March Moms 2006 - It's Raining Babies! [Archive] - Page 8

kristine80

03-10-2006, 12:51 PM

Tray~ Jocelyn and your family are in my prayers
Honeybee~ Glad the culture came back negative and you got to bring your little girl home! She's just gorgeous, love all that hair!!

Looks like I will be joining the very small percengate of ladies here that won't go early! Haven't had any luck with the at-home induction tricks... Not a single contraction, and every time I go to the bathroom I get all excited/nervous that I might find part of my mucus plug, but haven't found a thing yet! Mom, haven't tried the nipple stimulation, but might have to give that a try tonight, since I'm really really not wanting to go to work tomorrow!!! I just don't get why many of the ladies I work with think it's smart to ask me "You're still pregnant??!", "When are you gonna have that baby?!" , "Why don't you just pop it out?!" Since when is it that easy to just "pop out" a baby?? Did I miss something the first time around?? I just want to smack them! Duh, I haven't had the baby, do you think I would be here if I did?? Most importantly do you think I need to be reminded every 5 minutes?? Like I'm not thinking about it enough as is, I really don't need your stupid/insensitive questions! Sorry about the rant, but it would be so much eaiser if I didn't have to deal with their stupid questions. Being at work gets my mind off the fact that I'm still pregnant, and I don't need to be reminded by them all the time. The thing that really gets me is that all these ladies have all had kids! Do they not remember??? I just don't get it... Ok, done with my rant now! ;) Thanks for letting me get that out, I don't think DH understands how annoying it is!

aprilshowers

03-10-2006, 01:08 PM

Tray and Jocelyn, I'm thinking of you. I hope everything is alright.

honey, she is adorable and you look great! I love that last "surprised" picture!

Congrats to all the new mommies and babies since the last time I was in here - I know it's been a while.

phart, as someone else mentioned, you are totally an inspiration! Especially to someone who went into her c-section kicking and screaming (well, not literally but there were a lot of tears).

Had our 2-week visit today. E has already gained 1 inch in length and is 3 oz over her birthweight - no wonder she has been seeming "large" to us! Clothes that were swimming on her just a week ago are now fitting well. It is so amazing to me how quickly they grow!

To all of you still waiting to deliver, good luck! I hope the full moon gets things moving for you all!

dec27bride

03-10-2006, 01:19 PM

honeybee- Welcome home! Emily is adorable, thanks for sharing!

kristine- Ugghhh, I feel for you on the comments from the ladies at work. It was like that for me before I left too. I was pretty sure that I was making it clear that they should stop asking, but apparently I wasn't :rolleyes: .

DH took Arleigh over to his Mom's to pick up some food she made for us. While it was nice to take an un-interrupted shower, I'm ready for her to be back home now!

JennZ

03-10-2006, 01:24 PM

Kristine, I hope the nipple stimulation or the full moon get the little one going this weekend! Good Luck!! :)

IUAlum

03-10-2006, 01:42 PM

I'm still here and preggo. No progress at my last appt. except for going to 70% effacement from 50. I'm on a CC hiatus, but will update when baby comes!

JennW

03-10-2006, 02:23 PM

Had my 38 week appt. today. Since I have been having such extreme cramping doc thought maybe something had started. Had my first internal and nothing is going on. Completely closed up. Also he said baby has a bit to fall still. It's weird because my stomach looks so low to everyone and doc said my uterus is measuring a bit small so it appears this way. He doesn't think baby is too big at all. So, no progress yet, but I think I'd like him to wait another week and then arrive. But, my luck I'll be getting induced a week past my due date when there is no one left in this thread!:)

So happy to hear everyone is doing so well.:D

Happy weekend, everyone!

Tray - All my prayers are with you. Hope to hear a good news update soon.

Andrea - Sean is precious. I can't believe he is one month already! WOWZERS!

honey_bee - Emily is beautiful. Look at that hair!

kpotp - Beautiful pics. Can't wait to hear your story.

kdotp

03-10-2006, 03:00 PM

Congrats to all the new babies who arrived while we were in the hospital!!

Phart, Miss M is gorgeous.
honey_bee Emily is adorable, all that hair!!
Andrea Sean is just too cute!

Tray I hope everything is fine with Jocelyn, thoughts and prayers to you.

Kristine I hope Natalie's little sister doesn't make you wait as long as Natalie did!
---------
Grant had some jaundice after he was born, and our Ped wanted a recheck of his levels when we had our home visit today. They were a little higher than he likes, so Nate had to take him in to get the blood test. We were told we could put him in natural sunlight for a while, so hopefully that and BFing helped some. He's not home yet, I hope they get back soon.

BFing is going okay. Grant has a good latch but has a so-so suck. He'll get a couple good pulls, then stop, then go to kind of a wimpy suck then stop. He was down 13oz from his birthweight, which is more than they really like to see. I'm just going to keep feeding him as often as I can and hope my milk comes in soon. We have to take him to weigh in on Sunday and if they don't see some gain, they say we'll have to start supplementing. Not ideal, but...

Working on a birth story. Labor thoughts to all you ladies still waiting!

tunibell

03-10-2006, 05:27 PM

I'm hoping to be able to type up my birth story today, but in the meantime, here's my current favorite picture of Miss Piper (apologies for the size!):

http://levinsonian.com/piper/IMG_2418.jpg

phart

03-10-2006, 06:58 PM

phart, as someone else mentioned, you are totally an inspiration! Especially to someone who went into her c-section kicking and screaming (well, not literally but there were a lot of tears).

I'll give you my email if I ever decide to leave CC and you can look me up when you're ready to give that VBAC a try:)

Shannon~~I didn't have any signs of labor prior to the day it started. And I was pretty much a *first time mom* since I didn't labor at all with Aiden. So try to not take too much stock in nothing happening yet.

I do love seeing all the baby pictures so those can keep on coming!!!

red_canuck

03-10-2006, 07:42 PM

tuni, Piper's picture is so beautiful it made me cry!! Your daughter is so precious :D

All the babies in this thread are so gorgeous, I can't believe it! My outragious pregnancy hormones make me all teary eyed thinking that we made and grew these perfect little humans :D We rock!

I finally have some news to report - I'm in the process of loosing my mucus plug! It's been coming out all night :D I practically skipped downstairs to tell my husband I was so excited! Of course then I read up on some threads here that some women went weeks after loosing their plug, so that dampened my excitement a bit :p Hopefully I'm one who goes soon afterwards! The mucus is (sorry, TMI) clear/yellowy, not pink tinged at all, so I guess I'm still waiting for the next big sign. Monday is my next m/w appt, and she's going to do a "stretch and sweep". Stretch out my cervix and strip my membranes. hopefully losing my mucus plug is an indication my body is gearing up and will go into labour soon!

shannon, so you mind if I ask a question? I am really striving for unmedicated birth, and really find other people's successes inspiring. What I'm wondering is if you think there was anything specific that helped you focus through the pain? Shower, bath, some sort of focal point, breathing...? I want to have as many tools as possible! I've read Ina May's NCB book and love reading those stories :D

tray, I hope everything is going well with Jocelyn. I am sending good thoughts to your family.

red_canuck

03-10-2006, 07:49 PM

I forgot to say, I'm klm's birth buddy, and I'm glued to my email/phone waiting for an update. Nothing yet! If I go into labour before I hear from her (wishful thinking, i know!) I've already made arrangements for a good friend from CC and LJ to check my email periodically for any news. She'll then come post in here :D SO now worries, all bases are covered!

brooke

03-10-2006, 08:34 PM

Loads to catch up on...reading along but difficult to type with 1 hand. :o

Just wanted to let Tray know she and Jocelyn are in my prayers..

Beautiful babies all!

losthoosier

03-10-2006, 09:41 PM

Had my 38 week appt and not progress I am still only 2 cm dialated. She stripped my membranes.. It hurt like hell, and it still is uncomfortable. I do not think this baby can get any lower. I can hardly walk and its been this way all day. We go tomorrow for an ultrasound but I am seriously hoping she decides to come tonight as I am in a lot of pain and it hurts to walk. Now if I could have some contractions and get things going..

Piper is adorable I love the picture.................

Red. I too am very emotional all I want to do is cry all the time. I feel bad for my husband as he has to put up with me. I went ahead and order his present even though the baby is not here. I bought him 2 tickets to the world baseball classic.

I am only scared that I will still be pregnant come game day, but my mom will be here and he will then be only a phone call away...................

Here's hoping the full moon brings on the babies...................

kristine80

03-11-2006, 04:17 AM

Well, I think I might be joining the majority now! I just woke up for work (4 am yuck) and my pants were wet, so I'm thinking my water broke! Called the hospital and they said I should come in and get checked out,so as soon as MIL gets here (to watch DD until she wakes up) we will be going to the hospital! I hope this is it!!

ShannonGH

03-11-2006, 06:03 AM

Yay Kristine!!!! I hope this is it for you!!! And the great part is you don't have to go in to work. ;)

Thanks for the encouraging words Shannon. That is so interesting to me that you had no hints that labor was coming ahead of time. I guess I'm so keyed into looking for "clues." How is little Maura doing?

That is an amazing picture tuni.

My mom is coming into town today to do some odds and ends ....make a wreath to hang by the front door (with pink flowers, of course), take me out to lunch, run some errands to Target and BRU, etc. It's nice to have her in town to help pass the time.
Anyone else have any fun plans this weekend? (other than those of you that are already holding babies :D )

heidi0622

03-11-2006, 07:03 AM

Ooh...Kristine...so exciting!!! Good luck!

Beautiful picture of Piper, Tuni!

Losthoosier: sorry about no progress - hope the membrane stripping will get the show on the road.

red: yay for losing the plug!!!

kdotp: sorry about the latching issues and the weight loss. Hope you're able to get some help from an LC and won't have to supplement - I agree though, you do what you have to do.

jenn: sorry about no progress. I've had lots of cramping the past few days as well...it does make you think something is going on!

aprilshowers: wow, 2 weeks already - glad to hear she is growing like a champ!

iu: hang in there sweetie!

honey_bee: great pictures. She is adorable! Glad her culture came back negative.

I'm still waiting on news from TRM. I'll update everyone as soon as I hear anything. I'm hoping all is going well - I'm just assuming her hubby stayed at the hospital with her and hasn't had a chance to get to a computer.

I'm also anxiously awaiting news about Christy5599! Maybe since her birth buddy MCD is in the hospital with her little, she hasn't been able to update...

I know...I need to get a life...it is just so exciting hearing about all of these babies.

So...I've been having lots of cramping here. Its so funny that you spend so many years dreading cramps with the arrival of my period. Despite the discomfort, I am just so excited to have *any* sort of sign - though it could still mean absolutely nothing. Oh well.

Ok, I need to be more productive today. It is supposed to be in the 60s today, so I need to get out and take a LONG walk with the dog. I'm also heading out to the store to get some EPO - my midwife recommended it at my last appt. Anything to help get this show on the road :D

JennZ

03-11-2006, 07:03 AM

GO Kristine, Go!!! I can't wait to hear some exciting news!!

ShannonGH, Ditto what phart said about no pre-labor signs. With DD, I had no idea I was even close to labor until my water broke 9 days early. Then all the symptoms came- lost mucus plug, contractions, etc....
So don't stress if you don't have any signs because it could still happen at any time!! :)

mom2amelia

03-11-2006, 07:08 AM

tuni- that is an awesome picture!

kristine - good luck. I hope this is it for you. Can't wait to hear the news.

DH and DD are at My Gym so I have a few minutes to myself. I'm about to leave to go get a blood test because for the second time in this pregnancy I've been exposed to chicken pox. I've never had chicken pox and apparently it's pretty bad to get it while pregnant, not to mention how bad it is to get as an adult. I'm not too worried. The little girl who has it is in Amelia's class and I only come in contact with her for brief moments at the beginning and the end of the school day, so the only real way for me to get it is for Amelia to get it. Amelia was vax'd. The funny thing is, we only vax'd her for cpox because we were TTC and worried that I would catch it from her while pregnant. I couldn't get the vax while I was TTC or pregnant, so it made sense to get her vax'd. Apparently the little girl in her class who has it now was vax'd also. I guess if you catch it after having been vax'd you get a very mild case. The little girl who has it has very few spots and isn't at all uncomfortable, so I guess her case is mild. Still, this baby isn't getting that vax. Anyway, I have no idea what they'll do if I've been exposed. I fear that they will either induce right away or do a c-section, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

In other exciting news - we have a doula!! Some unexpected HUGE expenses arose recently that thwarted our doula plans. I was crushed. Our Bradley instructor from last pregnancy is a doula and would have been ours this time. She also trains doulas. When I told her we couldn't afford the luxury this time she put me in touch with one of her students. She is Bradley certified and a trained doula, but still needs to get her volunteer hours in. So she's FREE!! I'm so excited.

Hope we see some babies this weekend.

ajb524

03-11-2006, 08:05 AM

Red-Don't forget that I lost mine the morning Sean was born ;)

Kristine-Yay! Good luck :D

Tuni- Beautiful picture!!!

phart

03-11-2006, 09:51 AM

What I'm wondering is if you think there was anything specific that helped you focus through the pain? Shower, bath, some sort of focal point, breathing...?

What I found interesting is that when the contrax started to hurt more I started to vocalize more (deep belly noises) but then the nurse told me to relax (umm...OK) and breathe through them instead. Worked like a charm. I know some women who vocalizing really helps but I'm not one of them, I suppose. Controlled breathing and someone reminding me of that helped a ton. So, controlled breathing and supportive DH and nurses really helped.

We took Bradley with my first pregnancy but I just couldn't "go somewhere else" with the contrax. I had to focus on breathing and just knowing that they wouldn't last forever. It was really hard to not think about the next one coming but it helped to have people telling me to rest during the contrax and relax. The relaxing right before the next one started (you'll know) really helped because once it started it was hard to relax and give in if I wasn't already there.

So sorry if this doesn't make a damn bit of sense...it's nap time:-)

MrsCantDecide

03-11-2006, 01:23 PM

Still waiting to hear from Christy5599 as well. I hope everything is well with her!

heidi ~ I'm home from the hospital... came home Thursday. Adjusting to life with a newborn.

I have a short version of my birth story... I'll post a long version in my CC journal.

Birth Story
Water broke at 7am, started contracting at 9:30, left for the hospital at 10:30 and got all checked in and into my room at the hospital at 11:30. Was 2 - 3 cm dialated then, and they put me on pitocin because they decided my contractions were effective enough. Next time I was 4 - 5 and then 1/2 hour after that (and the epidural) I was 9. They let me labor at 9 forever and finally checked and I was 10 (like 6pm), but they still let me labor without pushing for awhile because he was still really high. I was on my happy drugs so I didn't care. Pushed for 2 hours, then the doc said my pevic bones were too small, and he wouldn't come through. So they pushed him back up there, and the epi started wearing off. Finally got me prepped for the c-section and he was out at 11:39pm!

Hope all the Mommas and Mommas to be are doing well!

kristine80

03-11-2006, 01:36 PM

phart

03-11-2006, 02:07 PM

Red~~And too...we changed positions a lot. When they were mild I was in bed. Then a weird birthing ball, then the shower, then the tub when I basically stalled at 4 (thank God nobody actually said that to me or I would have pooped them in the nose). I was in that tub for 2 hours it felt so good. And I knew when I got out that the contrax would get worse and just didn't want to deal. They call it the magic tub (jets and all...loved it) and it was...it really helped me relax enough to dilate. After the tub it was back to another birthing ball (more like a pilates ball) for the last 2 hours or so.

heidi0622

03-11-2006, 02:12 PM

I'm thrilled to share the following email from TRM98's husband!

Name: Kaden Danick
Birthdate: March 9, 2006
Time: 3:15 am (EST)
Weight: 8 lbs. 2 oz.
Length: 20.5 inches

More than half way through labor, she had to have an unplanned emergency c-section so we are late getting this out. She and Kaden are doing well and are expecting to be able to come home today. Pictures will follow when we get them uploaded.

Welcome to the world Kaden!!!

ce_Kathleen

03-11-2006, 02:21 PM

Hey Ladies! Making this quick as this is my first couple hours home and I want/need to get settled.

Congrats on all who have had their babies, LOVE LOVE love the pics!

We are doing well, Nathaniel is almost back up to birthweight (he lost 13oz and still needs to gain back 6 more). BF is more difficult this time, b/c Nathan is not really good with the latch just yet. But we are working on it and things are improving.

So glad I had the repeat c/s since Nathan turned out to be so big!!! This time around the c/s has been much easier to recover from, not sure if its because I know what to expect or if its actually less painful this time!

OK baby crying have to run! Good luck this weekend, hope to hear of more babies arriving!

ShannonGH

03-11-2006, 02:39 PM

Still here :( Went to the hospital got all checked in and they said my water hadn't broken, but maybe had leaked so they sent me home... SUCKS! But the one good thing is that I have been having small contractions all day so hopefully there is some real progress. Really don't want to go back to work so I might just wait it out till baby is born.... Not much else here, just pretty bummed :(

Oh Kristine, I'm so sorry. :( I definitely don't think you should have to go into work! Sounds like you are super close to it being the real thing! Definitely keep us posted. I'll be thinking of you!!!

Congratulations trm and welcome to the world Kaden!!!

red_canuck

03-11-2006, 03:18 PM

Big News!!!! Our last set of twins are here!!

Just got an email from Kristin, (aka klm) 's hubby :D

"Just wanted to let you know that Nicholas and Campbell arrived yesterday at 6:12 and 6:22pm respectively. Nicholas was 5lbs 12oz, Campbell was 5lbs 14oz."

Welcome Nicholas and Campbell!!!

red_canuck

03-11-2006, 03:20 PM

Lots of babies this weekend, way to go full moon!!

