I have wondered what direction to take this blog. Motherhood is certainly not a boring subject, by any means. But, I feel at this point this is "just another parenting blog." I may journal about a few random subjects while I ponder this. Please comment or email me if you have topic suggestions!
My first more "random" post is to share a starting list of books on my hopeful "to read 1 day" list. The first book -- How to Read the Bible -- is recommended by a friend. I look forward to hearing more about it. I would like to delve more into my spiritual growth by studying more about scripture and being a faithful steward of the reading the Word regularly.
I know my worship should take first priority. But realistically, how does a working Mom find time? Please, offer me some suggestions for taking this leap.
10.30.2008
7.06.2008
Zyler is a Half-Year Old Today
I will take a posting lead from a friend and post my life's briefest highlights.
- I turned 30 on June 16. There were presents. There was red velvet yummy cake. (Thanks, M-I-L!)
- I had my womanly physical last week with the midwife, Ann, who delivered Zyler. She is awesome... All is well. She gave me some other birth control options to consider. I am not considering anything hormonal.
- I finally feel like a "Mom."
- I love motherhood.
- I hate working 40 hours and seeing so little of Zy during the week. Would love to work less, but keep working.
- Zyler is doing great. Not an illness to speak of. Still 100% Mommy Milk.
- I still pump while away from Zyler. Pumping still sucks. :) But I can't stop.
- Zyler is awake once or sometimes none at nights. It's wonderful. I'm still tired, but feel human again!
- I cannot believe it's been 6 months. I can remember those days of labor and the birth vividly. My just-about-natural birth = totally empowering.
5.17.2008
Sleep 2
Sleep... it's overrated... right?
I figured out he's not getting enough to eat before Jason and I are in bed. I've tried the "dream feeds" in the past and they didn't seem to help--he would still wake at least twice over night. So, last night I decided it was worth a try again and had Jason give him a full 4 oz bottle of Mommy Milk. He only woke again at 3 AM to eat. Score! Jason gave him another bottle but I was so engorged I had to go downstairs to pump! Doh!
I appreciate the concept and have no basic problem with co-sleeping, but somehow I end up getting even less sleep trying that. Zyler tends to kick and wiggle in the early morning, keeping me awake. I may give it another go during/after that early morning feed, though, and see if it helps me/us get more rest. That way I don't have to use so much energy sitting up to feed him and get him back into bed.
I am certainly open to discussion and comments on the sleep subject!
I figured out he's not getting enough to eat before Jason and I are in bed. I've tried the "dream feeds" in the past and they didn't seem to help--he would still wake at least twice over night. So, last night I decided it was worth a try again and had Jason give him a full 4 oz bottle of Mommy Milk. He only woke again at 3 AM to eat. Score! Jason gave him another bottle but I was so engorged I had to go downstairs to pump! Doh!
I appreciate the concept and have no basic problem with co-sleeping, but somehow I end up getting even less sleep trying that. Zyler tends to kick and wiggle in the early morning, keeping me awake. I may give it another go during/after that early morning feed, though, and see if it helps me/us get more rest. That way I don't have to use so much energy sitting up to feed him and get him back into bed.
I am certainly open to discussion and comments on the sleep subject!
5.13.2008
Sleep?
Well, on second thought... He isn't quite back to 1 waking per night every night. I am still very tired as he is waking at least twice a night most nights. But I just tell myself that it does get better, and I do remember to cherish those night feedings and cuddles as much as possible. After all, they are tiny for such a short time.
5.10.2008
Zyler is 4 Months Old!
I can't believe it's been 4 months! We just got our bill from the hospital for each of us! And it's already been 4 MONTHS! Zyler is thriving on exclusive Mommy Milk and doing splendidly. Just this week he started rolling to the left a lot in his crib. We often find him sleeping on his tummy or on his tummy and his side. He has finally gotten back down to 1 waking at night. He was waking 2 and 3 times for several weeks. I think a lot had to do with his trying to figure out the rolling over. I am worn out but starting to feel somewhat normal again! He is taking better naps, and he also plays with his rattles and loves to talk and coo to us. He holds his head up well, and likes to play with his feet. No toe sucking yet though. :o)
I am going to attempt going back to work full time this week. I am tired... and also sad to not be with him as much during the day, but hopefully I will find a groove that I will be able to be happy with. He stays with our cousin and his grandmothers while I'm working. That way, he can't wear out just 1 of them. :o)
I am going to attempt going back to work full time this week. I am tired... and also sad to not be with him as much during the day, but hopefully I will find a groove that I will be able to be happy with. He stays with our cousin and his grandmothers while I'm working. That way, he can't wear out just 1 of them. :o)
4.24.2008
Gift Idea
Here is a great gift idea! Nature's Child: Wholesome Goods for Mothers & Babies is in Charlottesville, VA. It appears they offer safe, natural minded products. Gift certificates available.
4.05.2008
Beautiful "Angel Mommy" Video
Yet again, so touching that I couldn't not share! Grab your tissues!
It is hard to imagine life without our Zyler. I know now that he is 1 of the main reasons for my miscarriage. But, you can't help but wonder - what would life be today had we been blessed with that baby? It is hard to believe that he/she would have been around 14 months old already.
It is hard to imagine life without our Zyler. I know now that he is 1 of the main reasons for my miscarriage. But, you can't help but wonder - what would life be today had we been blessed with that baby? It is hard to believe that he/she would have been around 14 months old already.
4.01.2008
He did it! and 12-Week Checkup
God bless our little guy, he slept through the night last night!! And I don't mean just 5- or 6-hour stretches! He slept from about 7:45 PM til 5 AM when I woke him up to nurse! I also kinda "dream" fed him in his sleep around 9:30 PM.
