Wednesday, February 29, 2012

What happens to baby in the first few hours

Many milestones will occur.  First wash. First clothes. First Diaper. First look at mummy and daddy.

Your baby will be weighed.  Mine was 7 pound 7 ounces.  They will also be measured in length and head circumference.  Mine was 21 inches long and head circumference was 34 cm.

They also put this clear lotion into babes eyes.  This is an antibacterial cream to stop their eyes getting any infection.  It may make their vision a bit blurry but they can only see a couple of inches in front of their face anyway.

They get a wash,  they cannot be bathed until the left over umbilical cord drops off but they have a simple washcloth bath.  Then it is on with the pink and blue hat and white shirt.  Then they will be swaddled up in the hospital blanket.

Fully suited and booted they will now be handed back to you.  This is of course assuming all goes well with mummy and baby.

first separation anxiety.....

You may wonder where baby sleeps while you are recovering.  They have a nursery in the hospital with great nurses who take care of baby for you.

I will warn you that this is one of the hardest rings to do in the world.  You need to sleep so USE IT!!!!! you won't have this luxury at home, especially if you are breastfeeding.  Its all down to you once you get home so don't feel bad, don't feel guilty.  It is there to ensure that YOU get some rest.

The hardest mental battle is you wondering if you are a bad mother by asking for them to take the baby to the nursery.  Once you admit that you need rest it will become easier.

They will know if you wish to breast or bottle feed and they will bring baby to you on a regular schedule.  I manage to get 3 hours sleep at a time.  It was sorely needed.  I also had people come in to check my temperature and uterus height.  This was the really gross part.  There will be some quite moderate bleeding that will last some time.  The nurses need to make sure that the uterus is voiding blood and keep an eye on the amount.  To do this they roll their hand down your tummy over your uterus.  It is a little uncomfortable and pretty disgusting as you feel the blood gush out.  It is only done about 4 or 5 times and then when they are satisfied they will stop.

What happens now?

So congratulations,  you had your baby.  You are probably wondering what happens now.  I was left in the labor and delivery suite for a couple of hours just myself, my husband and new daughter.  This gives us time to bond.  i also was conscious that I wanted to start feeding her.  This is the really amazing part.  When you place your nipple near babes lips they instinctively start rooting to get a feed.  How do they know how to do that?????  Its just so spectacular to watch.

When you breastfeed you will notice some sharp pains in your abdomen, almost like a contraction.  This does pass after a couple of days.  This is the natural hormones released by breastfeeding stimulating the uterus to contract back down to the normal size.  They have lactation specialists at most hospitals and birthing centers and I would highly advise you meet with them as some kids latch on real well, some kids need a little more training.  Mother and child will get their own knack sorted out and what works for one child may not work for another.  If the baby doesn't latch on properly it can leave to sore and cracked nipples.

You will most likely after about 2 weeks of feeding get sore and cracked nipples anyway so take note and persevere.  It does get better.  Trust me you could stick red hot pins through mine and I wouldn't have a clue!  They get to be like rubber.  You can either use a pure lanolin cream to soothe them or alternatively good old breast milk.  Just rub a bit over your nipples and let it soak in. God this sounds raunchy doesn't it lol!  You can also buy nipple shields which are plastic covers that go over your nipples and still let the baby feed.

Once the staff are ready you will most likely be transferred to a post partum room or recovery room.  these have much more comfortable beds.  At the birthing center I was at, they have a tradition where you push a bell on the wall to signify another baby being born.  it plays a lullaby across the main floor.  Its so sweet.

I was in post partum and ready to take up residence for a couple of days.  it is usually 48 hours for a normal delivery.  I figured I would be there till late on Wednesday night or even Thursday morning.

So what the heck does natural childbirth feel like

In a word its like crapping a metal spiked football.

In hindsight, thinking about it, the most painful part was when the bag of waters started to come out and it was trying to come out very quickly.  I felt the renowned sting and burn as my poor lady bits stretched to the max.  My advice ladies, DONT STOP PUSHING just because it burns.  push through the burn so that it will be over quicker.

I could also feel the baby's head sat in my pelvis and feel the sensation of the shoulders coming through.  It is such a bizarre feeling but I knew then that relief was in sight.  Once the bag of waters broke it was all over very quick.  Passing the head and shoulders didn't really hurt it was just a matter of shut the hell up and concentrate on pushing.

