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.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!
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
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
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