I can't believe he's 3 months old! We started his vaccinations yesterday. (Poor little guy!!) He weighs 13.5 lb! Big guy! Yay for Mommy Milk!
I can't believe he's 3 months old! We started his vaccinations yesterday. (Poor little guy!!) He weighs 13.5 lb! Big guy! Yay for Mommy Milk!
3.30.2008
3.29.2008
Why Delay Solid Food?
Another great breastfeeding article!
http://www.got-breastmilk.org/Whydelay.shtml
http://www.got-breastmilk.org/Whydelay.shtml
Why Delay Solid Food?
By Jennifer VanLaanen-Smit
Reasons for delaying solids:
Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics advised that the healthy, full-term breastfed baby needs nothing other than mother's milk, including supplemental formula, water, juice, cereal, or other solid food, until he is at least six months old. Breastfeeding experts have long been advocating that solids be delayed until *at least* the middle of the baby's first year. What are the benefits of waiting this long?
Dr. Mendelsohn says, “Breastfed babies do not require solid foods during the first year of life and should not be given any during at least the first six months of life. Until then much of the solid foods he eats passes through his body undigested.”
The younger the baby, the more likely it is that any foods other than human milk will cause food allergies. While solely breastfed, the baby is protected by components in mother's milk that prevent foreign proteins from entering the baby's system and causing an allergic reaction. Between 6 months and 12 months of age, the baby begins producing enough antibodies to prevent such allergic reactions. This benefit is especially important for a baby whose family has a history of allergies. Some doctors may recommend delaying solids for the first year if there is a family history of allergies.
Because a young baby's digestive system is immature, he may not be able to digest other foods as well, perhaps making spitting up, constipation, and diarrhea more common. Waiting until the baby is older lessens the probability that these unpleasant reactions will occur. Recent studies have shown that hydrochloric acid - used to digest most protein - doesn't even appear in the stomach until the end of the seventh month and doesn't reach a peak until the eighteenth month. In addition, ptyalin, the digestive juice for carbohydrates, doesn't appear until the end of the baby's first year.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breast milk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed. Breast milk contains 37 known immune mechanisms, and probably many more that are still unknown. However, as soon as the baby is exposed to solid foods or anything other than breast milk - even one bottle of sugar water - 17 of these immune mechanisms are destroyed (by the E. coli bacteria that are introduced) and can never be restored. One study has shown that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 4+ months had 40% fewer ear infections than breastfed babies whose diets were supplemented with other foods.
Solids displace breast milk in the baby's diet. The more solid food a baby consumes the less breast milk he consumes, solids do not add to baby's total intake. Early introduction of solids puts the baby at risk for premature weaning. An inferior food has been substituted for a superior one, and partial weaning has begun.
Breastfed babies are rarely obese, but when they are it is most often related to the early addition of solid foods. This may be because a younger baby is less able to communicate when he has had enough, perhaps resulting in overfeeding.
Breastfeeding provides some degree of birth control. It is most effective, however, when the baby is exclusively breastfeeding - no formula or water supplements and no solid foods. The addition of these cuts down on the amount of time the baby spends at the breast, therefore reducing the amount of stimulation necessary to inhibit ovulation in the mother.
A young baby still possesses the tongue-thrust reflex, which causes the food to be pushed out of the mouth rather than swallowed. This coupled with the fact that most young babies are unable to sit up alone results in feeding that is messier and more difficult. There is also a higher incidence of choking because the art of swallowing is still being mastered. Once the tongue-thrust reflex has faded (between 6-12 months) baby can take a more active part in feeding time.
There is a reduction of respiratory illness. The probability of respiratory illness occurring at any time during childhood is significantly reduced if the child is fed exclusively breastmilk for at least 15 weeks and no solid foods are introduced during this time.
A baby who is ready for solids won't spit them back out, and their poop doesn't come out looking like what went in. And they will have some teeth. The coming in of the first teeth signals the ability to digest food; the eyeteeth and stomach teeth indicate that the baby now has gastric juices to handle foods, but some find their babies demand food some time before that.
The ease of feeding is a factor. Babies who start solids late can feed themselves. Why Delay Solids?
I can't figure out why people want to fuss over feeding their baby solids before she/he is ready. Babies only nurse for a short while even if they nurse for years instead of months, why not just follow their lead?
Breastmilk is easy and superior nutrition. Unlike the guessing game with solids, all the nutrients are right there in the perfect amount. Unlike solids, breastmilk offers your baby important immunities just when the immunities you passed on in utero are beginning to wear off. Breastmilk has irreplaceable ingredients for brain growth, which is at it's greatest during this age. Unlike solids, milk cleans up easy. Breastmilk poop smells a lot better than solid food poop, and is easier to clean up, and babies can poop it out much easier. Breastmilk is *free*, and prepackaged baby foods are not only expensive, but filled with preservatives and fillers. I could go on for hours about the advantages of delaying solids, but I can't think of one advantage to starting them early.
My first child was 12 months old before he started eating solid food, and then it was still just for tastes, not a meal. My daughter was 10 months old, and my third child has started 'tasting' solid food at 10 months old too. I do not spend my time grinding my own baby food nor do I buy jars of baby food. My babies taste what we are eating. For example, my 10 month old likes to taste, mash and spit out strawberries. Solid food makes up to 0-5% of his total food intake. He doesn't have 'food' everyday or even every other day. And all of my children have been healthy children, not overweight, but plump and strong. All have weighed around 25# by 12 months of age.
I suggest that parents wait until their infants start showing the obvious cues of readiness that I mentioned before starting solids. How many adults have you seen that still nurse? My point is, they *all* eat solids eventually...I promise!
