I thought breastfeeding was going to be so easy from the beginning this time around. I mean, I am now an expert right? Okay, maybe that is a stretch, but I did feel like I knew what I was doing so things should go really well. What I didn't think about was the fact that breastfeeding takes two people. I may know what I am doing, but Mr. T is brand new at this!
When I first fed Mr. T after his birth, things went really well. He seemed to latch fine and nurse for some time. It was the following feedings that we learned that things weren't going to be as easy as I had hoped...at least in the beginning.
The latch...
Mr. T has a strong gag reflex and, for whatever reason, also struggled to actually latch on. This was also a problem when we tried to get him to suck on a pacifier or someone's finger. He would open his mouth wide, but just wouldn't close it and begin to suck. He would get frantic and it would take several attempts (with some calming down in between) before he would settle down and latch. Because I was so thrilled that he was finally latched on, I allowed him to have a poor latch and my nipples were killing me. The lactation consultant at the hospital had me start using a nipple shield which initially seemed to not only save my nipples, but helped Mr. T with how quickly he would latch.
My milk began to come in on Monday evening and was fully in by Tuesday. At this time, Mr. T started having issues AGAIN with the latch. At one point I ditched the nipple shield out of frustration and he latched almost immediately! We have been nipple shield free since then and he no longer struggles to latch!
Interestingly, he still is not a fan of the pacifier. After a little bit of struggling, he will take a finger or the pacifier from my mom or my husband (occasionally), but I think he is a smart little boy that knows that I am the one with the milk and he would prefer that. LOL
Timing...
When I nursed S I felt like I was a slave to the paper where I recorded all his feedings (and then eventually the app on my phone). No one was making me record it, but since we struggled with my supply in the beginning, I wanted to make sure he was getting enough.
This time around I still used the recording paper and I have now switched the app on my phone, but I am much more relaxed about it all. I know he is getting enough milk and knowing that has lead to a confidence in our nursing relationship.
At one week old he currently nurses about every 2.5-3 hours during the day (with some mini-snacks occasionally throughout the day) and every 3.5-4 hours at night. I am going to go weigh him on Monday and I am hoping to see that he is up to his birth weight again so we can let him sleep at night. He usually wakes just before the 4 hours mark for the first early morning feeding (like 1-2am), but I have been waking him up for the later morning feeding (5-6am). It would be lovely to let him (and me) sleep!
My supply...
I had heard that your milk comes in sooner and in greater quantity with your second child and it is surely true for me. My milk came in 3 days earlier than with Superman and it seems like there is a great supply for Mr. T. I started pumping after the wake-up feeding this morning. I didn't get much, but I think that was true in the beginning with S as well. So we will give it a few days and see if I end up pumping enough for one feeding a day. If not, I will be adding a pumping session.
Overall breastfeeding is going superb! He seems to really have gotten the hang of it and I am beginning to learn his hunger cues (before he starts crying). I feel so lucky to have things going so well!
Showing posts with label baby #2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby #2. Show all posts
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Baby #2: Week 39
July 2, 2011
How far along: 39 weeks
Baby's size: Watermelon (Month 9: weeks 37-Delivery)
Symptoms (otherwise known as Mommy C's Weekly Complaints):
- The same old symptoms. You don't need me to list them once again.
Total Weight Gain:
Gained another pound.
Total weight gain= +12 pounds
Gained another pound.
Total weight gain= +12 pounds
Maternity clothes:yes
Best moment this week: My mom got here!
Movement: Yup. He moves from lying on his side to having his back facing out.
Food cravings: Not a whole lot. I alternate between being really hungry all the time (and eating whatever I can find) to being so nauseous that I don't want to eat anything.
Gender: BOY!!!
Labor signs:
Lots of normal signs that signal that it might be sometime soon, but soon could be any day or a week from now. I have lots of cramping and some contractions. Yesterday when I saw the midwife she said I was still at about 3 cm dilated, but now 80% effaced. She saw some bloody show as well. When will I go into labor? I have no effin' clue.
What I miss: Being not pregnant. I know, I know. I will miss being pregnant soon after my son is born, but frankly right now I am just done.
What I'm looking forward to: Delivering this baby!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): not a wise women, just done being a pregnant woman.
Milestones: My mom made it here!
Emotions:I have a post written about all of this, just haven't posted it yet. Stay tuned.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: DONE (even though I miss it!!)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: DONE
Total exercise time: done
Best moment this week: My mom got here!
Movement: Yup. He moves from lying on his side to having his back facing out.
Food cravings: Not a whole lot. I alternate between being really hungry all the time (and eating whatever I can find) to being so nauseous that I don't want to eat anything.
Gender: BOY!!!
Labor signs:
Lots of normal signs that signal that it might be sometime soon, but soon could be any day or a week from now. I have lots of cramping and some contractions. Yesterday when I saw the midwife she said I was still at about 3 cm dilated, but now 80% effaced. She saw some bloody show as well. When will I go into labor? I have no effin' clue.
