Melissa Guerriero Pregnancy and Birth Story
Melissa runs “Pump Momma Pump” on Instagram and is the proud exclusive pumping momma to two beautiful pumplings, two years apart. She is a teacher by day, and helping mommas make the best of breastpumping is her side hustle! She believes that education, in any form, should be positive and inspire others to find better ways to live their lives and interact with the world and with each other.
Was your pregnancy planned or a surprise?
Very planned!
If planned, how long did you try to conceive?
1 year.
How did you share the news with your partner, family, and friends?
We hosted a Christmas brunch and when my husband went to take our group photo, he said “Say cheese! Now say, ‘We’re Going to be Grandparents!” Their reaction was so great AND I got it on video! My mother is so embarrassed because she started shrieking.
Which was your favorite trimester?
Second- I had heartburn but other than that I was thrilled to start wearing maternity clothes and since people knew, I got lots of attention! haha
What was your pregnancy MUST HAVE (craving, product, etc.)?
DONUTS. The thought would merely cross my mind and I’d immediately have to leave work and go across the street to Dunkin and get one!
Did you find out the gender?
Oh yes, I am too much of a control freak not to find out!
Were there any complications throughout your pregnancy?
My baby arrived 1 month early, but other than that, it was a perfect pregnancy!
Did you go into labor naturally or were you induced?
Naturally. My water broke on my very last day of school before summer vacation.
How long were you in labor?
14 hours.
Did you get an epidural or go all natural?
Epidural.
What was the best and worst part about labor and delivery?
The best part was having my water break so I didn’t have to labor at home counting contractions and minutes and stuff, I could go straight to the hospital! The worst was getting contractions in my upper thighs… so painful!
Were there any complications with your delivery?
I have scoliosis so it took them 4 or 5 attempts to get my epidural needle in! OUCH!
Give us the stats!!
Late pre-term Baby boy born at 35 +4 10:02pm, 18 inches, 5lbs 5ounces
What was the hardest thing about the first few weeks of motherhood?
HEALING. I had one first-degree tear but ended up tearing my stitches and healing took almost 3 months!
What is the best advice you received as a new mom?
Air your baby. My late grandmother said to air your baby, so since I had a summer baby, we spent every day out on the (shaded) porch reading while baby napped on the ground or in a rocker and got fresh air!
What is your best advice for expectant or new moms?
Assess your priorities and take care of yourself! If breastfeeding is a priority, see a lactation counselor as soon as possible and spend all your time developing a good nursing relationship with baby! If you are an exclusive pumper, get a quality pump and hands-free pumping bra and make pumping frequently a priority to build and protect your milk supply. Pay attention to your mental health! GET HELP if you need it. Don’t be afraid to outsource help however you are able, get family or friends to help or pay someone to clean, etc. Discuss division of household and parenting chores with your partner and make sure they do their fair share, even if they work full time. Follow helpful accounts on Instagram and facebook. HAVE GRACE with yourself, your pregnancy, your body, and your baby. There is SO MUCH that you cannot control so please have patience and grace… roll with whatever cards you are dealt and problem solve along the way. Build a support system however you can. Get out of the house. Meet other moms. Go on lots of walks. Air your baby. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions, even the difficult ones. Find someone who has been through a similar journey.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey to motherhood?
My baby was in the NICU for 10 days and it was SUCH a blessing. The NICU nurses taught me how to pump, how to stay on schedule and build my supply. They celebrated each drop of colostrum I was able to produce. It was like “parenting 101” class for my husband and myself, as we learned how to feed, change, and bathe our baby before we even brought him home! I know many mothers have to spend months in the NICU and my heart goes out to them, Leaving the hospital without your baby is hard, but knowing that you HAVE a baby, and that they are in good hands, is so reassuring!
Related:
- 10 Pieces of Advice from a Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Should you Take a Birth Course?
- 21 Positive Birth Affirmations that will Give you Strength on the Big Day
You can follow Melissa and her second exclusive pumping journey on Instagram and check out her adorable Etsy shop for tons of pumping motivation!
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