Here is the story from my first little girl. (Will update link when I have it published!)
Here is my second daughter's story.
And here is how my little man came into the world.
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Birth Stories - Overview
So I decided I am going to share my birth stories from my three babies. I hope they might be helpful to moms-to-be to know what to expect (and maybe what not to do!) and maybe be helpful to new moms who wonder if anyone is going through the same thing.
Birth Stories: Miss L (2013)
Monday, April 1st
To set the stage, I had started having regular contractions every 5-6 minutes the previous Thursday (March 28th). They were consistent and intense enough that I was convinced I was in labour. We even went as far as sending our daughter to my parents' place. And then... nothing. The contractions stay consistent but never get any closer together or stronger. The weekend passes and I grow more and more frustrated as nothing seems to be happening.
8:00 - My hubby jokingly posts on Facebook that our daughter was born (April Fool's!). I wasn't due until Thursday (April 4th).
9:30 - I head to my O.B. appointment. My daughter is dropped off with my parents.
10:00 - My O.B. tells me I am 3cm dilated. She suggests going for a nice long walk to move things along. So we leave her office and head to the mall, because the weather outside wasn't great.
12:00 - I watch my almost 5-month-old sleeping niece while my four-year-old niece gets her ears pierced (the stroller didn't fit into the store very well). Contractions are intensifying, enough to take my breath away. I continue to walk around the mall, having to stop walking every time a contraction hits, which is about every 3-4 minutes.
14:00 - Having used the excuse of being labour to get hubby to buy me stuff, we finally go to a store so he can try on some shirts. While he is in the dressing room, my contractions suddenly intensify. I tell him we have to go. My contractions are about 3 minutes apart now. So we drive to my parents house, where everybody gathers and prays over me and little baby.
16:00 - We arrive at the hospital, where they tell me that I am not yet in "active labour" (I almost cry) and that I am not "miserable enough yet" for them to admit me to L&D (labour & delivery). My O.B. who met us at the hospital checks me and says I am not any more dilated. *sigh*. She tells me to go for a walk around the hospital to help things move along.
17:00 - After about an hour of walking (and a slice of pizza from the cafeteria!), where my contractions became about 2 minutes apart. Walking is slow. I am trying my best to keep walking with the promise it will help speed things up. My body is already exhausted.
17:30 - They decided to check me again, and said I was ALMOST another half a centimetre. Half a centimetre! I want to cry. They let me hang out in the bed in triage for another thirty minutes or so. My hormones are raging out of control at this point, but I still manage to be polite and calm.
18:30 - My O.B. comes and checks me again, and accidentally breaks my water. All over my socks that I JUST put on! Haha. My next contraction hits and it hurts much worse. Because my waters have ruptured they have to admit me, so I slowly make my way to my birthing room. I shower to get all the amniotic goop off myself and change out of my clothes into a hospital gown and sports bra.
19:00 - My contractions haven't gotten any closer together but are much more painful. My whole body shakes with every contraction. At some point my family got to the hospital, although I couldn't remember when. It took every ounce of energy I had not to burst into tears. I am thankful at that point that I scarfed down a slice of pizza, or I would have been out of energy. I am almost at 5cm.
20:30 - I ask my nurse for an epidural. Those fifteen minutes waiting for the anaesthesiologist are the longest, worst of my life.
20:45 - I get the epidural and my body quiets down. I am able to grab a couple short naps but am woken by contractions as they get worse and worse. The nurse gives me a button to push to administer an extra dose of the epidural drugs whenever the pain gets too intense. I push the crap out of that button over the next few hours.
22:00 - I am about 6cm. I rely on those around me to give me strength. My hubby, my mom and my sisters. Everyone keeps me in good spirits. My 18-month-old daughter and four-year-old niece are sleeping in the waiting room. I feel guilty for keeping everyone up all night.
Tuesday, April 2nd
Tuesday, April 2nd
24:00 - Almost 7cm. Wave after wave of pain wash over me and drag away what little energy I have left.
2:00 - I am finally at 10cm. I over-abused the epidural button and have no feeling whatsoever in my lower half. I need help to get my legs up in the stirrups. My contractions suddenly slow down, but in no time I am pushing.
2:37 am - Miss L decides to finally join us! She comes out, our little white lady, screaming her head off but absolutely perfect. Her hair is absolutely white and she is gorgeous!
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| My White Lady Weight: 8lbs 5oz |
Notes: I much preferred going into labour versus being induced. It felt more natural and my body had a much easier recovery. Plus, no tearing!
What about you? Were you induced or did you have a natural labour? Let me know in the comment section!
Have a good one!
- M
Birth Stories: Mr G (2015) *Kind of graphic*
Monday, March 16th.