What I miss: Being not pregnant. I know, I know. I will miss being pregnant soon after my son is born, but frankly right now I am just done.
What I'm looking forward to: Delivering this baby!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): not a wise women, just done being a pregnant woman.
Milestones: My mom made it here!
Emotions:I have a post written about all of this, just haven't posted it yet. Stay tuned.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: DONE (even though I miss it!!)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: DONE
Total exercise time: done
Here's to hoping that next week I don't have a pregnancy post!
Friday, June 24, 2011
An Update to "How Can It Be June?"
Way back on June 1 I wrote a post about how the first day of June signified how close we were to Baby #2's arrival and how anxious that made me feel. People, I was more than just a little anxious...I was down right having panic attacks and crying at the simplest thing. Not good.
Thankfully, between your encouragement, a sisterly heart to heart, my husband's patience, and my organizational skills, I am in a MUCH better place today. Don't worry it didn't take me 24 days to get here, just took 24 days to sit down and write a post about it.
I want you all to know that your encouragement did mean a lot to me. Every time someone comments on one of my posts, sends me a private message, or comments on my Facebook page I feel more grounded. These simple acts have made me feel less alone on this journey. Thank you.
As you can imagine, having a sister that is 6 years older than you has its positives and negatives. My sister has always been there to tell me how she feels about my various life decisions and in general she usually is right...which is highly annoying. Over the years she has gotten better at the delivery of her insight (and advice) and I have gotten better at receiving it.
When she called me after reading the post on June 1st she was careful with her words, but encouraged me to think about what would happen if my to-do list didn't get done. The idea of thinking about that isn't new to me (thanks years of therapy) and although I knew it was a good idea, it was scary to me. I felt like I was comfortable with my lack of control over the birth of this child, but not having control over what happens to Superman during this time was pure anxiety.
So what if I didn't get Superman's food preferences/routines/etc written down? Would whomever was taking care of him figure it out? Of course they would.
Would Superman be scared for life because his schedule was completely thrown out the window? I doubt it.
If I go into labor and my husband's aunt can't get here to take care of him, would I not be able to find anyone that could help? Well......this one was the hardest to get passed. Turns out though, I have some pretty awesome friends that have offered to help if I need it. I hate the idea of imposing on them...especially because I feel like I can't repay them. But you know what, if that is my worst case scenario I am doing pretty good, right?
So I was slowly able to move forward, out of my shadow of anxiety and into the light of (some amount of) calmness. I created a to-do list and slowly began to work on the items on the list. Ever so often I would get overwhelmed with one task or another, but my husband was there to help me work through it. And today, a day before I am officially 38 weeks pregnant, that list is basically complete. I still need to install the car seat, I would like to find a used glider since we still use the glider that is in Superman's room, and my mom still needs to get here (I added this as a joke because of my slightly superstitious nature. I think that if I cross off all my to-do items, there is a greater chance I will go into labor. Since I want my mom here, having her arrive as one of my "to-dos" satisfies that superstition. Silliness.).
So I am feeling pretty relaxed about things. I have been taking more time to myself so that I can rest, my contractions have stopped for the most part so this little guy seems pretty content to stay put for a little while longer, and life is good. Don't you think?
Thankfully, between your encouragement, a sisterly heart to heart, my husband's patience, and my organizational skills, I am in a MUCH better place today. Don't worry it didn't take me 24 days to get here, just took 24 days to sit down and write a post about it.
I want you all to know that your encouragement did mean a lot to me. Every time someone comments on one of my posts, sends me a private message, or comments on my Facebook page I feel more grounded. These simple acts have made me feel less alone on this journey. Thank you.
As you can imagine, having a sister that is 6 years older than you has its positives and negatives. My sister has always been there to tell me how she feels about my various life decisions and in general she usually is right...which is highly annoying. Over the years she has gotten better at the delivery of her insight (and advice) and I have gotten better at receiving it.
When she called me after reading the post on June 1st she was careful with her words, but encouraged me to think about what would happen if my to-do list didn't get done. The idea of thinking about that isn't new to me (thanks years of therapy) and although I knew it was a good idea, it was scary to me. I felt like I was comfortable with my lack of control over the birth of this child, but not having control over what happens to Superman during this time was pure anxiety.
So what if I didn't get Superman's food preferences/routines/etc written down? Would whomever was taking care of him figure it out? Of course they would.
Would Superman be scared for life because his schedule was completely thrown out the window? I doubt it.
If I go into labor and my husband's aunt can't get here to take care of him, would I not be able to find anyone that could help? Well......this one was the hardest to get passed. Turns out though, I have some pretty awesome friends that have offered to help if I need it. I hate the idea of imposing on them...especially because I feel like I can't repay them. But you know what, if that is my worst case scenario I am doing pretty good, right?
