Monday, April 29, 2013

What I did with my placenta



I'm going to warn you. What I'm about to tell you is pretty bananas, but then if you know me...are you really surprised?

Did you know that you can take your placenta home, dehyrate it and make it into pills? Did you know that taking these pills can help with baby blues and postpartum depression?

That's exactly what I did. I know, it's crazy and kind of gross, but to me the benefits totally out weigh the ick factor. I had Jereka from WombMart come to our house and she prepared my placenta into pills. I take these pills like you would with any other pill, a few times a day. The result, a happier Suzy.

Getting postpartum depression is something that always worried me. I usually got bad anxiety after my period. Also, I had problems with my hormones before getting pregnant, which I believe contributed to my infertility. I really did not want all that while taking care of a baby and if consuming my placenta in pill form would help, then I'm up for it.

Did it work?
Yes, I believe it did. Since I had Sam, I've felt pretty normal. Now I've had my rough moments, but sleeping at 1 1/2 hour intervals, having problems with breast feeding and taking care of a baby will do that to you. I typically bounce back quick after I have a rough moment too. And once I get going in the day, I have a good amount of energy. I rarely need coffee.

It was totally worth it! A little on the strange side, but the way I see it I'd rather take my own placenta than some chemical made pill that has wonky side effects.


Friday, April 26, 2013

Sam and Suzy: 3 weeks

Sam at 3 weeks
Rob started working from home this week. While he's able to help me out some, I'm on my own for the majority of the day. It's going pretty well, until I have to pump and most of the time Sam is not sleeping and does not want to be put in the crib or the swing.

Sam:
He had a busy week. Last Saturday we went to a friend's house. He got to hang out with a fellow baby. It's funny to see them together since this baby is a month older and looks like a giant next to Sam. Monday he got circumcised. Poor little guy, but he's healing like a trooper. Later that day his cord stump fell off and a belly button was revealed! Thursday we had a pediatric appointment. He's growing well and has gained the weight he lost and then some. We got the go ahead to cut back on the bottle some, which made me happy because I really need my own supply to get going.

I really noticed how much Sam has grown this week. He's filling out and looking cuter than ever. I'm trying to do a bit of tummy time each day. I also set up his activity center which he really likes. He's not really looking at the stuff just yet, but he does like chilling to the music.

Suzy:
I'm still having problems with breastfeeding. Which is causing me a great deal of stress. I am making a bit more, but not where I should be. I'm hoping that cutting back on the bottle will force Sam to try and eat more with me. I also made lactation cookies, which is an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with flax seed and brewer's yeast. Any excuse to eat cookies is fine by me. If I'm not making more by next week, I have to rent the hospital pump. Not really looking forward to that, but I really don't know what else to do.

Next week I'm going to try out working a bit from home. Mama needs to start making some money since Sam doesn't know how to take it easy on the diapers.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Sam and Suzy: 2 weeks



Has it only been two weeks? Such a short amount of time.

Things are starting to settle around here. We are getting used to life with a baby. It's not always easy, but we are getting the hang of it. I actually feel rested today, despite waking every 2 hours for a feeding.

Sam:
He's definitely growing now. Filling out his little baby body. He's also started grunting, mostly before feeding time. This morning he was just laying in the pack and play grunting away. Not really fussy or anything, just talking. He's doesn't cry much either. Most of the time some rocking and singing will work. I have a special little song I sing to him that will calm him down, but only I can sing it.

Suzy:

I'm doing pretty good. I'm feeling like a normal person. Sometimes I do feel stretched thin and stressed out, but that's usually when I'm feeling tired. I have barely cried this week which is a good thing, heh.

I am having issues with breast feeding. I went to a lactation consultant last week. I'm not producing enough milk. We've had to supplement with formula since we've been at the hospital. It really broke my heart since I'm real passionate about breast feeding. But I've learned to accept it and I am trying my best to get my supply going. I'm on a strict schedule of breast, bottle and pump every 2 hours. It's hard and tiring, but it's what needs to be done. I'm also taking a couple herbal supplements to try and help. I go this Tues. for a follow up. Wish me luck. And if it's not working out, then it's just not meant to be. People with fertility issues can also have problems with breast feeding, which makes sense.

