We are very excited to announce the birth of our little girl! She was born Saturday, June 30th at 1:59pm. It was certainly not what I was expecting but I am already recovering. Reflecting on the day, I am very glad for some things and wish I had thought of a few others.
The labour:
Thursday was my last day of work and I was amazed I made it right to the end of the school year! Friday, I went for a sweep and then for an induction massage, my OB told me I was already about 2-3cm dilated (I was 2cm at my last week's appointment and I had lost my mucous plug since then). If those techniques weren't going to work, this kid was going to earn her University degree in utero. Turns out, it worked!Saturday morning, I awoke at 5:15am with intense back pain. Think of an horrific kidney infection cracking through your pelvis. This was not what I was expecting. In my mind, labour was going to be like menstrual cramps. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions which were all in my stomach so I was mentally prepared. Boy, was I wrong! I was told later it was because she was turned with the back of her head on my spine (perhaps on my left hip) so I had intense back pain with every contraction. It forced me up onto my toes to try and pull myself out of it. I woke up my husband by 5:45 since I was pretty sure I was in labour.
We arrived to the hospital by 6:30am and I was immediately checked. I was already 4cm dilated and my water had broken. I didn't know when this happened so I can only assume I had a slow trickle rather than the gush or pop. I had previously decided against having an epidural until I really needed it and hopefully I could make it to 6cm dilated. Pretty much as soon as I entered the birthing unit, I was ready for it! I was not expecting this intense pain! Unfortunately, I arrived at shift change which delayed things. Double unfortunately, an emergency C-Section and an emergency in the OR meant the anesthesiologists were going to be occupied for at least an hour. I needed to find an alternate solution to deal with the pain.
I tried laying on my back and side but those positions made everything worse. I was also sick to my stomach from the pain, be prepared for that! I chose to use laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and massage to help with the pain. I decided against narcotics because it can pass through the placenta to the baby. They also do not recommend narcotics if you are likely to deliver in 4 hours because it can be difficult on the baby's breathing (there are ways to reverse this immediately), because I was dilating quickly and contractions were coming fast, they did offer me the narcotics but weren't pushing them. The gas was great because it took the edge off the pain but it also really focused me on breathing intensely through the contraction. My husband massaged my back by pressing down on my left hip where I felt the pain the strongest. I also hung out in the tub for a few hours because I could still use the gas and lean forward which would help the baby turn. Between contractions I could relax in the warm water.
After about 4 hours from initially arriving to the hospital, I was checked again and was about 9.5cm, and, thankfully, the anesthesiologist arrived! I don't think I could have been happier! This was also a good timing because I was being informed by my unborn child that she was ready to be pushed out. The only way I was going to actually get this needle was if I could sit still long enough for her to to put it in my back. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Although contractions were becoming more intense, I had my husband to keep me focused and breathing. Relief came instantly! Because baby was still turned, I laid on my side for 2 hours before actually beginning to push so she would turn naturally to a facedown position without needing to be turned manually.
The next 45 minutes were tougher than the hardest weight set I'd ever done. You take a big breath, hold it and push down as hard as you can, 3 times in a row. Then you get to rest. This is where the ab sets you've been doing throughout your pregnancy really come into play! At first I had a hard time holding my breath through this, it seemed completely against everything I know, I always breath out to get through a tough set. Holding my breath worked but gave me a killer headache. The oxygen tank helped. They told me pushing generally lasts 1-2 hours.
So 8.75 hours of labour (perhaps more but I slept through early labour so I don't know when it actually started) I had my little girl in my arms.
Things that really helped me through:
Birth partner: my husband was unbelievable! He ensured I drank water throughout the labour and coached me on breathing during contractions. Our labour nurse was also important for this. He massaged when I needed it and left me alone other times. The most important was him being there when I was going through the worst contractions and trying to sit still for the epidural at the same time. He forced me to stare at him and focus on my breathing. Talk to your birth partner beforehand and make sure you're on the same page with what you need/want.
Breathing: If you haven't been working on your cardio, start now! Strong lungs are very important! You also need to work on focusing your breathing. Ever hear those guys in the gym grunting and puffing picking up their over sized dumbbells? Be like them. You are going to breath harder than hitting the peak in a spin class then forced to hold your breath for the intense pushing. You will tell yourself you can do it because there's a prize at the end (and you'll have a medical team cheering you on which seems awkward now but so helpful at the time).
Food: We packed a cooler of food to bring with us to the hospital. This was great not only in labour but for the 48 hours following that while we were staying in hospital. I needed good nourrishment as did my husband. I packed non-perishables in advance and left them in our cooler. Other items were kept in the freezer so the morning of, I threw them quickly into the cooler. I also pre-labelled everything that would go in the hospital kitchenettes with our name. If you stay in hospital, you will receive a meal but your partner will not, the meals tended to be large enough to share but it was great to have more on hand.