I feed my babies on my lap or they just standing holding onto our low table (our table is low to the ground, as we eat Japanese style. We sit on the floor at our table. And my children start eating at an older age so I do not feed them myself. I just give them the food, like a whole strawberry, or small bites on their own dish for them to feed themselves. Yes, it does get messy. They have a great time!
I give my children to start with one new food at a time (only that new food that day, no other new foods in the same day), in case of allergic reaction or any adverse reaction. I give avocados, strawberries, tofu bits, natural organic cereal O's, pieces of cooked potato, bananas, mashed cooked yams, sprouted wheat bread in pieces, peaches, star fruit, pears, apples, papaya, poi, brown rice, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots in small pieces, grated soy or rice cheeses, sliced bananas rolled in wheat germ (to make them less slippery), and the like.
Your baby will fare best if you prepare his food yourself. Avoid commercially prepared baby foods, not only because they are more expensive, but also because they are less nutritious after being processed to death.
Please be aware that many children (12 months of age and younger) have adverse reactions to honey, eggs, cows milk and nuts. Observe your child closely to be sure that there is no allergic physical or behavioral reaction, such as excessive crying or fussiness. Also many children choke on grapes (unless you cut them in half, hot dog round slices (slice then the long way- thinly), and popcorn. And always keep an eye on them as they eat. Learn infant CPR. It can save your child's life.
The size of a child’s appetite will vary from day to day and year to year for a variety of reasons. It can be affected by his level of activity, by his fondness for the food he is served, and by the intake he requires if he is in the midst of a spurt in growth. The child, whether he is in a baby or in his teens, will eat what he needs.
MYTHS CONCERNING THE ADDITION OF OTHER FOODS
"Babies who live in very warm climates need extra water, especially during summertime, to quench their thirst and avoid dehydration." Breastmilk is about 80% water. As long as a baby is allowed unlimited and unrestricted access to his mother's breast, he does not need additional water. Giving a baby water may cause him to feel full, thereby resulting in him demanding to nurse less often and thus getting less of the milk that he requires for proper nutrition and growth. Furthermore, some recent studies have indicated that the kidneys of babies, especially very young ones, are not mature enough to handle large amounts of water and giving water may actually result in health risks for the baby. Additionally the mother receives less stimulation when the baby is given water supplements which may have an adverse effect on her milk supply. "Adding solid food to a baby's diet will help him go longer between breastfeedings and perhaps sleep through the night."
There is absolutely no correlation between the presence of solids in a baby's diet - or the lack of it - and the baby beginning to sleep through the night. If adding solid food to a young baby's diet results in him going longer between feedings, it is probably because his digestive system is having to work overtime due to the strain placed on it by foods he is not physically mature enough to digest.
"Introducing solids ensures that a baby is not deprived of necessary iron in his diet."
Anemia is uncommon in the breastfed baby due to the following reasons: 1) a healthy, full-term infant has ample iron stores at birth to last him at least for the first twelve months of life, 2) although the amount of iron in breastmilk is small, it is readily absorbed at a rate of 49% compared to 4% of the iron in formula. This is due to the high levels of lactose and vitamin C in human milk, which aid in the absorption of iron, and 3) breastfed babies do not lose iron through their bowels as do formula-fed infants, whose intestines develop fissures from damage caused by cow's milk.
3.27.2008
Inspiration
I had followed this gal's blog that I stumbled across. Her son had a birth defect that took his life at 9 weeks and 4 days. He was born a day after Zyler on January 7. Doctors did not expect him to survive much longer after birth. These videos tell his story. Thanks be to God for the gifts of joy he shared with his parents and big sister in the time they had with him. His mother's faith and courage are awe inspiring to me. I just couldn't not share Joshua's story. Be sure to watch to the end if you're able. They've shared some beautiful stats and stories in text about him.
3.15.2008
Bisphenol A-free Plastics
Another mom has done the research already. Check out her great article and link to a handout here. Basically, we should try to avoid eating from all plastics numbered 3, 6, & 7. Check your baby bottles and sippy cups!
2.28.2008
Zyler is 7 Weeks Old!
He had his checkup on Monday and weighs 11 lb 12 oz with his clothes on. :) So, yet again, all is well with the little guy. We will probably start selective vaccinations around 12 weeks.
Breastfeeding is going somewhat better, and I am still pumping and storing milk. I started back to work Wednesday on a mostly MWF schedule. I'm glad I'm going back part time for now, as I still am not getting much sleep! I found a great room in the building with a lock where I can express milk, probably 3 times a day once I am there a full day. Pumping is hard work! So many details and things to coordinate. Breastmilk feeding--whether from the breast or pumped for a bottle--provides such a sense of accomplishment, though.
Breastfeeding is going somewhat better, and I am still pumping and storing milk. I started back to work Wednesday on a mostly MWF schedule. I'm glad I'm going back part time for now, as I still am not getting much sleep! I found a great room in the building with a lock where I can express milk, probably 3 times a day once I am there a full day. Pumping is hard work! So many details and things to coordinate. Breastmilk feeding--whether from the breast or pumped for a bottle--provides such a sense of accomplishment, though.
2.24.2008
Why Continue Breastfeeding?
This article is a great motivator to keep it up! Send it to a pregnant friend who may have had trouble breastfeeding a previous child and is contemplating not even trying again. The experience truly can be so different the next time around. When I'm spending hours upon hours feeding Zyler, even in the "wee" hours of the night, anticipating sharp pains going through my nipple, the article's messages surely helps keep me going!
Today has gone much better on the "bad" side, by the way. It's the small successes that also keep me going!
Today has gone much better on the "bad" side, by the way. It's the small successes that also keep me going!