I'd also like to mention how I'm totally digging my body right now. I forgot what it feels like to be so small and I think I look great! Ok, I'm still mushy and squishy, but that's understandable. I have about 15 lbs to lose to be back at my prepregnancy weight. I'm in no rush, but I can't wait to start exercising again, just to get my body moving. Can't wait for yoga and running.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Our Birth Story

together at last


It's crazy to think that this day last week I was going into labor. That in a short time, we'd be a family.

I am so proud of how well my labor went. Ok, it was hard, but overall it wasn't so bad.

I had this hunch or weird feeling on Thursday night. I had some intense Braxton Hick contractions in the evening and then in the middle of the night, this pressure in my pelvis that was no fun. Like every night, I thought "Could this be it?" 

Friday I woke up as usual, feeling fine. I took a shower and when I got out I noticed a bit of red tinged stuff. Oh? I sat on the toilet and saw it again. I woke up Rob and told him what was going on...as calmly as I could because that doesn't mean that I'd actually go into labor that day. We decided we'd work from home and call the doctors when they opened. Again, not thinking anything was going to happen, just let's play safe. Then before 8 am I felt a bit leaky. Was that just my water that broke? Put on a pad, again trying not to get too excited. But I just continued to leak, which was quite comical at times. I didn't feel any different though, no contractions or anything. We called our Bradley instructor, she told us to hang out at home and do a couple things that might jump start my labor. I basically had about 12 hours to get it going myself before we have to go to the doctors.

We tried some of the techniques to jump start my labor. It was very s-l-o-w going. My excitement started to wear off as I got worried that I'd have to be induced, 'specially that I tested positive for Group B-Strep. We just hung out and waited. Rob worked while I laid low. I did manage to do 2 loads of laundry, pick up around the house and pack the bags. I called Susan again in the afternoon telling her there was still no progress, that I just felt a bit crampy. She encouraged to me to keep trying, but castor oil might be my next option, I'll just have to run it by my doctor. Umm..no thank you!

Then it started to pick up. Hello contractions! I am having this baby this weekend! The contractions were pretty mild, like period cramps and back aches. I relaxed as best as I could, ate good food, drank lots of water and went to the bathroom often. All in preparation for when I'd be in the thick of labor. My contractions started to pick up and we called the doctors, hoping they'd want us to go there before the hospital since I was still early in labor. They told us to go straight away. Yeah...we still held off since my contractions were not longer, stronger or closer together. We waited till about 3 to finally head  over to the hospital since traffic was only going to get much worse. I don't feel like laboring in a car for any longer than needed.



going to the hospital
We're finally at the hospital now! After the brief slow down of contractions in the car, they really started to pick up at the hospital. Our nurse, Brooke, was very nice and understood our birth plan and wishes. Our hospital is real positive about natural births. I labored pretty well for a while. Rob, through out all of this, was such an amazing coach. He did all the right things, supported me, listened, encouraged me to move and drink and pee. The contractions picked up pretty quickly and it was painful. I believed I had what they call back labor, where my pain was in my lower back more than the front pelvic area. It's no fun.

We learned that the doctor on call was Dr. Zolzer, which I was super thrilled about. I love all 3 doctors at my practice, but Dr. Zolzer was always my favorite. He came to visit after awhile and checked my progress...only 6 cm, poo! By that time there was a nurse switch and Jamie was now our nurse. She was absolutely wonderful. One of the first things she did was encourage me to take a bath. Oh sweet relief! That was the best thing ever. I was even allowed to stay in there until I had to push, which I almost thought I could do before it got too hot in there. As I was getting out of the bath and drying off I had a big contraction and the urge to push! We quickly told the nurse and she checked me out. Sure enough my cervix was all ready! 

In between Dr. Zolzer first coming to see me and the bath, those contractions were just painful. I fully understand why woman get the pain meds and stuff. Countless times I cried to make the pain stop. At one point I looked at Rob and I told him that I just couldn't go on my own anymore and I needed relief. Rob looked me in the eyes and holding back tears he told me that I MUST stay strong, that this is what I wanted and I can do this. If it weren't for that moment, I would've caved and gotten some sort of pain med.

