Jess Lalli is a working mom who resides in South Philly with her baby boy, Syd, husband, and two cats.
what was the thing that surprised you most when you became a mom?
Everything! I felt so unprepared. I remember that moment that the nurses sent us home from the hospital and thinking "This little person is for me to take care of?! " and being terrified. But that sense of overwhelming love that comes over you at the same time...that was the biggest surprise. It's cliche but I never knew my heart could love another person so much. I feel like the Grinch...my heart grew infinite sizes that day he came into my life.
what do you wish someone else had told you about parenting so you would be better prepared?
I feel like there's so much that can't be explained until you go through it but no one told me about how difficult breastfeeding is. I always thought it was something natural that every baby took to. I was so wrong!
I had a lot of issues with latch. Syd had tongue-tie and lip-tie which led to me being hospitalized at 3 weeks postpartum for severe mastitis. I never knew that tongue-tie was a thing, let alone that it would happen to me. I wish someone would have mentioned that to me before I gave birth so I would have had some idea about it.
what is your biggest accomplishment you are most proud of?
Supplying my baby with my milk for a full year exclusively pumping. That was the hardest thing I've ever done, particularly while working a demanding full-time job. I can't believe that I did it looking back on it now but that mothering instinct in me forged ahead. I'm so proud of myself for that.
what is your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with your mouth open. Drives me nuts.
if you had a day kid free to do anything you want, what would you do?
I would love to travel to Oaxaca with my husband. Have the pre-baby holiday we didn't have a chance to take.
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