I was home alone with the two girls. My parents were across the city staying at a hotel, and my hubby was at work, a 5-hour drive and 4-hour plane ride away. The times are all approximate, as I really wasn't paying much attention to the clock.
16:30 - Making dinner, when I felt a sudden really intense contraction. It doesn't last long. I wait for another one, which doesn't come for almost another 15 minutes so I shrug it off as more Braxton Hicks (no shortage of those this pregnancy).
18:00 - Cleaning up dinner, the contractions increase to every 12 minutes, and are still very intense. But at 12 minutes apart, they can't be worth worrying over.
20:30 - Getting the girls into bed, I kiss them both goodnight. My oldest daughter, Miss A, tells me her baby brother is coming soon. I smile and laugh a bit, as she has been saying that for almost a month now. I text my hubby and my mom and let them know about my contractions.
21:00 - On the phone with hubby, I tell him about how intense my contractions are. They are painful at this point, so much so that I have to grunt through them. But still only every 11 minutes, not even close enough together to call the midwife. As we hang-up I tell him I will let him know if anything progresses, but that baby will likely wait until he gets home (Thursday morning).
23:00 - Contractions every 8 minutes. So much pain. I text hubby and at his insistence, I call my midwife. She assures me that I am not in labour, but says she will come check on me if it would make me feel better. Because I am all alone with two toddlers, I say yes. She says she will be there in about 30 minutes. I text my mom and my hubby again and update them. My hubby has to work early the next morning, so he goes to sleep. I promise to keep him updated.
23:45 - My midwife and her partner arrive and I am in pain, even between contractions. They are closer to 7 minutes apart. My midwife offers to check to see if I am dilated at all, although she tells me not to be disappointed if I am not. When she checks she kind of gasps. "You're already at 5cm!" I text my mom. She says she is on her way.
Tuesday, March 17th
24:15 - My mom arrives, along with my dad and my niece. They both go to sleep, as it is really late. I am laying on the couch, gasping through every contraction. They are now closer to 5 minutes apart and are almost unbearable. The midwives and my mom talk me through them, getting me to relax my tense muscles. It helps.
1:00 - After a quick trip to the bathroom, I lay on the couch again. The contractions have steadily intensified, but at this point I was no longer timing them. During a particularly long one, I feel my water break. It gushes all over my pj pants (I had a waterproof cover under me so the couch was safe). The contraction intensifies and seems to continue for much longer than it should. I am almost in tears. I would have been lost if not for the gentle hands and calming voices around me.
1:30 - The midwives suggest we move upstairs to my room (where I planned to give birth). They go ahead of me to prepare the room and I very, very slowly (painfully slowly) make my way upstairs. It was probably 12-15 steps but felt like 100. Eventually I got into my bed, but by then things had kicked into the next gear.
2:00 - I am on my hands and knees, groaning and moaning as the contractions come in waves. The pain pulls me under. I cry, and ask for my hubby (even though I know there is no chance of him making it back at this point). There is severe pain in the front of my thighs, which my mom and one of the midwives hold cool cloths on. The other midwife gently puts pressure on my lower back to help with the pain from the contractions, which seem to be longer than there is time between them. There isn't even time to recover from one before another hits.
3:00 - There are no words to describe the pain I feel at this point. There are definitely tears, and crying out. I change positions between almost every contraction, and find no relief. I ask to be taken to the hospital, so I can have an epidural. The midwife tells me it is too late at this point. I know this is that point that every woman gets to in childbirth, the one I told myself I could get through no problem. I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. Getting through that was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
4:00 - During a particularly painful contraction, I get the urge to push. Having had an epidural previously, I was guided by my O.B. as to when I should push and how, so this was a completely foreign feeling. I was back on my hands and knees. I tried pushing. I pushed and pushed for what seemed like days. I could tell we weren't making any progress. It was so frustrating not knowing what to do. The midwives tell me to bear down, and push as hard as I can.
4:30 - I am exhausted. My world is a world of pain. I have trouble thinking straight. I sip on cool water between pushing. All I can do is keep pushing through it.
5:00 - My midwife suggests the position I am in isn't working, probably because the baby is coming out sideways (or something to that effect). I don't talk, I just grunt and agree. I lay on my left side because my tail bone hurts so I can't lay on my back. Someone holds my right leg up in the air, I can't even remember who. I bear down during the next contraction. I can finally feel something give. But then, more pain. Worse than any of the previous pain. I believe I have heard it called "the ring of fire". It is well named. I almost screamed. I think I said, "I can't do this." I must have said it over and over, because that's all I could hear in my head. But my mom said, "Yes, you can. You can do this." That was what I needed. I pushed as hard as I could, feeling like I was ripping apart. I cried out, and miraculously didn't wake up any of the others as I brought my baby into the world.
