August 6th Weekly Chat Thread! - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[iixivboots]

Hi Ladies.

I had a good birth but have had a crappy post-partum period so far.

When I say I had a good birth, that is in spite of the fact that my OB didn't show up for the birth or to check on me afterwards, never called, prescribed something for my bleeding that said it wasn't safe for breastfeeding, and then had the nerve to have her nurse ask DH on the phone "Dr S said what's the baby's name and how much did he weigh." I don't even know how to deal with the disappointment but for now I am going to my GP to address my anemia and see if he think it's necessary for me to see an OBGYN for some real aftercare. Even though I am so weak and passing huge clots, my OB said they didn't need to see me in the office, just keep taking pills.

Also, we had to be readmitted to (a different) hospital last night because Lyle's jaundice levels were high. I had basically no chance of flushing his system as my milk wasn't in and his levels jumped dramatically the day after we left the hospital. We spent the night in the PICU last night with the bililights, and he responded well. He had to have a scalp IV and it was pretty scary. Also the f-ng night shift nurses did not communicate to us that we were to continue feeding him with the IV so he went 7 hours without food, they just dropped off a box of formula and assumed we'd know what to do (plus it was confusing about how/if I could nurse him with the light and IV, and I had asked for a pump but had never used one. I taught myself to use it last night.)I was so upset when I found out he was supposed to be eating that whole time.

I started pumping and we have to supplement with formula for extra fluid.The good thing was at this hospital I got to speak to a great LC and feel okay about getting him back on exclusive breast milk as soon as my supply is mature. He has had breast milk at every feeding except one for the last 24 hours.

We are so emotionally and physically exhausted, we are home now and he's fine. But his levels did get almost to the danger zone and we feel guilty because we waited a day to take him to the pediatrician when we got home because I was so entirely spent and we thought he seemed fine and didn't want to be pressured to formula feed. They gave us a biliblanket and we also didn't really use that because it was hard to use and upset him, we sat with him in the sun and tried to feed a lot but as I said it just wasn't enough fluid.

[Veritas Vitae]

 Boots, I'm so sorry that things have been difficult PP.  I hope that Lyle begins doing better and that you get some rest and that your milk levels come up.  Just big hugs, Mama.

[eleuthia]

Aww boots I'm sorry things have been so rough! I hope your GP can manage your care so you can avoid the OB and that Lyle continues to do well - glad you got to talk to an LC who was helpful (though it'd be nice if everyone else had been too, right??) . And I hope you get some rest & that everything gets easier from here on out!

It's my due date! YOU CAN COME OUT NOW, BABY! Mom's here, car's here, baby gear is here... I have a midwife visit this afternoon and I'm tempted to get checked to see if my cervix has done anything since my l&d visit for the kidney stone. I certainly feel stuff down there sometimes. But no good contraction patterns yet.

[lakeruby]

Ugh, boots, so sorry that PP has been hectic so far, and sorry for the issues with your OB!  Yuck.  Glad you have your GP to help you, and that the LC was helpful.  Here's hoping that Lyle is healthy from here on out and you and DH can get some rest!

[LeAnn A Doula]

Lots of love to you, Boots. I hope Lyle is improving fast and that you find the support you need w your GP.and heal up quickly. Try not to feel guilty, he is fine and you will all get the hang of things in no time. These little guys don't come w instructions and there's definitely a learning curve for everyone. Don't be too hard on yourself. The best thing you can do for him is rest, heal and love him up! Hugs to you mama!

Happy EDD, Eleuthia!

Thinking of you, Newmum! Keep us posted today. Regarding public healthcare - a great friend of mine is Canadian and was so relieved they were living in the US when she had her first. She had a ton of experience w the Canadian system and while it has its up-sides, you are basically at the whim of the system. I hope everything goes smoothly today and that you and your birth team can make this the special experience you imagined regardless of the details. Thinking very open active thoughts for you!! :)

I had my 38wk appt yesterday. Everything is right on track. She did give me a copy of my labs just in case I don't make it there or they are full (!) when I go into labor. Yikes! That makes it a bit more real. Still cruising along though, no signs of impending anything. GBS results were negative. That's one less thing to worry about. Its more about finishing the baby preparations and gathering the last supplies we still need. We are going to spend the weekend w my parents. It's their 33rd anniversary, so we're taking them on a winery tour and making them a special brunch on Sunday. :) We're also attempting DH's first real carpentry project, building a bench for our dining room table. Fingers crossed he still has all of his when the bench is finished! ;) Anyone else have fun plans for the weekend? I can't believe we only have one more weekend before our guess date! Wow, time passes fast...