2.21.2008
6 Week Postpartum Checkup, etc.
We went to my 6-week checkup today. All is well. Just a bit of scar tissue, but my suture is long gone and my bleeding is almost finished. We gave Ann a few pictures and she told us her "horror" story of her first labor--56 hours! YIKES! She gave me hope, though, for any future babies. Her second labor--only 2 hours!
She gave me big kudos for my hard work during my labor. =) We discussed the normal topics--contraception, PPD (postpartum depression), going back to work, being new parents. I'm due to go back in June for my annual checkup unless I want to see her regarding a contraception consult.
Aaahhhh going back to work. I'm supposed to go back next Wednesday part time. I will continue FMLA leave for a few weeks. Our babies are tiny for such a short time! I want to be home as much as possible... But I need to keep my job. We still have not confirmed day care arrangements, though. We are still interviewing prospects so hopefully we will have it figured out soon enough.
Zyler's 6-week checkup is Monday, even though he will be 7 weeks old. Crazy! They aren't kidding when they say how quickly time flies... He ate well last night before I went to bed and slept a 5-hour stretch for me, yay! So he was only up at 3 AM and 6 AM! We are approaching normalcy! I know once you have it figured out, their sleep cycle goes and turns upside down, but I am excited to have gotten 7 hours of sleep last night. It has been pretty rough on me--4 hours 1 night, 5 the next... I have had a hard time turning off my brain after 4 AM but last night I managed to do it. Whew! Thank goodness for the self hypnosis skills I learned with HypnoBirthing.
Oh, and regarding my breastfeeding post. It has definitely gotten easier but it is not where I'd like it to be. I still have a good bit of pain on the right side, especially early on in a feeding. My cracks and sores are healed, so I can't quite figure out what it could be besides it being difficult for Zy to latch when my breast is still very full. I could express before putting him on... but that means more work and more time... so I am just enduring the pain. :) It hurts on the left, too, in the beginning of the feed as he is using his tongue incorrectly to avoid "drowning" with my fast letdown. I use a nipple shield often times to force him to get it right, and then remove it. He usually fixes himself after I force the shield on him. I have been through quite the trouble with him from day 1, so after all this I am not about to give up yet if I can stick it out... Pumping can cause sore nipples, too... but I'm hoping for me that it will give them some relief once I am back at work and he is using bottles more often.
She gave me big kudos for my hard work during my labor. =) We discussed the normal topics--contraception, PPD (postpartum depression), going back to work, being new parents. I'm due to go back in June for my annual checkup unless I want to see her regarding a contraception consult.
Aaahhhh going back to work. I'm supposed to go back next Wednesday part time. I will continue FMLA leave for a few weeks. Our babies are tiny for such a short time! I want to be home as much as possible... But I need to keep my job. We still have not confirmed day care arrangements, though. We are still interviewing prospects so hopefully we will have it figured out soon enough.
Zyler's 6-week checkup is Monday, even though he will be 7 weeks old. Crazy! They aren't kidding when they say how quickly time flies... He ate well last night before I went to bed and slept a 5-hour stretch for me, yay! So he was only up at 3 AM and 6 AM! We are approaching normalcy! I know once you have it figured out, their sleep cycle goes and turns upside down, but I am excited to have gotten 7 hours of sleep last night. It has been pretty rough on me--4 hours 1 night, 5 the next... I have had a hard time turning off my brain after 4 AM but last night I managed to do it. Whew! Thank goodness for the self hypnosis skills I learned with HypnoBirthing.
Oh, and regarding my breastfeeding post. It has definitely gotten easier but it is not where I'd like it to be. I still have a good bit of pain on the right side, especially early on in a feeding. My cracks and sores are healed, so I can't quite figure out what it could be besides it being difficult for Zy to latch when my breast is still very full. I could express before putting him on... but that means more work and more time... so I am just enduring the pain. :) It hurts on the left, too, in the beginning of the feed as he is using his tongue incorrectly to avoid "drowning" with my fast letdown. I use a nipple shield often times to force him to get it right, and then remove it. He usually fixes himself after I force the shield on him. I have been through quite the trouble with him from day 1, so after all this I am not about to give up yet if I can stick it out... Pumping can cause sore nipples, too... but I'm hoping for me that it will give them some relief once I am back at work and he is using bottles more often.
2.03.2008
Zyler is Almost 5 Weeks Old
It is hard to believe he is 4 weeks old already! I have a few minutes to type a quick update. Zyler is doing great and gaining weight beautifully. He's very alert and strong and will start officially "cooing" back to us very soon I believe. He's even started to do the little push ups once in a while during tummy time.
However, we have had quite a time with breastfeeding. It seems 1 issue gets resolved and a new problem arises. I'm going to stick it out a few more weeks though, hopefully, assuming he continues to get enough nutritionally. I definitely do not have a supply problem! I will try to post some details later if time allows. :o)
However, we have had quite a time with breastfeeding. It seems 1 issue gets resolved and a new problem arises. I'm going to stick it out a few more weeks though, hopefully, assuming he continues to get enough nutritionally. I definitely do not have a supply problem! I will try to post some details later if time allows. :o)
First Family Photo
Taken just minutes after Zyler's birth, January 6, 2008, Harrisonburg, VA. Check out more Zyler and family photos here, or click on our Flickr display to the right.
Polls Recap
On our online game at ExpectNet, here's who came closest to Zyler's correct birth stats:
- correct birth date: Ruth W. (and closest time!), Julia H., Sara L., & Amy R.
- closest weight: Jen G.
- correct length: several loved ones!
1.07.2008
Zyler's Birth Story
Many thanks to my doula, Kelly Kravitz, who provided me a birth log summary of events so I could write an accurate and detailed birth story!
Wednesday, January 2
Have 39 week checkup (due date January 8)... 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced. The nurse-midwife, Melody, thinks my mucous plug is gone already.