5:12 am - Mister G was born. I cried. I don't think I've ever cried that hard. The relief of no more pain combined with the pure joy of holding that wee baby in my arms was more than I could bear. My mom texted my hubby to let him know, and sent him a picture of the little man. He weighed 9lbs 2oz and was a whopping 22 inches long. Yowza!
Notes: If ever I have another baby, I would definitely choose a home birth again. It was much nicer and more relaxing than being in a hospital. My other babies were right in the next room instead of at home or in a bright, boring waiting room. I had my own food and my own pillow. And as painful as it was to go without an epidural, my recovery time was speeded up so much. I was up and walking within an hour, and the next morning was walking up and down the stairs (not much, but still). I hope that my hubby can be there with me next time, but either way I want my mommy there. She was my rock. I probably couldn't have done it without her! <3
Well, there you have it. That's my experience in having a baby at home! Let me know, have you ever had a baby at home? Would you ever consider it? Or do you just think I am a crazy hippy? Haha!
xoxo
- M
I was home alone with the two girls. My parents were across the city staying at a hotel, and my hubby was at work, a 5-hour drive and 4-hour plane ride away. The times are all approximate, as I really wasn't paying much attention to the clock.
16:30 - Making dinner, when I felt a sudden really intense contraction. It doesn't last long. I wait for another one, which doesn't come for almost another 15 minutes so I shrug it off as more Braxton Hicks (no shortage of those this pregnancy).
18:00 - Cleaning up dinner, the contractions increase to every 12 minutes, and are still very intense. But at 12 minutes apart, they can't be worth worrying over.
20:30 - Getting the girls into bed, I kiss them both goodnight. My oldest daughter, Miss A, tells me her baby brother is coming soon. I smile and laugh a bit, as she has been saying that for almost a month now. I text my hubby and my mom and let them know about my contractions.
21:00 - On the phone with hubby, I tell him about how intense my contractions are. They are painful at this point, so much so that I have to grunt through them. But still only every 11 minutes, not even close enough together to call the midwife. As we hang-up I tell him I will let him know if anything progresses, but that baby will likely wait until he gets home (Thursday morning).
23:00 - Contractions every 8 minutes. So much pain. I text hubby and at his insistence, I call my midwife. She assures me that I am not in labour, but says she will come check on me if it would make me feel better. Because I am all alone with two toddlers, I say yes. She says she will be there in about 30 minutes. I text my mom and my hubby again and update them. My hubby has to work early the next morning, so he goes to sleep. I promise to keep him updated.
23:45 - My midwife and her partner arrive and I am in pain, even between contractions. They are closer to 7 minutes apart. My midwife offers to check to see if I am dilated at all, although she tells me not to be disappointed if I am not. When she checks she kind of gasps. "You're already at 5cm!" I text my mom. She says she is on her way.
Tuesday, March 17th
24:15 - My mom arrives, along with my dad and my niece. They both go to sleep, as it is really late. I am laying on the couch, gasping through every contraction. They are now closer to 5 minutes apart and are almost unbearable. The midwives and my mom talk me through them, getting me to relax my tense muscles. It helps.
1:00 - After a quick trip to the bathroom, I lay on the couch again. The contractions have steadily intensified, but at this point I was no longer timing them. During a particularly long one, I feel my water break. It gushes all over my pj pants (I had a waterproof cover under me so the couch was safe). The contraction intensifies and seems to continue for much longer than it should. I am almost in tears. I would have been lost if not for the gentle hands and calming voices around me.
1:30 - The midwives suggest we move upstairs to my room (where I planned to give birth). They go ahead of me to prepare the room and I very, very slowly (painfully slowly) make my way upstairs. It was probably 12-15 steps but felt like 100. Eventually I got into my bed, but by then things had kicked into the next gear.
2:00 - I am on my hands and knees, groaning and moaning as the contractions come in waves. The pain pulls me under. I cry, and ask for my hubby (even though I know there is no chance of him making it back at this point). There is severe pain in the front of my thighs, which my mom and one of the midwives hold cool cloths on. The other midwife gently puts pressure on my lower back to help with the pain from the contractions, which seem to be longer than there is time between them. There isn't even time to recover from one before another hits.
3:00 - There are no words to describe the pain I feel at this point. There are definitely tears, and crying out. I change positions between almost every contraction, and find no relief. I ask to be taken to the hospital, so I can have an epidural. The midwife tells me it is too late at this point. I know this is that point that every woman gets to in childbirth, the one I told myself I could get through no problem. I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. Getting through that was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
4:00 - During a particularly painful contraction, I get the urge to push. Having had an epidural previously, I was guided by my O.B. as to when I should push and how, so this was a completely foreign feeling. I was back on my hands and knees. I tried pushing. I pushed and pushed for what seemed like days. I could tell we weren't making any progress. It was so frustrating not knowing what to do. The midwives tell me to bear down, and push as hard as I can.