Congratulations trm and welcome to the world Kaden!!!

Pink_Converse

03-11-2006, 03:21 PM

I feel creepy "peeking" at you guys all the time and not making my presence known. I'm due in June and it's fun seeing all of your babies and hearing your birth stories and everything, thanks for posting them :). I know my time will come before I know, but it feels forever away right now.

ShannonGH

03-11-2006, 04:14 PM

Welcome to the world Nicholas and Campbell!!!!!

Pink_Converse, You're too cute for "making your presence known." I know what you mean...I've been known to do my fair share of peeking into other threads too. :)

tunibell

03-11-2006, 04:37 PM

Still nothing from tray? Hope little Jocelyn is making a speedy recovery.

Congrats to the new mommies!!!

Tracie

03-11-2006, 04:43 PM

Hey ladies!

I've been reading along, but not really posting much. Things are going well with my little one overall. Breast feeding hasn't been going well, unfortunately. He refuses to take the breast, so I've been pumping, but I'm not making a lot of milk. I maybe make an ounce a day. :( So he's mostly on formula, which was not what I wanted, but you do what you have to do I guess.

Thinking of you, Tray and Jocelyn. Hope things are going better.

Congratulations to all the news babies we have! :D

tray622

03-11-2006, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the prayers! They are so appreciated.

We are home now with this prognosis:

1 - Bladder Infection
2 - Pyloric muscle measuring just slightly larger than normal. Meeting with specialist Monday to see if we should do surgery or wait to see if it going to get bigger.
3 - Reflux
4 - Extremely elevated levels of potassium. This is the mystery as the kidneys look fine. We have done numerous draws and all have been high. Specialist will discuss this too.
5 - While measuring the pyloric muscle and the x-rays, they think there is an infected area of the intestine. Further evaluation on this next week.

Overall, it seems like a lot and I am at a loss as to why the heck all this has to be on Joce. I left feeling so disheartened. Maybe one or two of these things... but 5!! I feel like a horrible mother. It was so hard seeing the IV's and the tests done. We see the specialist on Monday to discuss it all more. Thank goodness it isnt anything more serious or unfixable. They were going to keep us there but they were waiting to do anything until Monday anyway... it is better to have her home!

WELCOME KADEN, CAMPBELL, AND NICHOLAS!!

Bernie

03-11-2006, 05:52 PM

Congratulations klm and welcome Nicholas and Campbell!!

Congratulations trm and welcome Kaden!!

tray - sorry to hear that poor little Jocelyn is dealing with so much right now - hope all goes well with the specialist.

heidi0622

03-11-2006, 06:34 PM

Welcome to the world Nicholas and Campbell!!!

Can't wait to see more baby pictures.

I've been having contractions all day. I'll get a few that are 5 minutes apart and then won't have any for an hour. They're only lasting about 40 seconds though, but they are painful! I think that means they're just BHs. Still don't expect anything very soon, but I'm happy to finally start to see my body do SOMETHING!

Christy5599

03-11-2006, 06:40 PM

Hi girls, I'm THRILLED to report that Patrick Aiden was born on 3/9 at 12:03am!!!! He was 8lb 8oz and 19.5 inches. We had the most amazing birth experience, it was EXACTLY what I had hoped for most especially the unmedicated part!!!!!

I hear myself being called so I'll post more later. Congrats to all the babies I missed!

Amanda

ellybella

03-11-2006, 06:54 PM

welcome nicholas, campbell, patrick, and kaden!!! lots of boys in the last few days.

tray hoping you get some answers on monday. so sorry this is happening to jocelyn.

heidi yay for some contractions!!

nothing new here. looking forward to monday morning's appt. to find out more.

JennZ

03-11-2006, 07:44 PM

Welcome Nicholas, Campbell, Patrick and Kaden!!! :)

So exciting!! Can't wait to see baby pics!!

Pink_Converse, My sister is a June Mommy as well- jcharley, so I've "peeked" in at you guys as well!! :) You guys are in the home stretch now!! Good Luck to you!

tray, So sorry you and baby Jocelyn are going through so much!

amychris03

03-11-2006, 07:45 PM

Congrats to the new mommies and welcome to Nicholas, Campbell, Patrick, and Kaden!! :)

Tray So sorry to hear that Jocelyn has so many issues going
on right now. Hopefully Monday will give you some more answers
and a game plan. Take care, you're in our thoughts!

heidi Yay for progress!

Tracie and Kathleen Sorry Breastfeeding isn't going so well:(

Tuni I can't see today's Piper Pics but I love the other
one you posted. She's adorable!

---
Well, evidently standing for 2.5 hours at a parade helps with the
contractions... Ive had them on and off today too, but it's only like
4 or so, and they are really far apart right now (like 10 minutes) so
no big deal... Hopefully the increase in frequency is a good sign.
I've been trying to convince him to come out all day!

tunibell

03-11-2006, 07:52 PM

I've got one free hand at the moment, so I thought I'd type up Piper's birth story:

The night before Piper was born was probably one of the worst nights of sleep I’d had during the entire pregnancy. I had terrible insomnia, and I felt like I was going to be pregnant until the end of time. Most of the night was spent silently pleading with Piper to come on out (with the caveat that she wait until she was done cookin’, of course).

When I woke up the next morning, I was in the mood for a good old-fashioned wallow. So I pulled the laptop into bed, and fired up the Sims 2 (mostly because you can make the Sims characters birth their babies in 3 virtual days). At around 10:30 a.m., I made a trip to the bathroom and, as always, scrutinized the toilet paper. Nada. I wiped again, and that’s when I noticed what appeared to be part of the mucous plug. Naturally, I was totally excited, and couldn’t wait to post about it. I wiped again, and saw a little tinge of blood, and was even more excited to post. And that’s when my water broke with an enormous gush. You really can’t get any luckier than having your water break in the bathroom!

I called DH and asked him if he was ready to meet his daughter. While I waited for him to come home from work, I took a shower, and generally tried to calm myself down (a couple of minutes after the “Whoopie!” feeling came the “OMG! I’m going into labor today!” feeling.)

When we got to the hospital, they confirmed that my water did indeed break (as if there was any question, as I’d been gushing for nearly an hour) and hooked me up to the monitors. I was having contractions every 4 to 5 minutes, but didn’t feel a thing, and wasn’t dilated at all. Since it was around lunchtime, and we were starving, they sent us out to get lunch before admission.

The delivery room was absolutely gorgeous – our room had a bay window with a view of the entire San Francisco skyline and the bay. We spent the next two hours just hanging out, and watching Casablanca on the laptop. They checked me again, and determined that I wasn’t progressing. They started a pitocin drip, and I met with Kevin the anesthesiologist. My plan was to labor as long as I could without drugs, and then get an epidural. Over the next four hours or so, they gradually increased the pitocin from 1 to 8. I was able to focus on my breathing and it was painful, but tolerable. But when the pitocin hit 10 I was in agony. The best way I can describe it as if my entire torso was filled with rusty, ill-fitting gears that were grinding together. I’m glad I labored without drugs for the experience, but if I had to do it over again, I would have gotten the epidural a bit earlier. By the time the anesthesiologist arrived, I was in tears, and couldn’t wait to get some pain relief.

I cannot say enough good things about the epidural. Seriously – it was magic. I’d have another kid just to get another epidural! I could move my legs, and feel the contractions, but there was no pain, just a delicious tingling sensation. The only icky part was that two minutes into this heavenly state, my blood pressure dropped like a stone, and I felt hot, sweaty, and nauseous. But then Kevin the Magicman added some fluid to my system, and 60 seconds later all was right with the world again.

They left us alone to get some sleep, and at around 10 p.m. the doctor came in to check my cervix. The exam took a very long time, and the doctor seemed confused – never a good sign. She told me she was going to ask another doctor to perform the check as well. Both reached the same conclusion – 12 hours after my water broke, and lots of pitocin later, I was 70% effaced…and 0 cm dilated.

Soon, my bizarre cervix was the talk of the floor, and every resident in the teaching hospital was asking if they could see it in person. Everyone seemed to feel that there was a great deal of scar tissue that was gumming up the works (I had my cervix frozen for irregular cells when I was in my 20s).

At this point, I was starting to freak out a bit, since I assumed I was heading for a C-section. But an hour later, the doctor came back to do another check, and told me that I was 10 cm dilated and that she could feel hair. Apparently, once the scar tissue effaced entirely, my cervix just flew open.

I pushed for about 45-60 minutes, and I have to say it was definitely hard work. Right before I started to push, I started to feel a bit of pain on my right side only. I decided not to have the epidural fixed, though, because the pain did help me to determine when to push. One of the best moments came right at the end, when they placed a pad on my chest and my DH leaned in and told me the pad was there because Piper was almost here.

I ended up with a partial third degree tear, which is still a bit tender, but definitely managable.

Now on to our feeding woes….

tunibell

03-11-2006, 08:04 PM

So, I was warned in advance that breastfeeding could be challenging, but yeesh. In the hospital, Piper would latch on for two seconds, start looking confused and a little pissed off, and then take herself off. She ended up losing 10% of her body weight right off the bat. I have to say, there is nothing worse than knowing your child is hungry and being unable to feed her. :(

We met with several lactation consultants, the last of which who suggested we try a nipple shield, which worked like a charm. Unfortunately, since Piper had lost so much weight, she needed supplementation. Before my milk came in, we had to use formula (which really killed me, but there was no way around it). We give it to her through a SNS set-up (a syringe, which I plunge when she sucks, is hooked up to a catheter, which is threaded through the nipple shield.) I pump every 2-3 hours so she has milk for the SNS. Basically, the whole process takes several hours and then needs to be started all over again nearly as soon as it ends. She's got a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, and if she's back at birth weight, we're done with the SNS. After that, we're headed back to the lactation consultants for more help. Right now, she'll latch on and feed with the shield on, but if I try to give her the straight up breast, she'll look at me as if I am sticking her with a hot poker.

red_canuck

03-12-2006, 01:37 AM

well uh....looks like I *WON'T* be pregnant forever, my water just broke!! lol! I woke up and thought I was peeing the bed, but nope, it's my water breaking!! Not feeling "contractions" yet, but still the mentrual cramps from yesterday. Waiting a bit to see a pattern before paging the midwives :D

Oh yeah, bloody show - check!!

OMG!!!! I"m having a baby TODAY!!!!!!!!!! This is really happening!!!!!!!

P.S - looks like I'm another who defies regular percentages, what with my water breaking before labour :p

JennZ

03-12-2006, 03:58 AM

Yeah Red!!! It's finally YOUR turn!! Good Luck and many easy labor vibes coming your way!!! :D

JennW

03-12-2006, 04:14 AM

Congratulations klm and welcome Nicholas and Campbell!!

Congratulations trm and welcome Kaden!!

Congrats Christy and welcome Patrick!

YAY RED! Can't wait to hear more. Good luck today!!!:):D:)

Sorry about the issues Tray. My thoughths and prayers are with you and Jocelyn. Hope to hear an update soon!

heidi0622

03-12-2006, 04:35 AM

Good luck Red!!! So excited for you!

Welcome to the world Patrick! Amanda, I'm glad your labor went so well!

kathleen: glad to hear you are home now with little Nathan. Good luck with the BFing.

AmyChris: yay for progress to you too!

Tuni: great birth story, thank you for sharing!!! Sorry about the BFing issues...it sounds like you are doing what you can to make it work!

So here I am...up at 6am on a Sunday morning (I know the mommies with their little munchkins are snorting right now), but I'm trying to enjoy these last few nights of uninterrupted sleep! I love sleeping in. I woke up off and on all night with sporadic contractions and they have been about 10 minutes apart since 5am. It was pretty uncomfortable in bed, so I got up to sit on my exercise ball for a while. I started getting excited that something was really happening, but I need to bring myself back to reality - I know this is still prelabor though and I still could be days or weeks away from delivering. Hopefully this is a good sign though that my body is doing what it needs to get ready for this little one's arrival.

My mom is coming over later this morning to help me organize the nursery. So, I'm not letting these prelabor signs slow me down too much. I figure the best thing to do is to keep busy, busy, busy for now.

Have a great Sunday. Can't wait to hear about more babies!!!

mom2amelia

03-12-2006, 05:24 AM

Congrats to all the new mommies and welcome to Nicholas, Campbell, Patrick, and Kaden!!

Red- how exciting. Good luck.

tray- sorry to hear about Jocelyn's diagnosis. I hope you have a good meeting with the doctors on Monday. I'm glad you are home.

heidi - keep us posted on those contractions.

tuni- great birth story. thank you for sharing it with us. I had a similar thing happen to me in my first pregnancy with scar tissue.

Hmmm, I thought 2nd babies were supposed to come early?? Looks like that little rule doesn't apply in my household. Still hanging out at 39+ weeks. I have a feeling s/he is so comfortable that the doctor is going to have to evict if we want him/her out. Oh well. Still not too uncomfortable and we have a full day of activities planned with Amelia, so I'm happy to wait another few days.

ellybella

03-12-2006, 06:41 AM

red how exciting!!! you lucky dog!

heidi you are so lucky to have some contractions. i'm 2-3 and sans mucus plug and nada! i am getting a lot of stuff done though. maybe he knows i have to get through my to do list before he makes his appearance...good boy. i better get moving!

tuni thanks for the birth story and that photo of piper is adorable. sorry for the bf issues. i hope she's gaining and you can start w/ the boob again. i'm having so much anxiety about it! my bf class was rescheduled for the 21st, but i was doubting i'd be making it. my instructor from my childbirth class called me friday to offer a private class on monday! i was so appreciative and relieved! so the little man should hopefully hold out until then, but the full moon is tonight so you never know.

mom so sorry you're still hanging out. i hope the full moon tonight gets things moving for you.

amy how fabulous you are having contractions!!! see you might not make it until april after all ;)

amychris03

03-12-2006, 07:18 AM

Red YAY!!! Good Luck!!:)

Tuni Great birth story. Sorry breastfeeding has been
difficult, hopefully it will sort itself out soon!

heidi This definitely sounds promising!

elly Nah, they stopped... They've been doing this for about a week
now, I'll have a few contractions, and then no more for a couple days.
It's so frustrating because I always wonder if it could be the start of
something and then it never is. I definitely had MORE yesterday, but
nothing since about 9:30pm. grrr....

LIZNKEITH

03-12-2006, 09:08 AM

Lurker popping in to congratulate Christy/Amanda! I'm so glad you had such a great experience. Can't wait to hear all about it and see pictures of your long-awaited son! I'm so happy for you!

Weeeeee! So exciting, Red! I can't believe Lucky is on his way out!!

Sounds exciting, Heidi! Hope this is it for you!

tgal

03-12-2006, 09:42 AM

Ladies in waiting: Still sending you labor vibes!

Tray: I am so sorry to hear about the test results, Joceyln is still in my prayers and try to stay strong for her. You are a great mother and don't forget that!
Kristine: You are doing great, hang in there that baby is going to come soon!

Congrats Christy, TRM, and KLM welcome to the world little Patrick, Kaden, Nicholas, and Cambell!

Mom: Excellent score on the doula!

ABJ, Phart, Kdotp, and Tuni: Beautiful babies! Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Tuni: Wonderful story!

Red: Yipppeee! Happy birthing! Can't wait to hear the announcement!
-------------------------------

Things are going well here. Eva is definitely having her 3-4 week growth spurt. We went from 3 hr. nightly feedings to 2 hr then down to hourly feedings and are finally back up to 2 hr. The 1 hr feedings were so hard and heartbreaking because it was almost like she couldn't eat enough. She is now over 7 1/4 pounds according to our home scale, so the supply is keeping up with her demands. She is gaining weight so fast!

I am also amazed by the fact that she is now staying awake more. She is decovering so much lately, doing well with tummy time and started kicking the little toys dangling from the aquarium bouncer. I don't know if this is possible for a infant to comprehend, but dh said a couple of times, you want to go to mommy and she looked over at me! What a wonderful feeling even if it was just a fluke ;) !

lawgirl4

03-12-2006, 10:10 AM

tuni, so glad you posted. sorry to hear things are tough in the breastfeeding department - hope that improves soon. In the meantime it sounds like you are taking very good care of Miss Piper!!! :)

(fyi - you can't post pics from shutterfly anymore - try photobucket instead).

amychris03

03-12-2006, 10:16 AM

oops, I meant to post this earlier and forgot... I *think* the last c/s
date for junk was the 13th (if they haven't changed it again),
so I just wanted to say Good Luck tomorrow! We'll be thinking of
you!!!:)

kristine80

03-12-2006, 11:56 AM

Not too much going on here... Still having contracions off and on, no more than 30-40 min between them... They are getting really strong though, much more so than I remember when I was having contrax at home with DD. Just frusterated that they still don't have any consistancy yet, been having them for 31 hours straight! :( I am starting to have some bloody show though, which is helping. But it's just a little here and there every time I go to the bathroom, no big mucus plug yet.

tunibell

03-12-2006, 01:42 PM

lawgirl - Thanks for letting me know about Shutterfly! They must not have liked the pull on their bandwidth.

Here are the pics re-posted:

http://levinsonian.com/ccpics/IMG_2473.jpg

http://levinsonian.com/ccpics/IMG_2478.jpg

heidi0622

03-12-2006, 02:10 PM

Great pictures Tuni!

Thanks for checking in Liz!

Tray: thinking of you and Jocelyn. Sorry about all of the little issues with your munchkin.

Still here - contractions are still hanging around, but have spaced out to 30-40 minutes. I'm just trying to keep as busy as possible...spent the day getting the nursery organized and running errands. I have a feeling I will be pg for a while longer. No other signs - no mucous plug, no water breaking, bloody show, etc.