Thursday, January 3
2100
Mucous plug definitely starts coming out and bloody show begins. I start having irregular lower back cramping. Nothing too uncomfortable. Able to sleep most of the night.
Friday, January 4
0400
Wake up early and still see mucous plug in big globs. Worry that water has broken. Since I'm GBS+ (Group Beta Strep) I don't want to alert the midwives too "early" as I want to avoid the IV antibiotics in excess (I am OK with 1 bag but am not thrilled about getting it every 4 hours during labor).
0700
Call my doula and let her know the lower back cramping returned and that I am still wondering if my water has broken. It is hard to tell with the mucous. I decide to go on into work and continue normal activity. Once I sit at the desk at work the surges (HypnoBirthing "speak" for "contractions") stop for most of the day. I am pretty sure I was in prodomal (very early) labor.
Saturday, January 5
0300
Email my doula to let her know I can not sleep any longer! Surges return about 2-3 minutes apart but are not intense enough to warrant going in. I called Ann Schaeffer, the midwife on call to let her know. She confirmed that first labors can really drag on in the early stages.
0830
Talk with doula. Having consistent (2-10 minutes apart) surges in lower back with lots of bowel area pressure. They last 30-45 seconds.
1030
Get in the tub to relax. Talk with a close friend and then my doula. The warm water really helps relax my back and tolerate the surges easier. They get a bit more intense as sometimes I can not speak through them if I was standing. My in-laws are at the house because my father-in-law is helping Jason in his shop. Jason & I had agreed not to alert family when I go into labor and want to wait until the last moment or until after the baby is born to make any calls. So it is challenging to say the least to hide the fact that I am in early labor! I even help make salads for lunch as my mother-in-law brought lasagna for us to share. My father-in-law said after Zyler was born that he could tell I wasn't feeling too great that day. :)
1700
My in-laws leave and my doula arrives to assist me through labor! My surges are every 10-13 minutes, lasting 30-50 seconds. I have continued increase in bowel pressure and lower back aches with each surge. My doula tries the counter pressure near my tail bone and it helps ease the discomfort me a great deal. I have tried to drink plenty of water today, and this evening I have some Red Raspberry Leaf tea. At this point I am still able to talk through each surge.
I call the midwife at some point today and she suggests blue or black cohash if I think my labor need an extra "boost." I tell her also about the bowel pressure and confirm with her that milk of magnesia is OK to take. I try it but nothing productive or relief comes. I also call a good friend and discussed the blue or black cohash and my labor symptoms. She thinks the same as my midwife, that I am still in very early (prodomal?) labor. My doula calls Martin's grocery since it's Satuday night to see if they might carry the cohash herb, but the worker can't locate it. We decide to stay home and see how labor progresses on its own.
My doula really wants me to try to rest, so we go upstairs to my bed. I lay on my left side and she uses the counter pressure and hot rice packs. These coping methods really help, and I don't know how I would have gotten through labor without her!! I also play my HypnoBirthing scripts on the CD to help me focus and remain in a good, centered state of mind.
1930
Surges now coming more consistently and definitely stronger. Lasting more than 1 minute.
2015
Surges 1.5 minutes long and 5 minutes apart!
2100
Surges are 1.5-2 minutes long and 5-7 minutes apart.
2130
Jason is checking on me every 20-30 minutes. I start shaking a little with each surge.
2200
Surges are definitely stronger; 1.5 minutes long, 5-8 minutes apart. I'm finally starting to believe that I'm in active labor! I am a little concerned though that labor was slowing some? My doula suggests switching sides so I go to lie on my right side. My shaking and teeth chattering also intensify. This is hard work!
2230
Surges 2-3 minutes apart! Jason goes to rest in the guest room. Just a little bit later, I confirm that my water breaks! Surges are really intense now. Poor Jason only got to rest 15 minutes before we got him up to leave for Rockingham Memorial Hosp. around 2250.
2330
We get the car packed and finally arrive at RMH. I call my midwife on the way to tell her that contractions are more intense. She doesn't talk to me long and calls me between surges, so I think she still thinks I was still in "false" labor. Is she in for a surprise! I tell Jason I would be pretty upset if we get there and I am only dilated to 2 cm!
Ann (midwife) is ready to put me in a triage room but realizes we needed a bigger labor room for me when she sees me breathing through a surge as I get out of the wheelchair! They get a 20 minute EFM. Zyler's heartrate is normal, about 137 bpm. Surges are good and strong. Ann checks me and says I have done great work--I am in transition at 8.5 cm!! Maybe we'll have this baby before daybreak!?!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
0015
I get right into the jacuzzi after Ann offers it. The jets really comfort me through surges and Jason turns on the HypnoBirthing scripts.
0110
Jason lies down to try to get some rest again. The nurse gets another EFM reading. Zyler is doing great. Kelly continues to use counter pressure on my lower back which helps me cope.
0300
I get a new RN, Cindy, who had both of her children naturally. She is very supportive throughout the remainder of my labor.
0500
Still no baby!! Cindy wants to check my cervix for progress. Jason rouses and comes to me. Cindy can feel that the left side of it is swollen and in the way. She actually uses the phrase "possible c-section." I am so exhausted by this point that I just want to cry! I can't believe she would even mention that phrase. Luckily it is never mentioned again!
0530
My labor support team continues to suggest I change positions, so I try the birthing stool for a while. Jason supports me from behind, sitting on the bed. The surges feel a little less intense. I sense that nothing very productive can come of them at this intensity level.