So I was slowly able to move forward, out of my shadow of anxiety and into the light of (some amount of) calmness. I created a to-do list and slowly began to work on the items on the list. Ever so often I would get overwhelmed with one task or another, but my husband was there to help me work through it. And today, a day before I am officially 38 weeks pregnant, that list is basically complete. I still need to install the car seat, I would like to find a used glider since we still use the glider that is in Superman's room, and my mom still needs to get here (I added this as a joke because of my slightly superstitious nature. I think that if I cross off all my to-do items, there is a greater chance I will go into labor. Since I want my mom here, having her arrive as one of my "to-dos" satisfies that superstition. Silliness.).
So I am feeling pretty relaxed about things. I have been taking more time to myself so that I can rest, my contractions have stopped for the most part so this little guy seems pretty content to stay put for a little while longer, and life is good. Don't you think?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Baby #2: Week 37
How far along: 37 weeks
Baby's size: Watermelon (Month 9: weeks 37-Delivery)
Symptoms (otherwise known as Mommy C's Weekly Complaints):
This was a tough week. In fact on Thursday there was a part of me that thought I wasn't going to make it to this weekend still pregnant.
This was a tough week. In fact on Thursday there was a part of me that thought I wasn't going to make it to this weekend still pregnant.
- A LOT of low pressure
- Sore hips - I finally bought a foam pad that is big enough for my side of the bed. This allows me to sleep on my side with slightly less hip pain....just wish it was more than slightly less.
- Cramping and Braxton hicks
- General uncomfortableness
Total Weight Gain:
Total weight gain= +11 pounds
Total weight gain= +11 pounds
Maternity clothes:yes
Best moment this week: We had an ultrasound on Monday and got to see our boy again (and actually confirm that he is still a boy). They estimated his current weight at 7 pounds 1 ounce which had me worried at first. Then I looked back at the ultrasound we had with Superman at the same point. They estimated his weight at the time to be 7 pounds 2 ounces and he was born 2 weeks later at 7 pounds 14 ounces.
Movement: Yes, less kicks though and more full body movements.
Food cravings: Watermelon! I think it is funny that the baby is as big as a watermelon and that is what I am craving. :)
Gender: Still a... BOY!!!
Labor signs: Um, Yes?
(Rather than just list how I have been feeling, I am going to write it out. These are the things that I think I will forget in the years to come (since I have already forgotten what it was like with S) and I would like to have record of it.)
Tuesday night I began to have trouble walking without having a ton of low pressure. I also began to get really emotional over everything. Wednesday I woke up with some mild cramping (like period cramps), but it went away shortly after waking up. I tried to go to boot camp, but between the low pressure, my emotions, and eventual contractions, I left in tears. I was fine, just needed some rest. Wednesday night, thanks to Isabelle's suggestion on the Facebook wall, I went to water aerobics and I felt really good while doing them. It is nice to feel weightless when you have so much pressure the rest of the day.
Thursday I woke up again with the mild cramping, but they didn't go away. I called the midwife after 2 hours and spoke to the nurse. We ruled out any infection that might cause the cramps. I explained that I was also having really low pressure and feeling like I had to go #2 all the time (sorry TMI) even though I didn't. I got the feeling from her that she thought maybe I was in early labor, but wasn't ready to tell me that. She told me I could call back and make an appointment to be checked out if I felt worse later. The cramps basically stayed with me all day, although I noticed them less if I was distracted so I tried to stay distracted. Unfortunately, that backfired on me and made them worse later. So I laid low the rest of the day and decided if I still had the cramps in the morning, I would go to the doctor.
Friday I woke up and the cramps were gone. I brought S to an indoor playground/cafe in town and we played for about an hour, but then the cramps came back. So we went home and I rested while S napped. It was such a nice day out, but the warmth was just too much for me in the afternoon. I felt nauseous and cramping. So instead of playing outside all afternoon like I had planned, S and I hid out inside. I felt awful that I couldn't bring him outside, but I knew that I would only be worse off if we went out. Eventually I decided that my cramps and nausea were too much so I filled our giant tub in the master bathroom and S and I took a bath together. It was wonderful! He got to play and have a great time and it really helped me feel better.
Yesterday was my wedding anniversary so my husband and I went out to dinner dessert. Sitting upright appears to be difficult for me and a trigger for the cramping and contractions. We made due though and had a great night. Unfortunately, I woke up around 2 am last night with more cramps, contractions, and nausea. It is frustrating for me that just the act of going out to dinner and dessert was too much for my body to handle.
I am now dealing with the guilt of what this means for Superman and the week ahead. My husband tries to remind me that I stopped working at 37 weeks with S and so I shouldn't feel bad, but I had been feeling so good for so long that I really had hoped that I would stay that way till my water broke. I guess I was being a bit naive.
What I miss: Feeling like I can do anything. I will probably sound like a broken record here, but I really thought I was going to feel good till the end this time around.
What I'm looking forward to: Next Tuesday when my mom gets here.