JennW

03-12-2006, 04:13 PM

tuni - Fab pics. DH just walked in and saw them on screen and thought they were professional pics. You did a great job!:) She is a beauty.

JennW

03-12-2006, 04:30 PM

I know most of you on here are probably past belly shots since so many have their babies in their arms, but here is my latest shot...:)
http://images.snapfish.com/34654437%3B%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E876%3E2%3A4%3EWS NRCG%3D3233587844696nu0mrj

kristine80

03-12-2006, 05:03 PM

Well, we are headed to the hospital, again! THe last 2 hours or so they have been more consistant and stronger. Just within the last 20 min I have had 8 contrax, and it's a 30 min drive to the hospital so we are on our way.... Wish us luck!

mom2amelia

03-12-2006, 05:20 PM

kristine - good luck!!!

tuni- Fantastic pictures! Of course, you've got a beautiful subject.

JennW - you look great. I should post my ginormous 39w+ belly. It's a sight to behold.

ShannonGH

03-12-2006, 07:01 PM

tray, I'm so sorry Joce has to go through all of this. Definitely keep us posted as you find anything out.

Amanda, way to go on the unmedicated birth! Can't wait to hear your story!

tuni, beautiful pics and birth story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. After what you and cyndi had to say about scar tissue, I'm concerned that I may have a similar experience since I had a LEEP a few years ago.

Heidi, way to go on getting so much done in the nursery!

red, I've been thinking of you all day and hope you're holding Lucky in your arms right now!!!:D

kristine, GOOD LUCK!!!! Can't wait to hear from you again!!!

JennW, you look awesome! It looks like you had gorgeous weather. We had kind of crappy weather here today but it didn't stop Dh and I from going on a walk...in hopes of moving little miss down!

Absolutely nothing to report here. I have my 38wk appt tomorrow so I'll be interested in what info the internal has to offer. I'm still feeling pretty good...so much so that it leads me to believe that DD is just mighty comfy in there and isn't going to budge for awhile. I'm not going to "extreme measures" until after Thursday, which is when my ob gets back in town. Then I'm pulling out all the stops...DTD, raspberry leaf tea, etc. Heidi, how much EPO did your m/w recommend? I still have some left over from my charting days so I may give that a try too. We'll see...

Here's my latest belly shot :)
http://images.snapfish.com/346545473%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3236%3E237%3E8%3C8%3EWSNR CG%3D3233587679799nu0mrj

losthoosier

03-12-2006, 09:37 PM

Good luck Kristine80 here hoping you have a wonderful experience.

Red Hoping you have a wonderful labor....... can't wait to see pics...

Shannon and JennW Love the belly shots.............. I don't think my stomach can get any larger...........................................

Yesterday I had the ultrasound. The tech would tell me absolutely nothing... All I saw were some of the measurments off to the side I it looks as if I am having a huge baby..................... I am not surprised my DH was a big baby weighing 10lbs. We are both really tall. Her head is as far is it can go without coming out.... and her legs were at my gallbladder. She is extremely streched out. I don't go to the DR until Friday but plan on calling on Tuesday to see if they can give me some details.

I am really hoping for her to just come tonight :)

mom2amelia

03-13-2006, 05:27 AM

After what you and cyndi had to say about scar tissue, I'm concerned that I may have a similar experience since I had a LEEP a few years ago.

Shannon- I think it's really rare. I've never heard of anyone else who's had that experience. And, the doctors didn't know for sure if that's what my problem was - it's just speculation. Also, I've had 3 LEEPS and some cone biopsies, so my cervix was messed around with plenty. Oh, and YOU LOOK GREAT!!

Off to my 40 week appointment. I'll be 40w on Wednesday (according to my calculations) or Friday (according to the OBs calculations).

ShannonGH

03-13-2006, 05:59 AM

cyndi, good to know about the scar tissue. Thanks. Good luck at today's appt!

If I remember correctly, today is Shannon (phart's) birthday. If so,
Happy Birthday Shannon!!

trm98

03-13-2006, 06:11 AM

heidi-Thanks for posting the info. You are the best!

Thanks for all the congrats ladies! I am way too far behind to even attempt shout outs at the moment. But, I will eventually get there I promise!

I hope to be able to get a birth story typed up before too long, but my parents are here until Sunday and I want to hang out with them as much as possible (afterall they live in TX)!

I will say that the birth experience was like NOTHING that I had hoped for. I did not want any drugs, I didn't want to have back labor or a c-section. Well, I had all three (drugs for thee section, obviously). DH and I didn't get to have that picture of us holding him right from the womb. Shoot, I didn't even get to hold him until he was almost 2.5 hours old. Honestly I am most upset about the c-section. I really, really did not want one, but I was not given any other choice. That was a crazy, somewhat scary, confusing experience because everything happened so fast. I was in so much pain from the back labor that it was hard to really understand what all was happening. I am extremely sore from the surgery. I still have to have help in and out of bed, turning over in bed, putting on my pants and sometimes getting out of chairs. I can't drive for two weeks and you can forget about me being able to get anything off the floor. I feel pretty helpless, which I HATE!! Having said all that, I would do it all again in a second to have Kaden. The end result is a baby boy that I am CRAZY about. I am so in love and it continues to grow everyday!

There is one positive in the c-section in that he has an amazingly beautiful head! He is very alert and breast feeding like a champ. I only had issues with him latching on the first three times. Ever since, he feeds about 20-30 minutes on each side.

I hope to get a pic uploaded soon!

Best wishes to those that are still waiting!! It is amazing, and I know how hard waiting can be!;)

JennZ

03-13-2006, 06:15 AM

I think today is Junk's day!! Good Luck Junk!

Jenn and Shannon- You guys look so great- love the bellies!!
I already miss my preggo tummy!!

Happy Birthday Shannon!

Anxiously awaiting news on Red and Kristine!

Trm, wishing you a speedy recovery from your c-section!

We are doing great here. Baby Graham is still nursing like a champ and has been so easy so far. The only problem I'm having is that my BB's are SO SORE!! I dread the initial latch every time he nurses because my nipples are so tender. Besides lanolin, do any of you RO's have any suggestions?? I haven't been through this before, because DD and DS had latch issues, so I wasn't nursing this much with them. OUCH!! :eek:

solongtogo

03-13-2006, 06:16 AM

Not sure if someone was going to come and update in here..Red_canuck had her baby!

Logan Simon Patrick was born at 4:58 am March 13th 2006, weighing 8 lbs, 3 oz.

MSH

03-13-2006, 06:26 AM

Just stopping by to say a hugh congratulations to Red on her baby boy. He is just beautiful!!

amychris03

03-13-2006, 07:11 AM

Congratulations Red and Welcome Logan!:)

kristine80 Good luck!!!

ShannonGH Hope your appointment goes well and gives you some
good info today!:)

losthoosier It does sound like you have a big girl! Hopefully
you will get to talk to your dr before Friday or she will take matters into
her own hands before then;)

mom2amelia Hope you find out some good news at your appointment
too!

Happy Birthday Shannon! :)

Good Luck today Lisa!

trm I am sorry you had such a rough c-section experience and
that you are so sore but it sounds like Kaden is doing great!!! Take it
easy and hopefully you will feel better soon! Can't wait to see pics!

JennZGlad things are going well with Graham. I obvioiusly have no
advice yet on the tenderness issue- Hopefully it will get better soon
though! I always heard that it's like that for fair skinned people sometimes?
I wonder if it will hold true since I'm about as fair as they come!

---
Not much new with me! Had some more (but very few) contractions
last night. No other signs of impending labor, though I check constantly.
He may have dropped, though I can't tell... All i know is that I typically get
up to go to the bathroom 3 times a night and last night it was 8! But I
dont think it "looks" like i've dropped.

ShannonGH

03-13-2006, 07:19 AM

He may have dropped, though I can't tell... But I dont think it "looks" like i've dropped.

This is the same as me. It *feels* like she's lower but it doesn't look like it by just looking at my tummy.

Congratulations red and happy birthday Logan!!!!!!

phart

03-13-2006, 07:38 AM

Happy Birthday Logan!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Good job Shannon! Someone is scheduled for a cesarean today, right? Junk?.

Thanks for the birthday wishes:-)

(so glad to not be pregnant today:)

JennW

03-13-2006, 07:43 AM

Congrats Red and welcome LOGAN! I just knew it was a boy! Can't wait to hear from you. Hope you, Robbie and Logan are doing great!:) Love his name.:D

Shannon - I have been walking/working out like crazy too trying to speed him along. At Friday's appointment NOTHING was happening so I do want to get this at least started. I'm not in an extreme hurry for him yet, but within the next week would be nice!:)

phart - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:)

junk - Good luck! Can't wait to hear of his arrival!:D

ShannonGH

03-13-2006, 08:05 AM

so glad to not be pregnant today

Why? So you can go out and do some birthday shots of tequila? :D

Hope you have a wonderful day you little mommy of two!

dec27bride

03-13-2006, 08:35 AM

I had him! Went into labor Tues Mar 7th at 1:30 am -- water broke and off to the hospital we went! Had contrax for about 4 hrs and the epi shortly thereafter. At 9:29 AM, Pierson Thomas was born at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. 6lbs and 14 oz, at 18 inches long. We're all doing well, and were released from the hospital last night. PT has a slight bit of jaundice, and we're still trying to master breastfeeding and no sleep, but all is well.

Will check in as soon as I can!

XO XO
~Lisa

Congrats Lisa, and Welcome Pierson!!

dec27bride

03-13-2006, 08:47 AM

I'm pretty far behind, we had a lot of babies this weekend! Congrats to all the new Mommies I've missed, and welcome to all the new babies!

Happy Birthday Phart!

trm-Sorry about the c-section. You will start to feel better each day, even though it may not seem possible. I mastered picking things up off the floor with my toes, and then lifting my foot up to where I could reach it, and now, I am squatting anytime I have to get something off the floor, it's very attractive. ;)

Tracie

03-13-2006, 08:57 AM

JennZ I had really sore nipples when I was in the hospital and he was still taking the breast a little bit. (I'm fair, apparently that makes your nipples sorer!) The lactation specialist gave me these gel things, they're called Soothies, and they helped, too. You put them in the fridge so they're nice and cold and put them in your bra after feeding. They're expensive ($12/pair - I found them at CVS, a local drug store) but they last about a week if you make sure to wash your breast off, and wash them off afterwards. You can't use them with lanolin. Hope that helps!

JennZ

03-13-2006, 09:25 AM

Tracie,
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I will check CVS for them TODAY!!!!!
I am fair as well. I hadn't ever heard that before. Thanks for the advice! :)

mom2amelia

03-13-2006, 09:34 AM

CONGRATULATIONS RED. WELCOME LOGAN!!

CONGRATULATIONS LISA. WELCOME PIERSON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON!!

My appointment was uneventful. He didn't even do an internal. Said he'd like to induce on Wednesday but will let me go one more week to give me time to go on my own. I have to go in Thursday for a BPP and if the baby looks fine he'll let me go until next Wednesday. If the baby has any problems at ALL, he'll induce this Thursday or Friday. I am just praying that I go on my own.

amychris03

03-13-2006, 09:35 AM

Congratulations Lisa and Welcome to Pierson!:) Can't wait to hear the details and see a pic of your little
guy!

DianeCourt

03-13-2006, 09:51 AM

Congrats junk & red from an old journal buddy. Can't wait to see your beautiful little boys! :D

kat

03-13-2006, 10:05 AM

Congratulations to all the new mammas and welcome to all the new babies (most recently, Logan and Pierson! Can't wait to see pics!)

I feel so sad that I only have time to skim this thread these days, just when things are gettin' really good. :) Even less time lately, because my little angels have decided they don't like milk-based formula very much (this decision came AFTER their momma spent a FORTUNE on organic formula :rolleyes: I have two cases of the stuff lying around here...hopefully they'll be able to eat it in the future, as their doctor believes they will -- he thinks this is just a typical one-month "phase"). Audrey spent two days crying non-stop (with explosive diarrhea to boot) and now Alex is going through it, too (albeit less forcefully, because I caught it sooner). Took Audrey to the peds office yesterday because of the diarrhea and he told us to try Gentlease formula (with less lactose) and see if that helps. So far it's definitely helped (no more explosions, so to speak).

I just HATE HATE HATE the fact that both kids are fine when they have breast milk, but screaming on formula.....certainly doesn't help relieve my guilt/feelings of failure about not being able to produce enough BM. :( I also have this minor obsession with avoiding the growth hormones and antibiotics in milk products these days (I drank organic milk and ate organic beef all through the pregnancy) and now I'm giving my kids milk-based formula (and the organic version doesn't come in a low-lactose option). I have no idea WHY I feel so strongly about avoiding the "regular" cow's milk, but I do.

Anyway, I'm enjoying a now-rare break (sick babies don't comply with the feeding schedule we had them on). I've discovered that my kids like to fall asleep to old Rod Stewart and Faces songs (circa 1969-1971). :D They're both zonked in their swings while "Sweet Lady Mary" plays in the background. :D

ShannonGH

03-13-2006, 10:12 AM

Congratulations junk!!! Wow, that sure didn't go as originally planned, huh?! I'm so glad Pierson is here safe and sound! Can't wait to hear from you!

Cyndi, I'm sending strong labor vibes your way!!!! Although I'm not sure how powerful my vibes are at this point. ;)

kat, I'm so sorry you're having all of these feeding issues. I hope the Gentlease does the trick and they're back to being happy healthy babies soon!

JennZ, I've heard good things about Soothies too. That reminds me to pick some up on the way home from work today.

aprilshowers

03-13-2006, 10:14 AM

Congrats red, and junk!!! So excited for you both!

Happy Birthday Shannon!

I'm another fair-skinned person dealing with nipple pain. We had initial latch problems and then did great for about a week and now it seems the problems, along with the pain, have returned. But it might just be that I'm off the ibuprofen so maybe we were still having the problems all along? Got to get some help though because the pain is torture...

JennW

03-13-2006, 10:51 AM

Congrats Junk and welcome Pierson!

tgal

03-13-2006, 12:56 PM

Congrats RED and Lisa and welcome to the world Logan and Pierson!

JennW and Shannon: Fantastic Belly shots!

Happy Birthday Phart!

It is 80 degrees here today! I'm thinkin a Mojito on the front porch sounds good about right now!

kdotp

03-13-2006, 02:38 PM

Congrats Red and welcome Logan!!
Congrats Lisa and welcome Pierson!!

Wow, the 7th was a great day to have a baby. ;)

Happy Birthday, Phart!

Good Luck Kristine!!

It's cold and windy here, after being an unseasonably warm 70 on Saturday. My ILs were here Friday and Saturday and my mom came yesterday, so it's been great having other people help with things around the house. We have meals for about the next week and my bathrooms are cleaner than they've been in quite a while. If this is what it's like after having a baby, I'll have 3-4 more! :)

My milk came in the other morning, and we've been a pretty good (albeit a little pokey and lazy) eater. I have to tickle his ear and blow in his face and take him off and latch him back on a few times to get him to eat well. He lost 13oz from birthweight and is slowly starting to gain it back. Other than that, he's a pretty mellow guy. As I type, he's snuggled up to Grandma.

JennZ

03-13-2006, 03:41 PM

Tracie-
The Soothies are GREAT!!! Thank you so much! I already feel better! :)
Expensive, but so worth it at this point....I was dreading the latch every time, so hopefully tonight will be a little more comfortable! I'll let all you other fair-skinned mommies know how it goes....:D

Congrats Junk and Pierson!! Congrats red and Logan!!

ShannonGH

03-13-2006, 04:10 PM

Had my 38week appt this afternoon...a little more activity than what I was expecting: Blood pressure was elevated to the point they were quite concerned about possible preeclampsia. Asked me the battery of pre-e questions--seeing spots, headaches, excessive swelling, to all of which I said no. So after she did an internal (I'm 1 cm dialated and 70% effaced, from 0 cm dialated and 50% effaced 2 weeks ago) she had me lie on my left side and took my bp again and this time it was within the normal range. She still wanted me to have some blood drawn to make sure that looked okay. She said she'd call me this evening if my bloodwork came back abnormal. It's 6pm and I haven't gotten a phone call yet so I'm hoping that's a good sign. She does want me to come back in for a bp check on Thursday though.

So then I get home and go to the bathroom and there's quite a few drops of bright red blood. I'm assuming this is normal from irritation from the internal but I call the office to double-check. Of course by this time it's 5pm and they're not answering their phones. I left a message with the call nurse but haven't heard back and doubt I do until tomorrow. The bleeding has subsided so I'm assuming all is well and it was just due to irritation.

So, the afternoon was a little more anxiety-ridden than what I was prepared for. To top it off, Dh was on his way back from a meeting 4 hours away so I was picturing myself having to go to the hospital by myself. Glad that doesn't have to be the case!

Dr said that I can continue to work but to call immediately if I start to get the pre-e warning signs.

That's all for now....

kdotp

03-13-2006, 04:28 PM

I woke up with a start to my water breaking about 2:30 am on Tuesday, March 7. I don't know if I heard it break or if the feel of fluid leaking woke me up, but I knew right away that's what had happened. Nate half woke up and asked what I was doing and I replied "going to the bathroom." When I didn't come back within a few minutes, he came in and checked on me. I said something to the effect of "I hope you're ready, because my water just broke!"

I got into the shower while Nate started gathering our things. I'd had my bag packed for the last two weeks, but he hadn't put anything together for himself. I wasn't having any contractions yet, but the shower felt good. I got out (still leaking) and put on some comfy clothes and finished packing while Nate took a shower. I went downstairs, made a piece of toast, posted here and on my LJ and we took our final belly shot. Nate called the birthing center to let them know my water broke and we were on our way around 3:30 am.

