing such a great job with this new chapter 💗

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you so much! I’m so excited to be sharing it with you! 🥰

[@chiaracoombs]

I've been so excited for your first video after birth! Congratulations ♥ I have my first FET in 4 days, and I love watching your content and especailly your journey after getting pregnant to see what is hopefully around the corner for me. Can't wait for more videos from you.

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you so much! I’m sending all the good vibes your way for your FET!! 💕🙏🏼

[@hopes2400]

Hi Rachel! I’ve loved following your journey to motherhood & I am so happy for you, you’re doing amazing! I’m a first time mom to my 6 month old daughter and I suffered so so so bad from PPA and insomnia (even before I was pregnant, but so much worse postpartum). Try not to put pressure on yourself to sleep and don’t try to force it. I did the same thing where I looked for every reason I wasn’t sleeping (the bed, the caffeine, etc). I had the worst time sleeping in the room with my daughter. The first month of her life, my husband and I both slept on our couch and she was in her bassinet across the living room (I needed to be farther away because every little noise was waking me up or keeping me awake) and we handled the wakeups together, because being alone made my PPA worse. We tried swapping off like you and AJ are doing and I never slept, then had extreme anxiety the entire time it was “my shift”, so we stopped doing that. Instead of anticipating an alarm for pumping, I would just pump when she woke up and my husband fed her with premade bottles at the same time. I would only try to nurse during the day and just pumped at night because I didn’t have the mental capacity to handle it at night during early weeks. Also, my daughter would give us one good stretch of sleep as a newborn, but we noticed it was around 10pm. So we all started going to sleep around then to get a good 3-4 hour stretch. When she got a little older we moved her bedtime earlier, but we got our best rest when we did the same bedtimes for everyone. We also threw any sort of schedule out the window the first 6 weeks while we tried to find our footing. I would get frustrated if she wasn’t following it which just made me more anxious so we scrapped it except for consistent feedings. I ended up starting Zoloft which has been a miracle for me postpartum. Sometimes, as weird as it sounds, I will have to go out to the couch to put some physical distance from my bed and my baby to sleep, but for the most part after postpartum therapy, medication and allowing myself grace I am sleeping again. Get outside as much as you can, even if it’s just to walk down your street and back. I know how miserable it is to not sleep-I felt like I was losing my mind those first couple months. You’ve got this; have grace for yourself because even though sweet Jesse is everything you ever wanted, you still went through a lot to be a mom, and it’s so freaking hard mentally, physically and emotionally. You aren’t alone and it does get better, even when it seems like it won’t 💖

[@kelseymena1844]

Keep up with the breastfeeding! It gets sooo easy, if you push through this time! It’ll be effortless and such a special bond soon!

[@franklyn117]

About him latching, have you had him checked for tongue tie ? I noticed he was napping on you with his jaw dropped and mouth open, i've seen another video on tongue ties and they were saying if the baby sleeps with mouth open that can have something to do with a tongue tie, so they pushed underneath the jaw like where the bottom of the tongue lays to make his tongue touch the roof of the mouth and showed the tongue was suctioned to the roof of him mouth and that helps prevent tongue ties apparently. I saw it a while ago, not sure if he sleeps like that all the time though but i've always heard to check for tongue tie if they aren't good at latching

[@ChynnaRaeTaylor]

I found that after both my c sections I had lower back, tail bone pain. It was pretty rough for 2-3 weeks and then went away. I think it could have been hormonal too. Everything just felt so loose and now I look back and know it’s normal. I also knew to expect it for my second so it was easier to slide a pillow under to sit or sleep. Anyway, you’re looking great and are doing all the right things to recover. The anxiety should dissipate too. Don’t worry if you wake up one or 2 nights sweaty! Those are hormone dumps and should help!!!!!

[@moriahnoemmi]

I have been waiting for mama videos from you! Beyond happy for you and your fam. Glory to God! ♥️

[@RachelVinn]

Thank you so much! We are so grateful! 😊

[@skymandude5711]

Congratulations being the first time you're doing a great job🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jpinkpop792]

Curious little fellow isn't he, bless him ❤❤❤❤❤ I used that same book 16 years ago! I'm not someone that's great at winging it so I needed it for peace of mind more than anything