My arms look like a recovering heroine addicts as I had several attempts to get an IV in for fluids and if i was going to have pain meds.  Sadly as i was so dehydrated my veins were hiding.  I have track marks and bruises all up mu arms.  This didn't really hurt too much as I was a tad preoccupied at the time.

I am so glad i didn't poop this time aswell.  With me being on my hands and knees it would have been a bit rude to deliver my baby girl and then crap on her.  Mind you she did pee on me so fair is fair lol!!!

I should have known things were progressing as I had several loose bowel movements in the day.  Usually a sign that things will happen soon.  I didn't have my bloody show till I got top the hospital so thats why i was caught off guard.

Many of you may wonder if there is any pain afterwards.  My response is that every one is different.  What I will say is that for me there was a huge amount of relief and instantly the pain went away.  Again, this was probably the adrenaline.

Aftermath and awe

I have been home with baby now for 8 days and wanted to take time to reflect and just put up a few posts of my thoughts and recollections of what was one of the most amazing experiences.

Immediately after the birth I had the giggles and was just in shock at how quick it had all been.  A lot of people have asked me why i left it so late to go into the hospital and the answer is, i had no idea i was so far on in labor.  Sounds silly even though this is my second pregnancy but i had back labor last time and the baby was facing the wrong way round.  It was therefore much more painful.  I figured I'm probably about 5 cm so seen as the pain is so bad lets go on in to hospital.

Little did i know that i was 7 cm and i would progress to 10 cm and pushing within 20 minutes of getting to hospital.  I can't believe it was that close.

With regards to my physical condition after delivery all i can say is i felt AMAZING!  I did have to have a few stitches as my tear from my first delivery opened again but it was no where near as bad as last time.  it is just a 2nd degree laceration.  My adrenalin was pumping so hard I remember my legs shaking so hard as my midwife was stitching me up.  They have the best cure for this though, they have these warm blankets that they put over you and it feels SO good!!!!!!!

I remember watching my husband cut the cord.  Again this is something I missed last time as I was so out of it and I was laid flat so I couldn't see anything.  That was nice to see.

The next part is obviously gross nut I did say I would tell all.  The delivery of the placenta or afterbirth.  This is just a really weird feeling.  basically the next contraction following the birth you just do a light push and you feel this warm floppy thing come away.  Its not exactly pleasant but it is the official sign you are no longer pregnant.  Plus it means the baby has now had its buffet cut off so its down to us mammas and our fun bags to provide, OR for the bottles of formula to come out.  No matter which way you choose there is no right or wrong.  Myself personally I breastfed both of mine.  I have been very fortunate to do that.  Some people may not be able to breast feed for one reason or another and that is fine.  Don't let anyone tell you any different, you are that baby's mummy and what you choose to do is the right thing for you and your family.

I just remember laughing at how funny the whole situation was.  I just kept looking down at my new baby girl and just being amazed at what we had made.  She was so placid.  She just laid there and enjoyed the cuddles.

Friday, February 24, 2012

I'm not gonna make it!!!!!

Well I get in the car and by this time it is now like I am say straddling a circular saw!!!! Also the contractions are suddenly getting back to back. I was literally screaming in the car. It was 6.30pm and we made our way to the hospital on what seemed the most pot holed road ever. He also realized he was speeding and had to ease off the gas.

7pm and we reached the hospital. By now I feel like I am about to push her out. We pulled up to the valet parking and the chap there ran to grab me a wheelchair. I made my way up to the 8th floor for labor and delivery still yelling. As I exited the elevator my midwife took one look at me and rushed me into a delivery room. I was now asking for drugs! If I can't get any there I was considering sending husband out to go get some from the bad side of town.

My midwife checked me and I was 7cm dilated. I had to have blood drawn for the drugs and have an IV. They tried 4 times before successfully putting in an IV as I was dehydrated. My advice ladies, drink LOTS of fluids when in labor.

7.10pm and my IV is in and All of a sudden I realized I had to push. My midwife said really???? She checked me and felt the head crowning. All of a sudden the room was full of people and they were all rushing to get everything ready.