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): That our bodies have a way of telling us when to slow down and when you don't listen, it just speaks louder to you.
Milestones: Made it to full term!
Emotions: I am so emotional! I am currently blaming it on hormones and the fact that I feel so lousy. I want to be excited that I am going to meet this little guy soon, but am worried that he will come sooner than he should. I know that he is technically full term now, but I have to believe that another week or two will be better for him...even if it is a struggle for me.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Tuesday (1 hour 15 minutes) and about 20 minutes on Wednesday----OFFICIALLY DONE
I have put my boot camp membership on hold and will not try to work out again till 6 weeks postpartum.
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: Wednesday (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 2 hour 35 minutes--For this week the only "exercise" I am doing is going to water aerobics and then I am still going to be cautious about how much I do....then next week I may reconsider once my mom gets to town. :)
Best moment this week: We had an ultrasound on Monday and got to see our boy again (and actually confirm that he is still a boy). They estimated his current weight at 7 pounds 1 ounce which had me worried at first. Then I looked back at the ultrasound we had with Superman at the same point. They estimated his weight at the time to be 7 pounds 2 ounces and he was born 2 weeks later at 7 pounds 14 ounces.
Movement: Yes, less kicks though and more full body movements.
Food cravings: Watermelon! I think it is funny that the baby is as big as a watermelon and that is what I am craving. :)
Gender: Still a... BOY!!!
Labor signs: Um, Yes?
(Rather than just list how I have been feeling, I am going to write it out. These are the things that I think I will forget in the years to come (since I have already forgotten what it was like with S) and I would like to have record of it.)
Tuesday night I began to have trouble walking without having a ton of low pressure. I also began to get really emotional over everything. Wednesday I woke up with some mild cramping (like period cramps), but it went away shortly after waking up. I tried to go to boot camp, but between the low pressure, my emotions, and eventual contractions, I left in tears. I was fine, just needed some rest. Wednesday night, thanks to Isabelle's suggestion on the Facebook wall, I went to water aerobics and I felt really good while doing them. It is nice to feel weightless when you have so much pressure the rest of the day.
Thursday I woke up again with the mild cramping, but they didn't go away. I called the midwife after 2 hours and spoke to the nurse. We ruled out any infection that might cause the cramps. I explained that I was also having really low pressure and feeling like I had to go #2 all the time (sorry TMI) even though I didn't. I got the feeling from her that she thought maybe I was in early labor, but wasn't ready to tell me that. She told me I could call back and make an appointment to be checked out if I felt worse later. The cramps basically stayed with me all day, although I noticed them less if I was distracted so I tried to stay distracted. Unfortunately, that backfired on me and made them worse later. So I laid low the rest of the day and decided if I still had the cramps in the morning, I would go to the doctor.
Friday I woke up and the cramps were gone. I brought S to an indoor playground/cafe in town and we played for about an hour, but then the cramps came back. So we went home and I rested while S napped. It was such a nice day out, but the warmth was just too much for me in the afternoon. I felt nauseous and cramping. So instead of playing outside all afternoon like I had planned, S and I hid out inside. I felt awful that I couldn't bring him outside, but I knew that I would only be worse off if we went out. Eventually I decided that my cramps and nausea were too much so I filled our giant tub in the master bathroom and S and I took a bath together. It was wonderful! He got to play and have a great time and it really helped me feel better.
Yesterday was my wedding anniversary so my husband and I went out to dinner dessert. Sitting upright appears to be difficult for me and a trigger for the cramping and contractions. We made due though and had a great night. Unfortunately, I woke up around 2 am last night with more cramps, contractions, and nausea. It is frustrating for me that just the act of going out to dinner and dessert was too much for my body to handle.
I am now dealing with the guilt of what this means for Superman and the week ahead. My husband tries to remind me that I stopped working at 37 weeks with S and so I shouldn't feel bad, but I had been feeling so good for so long that I really had hoped that I would stay that way till my water broke. I guess I was being a bit naive.
What I miss: Feeling like I can do anything. I will probably sound like a broken record here, but I really thought I was going to feel good till the end this time around.
What I'm looking forward to: Next Tuesday when my mom gets here.
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): That our bodies have a way of telling us when to slow down and when you don't listen, it just speaks louder to you.
Milestones: Made it to full term!
Emotions: I am so emotional! I am currently blaming it on hormones and the fact that I feel so lousy. I want to be excited that I am going to meet this little guy soon, but am worried that he will come sooner than he should. I know that he is technically full term now, but I have to believe that another week or two will be better for him...even if it is a struggle for me.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Tuesday (1 hour 15 minutes) and about 20 minutes on Wednesday----OFFICIALLY DONE
I have put my boot camp membership on hold and will not try to work out again till 6 weeks postpartum.