We live about 5 minutes from the hospital, so Nate didn't get to play maniac driver in getting there. He dropped me off and parked the Jeep. They showed us to an exam room to make sure my water had really broken (um, yes, it was still leaking out of me!) and hooked me up to some moniters to check on the baby and if I was having contractions. They checked and I was only 3 cm and about 50% effaced, but as my water had broken, they got a room ready and admitted me. We got into our room around 4:30 am and we called our parents to let them know we were in the hospital.

We walked around for a bit, checking out the rest of the center, and got back to our room where I laid down on the bed and tried to sleep. Around 6:30, the doctor on-call made his way to our room and checked me again. I was still at 3 cm and 50% so he decided to start me on a pitocin drip to speed things along. There was a shift change around 7, so I had a new nurse who stayed with me the rest of the day. (That was one thing I absolutely loved about our birthing center. You labor, deliver and recover all in the same room and you have one nurse assigned to you for the duration of your labor -- unless there's a shift change).

It was most comfortable for me to lay on my left side and after an hour, I could start to feel the pitocin working and was having small, irregular contractions. They intensified over the next few hours until around 11:30 when the nurse checked me. I was now 4 cm and 70% effaced, and she said I could probably have an epidural if I wanted. I decided to go ahead with the epidural because I was having a hard time relaxing through the contractions and I knew the more tense I was, the harder it would be for me to progress. The epidural was heavenly. I could feel the contractions, but the pain was completely gone. I was joking and talking with Nate, resting somewhat and then watching Happy Gilmore for a while. It helped a lot because shortly after 3pm, I was at 10 and ready to start pushing.

A new Dr. had come on that morning, so about once every hour while I was pushing she would stop in and check to see how we were doing. The nurse was great about telling me how to push and helping me move the baby down. Nate was great about doing just the right kind of encouragement. Not too pushy but still helpful. Because the baby had such a big head, it took a while to move him down. At one point, the nurse didn't like how the external monitor was picking up Grant's heartbeat, so she put an internal one on him and had me on oxygen. For about the last 30 minutes, I was doing three good pushes about every minute or so and the Dr. finally came in the room. Two good pushes and his head was out (with a little assistance from the Dr.) and then his shoulders and then the rest of him. At 5:33 pm, Grant Edward S was born.

The final part was all kind of a blur between pushing and Nate telling me the baby's on its way out and the nurse who had been with me all day was there along with her replacement (my nurse was supposed to be off around 5:00 pm but stayed because she knew it wouldn't be much longer) and some other assistant were bustling around getting things ready and the doctor was helping me deliver. I heard "It's a boy!" and someone call out the time. They took him over to clean him up and I heard his weenie, sqawky cry. Nate went over to check him out while the Dr. delivered my placenta and stitched me up (I had a superficial tear. The one good thing about laboring that long, the nurse did a good job of massaging and stretching me out!)

Finally, after he was weighed and measured and cleaned up, they set him on my chest and I got my first good look at my beautiful baby boy. It really didn't bother me that they didn't give him to me right away, I was so out of it from adrenaline and tiredness and trying to grasp that I had just given birth. I didn't cry like I thought I would (I didn't really cry at all) I was just so in awe and shock and total love for my husband and this little being we'd created.

tunibell

03-13-2006, 04:32 PM

Just wondering if any of the other new mommies are feeling super emotional these days? I burst into tears last night because DH was going to the laundrymat (literally a block and a half away).

JennZ

03-13-2006, 05:04 PM

I was just so in awe and shock and total love for my husband and this little being we'd created.

That is EXACTLY how I felt, too! When I saw DH's eyes fill up with tears when he told me it was a boy (He actually shouted out "It's a Graham!"), I just felt total love for him and our baby boy.

Thanks for sharing your story, kdotp!! I really enjoyed reading it! :)

ShannonGH, Glad to hear you are making some progress! I certainly hope you aren't experiencing pre-e, though!

ellybella

03-13-2006, 05:53 PM

junk congrats! and welcome pierson!

red it's a boy!!!!

kdtop what a great birth story, thanks for sharing!

shannon yeah for progress!

phart happy birthday!

----------------

nothing new here. i'm still 2-3 cms dilated and thinned out (not sure how much, i didn't ask). i did lose a pound! we were hooked up to the nst to check things out. hb looked good. some contractions, which i don't feel, but nothing regular. so the waiting game continues. i'm finished work so i've been keeping myself busy running errands and cleaning. i'll probably hang out like this for the next 12 days or longer. oh well. as much as i'm anxious to meet him, i don't want him coming out until he's ready. hohum.

tray622

03-13-2006, 07:35 PM

Just wondering if any of the other new mommies are feeling super emotional these days? I burst into tears last night because DH was going to the laundrymat (literally a block and a half away).

I was SO emotional after Zoey. It is all normal and due to the hormonal change. It just sucks going from hormonal and pg to hormonal, not pg, and dead-ass tired ;) This time I am beyond emotional and feel nuts sometimes!

red_canuck

03-14-2006, 03:47 AM

Hi Guys :D

Just stopping in really quick to drop off a picture of my precious little man!! I am so in love with him, i didn't know my heart could feel this full :D I can't take my eyes off him!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/logan%20birth/Logansbirth019.jpg

sorry about the size, photobucket isn't cooperating and I'm too tired to figur eout why :p

Congratulations to the other new mamas!!

I hope to be bale to writ eup my birth story today while it's still fresh. Ill share if I have a chance!

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 07:04 AM

What an awesome picture of you and your DS red!!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing!!!

amychris03

03-14-2006, 07:55 AM

Red Cute picture!!! Can't wait to hear more! Mind if I friend you
over on LJ?

---
Well, I had an interesting new ailment last night... These horrific shooting
pains in my lower back that woke me up out of a dead sleep. It wasn't
like the typical contraction I've been having, it never moved up to the
front, but it was a sharp pain that lasted about 10-15 seconds and
happened about 4 times. I can't decide if it was a different kind of
contraction (back labor type) or if I just overdid it yesterday because
It only happened when I layed in this one position. When i switched
sides, it went away. Definitely wasn't fun though!

ETA: Shannon- sorry you had a bit of a scare, hopefully it was a fluke since you aren't having
any other symptoms and your BP stays down!

JennW

03-14-2006, 07:55 AM

Woke up to HORRIBLE cramping this morning. Much the same as last week. It has subsided mostly but is still there a bit. I guess it's nothing. Who knows.:rolleyes:

Red that is a great pic! You look so happy.:)

Shannon - Take care of yourself and be careful. Sorry your apptointment was scarier than you thought it would be!

MSH

03-14-2006, 08:44 AM

I thought you should know Heidi had her baby BOY yesterday 25 mins after Red had her little one.

Congrats to them both.

trm98

03-14-2006, 08:44 AM

As heidi's birth buddy, I am proud to announce the arrival of Benjamin John!!! They had a boy!

email from Heidi's husband

Benjamin John was born Monday, March 13th at 5:23 a.m. (after being admitted to the hospital at 5:08 a.m.!). He weighs 7 pounds 1 ounce and is 20 inches long. Ben and Mom are both doing great and are looking forward to coming home tomorrow. Dad is looking forward to helping Ben fill out his first NCAA brackets.

CONGRATS heidi and welcome Benjamin!!!!

tray622

03-14-2006, 08:48 AM

5:08-5:23!!! HOLY MOLY :)

Congrats Heidi!!

tgal

03-14-2006, 08:54 AM

Kdop: Fantastic story, thanks so much for sharing!

Red: You two look so cute! I am so happy for you.

Just wondering if any of the other new mommies are feeling super emotional these days?

I had the baby blues really bad to where I would cry over anything and I still cry every once in awhile when people ask sensitive questions. A friend of mine visited with her mother one week after Eva was born and I cried the entire time. I just couldn't stop and she was so worried about me. All I could say is that they were happy tears that I couldn't explain. My friend's mother just told me that she had the same experience when she had her girls and she said the best thing is to just let it out and make sure you talk about everything you are feeling. I've done just that and I can say last week I started feeling as though things were back in sync and this week, week 4, even more so.

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 09:11 AM

Dad is looking forward to helping Ben fill out his first NCAA brackets.
Cute! This would totally be my Dh. Well, so much for all of the girl belly guesses Heidi! Congratulations and welcome to the world Benjamin!!!!

phart

03-14-2006, 09:12 AM

Beautiful picture red!!

Congrats Heidi!

JennZ

03-14-2006, 09:37 AM

CONGRATS HEIDI! Can't wait to hear that amazingly FAST birth story!!

CONGRATS RED! LOVE the picture!!

JennW

03-14-2006, 09:45 AM

Congrats Heidi! Welcome Benjamin!!!:) Can't wait to hear your super fast birth story!:D

tgal

03-14-2006, 09:54 AM

OMG, Heidi that is amazing, they say the second time around it is supposed to go quicker. I can't imagine having a baby quicker than that! Looking forward to hearing your story. Congrats and Welcome Benjamin!

kdotp

03-14-2006, 10:19 AM

Congrats Heidi and welcome Benjamin!!
Wow, can't wait to hear your birth story!

red that picture is great. :)

So last night wasn't so good. Grant just wanted to eat and eat and eat. I swear, if I could just strap him to my boob 24/7, he'd be one happy camper. We ended up falling asleep in the rocker in his nursery and didn't get into my bed until about 4:30 am. He's been sleeping in the bed with us as that seems to be the only way he'll sleep at night, but that's not DH's first preference. He doesn't really like the PnP bassinet, so we'll try the bouncy seat again tonight and see if that works any better than it did last night.

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 10:26 AM

Is it me or is it crazy that so many March mamas went early?! And not to mention so many had their water break to start labor!

How many of us are still pg? 6?

JennZ

03-14-2006, 10:33 AM

kdotp,

We're having the same non-stop eating issues as you. Graham is cluster feeding at night, so I have been up all night the past two nights because he is constantly hungry!
Graham had his two week appointment today. He was discharged from the hospital at 7 pounds, and now weighs 8 pounds 5 ounces! So at least that explains why he is hungry all the time! He has also grown 2 inches in two weeks! It is just so amazing to me how fast they grow! And he still looks scrawny to me, but he has already grown a lot! The doctor was pleased with his growth. He does have a blocked tear duct, so the dr. gave us some eyedrops to try and keep his eye from getting an infection. That's our little update for now! :)

ShannonGH, I was thinking the exact same thing!

amychris03

03-14-2006, 10:38 AM

WOW! Congratulations Heidi and Welcome Benjamin!:) Can't wait to hear your story!

Shannon I was thinking the same thing too!! None of us went
*really early* but almost everyone so far has gone before their due
date. Makes me so bummed that it appears that wont be the case
for me. But that's just because I'm impatient darn it;)

JennW

03-14-2006, 10:45 AM

So many crampy pains today. I would give anything to know if I am making progress or just having BH contractions.

---

Shannon - I was thinking the same thing. I can only think of one mommy who went late! With so many going early does that mean the rest of us are doomed to be late? Or is it just the norm to go early? Interesting question, though!!!

tray622

03-14-2006, 10:52 AM

It is definitely weird to have so many go early and most without being induced! We defy the odds :) According to our nifty countdown on the front page... we have 11 left!

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 10:52 AM

[QUOTE=JennW]Shannon - With so many going early does that mean the rest of us are doomed to be late? Or is it just the norm to go early? QUOTE]

I know, I'm scared to know the answer to this question. I think it was IUAlum who mentioned the law of averages...
Bummer.

Just in the last day or so I've just recently started feeling a touch of mild crampiness too. Feels definitely different from the BH I've felt but my cramping is so mild and infrequent that I can't help but think it's not much of anything. It sounds like yours are much more frequent/noticeable than mine...I can't help but think that's a good sign!

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 10:56 AM

Oh yeah, I forgot about the countdown on the front page. I've been keeping my own running list and these are the peeps I have still pg:
Elenitsa
Kristine (although I'm hoping that Elenitsa and Kristine have babies by now since we haven't heard from them in awhile)
Cyndi
yby1
Losthoosier
Ellybella
JennW
ShannonGH
AmyChris
IUAlum

Who am I missing?

ETA: I forgot IUAlum. Hope you're still doing okay hon.

tray622

03-14-2006, 10:58 AM

We met with the specialist yesterday and still have no answer for the elevated potassium levels. We did get the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis which is odd since most cases are first born, white males and they lose weight due to the vomitting. Joce is a second born female who is massively gaining weight!! Hers is on the low end of enlarged, so we will repeat an u/s on Thursday. If it has grown, sugery Friday... if not then we will repeat u/s weekly. If it stays stable she should grow in to it. The intestine still looked a bit infected and the doctor said it wasnt fully mature. She is on antibiotics for the bladder infection and intestinal infection and Prilosec for the acid refulx related to pyloric stenosis. Medication this young makes me so uneasy! I will keep you updated after the next u/s. For now she needs to be constantly held upright... thank goodness for the Bjorn!

mom2amelia

03-14-2006, 11:25 AM

Tray - my heart goes out to you and poor little Joce. I hope she doesn't need surgery. Is she sleeping in her car seat? Is that how you keep her upright?

Red - great picture. Thanks.

Heidi- how long were you in labor before you left for the hospital? Holy moly. CONGRATULATIONS!! Welcome Benjamin.

I'm still here. I'm pretty sure I'll be going post-date, but I'm ok with that. The baby will come when he/she is ready, or we'll evict next week. DH has a good friend at work who has a wife due exactly one week after I am due. She is having some contractions and has dilated to 2cm. I'm hoping she holds out another week because it would be fun to be in the hospital at the same time as they are. We even have the same OB!

ajb524

03-14-2006, 11:42 AM

Hi everyone! Just popping in to hear about all the new babies :D. Sean went for his 1 month checkup yesterday and he is up to 7lbs. 8oz!!! That means he has gained a pound and a half in two weeks!!! And he is a little over 2lbs. from his birthweight. I'm so proud, but it's no wonder because he seems to be a bottomless pit when it comes to eating.

edited to add pics
http://images.snapfish.com/346559%3B32%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3238%3E49%3A%3E794%3EWS NRCG%3D323358%3A6%3C%3B686nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/346559%3B32%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3238%3E49%3A%3E794%3EWS NRCG%3D323358%3A734%3A93nu0mrj

phart

03-14-2006, 12:43 PM

JennZ~~Have you tried breastmilk in his eye? Aiden had a plugged duct and massage and BM cleared it right up!

JennZ

03-14-2006, 12:54 PM

phart, Really?? So how much exactly? Like a drop (just like an eyedrop amount?) And how often? That is amazing!! I'm not big on the antibiotic drops, so I will definitely try this first!! Thank you so much!

Elenitsa

03-14-2006, 01:18 PM

Congrats to all the new Moms and to those still expecting best of luck!

I gave birth through c-section on March 08, 2006 @ 10:48 am. My Daughter Melina was 6lbs10oz, 19 1/2 inches long. This is her on her trip home from the hospital.

I'm doing well after the c-section, but things didn't go as planned and that has been taking an emotional toll on me. BF has also proved to be a challenge. Fortunately, she is a healthy and happy baby. Hope to be back soon and catch-up and share.

This is her on her trip home.
http://images.snapfish.com/34655%3A696%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3236%3E28%3A%3E%3B54%3E WSNRCG%3D32335878%3B6%3A35nu0mrj

JennZ

03-14-2006, 01:21 PM

Ahhh, what a cutie, Elenitsa!
What big, beautiful, wide-open eyes for a newborn! Good luck with the BF and I hope you have a speedy recovery from your c-section!

JennW

03-14-2006, 01:29 PM

Happy Tuesday afternoon all. Still cramping on and off but mostly when lying down. Which means it is probably just something with the way I'm lying. Not sure. I'm not in a major hurry for his arrival, but some progress to let me know he's on his way would be nice. LOL!:D

elenitsa - Congrats and welcome to Melina!

Shannon - Thanks for the countdown. There really aren't many of us, huh? Sheesh. Yeah, I hope the cramping is something but I have a bad feeling it's nothing at all. We'll see when I go in on Friday if anything is happening.

Andrea - He is precious! Yay for the weight gain. That is terrific!

tray - So sorry about Jocelyn's problems. I hope the u/s goes well and you get even better news than expected. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

mom2amelia - How fun it would be to be in the hospital with someone you know!

mom2amelia

03-14-2006, 01:37 PM

Elenitsa - Melina is a cutie pie. Congratulations. I hope you have a speedy recovery and that BFing improves.

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 01:45 PM

Awwww, what an andorable DD you have Elenitsa! Congratulations!!!

Andrea, thanks for dropping off more pics of baby Sean! He looks so kissable!

It's so fun to see the babies!!! Keep the pics coming ladies! ;)

JennW

03-14-2006, 01:47 PM

ETA: elenitsa - She is such a beauty!!! Congrats again!!!:D:):)

Christy5599

03-14-2006, 02:05 PM

Hi girls!

I'm LOVING the mommy life! I just can't get enough of my little one, I'm totally in love!!!

http://images.snapfish.com/34655%3A95%3A%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3274%3E85%3B%3E684%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3B6%3C95nu0mrj
This was about 10 hours after Patrick was born... he was so alert right from the start!

http://images.snapfish.com/34655%3A95%3A%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3274%3E85%3B%3E684%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3C49%3B%3Cnu0mrj
This was leaving the hospital.

http://images.snapfish.com/34655%3A95%3A%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3274%3E85%3B%3E684%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3C472%3Anu0mrj
Love this one!

http://images.snapfish.com/34655%3A95%3A%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3274%3E85%3B%3E684%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3C474%3Anu0mrj
This was this am...

phart

03-14-2006, 02:07 PM

elenitsa~~Melina was a fave of mine too:) She's beautiful!