I asked if I could get onto my hands and knees and kind of squat for delivery, before I knew it I was pushing and I could feel the bag of waters bulging out. Now There's a visual! I must have looked like one of those key chain pigs that you squeeze and poo comes out. I also finally had my bloody show. If you ask my husband the whole thing was a bloody show lol!

I then felt the water break and instantly I had to push again. I now realized it was too late for drugs. My mind was rushing! I was thinking I can't do this!!! But no time to waste. A second push and the head was out. A bit of panting and a third push came, I looked down at my feet under me and there on the bed was my beautiful little girl, crying away. I scooped her up into my arms and rolled onto my back. We had this amazing moment on the bed where I placed her to my chest and just paused to take the moment in.

She became relaxed and we just looked at each other and for that split second it was like there was only me, her and my husband in the room.

She then peed on me.

It's 7.38 pm, just half an hour after I got to hospital and here is my baby girl xxxx

I felt AMAZING!!! Literally like a super hero. I had gotten my secret wish of a natural non medicated delivery. I feel like I could run a marathon. I just kept smiling saying I can't believe it!!!!

Pillow biting

I went back home after my Drs appointment to continue contractions. I needed distraction so I did a jigsaw with my mummy. They were still about 10 mins apart at 4pm. I was thrilled that there was no pain in my back so, no back labor. What a relief. My daughter is due back home in an hour so I need to put a brave face on.

Not easy to do when you feel like someone is shoving a knife up your bottom and wiggling it around.

I just breathed through them and walked around. I knew I had 10 mins to play with between contractions so I was a hive of activity for those 10 mins. I have still not had my show.

My daughter came home and I managed to keep a brave face while she ate dinner. It then became very intense. Felt like someone was pulling my intestines out of my ass like a bag of giblets from a chicken. I decided now was the time to go upstairs and hide it from my daughter.

By now it was 6pm and the contractions were 8 mins apart. My husband put my daughter to bed and came into the bedroom to find me biting my pillow and crying. It was time to call the midwife and see what to do

The final countdown

My regular Drs appointment was at 10.30am on the 20th. As you know from my earlier post I had been having contractions since 2.55am. I text my midwife at 8ish to ask if I should still go. She said that if the contractions get very close together or the pain is too much then we will just arrange to go to hospital. Usually the rule is 511. 5 mins apart, lasting a minute, for an hour. Mine were between 7 and 10 minutes.

I was now getting a little uncomfortable so I decided to use my old faithful the bathtub for labor. I ran a nice Luke warm bath and sank into it up to my neck and watched Twilight. The new one. The one with the horrendous DIY C Section scene. Wow that was a good idea......NOT!!!

I then noticed my contractions were getting further apart!!! WTF!!!! Can't we just get this done already?

With them now being every 12 minutes we decided to go for our Drs apt. First was a sono to see how big baby is and how the fluid levels are. My mummy is here too so she came in aswell. We got to see the baby's face and I was in hysterics. You know when a baby pushes their nose up against a pane of glass? Well that's what baby's nose looked like. She was way down in the uterus and her head was being squished so she had a mega flat nose.

She looked to be about 7 pound 9 ounces which again was a relief. I dont want to risk the pelvis to a small hippo!!!! All in all everything looked good.

Next was the examination. I was dreading this as the midwife was going to strip the membranes much more aggressively. I knew I was going to be uncomfortable. First thing she did was check if I had dilated anymore. GREAT news!!!! I am now 4 cm!!!! Cervix is still a little thick but it means I only have 6 to go. My midwife had a good sweep round and did everything to loosen it all up. I now have visions of me preparing my chicken for Sunday roast lol!

Now I went in for my non stress test. This is usually about half an hour of you resting in a comfy chair whilst being hooked up to a monitor. It monitors contractions and the heartbeat to make sure baby is tolerating labor.

Luckily after many minutes chasing baby girl around the uterus we got a good trace and saw she was in no distress.

All I can do now is go home and ride this labor out.

Houston we have lift off

On the 19th Feb I had a call from my midwife just asking if there have been any changes. There hadn't been so she offered me a couple of ways to encourage labor.

One was nipple stimulation. If you have a breast pump you can use that. If not in my case the. You can just use your fingers to twist those melons man. Also just to try and relax me a cheeky glass of wine was allowed. Just the one! And not one of those glasses that are like buckets!!!