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: Wednesday (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 2 hour 35 minutes--For this week the only "exercise" I am doing is going to water aerobics and then I am still going to be cautious about how much I do....then next week I may reconsider once my mom gets to town. :)
Till next week!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The More You Know...L&D Edition (Part 2)
Now that you know how Superman's birth went, let me tell you how I think it could have gone differently.
Why I didn't like it: This meant that I was stuck by the monitors the whole time. I had been able to walk around before I was admitted, but once I had the monitors on, I couldn't. Walking is supposed to help with dilation and since I wasn't dilating, I feel like I missed out on a helpful strategy.
What I would like to see happen this time: I want intermittent monitoring so that I can move around, walk, whatever feels right.
What happened: I couldn't use the tub. The doctor said that I couldn't use it since my water had already broken and there was an increased chance of infection....which isn't true according to the midwife I met with on Monday. I was allowed to take off the fetal monitoring straps to go into the shower for a little bit though.
Why I didn't like it: I think I may be part fish. I love the water and am so much more relaxed when I am in it. The shower felt good, especially when my husband put the sprayer on the part of my body where the contraction was, but I don't think it was the same as the bath at all.
What I would like to see happen this time: If available, I would like to be in the tub for much of the labor. Thankfully I have been given permission to stay at home (even once my water has broken, as long as it is clear) until my contractions pick up. I plan on using our giant tub during this time. Then once I am at the hospital, I know that the midwives will let me use the tub, as long as it is free.
What happened: I got an epidural too early. I figured there was no reason to be uncomfortable. If I was eventually going to get one, why not do it as soon as the pain got a little bit much.
Why I didn't like it: I was only about 3 cm dilated at the time. The epidural slows things down so I then had to have pitocin to speed things up. I believe (based on information told to me from a lactation consultant) that the pitocin delayed my milk coming in. It is merely a speculation, but my gut says that this is correct.
What I would like to see happen this time: I want help to relieve the pain of contractions without medication. I am pretty sure I still want the epidural, but I want to wait as long as possible to avoid the need for pitocin. We were given a bunch of techniques to help with the pain during our prenatal classes with Superman and I am hoping that some of them help. The midwife will also be there to help make suggestions.
You would think that I might have this very long and detailed birth plan given the fact that I want this birth to go differently than it did with Superman. Interestingly, my birth plan is going to be pretty simple...with even less on it than I had with Superman.
Why you ask? Because last time I had a doctor delivering my baby. This time I have a midwife. I made this change just recently thanks to the recommendation of my ob. She is going to be on vacation around the time when I am likely to deliver so despite the fact that she and I are on the same page (she wasn't the one that delivered S), many of the other doctors in the same office aren't. Fortunately, there is a team of midwives in the same office. They meet each week and coordinate regarding the patients that are close to delivering so that I won't hear one piece of information from one midwife and then hear something different from another. This also means that a whole lot of the things that I want to see happen during labor are standard practice for them already!
After my last appointment with one of the midwives I am actually excited about this labor. I can't wait to see how things turn out this time. While it may not go completely smoothly, I have no doubt that I will have fewer (if any) things that I will look back on and regret.
So do you have any regrets from your labor and delivery of your child(ren)? What do you want to see go differently with your next labor? If things went really well, what (or who) do you credit for this?
Can't wait to hear from you all!
*************
What happened: I was hooked up to fetal monitoring as soon as I was admitted. Why I didn't like it: This meant that I was stuck by the monitors the whole time. I had been able to walk around before I was admitted, but once I had the monitors on, I couldn't. Walking is supposed to help with dilation and since I wasn't dilating, I feel like I missed out on a helpful strategy.
What I would like to see happen this time: I want intermittent monitoring so that I can move around, walk, whatever feels right.
*************
What happened: I couldn't use the tub. The doctor said that I couldn't use it since my water had already broken and there was an increased chance of infection....which isn't true according to the midwife I met with on Monday. I was allowed to take off the fetal monitoring straps to go into the shower for a little bit though.
Why I didn't like it: I think I may be part fish. I love the water and am so much more relaxed when I am in it. The shower felt good, especially when my husband put the sprayer on the part of my body where the contraction was, but I don't think it was the same as the bath at all.
What I would like to see happen this time: If available, I would like to be in the tub for much of the labor. Thankfully I have been given permission to stay at home (even once my water has broken, as long as it is clear) until my contractions pick up. I plan on using our giant tub during this time. Then once I am at the hospital, I know that the midwives will let me use the tub, as long as it is free.
*************
What happened: I got an epidural too early. I figured there was no reason to be uncomfortable. If I was eventually going to get one, why not do it as soon as the pain got a little bit much.
Why I didn't like it: I was only about 3 cm dilated at the time. The epidural slows things down so I then had to have pitocin to speed things up. I believe (based on information told to me from a lactation consultant) that the pitocin delayed my milk coming in. It is merely a speculation, but my gut says that this is correct.
