A Belated Father's Day Tribute

Even though Father’s Day has passed, it’s never too late for a heartfelt tribute to those wonderful fathers who make our lives so much easier.

As moms, and especially as overwhelmed new moms, we sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders (or boobs or hip). It’s easy to get caught up in all the things we’re racing to accomplish before bedtime.

Sometimes we might even feel like we’re the only ones doing anything, especially in the early days when our kids are glued to us. Usually (and hopefully) this isn’t really the case. A good dad can be found hiding in the shadows helping us in ways we may not even realize. They don’t always advertise what they’re doing which is why sometimes we miss it entirely.

Today, and really everyday, we need to take a minute to stop and notice the little things our husbands do for us. When he washes the baby bottles, refills the diaper genie or handles the grocery shopping, he’s doing what he can to lessen the load. When he pays the bills, feeds the baby or does the laundry, he’s silently telling you he loves you.

My husband, for example, does many small things throughout the day that I know about and countless others that I don’t. He doesn’t take credit or gloat or keep score. He works all day in the sun, gets home at 7:00, and cooks dinner the minute he walks in the door. He does these things because he loves his family. He does these things because he’s a good man.

No matter how overwhelmed I may get, I always know he’s in my corner waiting to be tagged in. We aren’t surviving motherhood or fatherhood; we’re discovering parenthood together as a team.

It’s easy to lose sight of these things in the day-to-day rush, but if you can, take the time to thank him for everything he does. He may not ask for the credit, but he will certainly appreciate getting it. And remember to tell him that he’s doing a great job. Just as moms need to hear that we’re not complete failures, so do dads.

So to my husband, Ryan, thank you for everything you do to keep me afloat. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and for being such an incredible father. Happy (belated) Father’s Day.

Dear Breastfeeding Mom

Dear Breastfeeding Mom:

Wow. You amaze me. There's a special type of dedication required for breastfeeding a newborn. As if housing a tiny stowaway in your womb for nine months and pushing it out like a rocket wasn't enough, you've signed on for another tour of sacrificing your body.

There are certain aspects of breastfeeding that you probably didn't hear about beforehand. The truth is, they may have discouraged you from trying. On the other hand, maybe you read all about them and decided to push forward anyway. In any case, I tip my hat to you.

The first few weeks of nursing were the most difficult as you were both still learning. Maybe your baby had killer instincts and knew exactly what to do. Maybe he needed some help. Maybe she favored the left boob and wouldn't touch the right. Do your local lactation consultants recognize your number? Yeah, you're a dedicated mom.

You probably have a love/hate relationship with your breast pump. I know you feel like a cow constantly being milked. Do your home videos have a soundtrack of that telltale mechanical sucking noise? I hear you.

Nursing in public can be rough. If you do it, you have to deal with judgment, stares, or outright comments from onlookers. If you don't, you may find yourself spending a good bit of time in the backseat of the car while your baby snacks.

If you've gone back to work (or even if you haven't), you may be familiar with fenugreek, nursing tea, and blessed thistle. Maybe you wonder if one of these days you'll turn into a pill from taking so many.

You know better than anyone how much a woman sacrifices to breastfeed her child. Your body. Your time. Your rest. Your independence.

Then again, you understand better than anyone how much you gain from it. Nobody has the same bond with your child that you do. The look in her eyes as she studies your face is precious. She feels safest in your arms. She reaches for you when others hold her. You look at her and see her unconditional love. (Plus, losing that baby weight quickly is a great bonus.)

Whether you breastfed for a week or a year, whether you're still nursing or you've made the switch to formula or milk, you're amazing. It's difficult and requires a lot of work, but the benefits are insurmountable. One look at those big blue eyes or the realization that your child has never been sick reminds you that it's all worth it.

Your child may not thank you now. He may never thank you. But I do. I know what you're going through, what you've been through, and what's on the other side. Don't forget to take the time to recognize your hard work and dedication. You're a wonderful mom. You've done an incredible job so be proud of yourself!

What did you find was the most rewarding part of nursing? What was the most annoying?