JennZ~~Just squirt some in there! LOL! Yeah, a few drops a few times a day should really help. I believe BM loses some of it's *magical powers* if it's touched but I really could be making that up. It's also really good for diaper rashes.

Christy5599

03-14-2006, 02:07 PM

Congrats also to all the new Mommy's!!!! I can't wait to hear all the birth stories and see pictures. I'm especially looking forward to Heidi's birth story!!!!! :eek:

ellybella

03-14-2006, 03:18 PM

red what a cutie!! both of you!

elenista she's such a peanut in that seat! love her big eyes. hope everything is going well for you and the bf issues improve.

christy thanks for sharing your pics!

heidi congratulations! i can't wait to hear your birth story.

shannon i'm now convinced i'm going to be the last one in here. i'm not even having any cramping!

i'm iualum's birth buddy and i haven't heard anything from her yet. i'll be sure to post when i do.

shannon interesting tip on the bm in the eye. kind of funny to visualize this!:D

Tracie

03-14-2006, 03:22 PM

JennZ/Phart - My little guy's got a blocked tear duct, too. The doctor told me to "massage" just under the corner of his eye 2-3 times a day, but I will try a little BM, too! Glad the Soothies are helping, JennZ, I found them, well, soothing.

Congratulations to all the new babies and the new moms!

JennZ

03-14-2006, 04:01 PM

tracie/phart-

Well, I guess you could say in a sense we've already tried the BM in the eye, and all over the face and hands since sometimes it takes him 4 or 5 tries to latch and by then I have managed to stream BM all over both of us!! LOL
I keep telling him I only have an "on" option, no "off" available!! :)

kat

03-14-2006, 04:27 PM

I had the baby blues really bad to where I would cry over anything and I still cry every once in awhile when people ask sensitive questions. A friend of mine visited with her mother one week after Eva was born and I cried the entire time. I just couldn't stop and she was so worried about me. All I could say is that they were happy tears that I couldn't explain. My friend's mother just told me that she had the same experience when she had her girls and she said the best thing is to just let it out and make sure you talk about everything you are feeling. I've done just that and I can say last week I started feeling as though things were back in sync and this week, week 4, even more so.

...could've written this myself, too. I cried over EVERYTHING (and still find myself crying over things I wouldn't normally cry about), but it's definitely getting better. I can now say the word "breastfeeding" without bursting into tears, for example. But 99.9% of the time, the tears were unbelievably happy tears as I gazed at one of the twins. Now i cry unbelievably happy tears when they sleep for more than two hours. :D

Feeding issues are much, much better. Went out last night and bought some "Enfamil Nutramigen" formula, which is for babies with milk allergies (the pediatrician told us to try it; he would've given us a sample of it -- rather than the Gentlease, which is still milk-based and a little less "easy on the stomach" than Nutramigen -- but he didn't have any samples on hand. The babies are still clearing their systems a bit (some diarrhea continues) but it's like night & day 'round here.....no more of the screaming pain fits. THANK GOD.

I wanted to drop off some pics....and now I realize that my DH hasn't downloaded the latest ones off my camera.....so the ones I have are from the same "era" a couple of weeks ago as others I've posted before.....and WOW is it strange to notice how much they've grown in two weeks!!!

(We took Audrey to the doctor on Sunday for the diarrhea and she weighed a whopping 9 lbs. 4 oz., and Alex is much, MUCH heavier....I am scared to find out on Monday at their next doctor's appointment how much he's gained).

So anyway, when I have new pics, I'll post them.

ShannonGH

03-14-2006, 04:32 PM

shannon i'm now convinced i'm going to be the last one in here. i'm not even having any cramping!

Well, right after I typed that it stopped so I'm either thinking it was residual cramping from my internal yesterday or just gas (I've been so gassy lately).:o

Christy, you have *such* a cutie!!!

amychris03

03-14-2006, 05:31 PM

elenitsa and Amanda Cute pictures!! Love all these babies!

kat Glad the feeding issues seem to be resolving!!

kristine80

03-14-2006, 05:44 PM

Julia Isabelle was born March 12th, 958pm! She weighed in at 8lb 7oz, and was 20.5 in long! We got to the hospital at about 545pm, and had her just over 4 hours later, it was an amazing experiance! I will update more with a birth story and pics when I have some time. Congrats to all the other mommies!! :)

Christy5599

03-14-2006, 06:58 PM

Tracie, I've been using soothies too... works wonders!

Shannon and Amy, thank you!

Congrats Kristine!

Liz, thanks so much for checking in... I believe you did say boy for your prediction, right? At the time I was dying to tell you that you were right! :D

Kat, so glad to hear the new formula is working wonders for your beautiful babies. Here's to two hours of sleep for you!

Jenn, one of my fav things is when Patrick has the most wonderful milk 'beard' after he's done nursing. I just love that I can give him all he needs but also how messy he gets! That and the sweetness of his breath, DH just laughs at me but I could smell his breath all day long!

I've found myself even more attached to Patrick in the last couple of days... I'm sad that he's already 6 days old!!!! He'll never be 1 day old again! :( I just couldn't cuddle him close enough tonight and kiss him too much. Thank goodness for our co-sleeper so I can keep one eye on him all night long!

MarchMoms2006

03-14-2006, 07:15 PM

Updated to here. We're in the single digits, ladies...only 9 more babies/mommies-to-be to go!!!!!!!!!!

kdotp

03-14-2006, 11:18 PM

Congratulations Kristine and welcome Julia!!

Oh man, hormones are hitting hard. My mom left this afternoon, so it's just me, DH and Grant. This is hard! I'm crying over everything, freaking out over everything and just want someone to tell me that everything's okay. Grant's okay, we're okay, it's all okay.

I'm going to do another follow-up visit with the LC tomorrow as Grant has not pooped since Friday night. I want to make sure he's gaining weight okay and have them evaluate another feeding to make sure he's eating well.

Christy5599

03-15-2006, 05:22 AM

kdotp, I don't know how much this will mean but you are doing more than ok!!!! Just keep breathing and doing what you are doing and you will all be just fine. Hang in there! :)

JennZ

03-15-2006, 06:21 AM

kdotp,
You are doing great!! Just take it one hour at a time! The sleep deprivation really makes you over sensitive on top of all your hormones leveling out in your system. So the tears are okay, too! Just know that you are the mommy and you are doing a wonderful job! Grant is just fine!! :)

mom2amelia

03-15-2006, 07:29 AM

Kristine - Congratulations. What a beautiful name. I can't wait to hear the birth story.

kdotp - hang in there. Call your OB if you really feel like you can't handle it. Post partum is such a roller coaster of emotion. Even though we hear about all the effects of the hormones after birth, I don't think you can ever really prepare for it. You're doing a great job. You're fine, DH is fine, and Grant is fine. You're doing everything right.

jen71

03-15-2006, 07:54 AM

Jennz- Cassidy had a blocked tear duct on the left eye, we scheduled the procedure to unblock it around her 1st birthday, & about 2 weeks before it, it unblocked on its own. Now her right one is partially blocked, & we have the procedure to unblock it scheduled for April. So, they can just unblock on there own.

Ian's second PKU test came back positive, so we had to rush to a genetics doctor & PKU cliniuc last thursday. It has been a whirlwind, but DH & I have gotten over the shock & are ready to deal withit. We met with a doctor, dietician, genetics counselor, child life, & social worker. He has to go to clinic every tuesday & friday for now to be weighed & have the formula amounts changed, & blood draws.

mom2amelia

03-15-2006, 08:08 AM

Jen - I'm sorry to hear about Ian's PKU test. This was his second test, right? Is there any chance that a second test can be a false positive too? I know the first test is frequently false because baby hasn't eaten enough. Do they make a low protein formula for babies with PKU? I'm sorry, again, about the diagnosis, but thank goodness they caught it right away. There's something to be said for all that testing they do in the hospital.

ShannonGH

03-15-2006, 08:13 AM

Congratulations Kristine and welcome Julia Isabelle!!!!

jen71, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all of these PKU issues. Hang in there mama. You'll be in my prayers.

kdotp, I'm sorry you're having to deal with crazy pp hormones. I'm positive you are doing a *wonderful* job being a new mommy though!

I had some more dull achiness in my abdomen last night, but it's gone again.

I had my school nurse check my bp this morning since I had the high reading on Monday afternoon's appt. It was elevated this morning (132/98) so I have a call in to my ob's office to see what they recommend...just waiting on them to call me back.

junkinmytrunk

03-15-2006, 08:36 AM

Hi March Mommas:
Didn't have time to read the whole thread where I've left off but congrats to all the March mommas who had their babes, and best of to all the mommas waiting. It's fantastic, it really is.

We're doing well over here - will post pics as soon as possible. Little Pierson is a doll. Gotta go feed him but I'll check back as soon as I can. All I can say is that he sure was a surprise. My only signs of impending labor, looking back: at about 10pm that night I felt some weird cramps around the belly button. At 1:30 AM I felt a little fluid leaking but thought it was the normal preggo stuff, but at 1:30 there was such a WOOSH -- straight out of TV. Everything went pretty quickly after that. Oh yeah, contrax (for me) felt like really awful gas pains.

Okay, gotta run, kisses to all and more later...
xo xo xo
Lisa

ShannonGH

03-15-2006, 08:57 AM

So glad you're doing well Lisa! Can't wait to see little Pierson!

JennW

03-15-2006, 09:42 AM

Hi all. Well I had severe cramping last night that lasted from about 8 p.m. last night, all through the night until about 11 a.m. today. It didn't subside if I changed positions or walked around and was in my back, legs and belly. Also I had shooting pains down there. I was sure this might be "it" or the beginning of "it" since it lasted over 12 hours. BUT, alas, the pains have all but gone away now. So, once again, I guess it was nothing. We'll see what happens I suppose. I am going to do a massive workout this afternoon to get him moving!:D

Congratulations Kristine and welcome Julia!!! Can't wait to hear your story.

Glad all is well Lisa. Can't wait to see your little man!

Hope you hear back from the doc soon Shannon and that the elevated BP is no big deal.

kristine80

03-15-2006, 10:11 AM

Just a quick post to drop off a few pics. I have my birth story written up, and I will post that when I have a little more time...
Julia Isabelle
http://images.snapfish.com/346567%3B96%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3236%3E992%3E6%3A%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D323358%3B24477%3Anu0mrj

Natalie loving her new little sister!
http://images.snapfish.com/346567%3B96%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3236%3E992%3E6%3A%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D323358%3B2455%3A5nu0mrj

ShannonGH

03-15-2006, 11:13 AM

kristine, love love LOVE the last pic! Your girls are SO precious!!!

So, once again, I guess it was nothing.
Jenn, I'm sure it wasn't *nothing* silly girl. :p I'm sure all that cramping was productive in some sense. I bet it won't be long at all for you now!

The call nurse got back with me and wanted me to have my bp checked again after lying on my left side for 10 min. At that time it was still in the "borderline" range so we agreed it would be best for me to head home and rest as much as possible, preferrably on my left side. So I'm home now, and don't know if I'll return to work the rest of this week (and then next week I'm off due to spring break). It was weird leaving knowing this could be the last time I'd be back in quite awhile. It was due time though...I'd mentally "checked out" of work quite a few weeks back.

JennW

03-15-2006, 11:34 AM

Kristine - Your girls are precious!!!:D

Shannon - Hope you feel better. Try and rest as much as possible and keep that BP down!:)

jen71

03-15-2006, 11:43 AM

Mom- the second test was way higher of a level.

So we are ok. We have accepted it, & started to deal. The doctor yesterday was shocked at how well DH & I are doing, that we have moved on, & are ready to start figuring out how to eat, as a family, etc. Especially with DD. Yes, it is a low protein, actually almost no protein diet. Basically, he will drink a "formula" so to speak his whole life, or take a pill, & this is where his source of protein will come from. Then as far as food, measured amounts of fruits & vegetables for the most part. The hardest part is the careful calculating of the amount of protein he takes in. We had to buy a scale to measure out in grams his formula mixture. But, they have alot of support, & at the clinic we see kids of all ages, up to 18, walking around. Honestly, it could be worse. He will be able to lead a perfectly normal life, just a vegetarian for the most part. WE have to be careful up to the age of 6, when the brain is still developing. After that, if the level runs high, you notice a more hyperactive person, poor concentration, but no damage.

Anyway, sorry to babble. Thanks for the prayers, Shannon!

phart

03-15-2006, 01:00 PM

Kristine~~Beautiful girls!

jen71~~:( I'm so sorry about the results. Sounds like you have things handled though. Will keep you in my thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything is going just peachy around here. Maura is even easier than Aiden was but I know that other shoe can drop at any moment so we're enjoying this peace while we have it. I had my first outing with the two of them today...B&N train table and coffee with another mom of two (3 and 4 months) from playgroup. Maura was in the KKAFP the whole time snoozing away. If y'all don't have a pouch or sling get one soon! They can be such lifesavers.

JennZ

03-15-2006, 01:30 PM

phart,
Which sling/pouch do you recommend? You have become my advice guru these days, huh?? :)
Jen, Sorry about the test results. You and DH sound like you have the best, positive attitude, though. I believe we aren't given more than we can handle, so I know you will all get through this and make it work. I will be thinking about you guys!
Tray- How's liitle Jocelyn doing?
ShannonGH- Feeling any better? Take it easy and rest, rest, rest!!
Congrats Kristine! Your girls are so adorable!! They have the exact same nose!! So cute!!

kdotp

03-15-2006, 01:35 PM

Got back from the Lactation Consultant about an hour ago. My poor guy. He lost another 3 oz from Sunday, putting him at 1 lb below his birth weight. Babies should be gaining by now, not losing. The LC watched him eat and determined he's just not motivated to suck, he's a lazy muncher. So we're supplementing. We're using formula with a Tube At Breast along with bottles of EBM and formula as needed.

She filled the little syringe and showed me how to insert the tube when I latch him on. Holy cow, I didn't know my man could eat like that. He can hold a good suck for more than 30 seconds. Hopefully the TAB should teach him how to suck better and we can eventually go back to just breastmilk.

This should also resolve the pooping issue--he wasn't getting enough caloric intake to get anything moving at that end.

I asked about the jaundice and the LC was going to relay it to my Ped when she called him about the results of our appointment. I then got a call from my Ped's office saying today is is day off, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully, though, if he poops, that will help things in that area, too. I have a tentative appointment with the LC tomorrow at 11, pending the Ped gets back to her before then and we can see how things are going.

So most of my afternoon was spent crying. I am disappointed that we have to supplement, but I know it's not the end of the world. Grant's health supercedes my personal feelings right now.

phart

03-15-2006, 01:35 PM

Jenn~~I have a kangaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch and also thier adjustable cotton pouch. I love the adjustableness (nice word, I know) of them so, so much. It's a little chilly here today so I used the fleece (still pretty light though) over my coat and then took off the coat while there and it still fit just fine. I still love my ring slings too but the pouches are just about *idiot-proof*. Just pop them in and go. I have a friend whol adores her hotsling but it's not adjustable.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BabywearingSWAP/

This is a great group to find used carriers at great prices:)

tunibell

03-15-2006, 02:10 PM

kdotp - Your new system is almost exactly what we've been doing since Day 3 (except I was - and still am - using a nipple shield). We also had to supplement EBM with formula for a few days, and it killed me too. But I was producing plenty of EBM within days, and was able to chuck the formula after about 2 days (I went from being able to pump only 5 ml of BM to 100-200 ml very quickly). I rented a Medela Classic from the hospital, and that thing kicks a$$.

We met with another lactation consultant last night, and Piper is now totally on the breast (but still with the shield - we're going to use it for another month or so until her mouth gets a bit bigger). And OMG am I engorged. After my strict regime of SNS and 2-3 hour pumps, mine are the boobs that ate Manhattan. I keep looking at Piper and thinking "Are you hungry again? How 'bout now? Now??" Mommy needs relief!

tray622

03-15-2006, 02:23 PM

jenn I love my kangaroo korner adjustable cotton pouch and my hotsling. I have hard time deciding which one to use sometimes! Like phart said, the hotsling isnt adjustable so it has to be a really good fit. My Bjorn is what I am using the most now since Jocelyns reflux needs her to be upright.

phart Yay for getting out! It sounds like it went smoothly... I am jealous :)

jen71 I am sorry you guys are going through this. I will keep you and Ian in my prayers. It sounds like the prognosis is great and we are here to support you as much as possible too!!

shannon Good for you for checking your own pressures! High bp is scary and the best action is be a self advocate! Rest, rest, rest... it really does wonders!

BBL for more SO's and an update... Zoey needs her snack!

tunibell

03-15-2006, 03:01 PM

Okay...I need some help. If I feed Piper from 1:00 - 2:00, and then again from 4:00 - 5:00, am I feeding her every two hours or every three hours??

yby1

03-15-2006, 03:02 PM

Sorry I'm late in posting.

Mattias Martin was born on 3/9/2006 at 10:21 am. He weighed in at 6 pounds 10 ounces. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/sumama/matty-3-15-06.gif

yby1

03-15-2006, 03:03 PM

Okay...I need some help. If I feed Piper from 1:00 - 2:00, and then again from 4:00 - 5:00, am I feeding her every two hours or every three hours??

Every 3 hours. You count from the begining of the last feeding to the beginning of the next feeding. My lactation consultant told me this yesterday. :)

tray622

03-15-2006, 03:06 PM

Okay...I need some help. If I feed Piper from 1:00 - 2:00, and then again from 4:00 - 5:00, am I feeding her every two hours or every three hours??

From start start... so 3 hours!