What I would like to see happen this time: I want help to relieve the pain of contractions without medication. I am pretty sure I still want the epidural, but I want to wait as long as possible to avoid the need for pitocin. We were given a bunch of techniques to help with the pain during our prenatal classes with Superman and I am hoping that some of them help. The midwife will also be there to help make suggestions.
*************
What happened: I started pushing when they told me I was 10 cm. I didn't have the urge to push, but they told me if I wanted to start pushing, I could.
Why I didn't like it: There are a couple parts wrong with this. First, my epidural may have been interfering with my ability to know when to push. Second, I think I wasn't really fully dilated. Many women dilate to greater than 10cm and it is more important to wait till you get the urge to push. Basically I did a whole lot of pushing for no good reason. That would be like me pushing now, 3 weeks before my due date- it doesn't do anything.
What I would like to see happen this time: I want to wait till I get the urge to push. I am hoping to utilize the epidural in such a way that I can still feel the contractions and get the urge to push. I don't know how realistic this is, but I do know that it is possible.
*************
You would think that I might have this very long and detailed birth plan given the fact that I want this birth to go differently than it did with Superman. Interestingly, my birth plan is going to be pretty simple...with even less on it than I had with Superman.
Why you ask? Because last time I had a doctor delivering my baby. This time I have a midwife. I made this change just recently thanks to the recommendation of my ob. She is going to be on vacation around the time when I am likely to deliver so despite the fact that she and I are on the same page (she wasn't the one that delivered S), many of the other doctors in the same office aren't. Fortunately, there is a team of midwives in the same office. They meet each week and coordinate regarding the patients that are close to delivering so that I won't hear one piece of information from one midwife and then hear something different from another. This also means that a whole lot of the things that I want to see happen during labor are standard practice for them already!
After my last appointment with one of the midwives I am actually excited about this labor. I can't wait to see how things turn out this time. While it may not go completely smoothly, I have no doubt that I will have fewer (if any) things that I will look back on and regret.
So do you have any regrets from your labor and delivery of your child(ren)? What do you want to see go differently with your next labor? If things went really well, what (or who) do you credit for this?
Can't wait to hear from you all!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Baby #2: Week 36
June 12, 2011
How far along: 36 weeks -Technically I am still in my 8th month. This seems wrong since I have less than a month till my due date of July 9th.
Baby's size: Honeydew Melon (Month 8: weeks 33-36 -- Average size: 17.2-18.7 in and 4.2-5.8 lb.)
Symptoms (otherwise known as Mommy C's Weekly Complaints):
- A LOT of low pressure
- Sore hips - I spend a lot of time squatting and stretching them out
- Cramping and Braxton hicks (no back pain!!)
Total Weight Gain:
Total weight gain= +9 pounds
Total weight gain= +9 pounds
Maternity clothes:yes ---starting to look at some good summer nursing tops. If you have a suggestion, I will gladly take it! (I would like to avoid having to layer with a tank underneath.)
Best moment this week: Finding out that we were going to get to see the little guy one more time before he really arrives.
Movement: Yes, although he is slowing down a little bit. He moves throughout the day, but always the crazy movements I was getting. I am guessing he is running out of room!
Food cravings: Watermelon!
Gender: BOY!!! (We are hoping the ultrasound on Monday will show that this is still the case!)
Labor signs: Same as last week- lots of low pressure and some braxton hicks. There are times when the low pressure is so bad that I have to stop because it feels like the baby is going to fall out. I know that won't happen, but it catches me off guard. I was reading the Baby Center week by week update for this week and it said that some women describe it as having a bowling ball between their legs. Yeah, that sounds about right.
What I miss: Being comfortable. I had my first "I'm done" days this week. If you have been pregnant or lived with someone who was pregnant, you know about this. These are the days where there are a lot of tears, a lot of complaining, and a lot of wishing for this baby to be OUT.
What I'm looking forward to: The ultrasound Monday!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): That I am going to switch to a midwife (still delivering in a hospital)! I will get the benefit of having a midwife's wisdom, guidance, and support throughout labor and delivery and if (God forbid) something go wrong, there is always a doctor on-call.
Milestones: Less than one calendar month away from the due date!
Emotions: A bit more weepy this week....mostly over things that are sappy or when thinking about my stepmom who passed just before I got pregnant.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Wednesday and Friday (1 hour 15 minutes each each day)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: none (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 2 hour 30 minutes--I met my goal! Now to get back to water aerobics at least once this week. We shall see if that happens or not. It is at night so most nights I am too tired to go.
Best moment this week: Finding out that we were going to get to see the little guy one more time before he really arrives.
Movement: Yes, although he is slowing down a little bit. He moves throughout the day, but always the crazy movements I was getting. I am guessing he is running out of room!
Food cravings: Watermelon!
Gender: BOY!!! (We are hoping the ultrasound on Monday will show that this is still the case!)
Labor signs: Same as last week- lots of low pressure and some braxton hicks. There are times when the low pressure is so bad that I have to stop because it feels like the baby is going to fall out. I know that won't happen, but it catches me off guard. I was reading the Baby Center week by week update for this week and it said that some women describe it as having a bowling ball between their legs. Yeah, that sounds about right.