0600
Ann returns. She had gone for a nap around 0100. She expresses her disappointment for having slept so long, because she was confident she would have been woken up much earlier when I was ready to birth my baby! She checks my cervix and feels it is still off to the side. She suggests I get in the hands and knees position since Zyler is not quite turned all the way anterior yet. If this doesn't work I should consider Pitocin to help the surges become more effective. (I was definitely committed to a fully natural delivery so this is not what I wanted to hear!)
0700
I finally am exhausted with the hands and knees position. The baby did turn another 10%, but is still partly posterior. I decide to start the Pit with Fentanyl (narcotic) to help me relax and rest some. (I emphatically decline the offer of an epidural as I do not want my mobility compromised and want a natural labor/delivery as much as possible. Turns out I stayed in the bed the rest of the time anyway.) I start crying a little out of frustration and exhaustion. Jason & I am very committed to my having a totally natural birth, and I am so disappointed that surges have slowed down and that the Pit would be necessary. I understand it to be a very good reason for this intervention though. My uterus and I am so tired!! I ask Jason if he is angry, and he says if I need these interventions then I should take them!
0730
The Pit starts at the lowest dose, 2 ml. Every 20 minutes it raises 2 ml. I receive the Fentanyl which should metabolize in about 1 hour. I am finally able to rest!! Only a few of the surges woke me...
0800
Pit is up to 6 ml. Surges are definitely stronger and faster. I'm feeling a little rejuvenated!
0845
I start pushing more, and Zyler is moving down! Ann checks me, and he's at a +2 station and I'm fully dialted! Woohoo!!! I start bearing down a lot more and soon the room floods with hospital staff to prepare for the birth. By this point also I have totally lost all modesty and the hospital gown is gone! My doula is great at telling me to "breathe my baby down" and this allows me to use very low pitches in my voice when bearing down and really push in the right place. (Even though HypnoBirthing tried to teach me not to "push.")
Ann and all the support staff in the room are wonderful at encouraging me through the pushing and not prompting me when to push. They allow my instincts to tell me when to push. I get to the point of exhaustion where I don't believe I can do it! I even doze once in between surges! They also bring the mirror out to encourage me, too, when Zyler's head becomes visible! That is pretty amazing for me to see. I seriously do not understand why it is taking soooo long though to get him out!!
1005
Throughout the night I had continued sipping water, and Kelly & Cindy continued reminding me to urinate, but I couldn't go! Ann finally looks up and sees an extra bulge on my belly--my bladder was extremely full! I get up and try going 1 more time, but to no avail. So I get back in bed and Ann uses a straight catheter and got 1 LITER of urine!! I think she realized my bladder was prohibiting him to move down any further.
Then just 15 minutes later....
1021
Zyler is born! Finally, at 39 weeks 5 days gestation. I finally feel his head come and was preparing for the next surge to push the rest of his body when I finally realize Ann telling me to take my baby! She had pulled the rest of him out for me. Fine by me! :) I grab him and pull him to my chest and my head collapses against the pillows in exhaustion. Zyler has a 6 cm "conehead," and Ann tells me his hand came out beside his face! If it hadn't been for that I would have had plenty of room for him. However, I ended up with a 2nd degree tear on my perineum that requires stitches. Not too bad...
At Ann's suggestion, I push gently 1 more time to expel the placenta which is just near the vaginal opening. I am fascinated by it as she inspects it, showing me the sac and what had fed my baby for the past 9 months.
An RN brings me some Sprite, graham crackers, and Ibuprofen. The Sprite tastes just heavenly! Zyler has Apgar scores of 8 and 9 out of 10) and is in perfect health. With my exhaustion and the newness of motherhood, it takes me several days to get used to the idea that I'm a mom!
Monday, January 7, 2008
We are discharged and go home!
Wednesday, January 2
Have 39 week checkup (due date January 8)... 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced. The nurse-midwife, Melody, thinks my mucous plug is gone already.
Thursday, January 3
2100
Mucous plug definitely starts coming out and bloody show begins. I start having irregular lower back cramping. Nothing too uncomfortable. Able to sleep most of the night.
Friday, January 4
0400
Wake up early and still see mucous plug in big globs. Worry that water has broken. Since I'm GBS+ (Group Beta Strep) I don't want to alert the midwives too "early" as I want to avoid the IV antibiotics in excess (I am OK with 1 bag but am not thrilled about getting it every 4 hours during labor).
0700
Call my doula and let her know the lower back cramping returned and that I am still wondering if my water has broken. It is hard to tell with the mucous. I decide to go on into work and continue normal activity. Once I sit at the desk at work the surges (HypnoBirthing "speak" for "contractions") stop for most of the day. I am pretty sure I was in prodomal (very early) labor.
Saturday, January 5
0300
Email my doula to let her know I can not sleep any longer! Surges return about 2-3 minutes apart but are not intense enough to warrant going in. I called Ann Schaeffer, the midwife on call to let her know. She confirmed that first labors can really drag on in the early stages.
0830
Talk with doula. Having consistent (2-10 minutes apart) surges in lower back with lots of bowel area pressure. They last 30-45 seconds.
1030
Get in the tub to relax. Talk with a close friend and then my doula. The warm water really helps relax my back and tolerate the surges easier. They get a bit more intense as sometimes I can not speak through them if I was standing. My in-laws are at the house because my father-in-law is helping Jason in his shop. Jason & I had agreed not to alert family when I go into labor and want to wait until the last moment or until after the baby is born to make any calls. So it is challenging to say the least to hide the fact that I am in early labor! I even help make salads for lunch as my mother-in-law brought lasagna for us to share. My father-in-law said after Zyler was born that he could tell I wasn't feeling too great that day. :)
1700
My in-laws leave and my doula arrives to assist me through labor! My surges are every 10-13 minutes, lasting 30-50 seconds. I have continued increase in bowel pressure and lower back aches with each surge. My doula tries the counter pressure near my tail bone and it helps ease the discomfort me a great deal. I have tried to drink plenty of water today, and this evening I have some Red Raspberry Leaf tea. At this point I am still able to talk through each surge.