At that point things moved so fast. The bed got prepped, Dr. Zolzer came to check, they hooked me up to the fetal monitor and we began to push. I was so excited! We are almost there. We were at the end and we'll be seeing our baby soon. I thought contractions were hard. They are painful, yes...but pushing is a whole other thing. Pushing isn't painful. Pushing is so extremely intense. Your body has completely taken over and the only thing you can do is help and push. I pushed and pushed and it was wearing me out. Thankfully that between pushing, you get peace. I tried my best to relax and become calm again.

Then we finally got to the point where Dr. Zolzer was needed. Our baby was so close! I pushed with all my might, imagining the baby going down and out. I heard Rob telling me he could start seeing the head. I just kept my eyes closed and focused within. Everyone was so encouraging and helping me. Jamie told me when a contraction would start and we'd push and push and puuuuuushhhh. When I was just at the end everyone was like, "Look! You can see the head!!" I looked and was completely shocked of how big the head was. I had to quickly close my eyes because that actually scared me, I had always imagined the baby being much smaller. 

Another couple of pushes and our baby was finally out! Such joy! Our baby was here! I heard it's little cry and it was amazing. I watch Dr. Zolzer get the gunk out and that's when I exclaimed, "It's a boy!" Ha ha, yes I was surprised. We had really wanted a girl. But here was our Sam and I couldn't have been any happier.

He was placed on me quickly and I loved on him so hard. And of course marveled at the fact that he was born with so much dark hair! Where did that come from? Rob got to cut the cord. We just sat there marveling at this little guy. We were a family now.

Rob is already such a great dad


In the end I gave birth to Sam completely drug free. We learned that Sam was also born with his arm out. To think my labor could've been even easier. Our Bradley instructor said that because of his arm position, that's what probably caused the delay in labor. I only tore a tiny bit and required a few stitches. 

I am so extremely proud of myself. I did it. I couldn't have done it without Rob, but that's what makes us so great together. This moment will always remind me that I can get through anything. I got through infertility by being grateful of all that I have and never stop believing in myself. I got through pregnancy respectful of my amazing body. I got through labor stronger than I ever imagined I could be. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Hello Sam



That's right! Someone came early!

Sam Phoenix Biddiscombe was born on Friday April, 5th 2013 at 9:05 pm. He weighed 7lbs 1oz and is 18 inches long. And I did do it all natural!

I am so in love with this little guy.

Of course, life is so crazy and so beautiful right now.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Pregnancy Ups & Downs



This week...


Pregnancy Ups

- I'm feeling a lot better in back ache department. Sprout is sitting more comfortably. I still get sore and my hips have been kind of achy, but that's totally fine by me.

- We had the house, the carpets and couch cleaned this week. The house feels amazing!



Pregnancy Downs

- My OB appointment was interesting. Sprout's heart beat was on the low side and I had to be put on the Fetal Monitor for a bit. Everything turned out fine. Good heart pattern and baby moves a lot, we're just on the low side. Doctor said baby's just getting older.

- I'm starting to turn a bit into a nervous ninny. Every morning on our way to work I go to Rob, "OMG! It can happen any day now! I can't have it happening before next Wednesday! (new kitchen counter tops) How will I know when I'm in labor? Everything's going to chaaaaange!" We laugh about it, but inside I'm pretty nervous.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Bradley Method Review



I'm finally getting around to doing my write up on our Bradley Method class!

Regardless of what anyone chooses, I think it's so important to take some sort of birthing class. Educate yourself! Know what's supposed to happen during labor and prepare yourself. Know what you'd like, what are the different options, why doctors do certain procedures. Pick a class that goes along with your views. Do you want to learn to mediate through your labor? Do you want your partner to play an important role? Do you just want to know the basics?


What is the Bradley Method?
The Bradley Method encourages a natural labor with heavy emphasis on help and guidance from your coach. It's a 12 week class that teaches you things like good nutrition, exercise and relaxation, the emotional and physical stages of labor and care after labor.

Why did I choose Bradley Method?
I know I wanted a natural birth. I do not like drugs and not being in control of my body. I also liked the idea that it wasn't all about the mother and her labor, it was about both the coach and mother going through labor together. I wanted Rob to help me through this since I know he helps and supports me so much already. We make a great team. And after all, it's OUR baby that's coming into this world.