What I miss: Being comfortable. I had my first "I'm done" days this week. If you have been pregnant or lived with someone who was pregnant, you know about this. These are the days where there are a lot of tears, a lot of complaining, and a lot of wishing for this baby to be OUT.
What I'm looking forward to: The ultrasound Monday!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): That I am going to switch to a midwife (still delivering in a hospital)! I will get the benefit of having a midwife's wisdom, guidance, and support throughout labor and delivery and if (God forbid) something go wrong, there is always a doctor on-call.
Milestones: Less than one calendar month away from the due date!
Emotions: A bit more weepy this week....mostly over things that are sappy or when thinking about my stepmom who passed just before I got pregnant.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Wednesday and Friday (1 hour 15 minutes each each day)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: none (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 2 hour 30 minutes--I met my goal! Now to get back to water aerobics at least once this week. We shall see if that happens or not. It is at night so most nights I am too tired to go.
Till next week!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Baby #2: Week 35
June 4, 2011 ...well technically it is June 6th
How far along: 35 weeks
Baby's size: Honeydew Melon (Month 8: weeks 33-36 -- Average size: 17.2-18.7 in and 4.2-5.8 lb.)
Symptoms (otherwise known as Mommy C's Weekly Complaints):
- Heartburn
- Lower back pain (from a lot of walking on the beach though)
- Low pressure- I remember this from last time. I remember telling my doctor about it and being so worried that it meant that I was starting to dilate and that the baby was going to come early. She had gently chuckled at me and reassured me that it was normal. Amazing how calm I am about it all now.
- Cramping and back pain with Braxton hicks
Total Weight Gain:
Just went to the doctor's this morning and I am still at 9 pounds! Because the doctor is cautious, I am getting an ultrasound next week to make sure that the baby is growing appropriately. Since my fundal height is fine she wasn't worried, but wanted to be sure (she has never had a woman that had good fundal height and low weight gain have a baby not be growing okay).
Total weight gain= +9 pounds
Just went to the doctor's this morning and I am still at 9 pounds! Because the doctor is cautious, I am getting an ultrasound next week to make sure that the baby is growing appropriately. Since my fundal height is fine she wasn't worried, but wanted to be sure (she has never had a woman that had good fundal height and low weight gain have a baby not be growing okay).
Total weight gain= +9 pounds
Maternity clothes: Growing out of maternity clothes...what is next? Moo moos.
Best moment this week: Superman has begun to point to my belly and say baby. I don't think he really gets it, but it is cute none-the-less.
Movement: Yes! It is crazy to watch him move around my belly. Seems like he is running out of space in there.
Food cravings: nothing really
Gender: BOY!!!
Labor signs: more Braxton Hicks this week...with cramps and back pain (as mentioned above). I am also having the low pressure (as mentioned above) and although it isn't true labor signs, it is a sign that things are beginning to "get ready".
What I miss: Being able to comfortably read stories with Superman in my lap. He has a hard time getting comfortable and settling down now.
What I'm looking forward to: The ultrasound next Monday!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): Everything will be okay. I freaked out a little last week because I realized we were getting really close. Thanks to a bit of perspective and advice from my sister, I am feeling a lot better about things.
Milestones: Started going weekly to my ob appointments! We also talked about birth plans today at my appointment which lead my ob to suggesting that I might want to switch to a midwife. You see, my ob will most likely be on vacation and although I trust all the other doctor's in the office, some have different opinions on laboring options. I would really like to labor in the tub, but many don't allow it if your water has already broken (which is what happened last time). So I have posed the question to my friends on my personal Facebook page and you can expect a post about it soon.
Emotions: Still a little anxious that we are getting so close to the due date, but overall I am much better than last week.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Wednesday (1 hour 15 minutes each each day)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: none (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 1 hour 15 minutes (I have a goal to get to 2 boot camp classes and one swim class this week)
Best moment this week: Superman has begun to point to my belly and say baby. I don't think he really gets it, but it is cute none-the-less.
Movement: Yes! It is crazy to watch him move around my belly. Seems like he is running out of space in there.
Food cravings: nothing really
Gender: BOY!!!
Labor signs: more Braxton Hicks this week...with cramps and back pain (as mentioned above). I am also having the low pressure (as mentioned above) and although it isn't true labor signs, it is a sign that things are beginning to "get ready".
What I miss: Being able to comfortably read stories with Superman in my lap. He has a hard time getting comfortable and settling down now.
What I'm looking forward to: The ultrasound next Monday!
Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): Everything will be okay. I freaked out a little last week because I realized we were getting really close. Thanks to a bit of perspective and advice from my sister, I am feeling a lot better about things.