[NewMumJoy]

Awww, Boots I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through - that sounds really tough!!  Hang in there Mama, ohhh I bet those first days can be so hard balancing your rest and recovery, reacting to every little symptom or sign, and second guessing if you're doing the right thing.  I hope you both continue to heal and improve and get into a nice healthy and stress-free "groove" real soon!  Please keep us posted on how things are going.... ((HUGS!!!!))

Eluethia - Happy Due Date Day!!!

LeAnn - thanks for the well wishes and great to hear that things are going well on your end.  Enjoy your weekend w/the 'rents!

The acupuncture + homeopth. blue cohosh seems to be producing one long endless "contraction" for me, and I'm not convinced it's labor.  Things are tightened up enough that it's quite difficult/painful to walk and I was in excruciating pain last night every time I tried to roll over in bed (and unfortunately I had to get up every hour to pee, so no rest for me)!  I'm just trying to move around this morning to loosen up my joints/pelvis.....while I wait for that call from the hospital!  (And I'm still avoiding the castor oil, lol Sallyrae and Poppy!!!)

(....On the plus side regarding healthcare, the nonprofit system here has far less incentive to carry out the "interventionist" attitudes and practices that are so prevalent (and making $$) in the U.S. - which has worked out nicely for us.  It was quite an adjustment for me to be seeing "only" a GP for all my prenatal care.... but he's turned out to be the perfect caregiver for my needs - and I no longer feel like the "high risk" patient that I was in the U.S.  I had to learn to let go of a lot of worries and gain some new trust, but in the end it's been worth it.... and now we're going to have a baby w/dual citizenship, which I'm really excited about!)

[NewMumJoy]

Update:  Ok, I've lost that warm and fuzzy feeling for "the system" again.... Got impatient and called the hospital, and they are "too busy" for us and won't be taking me for induction today.  I'm kinda beside myself right now!!!  Gonna be another long day here.......

(Meanwhile, new stretch marks are growing every day this week!!!!)

Edited by NewMumJoy - 8/9/12 at 9:29am

[ainh]

So much happening here on the board suddenly!  Yet, so little happening with my particular uterus.  My due date according to the doctor was August 1st and even though I know it should be more like the 4-6th it is a bit discouraging.

I have had a weird go of it.  I went for an induction on Sunday night -- didn't want to, but it seemed like the "right" thing to do in lieu of several factors.  I was really upset about it and feeling bad and almost backed out, but then I started having some contractions before they started the pitocin, so I thought "ok, maybe this is 'time' and I'm just nudging it along".  Anyway.  I should've gone with my gut.  After six hours on pitocen I just went from 2cm to 4cm and they wanted to break my water and I freaked out a bit.  I caused quite a kerfuffle and ended up getting one of the doctors to say I could leave!  So, I think I'm quite the talk of the hospital....apparently no one has left an induction there ;).  Mine was elective (stupid of me!!) and I just didn't feel right.  Luckily the baby was PERFECT on the monitors the whole time, so they had no reason to keep me or force any interventions. 

Anyway.  I obviously hoped I'd go into labor this week on my own, but NOTHING.  Now I'm scheduled again for Friday morning for an induction and I just don't know what to do.  Here were my reasons for the first induction: (1) My mom is down briefly after having a double masectomy and before radiation/chemo appts next week, (2) I have a hemerrhoid that was so bad I couldn't stand for more than one minute and (3) my last labor was very quick and it's hard to get ahold of my husband at work (they can't have cells phones or outside email in their offices).  My mom can actually stay longer than she thought at that time now b/c the oncologist hasn't gotten back the genetic testing yet and my hemorrhoid is somewhat better now, so I actually can walk a bit and do things around the house and with the kids. 

Do I stick with the Friday induction?  I hated the first one and don't know that this will be any more successful.  But since I'm AMA they want to do it since they have me at 41w2d.  Ugh.  I really want this baby out now.  I'm ENORMOUS and uncomfortable and can hardly drive.  But it was the same with both of my boys (a week late each).  I just feel trapped and helpless.  If my body could just "go" in the next 24 hours I would be SO relieved.