- Homemade protein granola bars--great protein for muscle repair, fiber to help regulate post-birth, sugar for instant energy in the middle of the night. I still keep one next to my nursing station for a snack in the middle of the night (remember you need those additional 500 calories if you plan on nursing)
- Real Fruit popsicles--I couldn't imagine actually eating something while in labour but I was desperate for some form of energy and it tasted so good. As well, once you have an epidural, they may only allow you to consume clear liquids, a popsicle counted!
- Crackers--once labour was done and I was holding my little girl, I was starving! Crackers are easy to consume and store.
- Fresh Fruit--I brought pears which tasted delicious when I was feeling dehydrated post-labour and hospital food isn't great on the fresh stuff. Pears also help with digestion and while the fear of going to the washroom post-labour may haunt you, the fiber in fruit and the granola bars will be good for you.
- Sports drinks--While I wouldn't drink these normally, they are a great way to build back up electrolytes post-labour. You may want to drink these between contractions too while you're in labour.
- Banana bread--I always make this for people as a house-warming, welcome baby, any special time gift and friends told us how great it was to have in hospital. Because meal time and hungry time may not be the same for the hospital schedule, the bread is a dense food option that can fill you up without making you bloated.
- Craisins and almonds--this is easily my favourite snack food. Again, easy to consume and full of benefits!
- A water bottle--Most places will have cups you can use but because you are so thirsty, it makes life easier to have a large bottle that you can then keep close by.
- Paper and pen--it helps to keep track of feedings and changings because they are going to ask you again and again when they check out you every hour on the hour.
Clothing and items in our suitcase: I packed a lot of things but really only wore a few of them. These were the useful items and what I wish I had brought:
- comfy shorts (2 pairs) (I wish I had brought long pants as the hospital was cold)
- comfy shirts--both nursing tops and maternity (remember you're back to a squishy 6-mths body)
- comfy PJs
- sweater
- Flip flops
- socks
- extra blanket and pillow (for my husband but I wish I had brought an extra for me as well)
- nursing bra--while I didn't bother wearing a bra in hospital, it was very comfortable to put on before we left
- Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, facewash, face clothes, towels, hairbrush, elastics and clips--a shower will never feel better as right after you deliver! You feel somewhat normal actually brushing your hair too. I had my hair up in a ponytail during labour but you may also want a band to hold it back.
- For hubby--comfy shorts and shirts, sweater, flip flops (he wished he had long pants too)
- camera
- books, iPods, cell phones (yes, I was texting and sending emails and calling people immediately)--you want some entertainment, there isn't much to do but stare at your new baby and he/she will sleep alot.
- Depends undergarments--you will bleed post-partum. They may have giant pads and giant underwear available but it was so much easier to throw on a big diaper.
- I did bring a bikini and sarongs but I chose to hang out in the tub in my hospital gown this was easier for the staff too as they have to keep monitoring baby.
Recovery
I had what is deemed a 2nd degree tear (I should've done more perineal stretches) so recovery has been slow and painful. What I did do immediately though was flex my abdominal muscles and squeeze my kegels. Forcing those muscles to work immediately felt like I could at least begin the process without injuring my body. The ab flexes have also helped bring my stomach way down. You will see that post-labour, you still look about 6 months pregnant but it's all squishy! Within this past week, my baby belly is almost gone and I'm done 17 pounds. It's very painful to walk/sit with stitches down below so rest as much as you can. I can tell when I've overdone it (day 2 of being home, I ran up the stairs without thinking and almost burst into tears at the top!). Remember that the first 2 weeks of a vaginal delivery are for healing and recuperating (could be 6 weeks for C-section). I did force myself to get out of bed though immediately and walk in my hospital room and little bits in the halls. I'm finding this recovery process frustrating because I'm dying to get out for a walk! This week I start back on light weights at home and using the exercise ball. I'm still looking forward to the Army Run in September but training won't be starting soon.My little one loves to sleep during the day peacefully and wake for feedings but is even more content awake all night so I sleep when I can. Daytime naps are somewhat possible but I find I'm still groggy; 3 hours early morning does wonders just before or as the rest of the house begins to wake up.
We are very happy with our choice on the BOB stroller. We pop in the car seat (attachment for this sold separately) and it is super easy to maneuver. While I haven't actually gone far with it, my husband has taken the dog and baby out a couple of times and is very impressed.
We were also smart to make and freeze some meals ahead of time and friends have generously brought us more. If you're looking for great gift idea for new parents: food!
So we have been home now 5 nights and are happily enjoying our 1week old. We both stare at her constantly and gush over every little noise and facial expression. I'm excited for all the "firsts" to come and am eager to get my butt back in gear!
See you at the gym!
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