I drank my wine and decided to go upstairs in the bath and let nipple twisting commence. It felt a bit embarrassing at first but then each time I did it I would have a really strong Braxton hick contraction. I did it for about 20 minutes. Now with a wrist cramp that any virile teenage boy would be proud of, I settled into bed.

At 2.55am on the 20th I was woken from a deep sleep by a proper contraction. Those of you who it is your first time, you will know the difference. You cannot talk through it, you may double over in pain. Your natural instinct is to just sit down and breathe through it.

About 10 mins later , another one, then another one. It is at this point I woke my husband up with our code word "Oklahoma"! He looked at me dazily and then the penny dropped and he had a big smile and said "really!!!"

I then told him To go back to sleep (yeah right as if he could) and I will keep him posted and track my contractions

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Contact is made...

Today I had a Drs appointment and it was great although a little bizarre. I am now pretty much at my due date. I decided to have my Midwife check my cervix. I was a little disappointed last week that there was no change but this time I am pleased to say that the door is ajar! I am
nearly 2 cm dilated. Also the cervix has softened. Hopefully the evening primrose has worked well, that and the curry I had last night.

So now for the bizarre part! The midwife was stripping my membranes. This sounds like gutting a piece of game but nope nothing like that, it is basically like a finger sweep around the inside of the cervix to try and stimulate it to do its thing and open up already. I will warn you for those of you who this is your first time, it can be pretty uncomfortable and even painful. I'm ok with it now as after one birth there is plenty of room up there.

While my midwife was stripping the membrane she let me know that she could indeed feel the baby's head!!!! I was shocked and said "really!" she said yes watch this, she pushed gently back and forth and you could clearly see and I could feel the baby moving up and down. It was amazing. The midwife has made first contact with my little girl.

It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and desperate for a pee lol!

So the next stage for me, if I haven't had the baby this weekend I am going in on Monday for a sono and also a non stress test.

The sono usually sees whether there is enough fluid, the placenta is not deteriorating and the baby is ok. The none stress test is basically where you are hooked up to a monitor across your belly, it tracks the heartbeat and any contractions you have. It's nice and relaxing as you get to sit down and chill out. Bring a book or something to do. I am taking my crochet with me.

After that my midwife will do a more aggressive stripping of the membrane. I envisage a car jack being used and a pit pony being sent down with a mining crew hahahahah!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Are we there yet?

I have managed to turn into that annoying petulant child that sits in the back of the car yelling ,"are we there yet?" every 5 minutes. I am feeling a little bit crampy. My mind just tells me that I am playing tricks on myself and that it is just trapped gas.

I feel bloated and literally like a whale. Sleeping at night is an issue. I think it is partly the fact that I am excited to meet her and the other part is sheer lack of comfort.

I am trying to keep myself busy and on my feet as much as I can so that gravity will do its thing.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Pull the plug already

No I'm not in the bath. I am just impatiently waiting for my mucous plug to dislodge. Wow that sounds gorgeous doesn't it.

I didnt notice it first time round as I pretty much went straight to the bloody show.

My toilet trips now are mainly spent checking out the gusset of my knickers. Why do we do this to ourselves????? Jennifer Garner, Ben Aflecks Mrs is due to pop any day, I hardly think she goes to lunch at the ivy and then Pops to the loo to check the gusset of her knickers out.

I don't know why I bother because there is never anything there.

The funniest thing is last time I almost missed my bloody show. I went to the loo at night and didn't flush as I didnt want to wake husband, it was him who spotted it the next morning.

Almost Epic fail. Anyway, the mucous plug an dislodge way before labor on occasion but it is typically a good sign it is on its way. For me it was the bloody show, I went into labor shortly afterwards.

Waking up and thinking WTF???

As my due date gets nearer and nearer my dreams get weirder and weirder.
I don't mean Twilight zone weird but Quentin Tarantino on acid weird.

Lately I have felt increased pressure in my pelvis area and what almost feels like poking inside my bottom. I had the most strange dream last night because of this feeling.

I dreamt I was walking down the street just doing some window shopping when that familiar poke started happening. I kept on walking and it got stronger. All of a sudden a hand comes out of my bottom and starts waving at passers by. The bizarre part is that people were acting like its normal and actually coming up and shaking hands with her.

