STEP BY STEP

No one told me just how much pain I’d be in after my first c-section. The worse part was figuring out how to climb the steps in my house. And I’m just talking about a regular flight of steps here, people. No spiral staircases or grand entryway a la Daddy Warbucks’ house – just your standard run of the mill 13 steps that were haunting me as I stood at the bottom. My incision burned and even though on the ground floor I was Commander in Chief taking care of the baby, changing diapers, and issuing chores to family members helping out, that flight of steps managed to stop me in my tracks.

So, what did I do? I did what I thought any self-respecting, new mother would do! I ignored them. Yep, I set up camp on the first floor. Moved the ole toothbrush to the downstairs powder room, had my husband bring down the bassinet, made the living room recliner my bed. I told everyone it was “just easier this way.” And there I stayed for about three weeks.

It wasn’t until my second c-section that one of the hospital nurses casually mentioned during my discharge, “and you know to take the steps sideways facing the wall while holding on to the railing, right?” I played it cool. Oh, yes, the “side-stepping railing trick!” Of course I knew that one! Phew, she bought it.

When we got home with Baby #2 and I stood at the bottom of the staircase looking up, I felt better having a plan. And, this is probably no shock to you, I made it up just fine taking my time and moving step by step while facing the wall just as the nurse suggested.

But, have no fear! The lessons from this situation were not lost upon me. First – the power of asking for help is huge. If I had only mentioned that I was struggling with those steps, I probably would have gotten the side-stepping suggestion two years earlier when I so desperately needed it. And second – as I moved up that staircase for the first time sideways, I realized the beauty in moving slowly and taking my time. I spent the first few days home with my first child in a complete frenzy, rushing to meet the baby’s needs before he even cried and issuing orders to everyone helping in an effort to keep control of my household. Right then and there while sideways on those steps I promised to take my time and live in the moment. To take a deep breath when I felt out of control. Not to put so much pressure on myself to know everything. Geez, who knew a flight of stairs could teach so much?

So remember, Mommies, take your time and ask for help. There’s no shame in it. And you never know, what you learn could be a step in the right direction (yes, pun is intended).
Sincerely,
From the Stork’s Nest~
Liz