April1234

03-15-2006, 03:11 PM

Thread hi-jack...

yby1, CONGRATS on your baby boy. I MUST have that onsie that he is wearing for my little boy due in May. Where did you get it? Thanks!:D

tgal

03-15-2006, 03:22 PM

Kristine Congrats and Welcom Julia! Both your little ladies are gorgeous.

Yby1: I am so happy to hear little Mattias arrived. I hope you are doing well!

Kat: I am so glad that babies are doing better. I know there isn't much time when you have two, but don't forget to take care of yourself, it really helps with the baby blues.

Kdotp: I am so sorry, hang in there, you are doing great!

Jen71: Sorry about Ian, but I am so impressed by your strength.

Shannon: Rest up lady!

Tuni: 3 hours

heidi0622

03-15-2006, 03:36 PM

Thank you for all the well wishes!

Congrats to all of the mommies and beautiful babies that were born in the past few days! Logan, Pierson, Matthias Melina and Julia!

So, many of you have asked to share my birth story. It truly was so much better than I was expecting. I think I was stunned when little Benjamin came into the world.

I don't have a lot of time to type, so it will be a pretty quick version. I want to get it typed though before I forget some of the details. I started having contractions on Saturday throughout the day. They were painful, but manageable. Saturday night, they started coming more regularly, an occasional one that was less than 10 minutes apart, but mostly 20-30 minutes or so apart. Saturday night, I didn't get much sleep as I would have sporadic contractions throughout the night. Sunday morning, I woke up about 6am since the contractions were about 10-15 minutes apart. I got up, pulled out my pregnancy book and started reading a little more about the signs of labor. Everything I read seemed to indicate I was in pre-labor since the contractions were not that regular at that point and not terribly painful. Everything I read in the books said the worst thing you could do at that point was give into them and get worked up about impending labor. I then convinced myself I was still days if not weeks away from delivering Ben. So, my mom came over about 10am, we finished setting up the nursery, ran to Wal-mart and Babies R Us and got everything set. Throughout the day, I continued to have contractions, but they seemed to space out to 20-30 minutes apart. The contractions were strong enough to stop me in my tracks and occasionally I had lean over and breathe through them, but they were manageable.

Sunday night, the contractions continued to worsen, but since I wasn't getting any that were 5 minutes apart, I continued to think I was still in pre-labor and maybe even that these were just more painful Braxton-Hicks. I took a long hot shower about 9pm Sunday night and that seemed to help the pain. I then tried to get into bed to get some sleep, but the contractions still kept coming - 10 minutes, 15 mins, 5 mins, etc. The worst position for me during a contraction was lying in bed, so I would jump out of bed everything a contraction came and get on my hands and knees and rock through it or use my exercise ball, or kneel on my stairs. At this point, I started crying to Mike saying I had the worst pain tolerance of anyone I knew and if this was just pre-labor, what would the real thing be like? About 1:15am, the contractions started coming a little more closely together...I finally noticed they were approximately 5 minutes apart - I didn't want to wake DH, so I was half trying to time them myself. At 1:45am, I woke up DH and asked him to start timing them for me. At this point, they were truly strong and regular. I was pacing around my house, using my exercise ball, kneeling on the stairs, anything to help me manage the contractions. At 2:45am, the contractions had been 5 minutes apart for about 1.5 hours, I finally decided to call my midwife. I paged the midwife and chatted with her for a few minutes about what was going on - she determined that since I was able to have a conversation with her, that I was most likely still in pre-labor and maybe just a few cms dialated. She said I was more than welcome to head to the hospital at that point, and could ask for some meds if I truly felt like I needed them, but they most likely would make me walk the halls and there was a chance I could be sent home (the absolute last thing that I wanted). She recommend I take a hot shower and continue dealing with things at home and update her if anything changed. I got off the phone and started bawling to my husband that I really had no pain tolerance and if this was only pre-labor, kill me when real labor kicks in. Within a few minutes of hanging up the phone with the midwife, I went to the bathroom and noticed that I lost my mucous plug. I started to think at that point, that maybe there was a chance this was more than pre-labor, but still thought I had a *LONG* way to go. After that, I hopped in the shower about 3:15am and that did help me manage the continued contractions. I stayed in there about 30 minutes (until our hot water ran out). After the shower, I felt a lot better, so I tried to get back into bed. The contractions started spacing out to about 6-7 minutes apart, so I then thought my midwife was right - this truly was just pre-labor. I got into bed about 4am and for the first time all evening, I was able to dose in between contractions. I still had to get on my hands and knees when a contraction came, but then was really able to relax in between them.

After 3 or 4 of those contractions, at about 4:20 or so, I felt this tremendous pressure and told DH I thought my water was going to break (but still in the back of my mind, did not believe this was going to happen so quickly). I went into the bathroom, sat on the toilet and within 5 second, my water came gushing out and I felt this tremendous urge to push. I just thought I had to do a #2 and did not realize I was actually starting to push.

Finally, it hit me that maybe I was trying to push - I was in denial though that I had actually gotten that far. I yelled to Mike that my water had broken, we had our answer and had to head to the hospital. I called the midwife back at 4:30 and she said, Ok- head on over and she would meet us there. Mike hopped in the shower (everyone had told us that once your water broke – you still had time to mosey on over to hospital). I quickly realized that the urges to push were coming every 5 minutes and told Mike we had to start moving FAST. We were on our way by 4:45am – that had to be one of the hardest car rides of my life. Every 3-4 minutes, I would get this tremendous urge to push, so I was blowing out with all of my might to fight it. In a temporary moment of insanity, I told Mike he could park the car and I would walk into the emergency room, so we parked (it was maybe a 200 yard walk to the ER)…I got about halfway there and told him he had to run and get me a wheelchair. Looking back, I realize it was one of those stereotypical movie moments – we get into the ER and I am panicking at this point telling the ER attendants I am ready to push this baby out. They were laughing a little bit and asking if it was my first baby – I don’t think they believed me at that point, but they did get an attendant there fast that rushed me to L&D. We get to L&D, they put me in a room and at this point – the nurse is very calm and tells me to go into the bathroom and get changed into my gown. I get into the bathroom and get another urge to push and tell I can’t even get my gown on, she then decides that she better check me. I get up on the table and within 2 seconds, she looks and realizes the head is RIGHT there, I was definitely complete! That changed the mood very quickly – within seconds 4 or 5 nurses are in the room trying to get me to breathe to fight the urge to push. They tell me my midwife is still 20 minutes away from the hospital. I panicked at this point and said I couldn’t hold it anymore. They quickly decided to bring the OB on call into the room. I then had to fight to hold in one more push and the OB finally arrived. After he arrived, I was FINALLY given the green light. It took 3 pushes to get little Ben out – 1 push he crowned, 2nd push the head came out and 3rd push he was here. Because he did come out so fast, I ended up with a second degree tear. As many of you have heard – we got into labor and delivery at 5:08am and he was born at 5:23am. Mike and I truly had no idea how close we were to actually having to deliver this baby ourselves!

Continued into next post...

heidi0622

03-15-2006, 03:37 PM

They put him on my belly for a few seconds, but then had to take him because he had a little meconium in his mouth. He was absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way. Mike and I just looked at each other absolutely stunned at how incredibly fast everything had happened. I thought I would be one to bawl once I laid eyes on my son, but truthfully, I think I was completely in shock at how fast everything happened. I thought I was still only in pre-labor at 3am, did not accept that I would actually have this baby that day until my water broke and even at that time, I thought we’d be at the hospital for quite a while before he made his appearance. My midwife got there about 15 minutes and we shared a good laugh. Everyone has warned how fast I need to get to the hospital the next time I have a baby.

The nurses suctioned him, checked him out and then gave us a chance to nurse. That boy latched on like a champ the first time…it really was a wonderful feeling. Mike and I then had about 2 hours in the delivery room by ourselves with Ben before moving to the postpartum area. He really was alert for his first 5 hours or so of life…I was able to get in 3 nursing sessions during that time.

I am very proud of myself for achieving a natural childbirth. I went into it with an open mind – I wanted to try and do things naturally, but I wasn’t going to beat myself up if I needed drugs. Everyone keeps commenting on how high my pain tolerance is and I don’t know if that I was it…truthfully, I just consider myself fortunate – he was in the right position and I have nice wide hips (those were finally good for something :) ). Also, I did spend a lot of time during the pregnancy on the birthing ball – rolling my hips, doing squats, etc…maybe that did really help?!

Ok, I guess I ended up doing the long version – this has taken me all day to type though as I keep getting pulled away from the computer. My milk has already started to come in – (yeeouch!) and this boy loves to nurse!!! Overall, while it is still VERY early – things are going better than I could have ever expected. I truly feel blessed and am so in love!! I know though that he is only 2 days old and things can change at the drop of a hat, so for now...we are counting our blessings.

I will come back in a little bit to do some better SOs and share some pictures. My best to all of the moms still waiting to have your babies – I can’t wait to hear your news. Congrats to all of the other new mommies out there. We truly are a fortunate bunch of March mommies!

Christy5599

03-15-2006, 04:11 PM

Holy cow Heidi! What a story!!!! I'm so impressed that you were able to make it to the hospital... I have this mental picture of you in the parking lot waiting for Mike with the wheelchair!

Can't wait to see pictures of Ben.

Pink_Converse

03-15-2006, 04:29 PM

heidi-What an amazing birth story! Your tougher than you thought I guess :).

ellybella

03-15-2006, 04:47 PM

kristine julia is adorable! congrats!

shannon take it easy girl and get some rest. i hope the bp comes down soon. enjoy being finished w/ work and relax until your dd arrives.

jen71 i am so sorry about the test results. it must have been so scarey for you and your dh. it sounds like you are handling it like a champ. i don't know if i'd be strong enough to tackle it like you are.

i need to get a sling. thanks for the recommendations phart & tray

holy crap heidi that is some birth story! i'm so glad you made it to the hospital!

qtod did everyone feel pressure just before their water broke?

nothing new to report here, just really tired tonight. looks like we're going to be getting some cold weather for the next couple of weeks. not what i need right now.

ellybella

03-15-2006, 05:01 PM

just wanted to let everyone know that amychris's water broke this morning and that as of 6:51 pm tonight things were going slowly. her dh guessed that their little guy would arrive on the 15th!

good luck amy!!!

tray622

03-15-2006, 05:21 PM

Good Luck Amy!!

ShannonGH

03-15-2006, 06:45 PM

Holy moly Heidi! That is the birth stories of all birth stories! You should definitely be proud of yourself for handling everything so well! Way to go!!!

Good luck Amy!!!!!

mom2amelia

03-16-2006, 05:16 AM

Heidi - that is one awesome birth story. Thanks for sharing.

amy - good luck!

How is it that I was due mid-March and I could end up being the last one here still pregnant? :confused: :rolleyes:

phart

03-16-2006, 05:28 AM

Great birth story Heidi! I think mine is simliar but we went to the hospital earlier than we thought we would.

Good luck Amy! I hope all is going/went well!!

Cyndi~~That little girl of yours is just stubborn. When does the Pisces sign end? I need to go look these things up...we're generally a laid back bunch:)

mom2amelia

03-16-2006, 06:22 AM

Cyndi~~That little girl of yours is just stubborn. When does the Pisces sign end? I need to go look these things up...we're generally a laid back bunch

See, that's how I know it MUST be a girl. Can you imagine everyone's surprise if this baby turns out to have a penis?? :eek: I have an U/S this morning. Maybe I should just cut to the chase and find out. :rolleyes: Most zodiac signs end around the 22nd of the month, IIRC. So, this baby will probably be "on the cusp." I don't know anything about signs, but for some reason I know the term "on the cusp." I don't even know what comes after Pisces. Actually, I didn't realize that we were in Pisces right now. Everyone, save one sister, in my immediate family is a gemini. We're a PITA bunch. I'll bet a kid born on the cusp is a PITA too! :D

ellybella

03-16-2006, 06:57 AM

How is it that I was due mid-March and I could end up being the last one here still pregnant?

i guarantee you beat me!

i've had calf cramps all morning! whenever i sit then get up, watch out! these final weeks are so fun. :mad:

ShannonGH

03-16-2006, 07:19 AM

i guarantee you beat me!

I'll fight ya for the title of "last woman standing." :rolleyes: :p

Just checkin' in. My small glimmer of hope (ie. cramping/achiness) that I was experiencing 2 days ago have long since ceased. I go in later today for a bp check. I'm anxious to get this show on the road.

ellybella

03-16-2006, 07:31 AM

shannon you can tell we're both getting a little bitter in these final days! i'm such a grump! :(

tray did you find that the size recommended to you for your hotsling was pretty accurate?

JennW

03-16-2006, 07:37 AM

Nothing much happening. Some more cramping but not like the other night. I also had some severe shooting pains way down (in pelvic/vaginal area) last night that stopped me in my tracks.

Can't wait to go to the doctor tomorrow to see if I've made any progress at all!

Wow heidi! What a story! That is amazing. Can't wait to see pics of little Ben.:)

Congrats YBY and welcome Matthius

Good luck Amy!

mom2amelia

03-16-2006, 08:45 AM

Ok, so I won't be the last one standing. I'm going in tonight to be induced. Biophysical profile was fine. Baby is perfect - 8 out of 8 - but tiny. S/he is measuring under 10th%ile and the doc wants it out, now. The only good thing is that I am 1cm which is more than I ever was with Amelia. I keep hoping for some miracle whereby I go into labor on my own in the next few hours.

I'll try to post more later. I'm still kind of shocked. I thought for sure he'd let me go another week. I really really REALLY wanted to avoid another induction.

ellybella

03-16-2006, 08:57 AM

mom sorry for another induction :( i know i would/will feel the same way, but how exciting you'll get to meet your baby today and not have to wait another week!!!! good luck!

yby1 congrats!!

tray622

03-16-2006, 09:07 AM

mom Good luck and we are thinking of you!!

ellybella The size they recommended for me was perfect. I ordered it with #1 and never used it because I tried it on before she was born and it seemed so small. I pulled it out with Joce and I realized it is supposed to be fairly snug and it is comfy for both of us!

JennZ

03-16-2006, 09:24 AM

Good Luck tonight, Mom!!

ellybella

03-16-2006, 10:20 AM

congratulations Amy!!

she and her husband welcomed baby SAM last night, March 15th at 8:58pm. he was 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

(kathleen, amy's email wasn't working so couldn't send you the update)

tray622

03-16-2006, 10:22 AM

WELCOME BABY SAM!!

Am I the only one who still gets those excited chills/goosebumps whenever a new baby is announced? :)

ShannonGH

03-16-2006, 10:37 AM

Am I the only one who still gets those excited chills/goosebumps whenever a new baby is announced? :)

Nope. :)

Congratulations Amy and welcome baby Sam!!!!! So happy for you guys!!!

Cyndi, I'm sorry you have to be induced but it sounds like baby is healthy so that's great! How fun that you'll more than likely have a St. Patrick's Day baby!

shannon you can tell we're both getting a little bitter in these final days! i'm such a grump!

Oh, I'm such a grump too! I think Dh is getting tired of me moping. It doesn't help that we're both at home today. I've decided staying home trying to be patient is not my cup of tea. I'd rather be at work anyday! Luckily, I'm going to get to go back tomorrow. I went in earlier for my bp check. The first time they took it, it was slightly elevated, the second time it was normal. They said it was fine for me to go back to work as long as I "took it easy."

JennW

03-16-2006, 10:50 AM

I just went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. I had a very difficult time walking around in there for some reason. The pressure is really building.

---

Congrats Amy and welcome Sam!!!:)

Sorry about the induction, mom, but how exciting to meet your little one so soon!:)

Shannon - Glad your BP has leveled off. Have fun when you go back to work!:D

I get those excited butterflies every time we have a new baby, too!:)

JennZ

03-16-2006, 12:01 PM

Congrats Amy and Sam!! :)

I totally get butterflies and check for updates constantly when I know a new baby is coming!! :D

Tracie

03-17-2006, 10:00 AM

Glad I was finally able to get back on CC! Wonder how many babies were born while it was down?

Heidi What an incredible story! Sounds like you made it to the hospital just in time!

Congratulations Amy and little Sam!

ShannonGH

03-17-2006, 10:13 AM

yay! CC is back up!

I'm still here with not much to report. Had a lot of BH yesterday. I started timing them last night and they were sporadic at first but then were 8 minutes apart for an hour. Then I went to bed and they stopped.:rolleyes: I've had a couple this morning. They are definitely BH though and not the "real" thing....not painful at all.

I'm back at work today and it's so much better than being stuck at home yesterday. I'm in such a better mood today....still impatient, but at least in a better mood.

Wonder if Cyndi has her baby by now!!! Hoping your induction went well!!!!

ETA: Looks like the first April mama had her baby.

phart

03-17-2006, 10:37 AM

Dang it Cyndi. I'm sorry you had to be induced but it seems that's what's best for baby. I hope everything went well!!

Welcome Baby Sam! Congrats Amy!

JennZ

03-17-2006, 10:50 AM

I can't wait to hear if Mom has a girl or a boy!!

Good Luck Mom!! :)

Hope everything went well (or is going well right now!!) :D

ce_Kathleen

03-17-2006, 12:34 PM

thanks ellybella for posting about Amy!! I did get an email yesterday, but CC wouldn't let me on to post the news!

Congrats Amy and welcome Sam!!

I really need to go through and catch up on all that has been going on here! Its a lot harder having 2 than I thought and Alex just caught a cold so between getting up for night feedings and dealing with a sick todldler I haven't had time to get on here!