I looked around the web and found Susan who taught the class not too far from our home. She couldn't have been more perfect.

Overall thoughts...
Ok, when Rob looks at me and say, "This is one of the best things we've done." you know this class was worth it. Rob let me choose this class because he knew it was important to me, but in the end he learned how valuable it actually turned out to be.

Susan was very thorough in each class. She would teach us about the importance of preparing not only our bodies, but our minds for labor. We practiced a lot of relaxation, which is so good not only in labor, but dealing with everyday occurrences. We learned about all the different procedures, drugs and other hospital related things that happen during labor. She hardly ever was like, "Drugs are evil!!!" more like, "Most of the time you don't need the drugs, but there is a time and place for them." She went into great detail about the different stages of labor, what to do, what the coach should do, what sort of emotions to expect at each stage and how to make labor work the best for you. I thought learning about the emotional side of labor was so informing. It makes things a lot less scarier. We also learned about breast feeding and newborn care. She pretty much covered everything!

The class was a lot of fun. It sparked a lot of conversations between me and Rob and what we want for our birth. It was great to have Rob say to me like, "You know I think we should do this. That's important." He never would've said anything like the before. Actually, Rob thought I was crazy at first when I first mentioned wanting a natural birth.  

On having a natural birth...
This is the choice I am making for myself and my labor. I know myself. I try not to preach to others about wanting to go natural (but i have been known to say some stupid things that i regret). Having drugs or having a C-section are other people's choices. 

If you want a natural birth, educate yourself. Prepare yourself before hand. Learn about yourself and your body. Have someone with you who supports you. Keep an open mind and know that your birth plan is not something that will be followed exactly. Know that things can go happen and accept it. 

I know that in the end, I may not have a natural birth, but I want to know that I at least tried. Also, I know that the relaxation and other techniques will greatly help. I'm so grateful for all the things I learned in our class. Sure I'm anxious and scared sometimes about going into labor, but I know how to calm myself and I know that Rob will always be next to me.

And once we go through labor, I'll make sure I write about what I learned and how I really felt about it.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Prediction!

I saw this site yesterday, When to Expect.

Basically, you enter in your birth stats and it compares it a bunch of data and records they have of other pregnancies and "predicts" when you're most likely to have your baby.


So according the the questions I answered...I'm most likely to have the baby next week! Let's see if it's right. Anything after next Wednesday is ok by me, but not sooner!!







Monday, April 1, 2013

38 weeks





I'm having a baby this month! Like, this is for real now. Like, I'm trying not to freak out. Like....woah!

I'm still feeling pretty good most of the time. Saturday night, however, sprout was just plain mean and really wiggling down low. That's a very uncomfortable and sometimes a bit painful. I think it wore itself out because I barely felt any movement until the late the next morning.

Saturday we went to Babies R Us and bought some of the stuff we still needed. If this baby can come any day now, I don't want to be left without a few key items. Again, Babies R Us wore me out. I told Rob I hope this was the last time we had to go. Afterwards, we went to our fav. taco place here in Charlotte, Cabo Fish Taco. Who knows when will be the next time we get to go there. We also walked around some of the shops and had frozen yogurt. It was a nice little date.

Easter was nice and quiet at our house. Just me and Rob and tons of candy, which I have no self control when I'm around it. We spent the morning in Starbucks writing up our birth plan. I think we've got something good and simple for everyone to understand. Afterwards we went to church, which was real nice. The rest of the afternoon was me taking it easy and Rob doing some paint touch up. I baked some carrot cake cupcakes for dessert and the girls at work. They turned out real good. We also did a video chat with my family in Arizona. It was quite chaotic, but a lot of fun. Everyone was there! They all got to see my huge belly, hee hee. Despite me missing them like crazy, it makes me happy that my family all gets together like that.

This week is all about getting the house clean and ready. Our carpets are (finally) getting cleaned. I'm going to stream line the kitchen to make room for all those bottles and such that are to come in the next few months.

I also have a meet and greet with who I hope is to be our pediatrician. This practice came recommend by my OB. They seem real nice and they also practice integrated medicine, which is awesome.