I call the midwife at some point today and she suggests blue or black cohash if I think my labor need an extra "boost." I tell her also about the bowel pressure and confirm with her that milk of magnesia is OK to take. I try it but nothing productive or relief comes. I also call a good friend and discussed the blue or black cohash and my labor symptoms. She thinks the same as my midwife, that I am still in very early (prodomal?) labor. My doula calls Martin's grocery since it's Satuday night to see if they might carry the cohash herb, but the worker can't locate it. We decide to stay home and see how labor progresses on its own.
My doula really wants me to try to rest, so we go upstairs to my bed. I lay on my left side and she uses the counter pressure and hot rice packs. These coping methods really help, and I don't know how I would have gotten through labor without her!! I also play my HypnoBirthing scripts on the CD to help me focus and remain in a good, centered state of mind.
1930
Surges now coming more consistently and definitely stronger. Lasting more than 1 minute.
2015
Surges 1.5 minutes long and 5 minutes apart!
2100
Surges are 1.5-2 minutes long and 5-7 minutes apart.
2130
Jason is checking on me every 20-30 minutes. I start shaking a little with each surge.
2200
Surges are definitely stronger; 1.5 minutes long, 5-8 minutes apart. I'm finally starting to believe that I'm in active labor! I am a little concerned though that labor was slowing some? My doula suggests switching sides so I go to lie on my right side. My shaking and teeth chattering also intensify. This is hard work!
2230
Surges 2-3 minutes apart! Jason goes to rest in the guest room. Just a little bit later, I confirm that my water breaks! Surges are really intense now. Poor Jason only got to rest 15 minutes before we got him up to leave for Rockingham Memorial Hosp. around 2250.
2330
We get the car packed and finally arrive at RMH. I call my midwife on the way to tell her that contractions are more intense. She doesn't talk to me long and calls me between surges, so I think she still thinks I was still in "false" labor. Is she in for a surprise! I tell Jason I would be pretty upset if we get there and I am only dilated to 2 cm!
Ann (midwife) is ready to put me in a triage room but realizes we needed a bigger labor room for me when she sees me breathing through a surge as I get out of the wheelchair! They get a 20 minute EFM. Zyler's heartrate is normal, about 137 bpm. Surges are good and strong. Ann checks me and says I have done great work--I am in transition at 8.5 cm!! Maybe we'll have this baby before daybreak!?!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
0015
I get right into the jacuzzi after Ann offers it. The jets really comfort me through surges and Jason turns on the HypnoBirthing scripts.
0110
Jason lies down to try to get some rest again. The nurse gets another EFM reading. Zyler is doing great. Kelly continues to use counter pressure on my lower back which helps me cope.
0300
I get a new RN, Cindy, who had both of her children naturally. She is very supportive throughout the remainder of my labor.
0500
Still no baby!! Cindy wants to check my cervix for progress. Jason rouses and comes to me. Cindy can feel that the left side of it is swollen and in the way. She actually uses the phrase "possible c-section." I am so exhausted by this point that I just want to cry! I can't believe she would even mention that phrase. Luckily it is never mentioned again!
0530
My labor support team continues to suggest I change positions, so I try the birthing stool for a while. Jason supports me from behind, sitting on the bed. The surges feel a little less intense. I sense that nothing very productive can come of them at this intensity level.
0600
Ann returns. She had gone for a nap around 0100. She expresses her disappointment for having slept so long, because she was confident she would have been woken up much earlier when I was ready to birth my baby! She checks my cervix and feels it is still off to the side. She suggests I get in the hands and knees position since Zyler is not quite turned all the way anterior yet. If this doesn't work I should consider Pitocin to help the surges become more effective. (I was definitely committed to a fully natural delivery so this is not what I wanted to hear!)
0700
I finally am exhausted with the hands and knees position. The baby did turn another 10%, but is still partly posterior. I decide to start the Pit with Fentanyl (narcotic) to help me relax and rest some. (I emphatically decline the offer of an epidural as I do not want my mobility compromised and want a natural labor/delivery as much as possible. Turns out I stayed in the bed the rest of the time anyway.) I start crying a little out of frustration and exhaustion. Jason & I am very committed to my having a totally natural birth, and I am so disappointed that surges have slowed down and that the Pit would be necessary. I understand it to be a very good reason for this intervention though. My uterus and I am so tired!! I ask Jason if he is angry, and he says if I need these interventions then I should take them!
0730
The Pit starts at the lowest dose, 2 ml. Every 20 minutes it raises 2 ml. I receive the Fentanyl which should metabolize in about 1 hour. I am finally able to rest!! Only a few of the surges woke me...
0800
Pit is up to 6 ml. Surges are definitely stronger and faster. I'm feeling a little rejuvenated!
0845
I start pushing more, and Zyler is moving down! Ann checks me, and he's at a +2 station and I'm fully dialted! Woohoo!!! I start bearing down a lot more and soon the room floods with hospital staff to prepare for the birth. By this point also I have totally lost all modesty and the hospital gown is gone! My doula is great at telling me to "breathe my baby down" and this allows me to use very low pitches in my voice when bearing down and really push in the right place. (Even though HypnoBirthing tried to teach me not to "push.")
Ann and all the support staff in the room are wonderful at encouraging me through the pushing and not prompting me when to push. They allow my instincts to tell me when to push. I get to the point of exhaustion where I don't believe I can do it! I even doze once in between surges! They also bring the mirror out to encourage me, too, when Zyler's head becomes visible! That is pretty amazing for me to see. I seriously do not understand why it is taking soooo long though to get him out!!
