Chapter 8: Feeding Time
BPOV
I knew the epidural was doing it's job, because I felt no pain whatsoever. I had been settled in a half sitting half-lying down position with Carlisle's help in my bed, and was now waiting for Edward to return with my baby boy. I was anxious to hold him in my arms.
"Do you need anything, Bella?" Carlisle asked in a kind voice as he sat on the edge of my bed.
"I want my baby." I answered as he smiled.
"Edward should be here shortly, Anthony should be getting hungry." He replied.
"Thank you for being there today." I added wanting to give him a hug, but I felt numb. I couldn't sit up.
"It was my pleasure, Bella. Thank you for letting me be a part of my grandson's birth." He responded getting up and giving me a hug. "Don't try to sit up yet, you should at least wait a few hours."
"Look who wants his mommy." Edward said walking in with Anthony in his arms. I had tears in my eyes from just looking at them. The two most important men in my life.
"I'll leave you two alone for now. The lactation specialist should be here in a couple of minutes. I'll be back with the rest of the family." Carlisle said as made his way to the door.
"Thank you, dad." Edward said as Carlisle nodded leaving us alone.
"Let me try to hold him, Edward." I said as I held out my arms.
Edward gently placed him in my arms and I felt like everything had come together. "Hi, Anthony." I whispered stroking his cheek. "I'm your mommy." My eyes grew wide as he opened his own eyes staring at me.
"He has your eyes." I said to Edward who sat at my side. His eyes were Edward's shade of green and he had a combination of both our hair color. He was simply gorgeous.
"Baby eyes change color," Edward warned as he looked down at our little miracle.
"But I know his won't." I replied confidently. I was a little uncomfortable holding him the traditional way. It was putting too much pressure on my stomach.
"Are you alright?" Edward asked noticing my discomfort.
"I'm fine." I lied not wanting to relinquish hold on my son. I could put up with a little discomfort for Anthony.
I stared at my son looking at every inch of his face. His eyes closed as fast as they opened, and I knew he would be sleeping a lot for the first month or so. His nose was tiny and he had pink little lips. His skin had a slight pink tone, but you knew he had Edward's milky white skin. He was perfect.
My staring was interrupted with a knock as a middle-aged woman with blonde hair came in. "Mrs. Cullen, Mr. Cullen." She said coming inside. "I'm Daisy Smith, the lactation specialist, you can call me Daisy if you'd like."
"Nice to meet you." I said looking up from Anthony. "And please call me, Bella."
"Congratulations, both of you. And who is this little man?" She said moving inside.
"This is Anthony, and I'm Edward." Edward greeted shaking her hand.
"Let's get started before Anthony gets really hungry." She said taking out a small manual. "Here is a small manual that will go through everything I will say today. First thing first, breast feeding is very natural part of being a mom. It is the closest most intimate act a mom and baby can share. It is not supposed to be painful, and if it is that is a sign that it is being done incorrectly."
"There are many positions that you can choose from, and you will need to find one where both of you are comfortable. Since you had a C-section, you will probably find that laying on your side is best." She explained. "Let's give it a try. Edward, why don't you take Anthony while I get mom all set up."
As soon as Edward took Anthony from me, I felt like part of me was missing. I wanted him in my arms again. Daisy helped me shift to my side lowering my gown exposing my breasts. She guided Edward on how to position Anthony, and I was amazed at how quickly he latched on. It only took a little encouragement for Anthony to get it right.
"You're very lucky, Bella. Most moms wish they had your luck." Daisy laughed. "You have a little pro on your hands."
I smiled at her looking down at Anthony who was sucking gently. "You will need to feed him eight to twelve times during the first month. Then your doctor can guide you on how to reduce your schedule. Make sure he feeds on both sides for about ten to fifteen minutes. He may fall asleep while feeding and that is completely normal."
"Should we wake him to continue?" Edward asked.
"It's better not to, though you should wake him to feed which should be every two hours. Remember it is best to feed him before he cries at least for the first two months. Any other questions?" She said as she watched me making sure I was doing it right.
EPOV
I looked at my baby feeding and I was in awe. I was amazed that Bella's body had the ability to provide for our baby in a way mine would never. She seemed so at ease with it, almost as if she was born to do this. She was a natural mom.
"Would she be able to pump, so that I could help?" I asked as Daisy laughed.
"Bella is very lucky to have you as a husband. But she shouldn't pump for until the baby is three or four weeks old. We want him to set up a routine first before giving him the bottle." She answered as I nodded.
Bella switched over to the other side and I watched as he easily latched on to her nipple like he did the other. "Perfect," Daisy commented. "He doesn't even need me. I'll be back to check on you before you leave the hospital. I left my card in the manual, please feel free to call me with any questions."
"Thank you." Bella and I said together.
"You're very welcome and enjoy your new baby." She finished before retreating.
I sat by Bella my hand on her hips as she finished feeding Anthony. "What does it feel like?" I asked as she looked at me.
"It's weird, it doesn't hurt. It sort of feels like a little tugging." She described as Anthony appeared to stop sucking going to sleep.
"Can you burp him?" Bella asked through a yawn.
"Of course, love." I said taking my son and propping him on my shoulder. After burping him I gently placed him in clear crib making sure he was comfortable.
"Do you need anything?" I questioned moving the crib closer to the bed.
"Just sleep." She answered with a yawn.
"Go to sleep, love. I'll be here, and everyone should be arriving for a visit soon." I replied leaning down to kiss her. "I love you, mommy."
"I love you, daddy." She stated with a warm smile before her eyes began to close. I settled on the top corner of her bed playing with her hair as I hummed her lullaby
A/N: I made a mistake in the last chapter for What Happens in Vegas. I said I was going to update today when I meant tomorrow. I got my days crossed, so I apologize for the confusion.
Next Chapter: More Renee
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