4:30 - I am exhausted. My world is a world of pain. I have trouble thinking straight. I sip on cool water between pushing. All I can do is keep pushing through it.
5:00 - My midwife suggests the position I am in isn't working, probably because the baby is coming out sideways (or something to that effect). I don't talk, I just grunt and agree. I lay on my left side because my tail bone hurts so I can't lay on my back. Someone holds my right leg up in the air, I can't even remember who. I bear down during the next contraction. I can finally feel something give. But then, more pain. Worse than any of the previous pain. I believe I have heard it called "the ring of fire". It is well named. I almost screamed. I think I said, "I can't do this." I must have said it over and over, because that's all I could hear in my head. But my mom said, "Yes, you can. You can do this." That was what I needed. I pushed as hard as I could, feeling like I was ripping apart. I cried out, and miraculously didn't wake up any of the others as I brought my baby into the world.
5:12 am - Mister G was born. I cried. I don't think I've ever cried that hard. The relief of no more pain combined with the pure joy of holding that wee baby in my arms was more than I could bear. My mom texted my hubby to let him know, and sent him a picture of the little man. He weighed 9lbs 2oz and was a whopping 22 inches long. Yowza!
 |
| My Little Prince Weight: 9lbs 2oz |
Well, there you have it. That's my experience in having a baby at home! Let me know, have you ever had a baby at home? Would you ever consider it? Or do you just think I am a crazy hippy? Haha!
xoxo
- M
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Lost That Bump - Postpartum Weight Loss (Month 3)
My weight loss is slowing to a crawl at this point, but I just have to keep at it and I know it will be worth it in the end!
This month I have stayed almost the same workout-wise, but I have cut out a lot of fatty foods, meat and empty carbs. I am eating smaller meals and snacking less in the evenings. My meals are 3/4 vegetables, and if I want a snack I cook up some veggies or eat a bowl of salad.
About the middle of my month (well technically the start of a month but I started on the 17th, so the middle of my month is the start of the month... if that makes sense). Anywho, the middle of the month I hit a bit of a wall, stopped working out and ate a bunch of junk. Only went up to 160 lbs but it scared me enough to get me back on track.
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| Start(ish) of the month May 27th Weight: 157 lbs |
This month I have stayed almost the same workout-wise, but I have cut out a lot of fatty foods, meat and empty carbs. I am eating smaller meals and snacking less in the evenings. My meals are 3/4 vegetables, and if I want a snack I cook up some veggies or eat a bowl of salad.
I can feel a difference in my energy levels (which aren't that great due to having a three-year-old, two-year-old and two-month-old) and I feel lighter and healthier. I have never had any sort of ab definition and I can finally feel some now (I can't see it beneath the baby blubber but I can feel the muscles with my hand.)
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| Middle of the month June 2nd Weight: 160 lbs (oops!) |
About the middle of my month (well technically the start of a month but I started on the 17th, so the middle of my month is the start of the month... if that makes sense). Anywho, the middle of the month I hit a bit of a wall, stopped working out and ate a bunch of junk. Only went up to 160 lbs but it scared me enough to get me back on track.
 |
| My baby bump is finally disappearing! (June 5th - 155 lbs) |
Just keep in my mind, if I can do this, you certainly can too! At this point I am down 35 lbs, and have only 15 more to go before I reach my goal weight. Now its crunch-time! (Pun intended).
Love ya's!
- M
Love ya's!
- M
Monday, 8 June 2015
Lose That Bump - Postpartum Weight Loss (Month 2)
Here we are... another month, another post!
This month I started cutting out a lot of refined sugars and flours, and drastically increased my consumption of fruits and vegetables (mostly vegetables, fruits are very high in natural sugars). Two thirds of my grocery budget is spent on produce.
I started a daily workout routine, doing a 30 second plank, 20 crunches, 5 push-iups and 20 jacknives (or similar abdominal exercise). By two weeks later, I was doing 75 second plank, 40 crunches, 10 push-ups and 40 abdominal exercises.
More updates soon.
xoxo
- M
This month I started cutting out a lot of refined sugars and flours, and drastically increased my consumption of fruits and vegetables (mostly vegetables, fruits are very high in natural sugars). Two thirds of my grocery budget is spent on produce.
I started a daily workout routine, doing a 30 second plank, 20 crunches, 5 push-iups and 20 jacknives (or similar abdominal exercise). By two weeks later, I was doing 75 second plank, 40 crunches, 10 push-ups and 40 abdominal exercises.
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| Beginning of the month (April 15th) Weight: 165 lbs |
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| This is the end of the month (May 14th) (Sorry its not easy to see) Weight: 159 lbs |
xoxo
- M
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