Milestones: Started going weekly to my ob appointments! We also talked about birth plans today at my appointment which lead my ob to suggesting that I might want to switch to a midwife. You see, my ob will most likely be on vacation and although I trust all the other doctor's in the office, some have different opinions on laboring options. I would really like to labor in the tub, but many don't allow it if your water has already broken (which is what happened last time). So I have posed the question to my friends on my personal Facebook page and you can expect a post about it soon.
Emotions: Still a little anxious that we are getting so close to the due date, but overall I am much better than last week.
Exercise:
Boot Camp: Wednesday (1 hour 15 minutes each each day)
Pregnancy Water Aerobics: none (1 hour each)
Total exercise time: 1 hour 15 minutes (I have a goal to get to 2 boot camp classes and one swim class this week)
Till next week!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
How Can It Be June?
Today is June 1st. You knew that already though, didn't you? Today is also the day that I began to really lose my mind.
In one month Superman will be 18 months old....and in one month our lives will forever change. Our due date is July 9th and since Superman came a week early, I have had in my head that I need to be ready to go July 1st in case this baby decides to come early as well.
All along I have been thinking I had tons of time. In April, July seemed SO.FAR.AWAY. In May, I felt like I better get preparing, but there was no rush. But June? June is the last month I have!
People have tried to comfort me with the idea that I have done this before and that the second baby can be much easier. All that is great, except for the fact that I am not actually worried about the new baby. I am worried about being prepared for Superman. I want to know that I have done everything possible to make this transition easier on him.
A lot of this anxiousness comes from the fact that, as of right now, there are at least 3 or 4 possible options for who will be taking care of S while I am in labor/delivery.
I also need to have things in place around the house (both for when I am at the hospital and for when I return).
In one month Superman will be 18 months old....and in one month our lives will forever change. Our due date is July 9th and since Superman came a week early, I have had in my head that I need to be ready to go July 1st in case this baby decides to come early as well.
All along I have been thinking I had tons of time. In April, July seemed SO.FAR.AWAY. In May, I felt like I better get preparing, but there was no rush. But June? June is the last month I have!
People have tried to comfort me with the idea that I have done this before and that the second baby can be much easier. All that is great, except for the fact that I am not actually worried about the new baby. I am worried about being prepared for Superman. I want to know that I have done everything possible to make this transition easier on him.
A lot of this anxiousness comes from the fact that, as of right now, there are at least 3 or 4 possible options for who will be taking care of S while I am in labor/delivery.
- My mom arrives on June 28th, but I would like to have her at the hospital if possible.
- We have a baby sitter that lives down the street that might be able to take care of him depending on her schedule when I actually go into labor.
- My husband's aunt has said that she would help if we needed her to and lately I have been thinking that I need to contact her and make that a more solid plan (mentally adding this conversation to my to-do list). But none of these people are in Superman's daily life so I need to have as much information about his daily life written down so that they can help make this time a little less chaotic for him.
- If it is during the day AND there is availability, Superman might be able to go to his new daycare for some of the time.
I also need to have things in place around the house (both for when I am at the hospital and for when I return).
- I need to make sure my house is stocked with food that Superman will eat...or have cash on hand to give to the person watching him to go buy the food.
- I need to make sure that his room is organized so that people kind find the things they might need.
- I need to have clean sheets ready to go in case they need to spend the night (don't even get me started on the chaos that would be created if I am in labor at night, my mom is in town, but someone else needs to sleep on the bed she is using because they are staying with Superman).
- I would like Superman to go up and down the stairs voluntarily...without needing to be carried. He can do it, it just a matter of whether he wants to and how long he will take to do it. He is getting better daily.
- I want S to be comfortable with his new daycare. I need to write a post about this too, but basically I found a daycare for him one day a week. It will allow me to go to doctor's appointments this month without him and then allow me to go to the new mom's group once the baby is here. I am also hoping that this daycare (because of it's drop-in childcare availability) might be an option during labor if needed.
- I want S to be used to going to bed without a huge routine at nap time. This is for so many reasons, but the two main ones are because of the day care and because once the baby is here, I am not sure how easy it will be for me to do the whole routine and take care of the baby.
- I want to have meals in the freezer for both the people watching Superman and for when we get back from the hospital.
- I need to pack my hospital bag.
- Finish my birth plan. I went through the birth plan I had with Superman and deleted a bunch of stuff that wasn't excessive. I need to go through it with my doctor at some point and will likely trim it back even more.
- Both of our dogs need to get their shots and physicals so that the border will take them. This is scheduled, but I will feel better when it is done.
- Next week I want to put out the various "baby equipment" that we are going to use and get S comfortable with it being here. He loves his baby doll so we will have him help us with his baby using all of the items. He already likes to put his baby in the baby swing! I am hoping this will help with the transition.
- I would like to finish decorating the new baby's room. Certainly it will be okay if this doesn't get done, I just am not sure it will ever get done if I don't do it now.
- I would like to get at least one massage and one pedicure. I am hoping this will get done while S is at daycare that one day a week this month.
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