I hope everyone is doing well, and I will try to catch up online this weekend while my mom is here to help!

red_canuck

03-17-2006, 01:03 PM

yey CC is back!! I've been dying to come and check in now that things are finally settling in here at home. Mr. Logan lost a bit of weight, but was just rechecked today and gained 6 ounces in 48 hours! Way to go my big boy!!!

I need to go back and read up on who's been having babies and how the other mommas are doing, but I'm not sur ehow much time I have before Prince Charming wants more boob juice, so for now I'll say

Congratulations to all the new moms and welcome babies!!

I just posted my birth story in my journal for those of you interested. It's long, so I won't clog this thread with it.

I'll leave you with one more picture of my sweet guy

This is what we call 'round here "Milk Coma"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/logan/LoganDay3031.jpg

who am I kidding, gotta to show off another one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/logan/LoganDay3022.jpg

Pink_Converse

03-17-2006, 01:38 PM

Glad I was finally able to get back on CC! Wonder how many babies were born while it was down?

Just what I rushed over here to see...can't wait to hear if there were any more births while CC was down.

kdotp

03-17-2006, 02:16 PM

Congrats to all the new mamas!

We're still having issues with feeding. Now Grant has decided he does not want to latch correctly and will push his tongue up to the roof of his mouth instead of opening wide. Still working with the TAB but it's so difficult to do by myself. He's gained a little weight back, but he's still about 11 oz below his birthweight, so we have a ways to go. I've been visiting the LC at the hospital almost every day and today she finally got to see what he's normally like for me (extremely sleepy, won't latch, etc...) I so want to make BFing work, I'll do whatever it takes!

tgal

03-17-2006, 02:56 PM

Congrats Amy and Welcome Sam!

Mom: Sending you well wishes and hope to hear the news soon!

Red: Simply adorable! I can't wait to read your story.
---------------------

Eva turned one month yesterday. I hope to post more pictures soon. We had our one month dr. visit today. She is up 2lbs 2oz from her birth weight and is 1.5 inches longer! She progressed from the 5th percentile to the 10th, Grow little girl grow!

Abby'sMom

03-17-2006, 03:44 PM

Just a random mom delurking to say congrats to the new moms, and to tell JennW that your DS's name is exactly the same as the one we'd picked out for DD (had she been a boy). :) Owen Christopher.

phart

03-17-2006, 04:54 PM

Phoebe Sara was born at 4:22 on March 17, 2006. 6 lbs, 9 ounces & 20”. Cyndi had a natural delivery, assisted by her DH and a doula. Amelia has seen her sister and can pronounce her name!! She is currently working on the spelling! Everyone is doing great!

Congrats to Cyndi and Family!! Welcome to the world, Phoebe!!

ShannonGH

03-17-2006, 06:40 PM

That is wonderful news! Welcome to the world Phoebe Sara! I love her name! So cute!

kat

03-17-2006, 08:12 PM

Yet another drive-by....I feel like such a slacker poster these days.

Congratulations Amy and mom2amelia and welcome little Sam and Phoebe!! Such great names on this thread!

My poor little munchkins have some serious gas issues. And not the "burping" kind of gas, if you know what I mean. Yesterday during "twin time" (we put them next to each other every day, just for a little while because they no longer sleep next to each other -- Audrey is far too "active" a sleeper for that). ANYWAY, yesterday I videotaped a bit of "twin time" and you can hear them going back & forth, passing gas. :) It would be amazingly funny & cute if it didn't cause them pain (Audrey in particular has a really hard time getting the gas to come out and gets herself really worked up -- need to talk to the ped about this on Monday).

In other news: I don't think I mentioned this, but at her one week appointment, the doctor noticed that Audrey had a dimple on her sacral spine (just above her bum). Because it can be a sign of spinal problems (namely a tethered spinal cord), she had to have an ultrasound once she was 4 weeks old. We had the u/s yesterday (SOOOOO traumatic for her, which of course was even more traumatic for me) and all is fine. Thank god, b/c after the trauma an u/s caused, I don't want to have to put her through more tests and a surgery to correct a tethered spine!

JennZ

03-17-2006, 10:50 PM

CONGRATS Mom! What a sweet name!! And you were right- another baby girl!

jen71

03-18-2006, 03:22 AM

Kat- glad the US results were good!

Thanks for all the thoughts you guys, that really helps.

The biggest challenge now is that we make a batch of formula that we use over 24 hours. So, he really needs to finish it, without wasting or having some left over because it is calculated for his bpdy weight & age, etc. So, it is a challenge determining how much to feed him, you know?

Anyway, he is gaining weight good.

I have a kjangaroo pouch, & a hotsling I used with DD, & they were a lifesaver with her! Ian does not even like swaddling, so I have not used them with him.

kdotp

03-18-2006, 04:42 AM

Congrats Cyndi and welcome Phoebe!

ShannonGH

03-18-2006, 05:02 AM

kat, so glad the u/s results were fine. I'm sure that was pretty funny listening to the dueling tooters. :) Like you said though, too bad it causes them pain.

Yesterday was more than likely my last day at work, but not because I've taken off. I have spring break next week (during which I HOPE to have DD). I've resigned and it will take effect after my FMLA leave. I'm currently looking for something p/t for next school year. They got me a cake and a Target gift card yesterday as a farewell, which was sweet.

I know my ob said to take it easy cuz of my bp but that hasn't stopped me from walking some, in hopes of bringing on labor. I walked yesterday evening and today Dh and I heading to the mall to be mall walkers.

Had some very sporadic BH yesterday but nothing more. Ho hum.

Wonder how Losthoosier , JennW and ellybella are doing...am I the last woman standing????

nicknack

03-18-2006, 05:23 AM

Shannon--Nope, you're not the last woman standing! I haven't posted in here in FOREVER, can never keep up, but I have been reading along. I'm still VERY pregnant!

Congrats to everyone on their beautiful babies!

Due date has come and gone and I haven't even had one little sign of labor coming anytime soon, so I'm guessing I"ll be around for a while. Midwife isn't on call this weekend so I'm hoping to hold it in (haha) at least until Monday. And then, sex and everything else can commence to get this baby out!

tgal

03-18-2006, 07:03 AM

Congrats Mom and Welcome Phoebe!

(Audrey in particular has a really hard time getting the gas to come out and gets herself really worked up -- need to talk to the ped about this on Monday).
Kat, Eva does the same and I didn't even think to ask the peditritian about it. She kicks, throws her arms and her face turns bright red not to mention on occassion she give a few good screams. Once the gas has passed she is good to go, so I've never given it a second thought. So, if your Dr. has good advice would you mind passing it along. TIA!

ajb524

03-18-2006, 07:22 AM

Kat, tgal & anyone with gassy a baby-
I've been giving Sean Gripe Water for gas and it seems to help a lot. THe first couple of nights I had him home he would scream and tighten up his whole body. Now that I give him the gripe water a couple of times a day he seems to be able to pass it much, much easier.

My local natural foods store carried it, but you can also order online. I've tried 2 different brands and he seems to like the wellements brand that I got at the natural foods store better than the baby's bliss brand.

http://www.babys-bliss.com/

http://www.wellements.com/gripewater.asp

eta- the baby's bliss company will give you a full refund if you aren't happy with their product within 30 days

jen71

03-18-2006, 07:51 AM

You can also try moving their legs like they are peddling a bycycle, & bending there legs/feet up towards there head, this helps with gas pains too.

Also, if you are not breastfeeding, consider Dr. Brown's bottles. DD was very, very fussy & had alot of gas pains, & switching bottles helped. They are working ok for Ian also. Try Mylicon drops too. Also, do you have a chair that vibrates, this can help a little bit, or putting them stomach down on your knees & patting there backs.

red_canuck

03-18-2006, 08:05 AM

i second jen's suggestion to bicycle baby's legs. Logan is a gassy monster, competes with his daddy in farting contests (to the utter and complete joy of his momma :rolleyes: ) and this seems to help. Sometimes I also gently rub his tummy, and he seems to really like that. In desperation wednesday night I swaddled him and swung my upper body side to side and he let out the biggest juiciest fart.

I just have to say I am totally proud of our preggo mom's out there. You guys are such troopers, your babies are gonna come out so big and healthy since you've been able to hang on!! Keep up the good work :D:D

heidi0622

03-18-2006, 08:55 AM

Congrats Amy and welcome to the world Sam!

Congrats Mom and welcome to the world Phoebe!

Finally, I'm posting pictures of my little man...

Right after birth:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/heidi0622/Ben.jpg

Ready to go home on Wednesday:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/heidi0622/IMG_1257.jpg

Things are going well here. He has his days and nights mixed up, so he is out right now, but up most of the night. DH has been wonderful and we've been able to switch off a bit, so that has been my saving grace. He heads back to work on Monday, so that will be a new adjustment.

Nursing is okay. He is nursing like a champ on the right side, but I cannot for the life of me get him to latch on the left side. I am a bit engorged, so that made things more difficult initially. I have been pumping, using ice packs, warm compresses, changing positions, etc. and he still does not want to take the left side. Hopefully, I'll be able to get in to see the LC in the next day or two to see if they can see anything I may be doing wrong.

My days and nights are just blurring together, I'm sorry I haven't been on that much.

I'm thinking of all the moms still waiting for their little ones. Take care, they will be here before you know it!

amychris03

03-18-2006, 08:57 AM

Hi everyone! Thanks for the well wishes!! We are home! I had an...
interesting labor and delivery I guess you could say! Not what I
imagined, but I just love Sam so much it was well worth it. The
quick story (while he is sleeping in the sunlight) is that my water
broke and we went to the hospital around 8 to check it out
(because of the Group B strep). It had indeed broken, so I had
to get hooked up to the antibiotics quickly. I was in a "holding
room from 8-3 because there were no empty rooms. They let me
get up and labor on my own, with occasional checks. I was
having contractions every five minutes, but after that whole
time, I had only dilated to 1 cm and was still only 80% effaced.
So- at 3 they hooked me up to the god awful Pitocin and my
contractions immediately became hard and fast. From 3 to
6 I was pretty much miserable, and was so tense from the pain
that I only dilated from 1-2.5. I got the epidural at 6 and went
from 2.5 cm-6 in an hour and from 6-10 in another hour. I
pushed for 45 minutes, but little man's heart rate dropped
so we had to do a quick vacuum. The epidural had already
been turned off at this point so that wasn't too pleasant.
I ended up with a partial 3rd degree tear. That night Sam's
temp dropped really low (94.9) so we had to keep him in
an isolette and get blood cultures done to make sure the
strep didn't affect him. It didn't, thankfully, and he has maintained
his temp ever since then.:) He is nursing like a champ but wants
to do it ALL the time and I can't figure out what is actual eating
versus more of a comfort thing. I guess that will come with
time though! OK- gotta go change a poopy diaper!:)

IUAlum

03-18-2006, 10:14 AM

I haven't had time to go back and read the whole thread, but wanted to come by and post that Seth Andrew was born on Sunday, 3/12, at 11:57 PM

He was 6 lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long. He has a TON of blondish brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.

We came home from the hospital on Tuesday and have been doing well. BFing is going well- my milk came in on Weds and Seth is eating like a champ. He is cluster feeding a lot at night, but last night was better.

I'll try to catch up and be back with his birth story soon...

brooke

03-18-2006, 10:27 AM

Pleased to report that Losthoosier had her baby!

Mackenzie Aileen has arrived and was born March 17th 2006 @ 12:18 pm She weighs 9lbs 10 oz. and was 18 inches long.

Congrats and welcome Mackenzie! :D

MarchMoms2006

03-18-2006, 10:43 AM

UPDATED :D

tray622

03-18-2006, 10:48 AM

CONGRATS LOSTHOOSIER AND IUALUM!!!

Wow, I just saw that a May baby was born! Yikes!

We are awaiting the results from Joce's u/s and blood work yesterday. I will keep you updated! She is 5 weeks today!

ajb524

03-18-2006, 11:18 AM

I tried the mylicon drops and they don't really do anything for him. I've also used the Dr. Brown's bottles and can't tell a difference either. I think I just have a very gassy baby ;)

ShannonGH

03-18-2006, 12:38 PM

9lb 10oz?! Holy Moly losthoosier!!! That's one healthy baby! Congratulations and welcome Mackenzie!!!

Nicknack, glad to hear I'm not alone. :) I went back in to a previous March thread to see when your EDD was....3/16, which was also my birthday! :D Sorry you're having to wait past your DD to meet your little one.

Congrats IUAlum and welcome Seth!!!

red_canuck

03-18-2006, 01:24 PM

lost!! Now that's a big baby! You rock! good growing mama :D

Congratulations amy and IUAlum!!

Logan's on a feeding frenzy today, this is my first chance away from the boob man all day! So what do I do? Upload pics of him and post them :p Obsess much?! lol

here's my man...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/red_canuck/logan/Loganday6039.jpg

ShannonGH

03-18-2006, 02:45 PM

Awww, thanks red for feeding my obsession. You look gorgeous too!

Hey, question for all...do you recommend packing the boppy to the hospital? It takes up so much room in my suitcase...I'd hate to bring it unless you all thought it was definitely useful. TIA!

red_canuck

03-18-2006, 05:21 PM

thanks Shannon!! I'm feeling so good :D I'm wearing my pre-preggo jeans and they are falling off. I'm on my way to being a hot momma! lol
about the boppy - I didn't use mine, it was wasted space. I still find pillows work so much better, but that could just be me. My favourite arrangement righ t now that's seeing me through the feeding frenzies if a body pillow wrapped around me whil eon the couch.

kristine80

03-18-2006, 05:24 PM

Ok, so I finally have some time to type up Julia's birth story, and I can't find the dang notebook that I wrote it in! But I think I remember most of it, so I will go by memory, here goes! ;)
I had been having contractions since Saturday morning off and on, nothing consistant, but no longer than 1 hour between them. My doctor had said that with 2nd pregnancies most woman don't have false labor since the body remembers what to do, so this was encouraging. I had talked to my mom Sunday morning and the flights didn't look very good (since she travels standy on my flight benefits) so she decided she would drive. Its about a 5-6 hr drive from Spokane and she had left about 10am. By afternoon I was getting pretty down, since their still was no consistancy, I was begining to think I would be having these all week. MIL had gotten off work at 130 and came over after her shift. Still nothing really happening, so I told DH to go to work since MIL would be here shortly. She got to our house about 230, and brought lots of goodies! One of our co-workers is a great baker and had made some of her delicious cheesecake to sell at work. MIL, knowing how much I love cheesecake, bought 3 for me! They were the individual size, 1 regular, 1 chocolate, and 1 chocolate marble. I ate 1/2 of the chocolate marble and it was delish! About 3 I started timing the contractions cause they seemed to be coming somewhat regularly again. All day long I had been having some really strong contractions that took all my effort to get through. I do not remember feeling such strong contrax with Natalie. These strong ones started getting even stronger and by about 430 about 80% of the contrax were these really painful ones... My mom had just showed up at 4, and by quarter till 5 I decided we should probaby head to the hospital, especially since it was a 30 min drive. We called DH and he said he would meet us at the hospital. My mom drove me and Nat, and MIL followed in her car. We got to the hospital about 545 and they cannot find my chart! Wierd, especially since we were just in the morning before! So they show us to my room, and we were put in the same room we had been in the morning before! They hooked me up to the monitors on my belly to time the contractions and wanted to get a look at those before they checked my cervix. At about 630 after they find my chart the nurse checks me and I'm just praying that after all this I'm at least dialated enough to stay! She tells me the great news that I'm almost 5cm and about 50% effaced! This was music to my ears! Regina, my wonderful labor nurse, says she will page the dr to have them come check on me so we can get started and make sure they will admit me. Well, the OB is in surgery so we have to wait for her :( I was bummed cause these contractions were really hurting by this time. At about 7pm the on-call doctor shows up since the other OB is still in surgery and says yes I can stay. Regina said that this Dr. is everones favorite and that I'm really lucky he was on-call! So then my nurse calls for the anestesioloigist so I can get my epidural, well of course he's in surgery too! She says she can give me an iv pain med. or I can get in the tub. I decide to try the tub since she says a lot of times being in the tub helps labor progress faster cause you are more relaxed. So at about 730, I get in the tub, and it is nice and relaxing, nothing close to the epidural I wanted, but I can tell it is helping. I get out at about 8pm and the anest. just gets out of surgery so he's on his way down. By 845 my epidural is in and I'm starting to feel some relief. Regina checks my progress at about 9pm, and I'm 7-8 cm dialated and 90%effaced! I am quite impressed with myself at this point, cause with Natalie I had mu epi when I was only 4-5cm. Not that I had a choice this time, but still... By 930pm my water still had not broken and I was starting tp feel the urge to push, so Regina checks me again and I'm fully dialated and effaced, yay! My first push is at 938 to break my water, which it does. We wait a few more contrax and at about 943 I really start pushing. The dr gives me an episiotomy so I don't tear which I was frightened that I would feel for some reason, but I don't. We go through 4 sets of 3 pushes and Julia Isabelle was born at 958! They layed her right on my chest which was just wonderful. I remember when I was pregnant with Natalie I wasn't sure if I wanted them to do this cause she would still be covered in all that stuff which seemed gross to me at the time, but I sincerly suggest it to every mom-to-be. It is such a wonderful experiance seeing your child in their first minutes of life, truely just an amazing time. I got to hold Julia for about 20 minutes before they took her to get her weight and length. Nobody thought she would be over 8lb, she just looked so tiny, so we were all surprised when they told us she was 8lb 7oz!