I then wanted to eat but I had to find a restaurant with a chair with a hole in the seat so that her hand won't get crushed. I couldn't find one so I started doing the old uma Thurman 1 inch punch to put a hole in the seat and the. I sat down to eat. End of dream.

Weird ha? I blame sleep deprivation due to constant having to pee in the night.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

MidnIght waltz

Most nights now I tend to not sleep. It is more like a coordinated waltz between my bed and the toilet. The hardest part is I go for a wee, lean forward and try squeeze every last bit out. Think I am all done so I get off the loo to wipe myself and as I have my hand there I then decide oh no there is more pee. Twice last night I peed on my hand.

It reminds me of after I gave birth to my daughter. I had the bowel control of a puppy. The slightest movement and I would pee. I wouldn't even feel it or even have an urge to go. I am now doing kegel muscle exercises like mad.

I always used to think Tena lady were for older people but they seriously were great after my first delivery. I wouldn't say I need them now but I need to gain more control.

Luckily now I am off I can catch up on some sleep as I didn't really get any last night.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Knowing when to stop...

Those people that know me know that I am a workaholic. Of course then it was a difficult decision as to when I should stop working.

I wanted to try and work right up till the day but my body had other ideas. I am so stubborn I don't listen to anyone. The only person who seems to get through my thick skull is my midwife, much to my best friends dismay.

I went to my Drs apt last Wednesday and my midwife broached the subject of leaving work. I broke down in tears. What the heck was I crying for???? I love my job. I was just plain exhausted. All I wanted to do was just curl up in a ball and have someone lay a nice warm blanket on me. My midwife gave me a reality check and said "if you are tired right now, what are you going to be like when the baby is here?"

Holy crap why hadn't I thought of it that way??? It's plain obvious but I didn't even think of that. I just thought I will soldier on and get on with it. It must be the English in me but I refuse to give up and admit weakness. I bit the bullet, called my hubby then spoke to my boss and we decided Friday last week would be my last day.

It felt very bizarre walking out on Friday but I literally felt like I could sleep at my desk on Friday. I just want to put my feet up and rest.

Walking now looks ridiculous. I walk like those alien robots at the beginning on the film Fifth Element. It literally feels like I have a marrow hanging out my bits. It's mental. The Braxton Hicks have been getting more and more Intense and they create pain right down in between my legs.

I use visualization to imagine my cervix opening. It sounds foolish but I like to think it helps. We will truly see on Wednesday.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Sober superbowl

Fir me this is not my first sober superbowl but I know there may be some of you out there that think there is just no substitute. Take solace in the fact that there is a great substitute.

I have been drinking non alcoholic beer called "buckler" it is imported from Holland and it actually tastes like beer. It doesn't have a horrid aftertaste and it doesn't smell like you should wash your paint brushes in it. It's nice and smooth.

I also used to make mocktails. Mojito mix with soda water and fresh mint is nice. Non alcoholic champers with cranberry or pomegranate juice is great too. The one thing I have still to find is a non alcoholic wine that doesn't taste like bile, you know that bile when you are drunk and vomiting but you have no food in your stomach, yeah that bile that makes your teeth all furry.

Well I am watching my home team the NY Giants and know I can taste beer and there will be no hangover and no harm to baby. Win win all round!!!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Does yer bump hang low can you tie it in a bow...

This little girl has moved down WAY low in my pelvis. My Drs apt yesterday was great. We did not check the cervix again. We are going to do that on Wednesday but I found out the baby is facing the right way. This is such a good sign and I hope it lasts. My daughter was back to back and it caused an over due date and a painful delivery.

This one is lying with her back on my left side and her feet tucked up on my right side. I am spending the majority of my evenings on my hands and knees making sure that gravity takes its effect. I hope and pray that it lasts!

The bump is so low I mean it is practically hanging below my lady garden. The whole bump has changed shape. I will be doing a belly cast this weekend to make sure I capture the bump. I did this last time and it turned out great.

I have had alot of awfully strong Braxton hicks. They give alot of pressure right down in the pelvis I mean I literally feel like a babies arm might just flop out of my vajayjay!!! I don't know if I need a poo or of I need to fart or if I have a babies head poking out.

I really hope that this is all good signs. I am hoping to be more dilated on Wednesday when I go to the docs