1005
Throughout the night I had continued sipping water, and Kelly & Cindy continued reminding me to urinate, but I couldn't go! Ann finally looks up and sees an extra bulge on my belly--my bladder was extremely full! I get up and try going 1 more time, but to no avail. So I get back in bed and Ann uses a straight catheter and got 1 LITER of urine!! I think she realized my bladder was prohibiting him to move down any further.
Then just 15 minutes later....
1021
Zyler is born! Finally, at 39 weeks 5 days gestation. I finally feel his head come and was preparing for the next surge to push the rest of his body when I finally realize Ann telling me to take my baby! She had pulled the rest of him out for me. Fine by me! :) I grab him and pull him to my chest and my head collapses against the pillows in exhaustion. Zyler has a 6 cm "conehead," and Ann tells me his hand came out beside his face! If it hadn't been for that I would have had plenty of room for him. However, I ended up with a 2nd degree tear on my perineum that requires stitches. Not too bad...
At Ann's suggestion, I push gently 1 more time to expel the placenta which is just near the vaginal opening. I am fascinated by it as she inspects it, showing me the sac and what had fed my baby for the past 9 months.
An RN brings me some Sprite, graham crackers, and Ibuprofen. The Sprite tastes just heavenly! Zyler has Apgar scores of 8 and 9 out of 10) and is in perfect health. With my exhaustion and the newness of motherhood, it takes me several days to get used to the idea that I'm a mom!
Monday, January 7, 2008
We are discharged and go home!
1.06.2008
Announcing the Birth of our Baby...
BOY! Zyler Tristan Kite was welcomed on the Epiphany of our Lord, January 6, 2008 at 1021. He weighed 7 lb 14.8 oz and was 21 inches long. A birth story shall follow, so stay tuned! Paige & Zyler are both healthy and well. We thank everyone for the congratulatory wishes and many prayers!
Announcing the Birth of our Baby...
BOY! Zyler Tristan Kite was welcomed on the Epiphany of our Lord, January 6, 2008 at 1021. He weighed 7 lb 14.8 oz and was 21 inches long. A birth story shall follow, so stay tuned! Paige & Zyler are both healthy and well. We thank everyone for the congratulatory wishes and many prayers!
1.03.2008
Baby Game... Any Last Minute Guesses?
Visit http://expectnet.com/games/kitefamily to place your vote on the birth date, gender, and more. Or visit expectnet.com and enter "kitefamily" as the game name.
Baby Game... Any Last Minute Guesses?
Visit http://expectnet.com/games/kitefamily to place your vote on the birth date, gender, and more. Or visit expectnet.com and enter "kitefamily" as the game name.
1.02.2008
39w 1d - Appointment
This is the first appointment when the nurse-midwifery practice will offer a cervical check, unless I had requested anything sooner. It really doesn't tell a lot of information for me or for the MW, such as when I'm going to start labor or anything to that extent. I decided to accept the exam today, though, to see where things stand. No need for a lot of excitement... but here are the stats:
- Weight up 2.5 lb from last week (Too many peanut butter balls, haha! Though I do think the baby may have had a growth spurt, because I do feel noticeably bigger.)
- Protein check fine
- BP around 126/74 (I forget exactly, oops)
- FHR 130 BPM
- Pason still head down and center, feet still to the upper right. The MW let J try to feel for the head and shoulder, but he couldn't really tell what he felt.
- And for the cervical check... About 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced, approximately -1 station. So, no, I haven't officially "dropped" yet. =)
Photo: "Open"
I love this description of this photo of a Hypnobirthing mom on the Navelgazing Midwife blog. =)
1.01.2008
39w 0d - "Big" Babies or "Small" Pelvises
As we near the impending "guess" date, and baby continues to grow (about an ounce per day), I find this video very inspiring. It pretty strongly knocks the "CPD" (cephalo-pelvic disproportion) diagnosis in my eyes. Two women close to me had cesareans due to this very reason, so continued research and education in this area holds a particularly special place for me. Our pelvises are made to stretch, and babies' heads made to mold.
Some abbreviations you may need prior to viewing:
HBAC = home birth after cesarean
VBAC = vaginal birth after cesarean
UBAC = unassisted birth after cesarean
I hope you enjoy.
Some abbreviations you may need prior to viewing:
HBAC = home birth after cesarean
VBAC = vaginal birth after cesarean
UBAC = unassisted birth after cesarean
I hope you enjoy.
39w 0d - "Pason" This Week
Hooray! You're in your fortieth week of pregnancy and your baby is now due. Don't worry if you're still waiting as you due date passes. It's not unusual to still be waiting for your baby to be born since a normal pregnancy may last for up to another two weeks.
- An average size baby now weighs about 7.5 lbs (3400g) and measures about 21.5 inches (50cm) long. Crown to rump measurement is about 14.8 to 15.2 inches (37 to 38cm). As you will see when your baby is born, these are averages only and vary from baby to baby. Your baby may weigh and measure more or less than this.
- The presenting part is down in the lower portion of your uterus and pressing through your softened and partially opened cervix.
- You may be surprised by the initial appearance of your baby when it is first born. Her head may be slightly misshapen from passing through the birth canal, though this usually does not last more than a day or two. Her coloring may initially appear bluish, purplish, or pale yellow and she may be covered with vernix, blood, lanugo and some meconium if she passes her waste in utero. Her genitals may also be swollen due to high hormone levels that were passed from you during your pregnancy, and she may have some skin discolorations or spots that will probably fade quite quickly.
Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com
The Business of Being Born Review
I stumbled across this review that a midwife wrote that I thought summed up the film quite well.
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