This really was a great experiance for me, so much eaiser than Natalie's. Not that her labor was hard or difficult by any stretch of the means, but this one just went so seemless. I remember thinking they had turned off my epi with Nat when it came to push, and that was not fun since I had pushed for an hour and 10 minutes! This time, I didn't feel the pain of the contractions, just felt when to push which was great. And I was only in the hospital about 4 hours before she was born which was just a dream. I could not have been happier with the staff at the hospital. Since I had to use the hospitals OB and Ped dr's I had been a little nervous , but Dr Marmion (the OB) was just the most wonderful man! I was very impressed, so very friendly and nice and knew exactly what he was doing! All the staff there were very nice and accomidating, I was very pleased.

I think that about covers it, I just couldn't have been happier with her birth. As for us, my mom left this morning and DH is driving FIL to the airport now so we will see how the next 24hrs go with just us! Natalie is doing a wonderful job with her little sister. I don't really even think it's much of an adjustment for her, it's just another baby for her to love on! She has definatley been playing with her babies less since she has a real one to play with now!

heidi0622

03-18-2006, 05:32 PM

Congrats IU and welcome Seth!

Congrats Losthoosier and welcome Mackenzie!

Great picture Red, you're glowing!

Shannon: I didn't start with my boppy, but I had my husband bring it the second day I was in the hospital. I basically cannot nurse without it...it works perfectly for me. I am able to set him up the right way with it. To me, it was worth it to have it there...I would recommend at least throwing it in your car and your husband can grab it if you need it. HTH! I'm getting excited for you!!!

phart

03-18-2006, 05:37 PM

Shannon~~I use my Boppy at home while on the computer or if I'm upstairs. I just used pillows in the hospital both times and it worked fine. I really needed them (pillows or Boppy) with the cesarean.

Kristine~~Great birth story! Maura really didn't seem to messy...just cheesy:)...when they put her on me.

kdotp

03-18-2006, 06:28 PM

Congrats IU and welcome Seth!!
Congrats lost and welcome Mackenzie!!

Great stories Kristine and Amy. And you (and Logan) look fab, Red!

I didn't bring the Boppy to the hospital, I just used their pillows. And I've found it easier to use pillows at home as well--the Boppy has a tendency to slide out from my body.

Not much different here; the TAB goes so much better when DH is around to help. We have another LC appointment tomorrow to check weight. I think the issue with BFing is totally me -- Grant does great with the tube, but goes back to munching when it's just me. I don't think I have very good let-down or flow so he thinks it's too much work to eat.

brooke

03-19-2006, 07:59 AM

ShannonGH - While we did bring the boppy to the hospital, have found that pillows work better as I'm fairly long-waisted...however, would suggest bringing your own pillows...we brought 2 and were glad we did. Hospital pillows blow and it was nice to have soft pillowcases that felt like home.

dec27bride

03-19-2006, 09:47 AM

Shannon-
Hospital pillows blow
LOL, I have to whole-heartedly agree with this statement. Mine were about an inch and a half thick, and filled with what felt like sawdust. I had DH bring the Bobby in after a day or two, but the pillows I brought from home worked just as well.

red-Gorgeous picture!

heidi-He's adorable!

tgal

03-19-2006, 10:11 AM

I am sad that I didn't check email earlier this morning, but am happy to announce JennW had her baby! :D

Owen Christopher entered the world on March 18th at 4:04 a.m. He weighs 6 lbs.14 oz and is 19 inches long! The happy family will send an update when they arrive home from the hospital!

Jenn: I am so happy for you and can't wait to hear your birth story! Enjoy these precious moments and take care!

tgal

03-19-2006, 10:49 AM

Congrats IU and welcome Seth!! I hope to hear more from you soon!
Congrats lost and welcome Mackenzie!!

Shannon: I opted not to take the boppy with me. I thought that the pillows I took and the adjustable hospital bed worked out great.

Kristine: Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!

Red: Again, adorable and you look fantastic!

Thanks to everyone who offered advice for the gas! I've tried some of these things and they are working.

-----------

I thought I would share another picture as well.
Eva- 1 Month
http://static.flickr.com/24/114746486_82161300c1.jpg?v=0

JennZ

03-19-2006, 01:10 PM

Congrats JennW and welcome Baby Owen!! :)
Congrats IU and lost!!! Welcome little Seth and Mackenzie!!

Red, You really are exuding happiness!!

ShannonGH, I have one of those candy cane shaped pillows- a Snuggle or Snoogle or something? Anyway, I brought that to the hospital and used it for sleeping, sitting up, nursing, balancing my magazines, etc.... :D
Didn't need anything else. But good suggestion to just throw it in the backseat of the car! I actually got the other nursing pillow this time- My Brest Friend, and I am liking it more than my Boppy.

Okay, small vent.....
Love DH to death, but he is acting so tired! I haven't even been waking him up for every feeding, and he is still acting like a grumpy old man!! HELLO! I'm doing all the work!! Sorry. I feel better now! :o Just tired myself!!

tray622

03-19-2006, 02:57 PM

CONGRATS JENNW!!

I love the pic of Eva tgal!!

klm2klh

03-19-2006, 03:18 PM

Wow - I never thought that I would be away so long, but even though the boys were born on the 10th I was only released from the hospital yesterday. I ended up getting a spinal headache from the epidural and none of the treatments that they tried seemed to work. I was fine as long as I was laying on my back, but if I even sat up a little I got the most awful headache and nausea. I eventually ended up being treated by a neurologist and even had an MRI done, but everything looks good. It seems like I just needed some time. Unfortunately this made for some difficult times in the last week trying to bond with/breastfeed my boys but I think that things will be better soon. I am just so happy to finally be at home.

Here they are:

Campbell is on the left and Nicholas is on the right!

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/klhoward/March102006-040.jpg

jen71

03-20-2006, 03:49 AM

Beautiful, klm!

JennZ-ugh, Ihear ya! Icame home on a tuesday, & on friday DH called in sick due to a bad sinus/cold thing. Granted I know he was sick, but every time he swallowed, he winced due to the sore throat, & would close his eyes & roll his head because he was tired. So here I am with a newborn & 19 month old, & HIM. I swear I could have killed him.

kdotp

03-20-2006, 06:30 AM

Congrats Jen and welcome Owen!

klm your boys are darling! I'm sorry to hear of the complications from the epi. I'm glad you're feeling better now!

husbands. Yeah, I just laugh when DH says how tired he is. He doesn't know tired.
------------

So we saw the LC again yesterday. A different one this time. He was up 4oz to 8lb 3oz, which is good. But now we think it's not necessarily just that Grant doesn't suck well, we also think there's a supply issue involved. Super. So I'm going to start taking fenugreek, keep eating my oatmeal, still pump as often as I can, still do the TAB (we have a different one now, one that flows a little slower and makes Grant work a little more to eat, which is good, the previous one practically flowed straight down to his little tummy). But I have to come to terms with the possibility that this is just not going to happen for us. I still get very, very little when I pump (only about 10cc total after feeding, maybe 15-20 cc between feedings). My grandma had issues breastfeeding my mom, my mom had issues breastfeeding as well, so maybe it just runs in the family (though both sisters were able to BF successfully, at least longer than 2 weeks). It's just hard because I feel like I'm failing Grant.
--------------
On a happier note, here are nursery photos!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/nursery4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/nursery5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/nursery6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/nursery3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/kdotp/nursery7.jpg

Pink_Converse

03-20-2006, 06:53 AM

kdotp-Beautiful nursery!

aprilshowers

03-20-2006, 07:08 AM

Congrats klm! Do the boys always sleep together or was that just for the picture? So adorable! I'm glad you are feeling better - spinal headache just sounds awful!

tgal, that picture is just so cute!

Congrats to all the other new mommies - sorry I haven't been keeping up very well. Little girl happens to be sleeping right now which I wasn't expecting (she's usually awake this time of day) so I had a little extra time on here today.

Boppy, I just got a nursing pillow the other day but wish I had had one at the hospital. The bed didn't come up all the way so I needed 3 pillows just behind my back and another 3 to prop her up to nurse. It would have been so much easier with a nursing pillow! And for those that complained that the Boppy doesn't stay snug again them, try finding one with a strap across your back (or maybe you can add something like that to the Boppy?). I have this (http://www.lactationcare.com/index.cfm?event=ProdDisplay&SubcategoryID=43) one and it works great!

Okay, I have to brag a little bit. I stepped on the scale yesterday, just for kicks. I was amazed to see that of the 36 lbs I gained during the pg I have already lost 25 without even trying! Yeah for BFing!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

ShannonGH

03-20-2006, 07:54 AM

Mornin' ladies!

I have my 39 week appt this afternoon so I'm anxious to hear what my ob has to say.

I had my first "I'm tired of being pregnant" breakdown yesterday morning. It didn't help that I didn't sleep well the night before so I'm sure my sleep deprivation was a huge contributing factor. I'm feeling better today though. Although I'm still tired of being pregnant. ;)

Thanks to all on their input on bringing my boppy to the hospital. I think I'll use the suggestion of just keeping it in the car in case I want to use it.

I'm wondering where Ellybella is. Haven't heard from you in a few days. Wonder if you have your baby boy by now!

aprilshowers, thanks for the info on the boppy with the strap. I've never seen one like that.

kdotp, thanks for sharing pics of your nursery! It's beautiful!

klm, your boys are precious!

amychris03

03-20-2006, 08:34 AM

Shannon
I wish I would have taken my boppy with me! It is a lot
easier to position Sam with it right now, while I am still
getting used to things!

Bernie

03-20-2006, 09:30 AM

hi ladies-

I am so far behind in here! I've been skimming along, but every time I try to post, someone starts crying. Congratulations to all the new moms and babies - they are all so beautiful!!!

Shannon - I did bring my boppy to the hospital - and alternated being using it and extra pillows. I'm glad I had it there though, because all of my extra pillows kept disappearing.

Things are going okay here. Max had his belated bris yesterday (we had to put it off because of his visit to the NICU). I'm sure it was more traumatic for me than it was for him - but he has been screaming like crazy every time I go near him to change his diaper. Very heart wrenching. Poor little guy.
His sister was a doll during the ceremony, which was greatly appreciated. She totally made up for her bout of screaming on Saturday afternoon/evening - the only time she would stop screaming was when she was nursing or laying on DH. She was much better yesterday - so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she's just a bit fussy and not colicky.

Nursing has been going okay - so much less painful now than it was a couple of weeks ago, and I think they are both getting better at it. My ped recommended that I give them a bottle every other feeding to help keep them on a schedule and keep me sane. Thankfully, they seem to be okay nursing or taking a bottle - they seem to like eating, no matter what the source. Like their mommy. :p

I hope everone else is hanging in there. Sending labor vibes out to all those who are still waiting!!

ellybella

03-20-2006, 10:27 AM

i'm still here...no worries shannon. i had my appointment this morning so i was waiting to post in case i had any new news. head is "way down" and i'm still 2-3 cms dilated and ZERO contractions, just the occasional bh. my dr. asked if i wanted to be induced on thursday. as tempting as it was dh and i are ok waiting until my due date this weekend. only downside to not going thursday, other than being tired and a little uncomfortable, is that our favorite dr., and the one we've been seeing exclusively for the last couple months is going out of town friday - tuesday. all of the drs. in the practice are very capable and nice enough so we're going to take our chances. my next appt. is 3/27 at which time we'll schedule the induction. kind of a bummer to be talking induction especially since i've been dilated for over two weeks now, i really thought i would have gone by now on my own. it is very disappointing, but i'm anxious to meet this boy and by next week i'm sure i won't care how it happens. i have gotten a lot accomplished cleaning and preparation wise, although not much progress in the nursery since the attic is still not ready for the home office.

shannon i haven't had my meltdown yet, but i've been super emotional lately and have done my share of boohooing the last few days. so many emotions running around in me! good question on the boppy. it is currently in my 'going to the hospital' pile. are we the only regulars in here that have yet to go? can't wait to hear how your appointment goes.

kdtop love the nursery! i'm so jealous of its completion.

jennw congratulations!! and welcome owen. can't wait to read your birthstory.

klm what cuties!! and they look different from one another.

tgal can't believe you have a one month old and i'm still waiting! love the hair.

trm98

03-20-2006, 12:08 PM

Ok, I finally have a moment to type up my birth story. It is LONG!
Birth Story
So, as some of you will recall, I was 8 days past due. I went in Wednesday morning (March 8) to have a cervadil inserted. They monitored me for two hours and then told me to go home. I was to take the cervadil out at 10 pm that night. If nothing had happened, I was supposed to go in on Thursday morning for the oxitocin IV. So, I go home and nothing is happening! Around 6:30 pm, I feel like I have a nerve that is asleep in my back. It is in my lower back going down my right butt cheek. I think this could be something but don’t want to get my hopes up, so I ignore it. I took a shower at about 7:45. In the shower I started noticing some stronger contractions, but I assumed that they were just stronger BH contractions. So, I get out and get ready for bed. I was sitting on my couch when all of a sudden my back started KILLING me. It was 8:30 pm. It got to the point that I was uncomfortable sitting down. I was having contractions, but it was hard to tell when one started and ended. The pain in my back was constant. When we were timing, I was about 1-2 minutes apart with contractions lasting about 45 seconds to 1 minute. But, like I said, it was hard to tell the contractions in my stomach area. So, I call the hospital. They tell me that I am probably in the first stage of labor and to go take a bath. So, I get in a hot bath. Well, the back felt MUCH better, but I was still having contractions. I didn’t want to go in until my water broke b/c I was afraid that they would send me home. At 11pm I decided that I would try to lie down and get some sleep. About 10 minutes later I was in the bathroom. I felt like I had to have a HUGE bowel movement. It finally got to the point where I was really uncomfortable and was having problems dealing with each contraction. We decided to head to the hospital. We arrived at 12 midnight. They hooked me up to a monitor and checked me. I was at 3 cm (up finally from 1!!!). I asked if it should hurt so bad in my back and the nurse said that I was having BACK LABOR! That is the LAST thing I wanted. I have had a few friends that have had back labor and normal labor. They have all said that the normal labor was a cake walk compared to the back labor. So, here I am wanting to go drug free, and I am having one of the more painful labors known. GREAT! She said that the reason I felt like I had to take a huge bowel movement was because there was so much pressure on my sac. So, as I am lying there in pain and I tell the nurse that I feel sick. Next thing I know I am puking. At this point some of my water started to come out. This started the puking with my contractions. The nurse said that it is the body’s natural response to pain. So, I am puking with each contraction. But, I am also leaking with each contraction...yeah progress! I try to go labor in the Jacuzzi tub. Problem is that I can’t sit down because it kills my back. So, I am in the tub on my knees with my hands propped up on the back of the tub. In one hand I have a wet wash cloth and in the other a bowl to puke in. DH is rubbing my back with each contraction. I finally get out of the tub and spend the next hour leaning over the bed, puking with each contraction. By this point I am dry heaving. At 1:40 am, the nurse tells me that she needs to check me again. I have to get back in bed and put the monitor on. UGH! Lying down is the most painful position to be in. So, she checks me and my water completely breaks. She tells me that I am now at 6.5 cm. She says that she is going to go get the Dr. to come see me. My Dr. walks in a few minutes later and checks me, too. She and the nurse are looking each other in the eye the whole time. I see my Dr. grimace and she says, “Yep, that’s a bum.” She then looks at me and says, “We have to have an emergency C-section.”. The baby was in a pike position with his butt first. I am in a LOT of pain at this point. The rest happened all so fast. My DH had to sign consent forms. The nurses were all of a sudden shaving me and putting in a catheter (during a contraction which hurt like HELL!). Now, I have to stay in bed and my back is dying. I have finally stopped puking, but the contractions are now about 20-30 seconds apart. I don’t really remember a lot about them taking me down to the operating room. I was just in so much pain and trying to concentrate on breathing through the contractions. Around 3am, I am wheeled into the operating room and the anesthesiologist is there. They made me get on the other bed and sit with my legs hanging off the side. At this point the contractions are constant and I am really having issues dealing with the pain. I tell the nurse that I really, really need to have a bowel movement and I don’t think that I can hold it in. She checks me really quick and says “Look at me. You are at 10cm. That is the baby, and what you are feeling is the urge to push. You CAN NOT push!” My Dr. comes and tells me to just try to hold the feeling in. At this point, I am shaking uncontrollably from the contractions. The anesthesiologist is trying to put in the epidural. I am freaking out b/c I am afraid that with my shaking that he will miss and I will have complications. Finally it is in and they are laying me on my back. Next thing I know, I am feeling numb and they are putting up sheets to block my view. My DH is finally allowed in the room. He is obviously very worried. I really remember very little from there except when Kaden came out. He was screaming like crazy. My DH had to go over and cut the cord and I am not sure what else. I heard my Dr. say, “WOW! Almost 10!”. I perk up at this point thinking that she is talking about the weight. So, I say, “What?” The surgeon laughed and said, “No, that is not the weight. That is his APGAR score.”. So, my DH finally brings Kaden over and I get to see him for about two minutes. I can’t hold him, but I am allowed to touch his face. The minute I touched his cheek, he stopped crying and just looked at me. That is a moment I will NEVER forget. Then, they told my DH that he had to go with the baby back to the labor ward. I had to go to recovery for about two hours and was then finally able to go upstairs to hold my son. It was probably my worst case scenario of labor, but I have a beautiful baby boy. I have had a few days that really get to me emotionally when I think back on it, b/c it was just not what I wanted at all. I was never given the chance to come to terms with having to have a c-section. So, that has been hard to have on top of all the other post pardon emotions. But, each day is a new day and I am getting better. They think that Kaden’s head was never engaged and when my water broke, he flipped butt first. Now, I just hope that I can have a VBAC with my next child. Now, I had better go sleep while I can. Kaden is just now sleeping for the first time today!

I hope to be able to get on more this week and catch up with everyone. Congrats to those that have become new mommies and best wishes for the few of you that are still waiting!