[poppylove]

Originally Posted by ainh 
  But it was the same with both of my boys (a week late each).  I just feel trapped and helpless.  If my body could just "go" in the next 24 hours I would be SO relieved.

And it just might. Hugs. Sorry you are torn. Hoping your baby comes on its own, or you find some peace with this decision. Hugs to your mom too. Hopefully the joy of a new grandbaby will lift her spirits and heal her quickly.

Boots! Mama, that is rough. I had a very similar postpartum experience and my heart really goes out to you. Can I just address the jaundice? With Dove I didn't really know when to nurse, how to nurse, etc. I also was sore, pretty angry about my hospital experience, and needing someone to care for me nonstop.

 But looking back, if I could change it, I would be sitting in a big comfy chair, with the sun beaming into us, nursing non stop. It sounds totally exhausting, but it is exactly what will bring milk in (fully) and get baby's jaundice down. (And some nursing mama tea, and cookies) (ok, and Dawson's Creek, or Arrested Development, or any other thing that makes you super happy)

Be super easy on yourself mama. Such a sensitive time for you and LO that moves so fast. From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry for the way you have been treated from your doctors. Such a shame that a lot of people have this experience. Really hope your GP can help you from here on out. 

Joy  (& lol about the stretchmarks. But not really, it is a real pisser, and I am right there with you.)

[JennaSpring]

Jeez Boots, your OB sounds like a complete nightmare (actually, almost everyone you have dealt with thus far sounds like a nightmare).  So sorry about your PP experience.  I'm hoping that things are looking brighter today and you are settling into mamahood and able to relax and enjoy your little one with no more stressful experiences.  

I went to the chiropractor yesterday for some sciatica, and she had a special table for pregnant ladies which allowed me to lay on my stomach.  Hallelujah!  Sciatica is not totally gone, but better I think.  :)  I'm determined to get it cleared up before the baby is born.  

Joy, hee hee!  I make my husband check for them every night before slathering my tummy with coconut oil.  Ah stretch marks.  Such a fun part of pregnancy...

[iixivboots]

You guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the love and support. We are taking me to the doc at 3. We just got back from the pediatrician and by looking we're afraid his levels are creeping back up again. Probably not to hospitalization level but still it sucks, they told us they almost never go up after leaving the hospitali. Ugh. So we should have those labs back by the end of the day, and someone to check my iron. I'm honestly so weak. I have trouble holding him up and I am SO lucky I had a crazy hippie friend come over and pshaw the idea that you can't side-lie nurse with a newborn. Lyle still loves boobies and can latch really well. I was just so weak when we got back from the dr. and I pulled out my boob for him but didn't have the energy to help him latch, and he did a great one by himself. :)

[andaluza]

It seems like the week itself is full of frustration for some of us, but maybe we’ll have tons of new babies to introduce over the weekend like last week! Hoping the placenta encapsulation and membrane sweeps go well for those who choose them.

Poppy, that’s great about your midwife appointment helping you feel so much better.

Desert, it will be interesting to see if those of us who think we’ll go after our due dates are right. So far I think I’m headed that way and not complaining, but it is getting more distracting as the dd draws closer.

Veritas, glad that things are going well in your 37^th week and you’re almost done with work! Enjoy the time with your sister.

Sally, that’s great that that the chiro and acupuncture are so effective for you. Hope the pains stay away.

Lily, sorry about the wait and frustration about the departure of much of your family. But in general it sounds like you have a lot of family support around you, which I’m sure will be great to have access to in the coming months.

Boots, so happy to read that Lyle is out of the hospital. Sad to hear about the communication problems with the ob and nurses. I hope things calm down and the levels you get back at the end of the day look good. And great to have friends to help with bf!!

Eleuthia, happy due date! Great that you have the car and mom there. Hope the appointment goes well!

LeAnn, sounds like a great weekend! Hope the carpentry goes well. That’s a great idea. We have a formal dining room table, but never bought chairs for it, and dh has made a storage bench before, so I should plant that idea in his head.

NewMum, ugh, so frustrating all around. Is there a point when they have to induce you, no matter how busy l&d is? It is great, though, that you don’t feel like ama is a consideration with your care. My new ob is very chill in that regard, in contrast with the one who dropped me.

Ainh, I am hoping I don’t get to the point to face an induction, but it’s possible (ama here, too). I don’t know what to tell you, but it would be great if you go naturally before you have to decide.

Jenna, great about the chiropractor! Have you done the exercise to relieve sciatica, which entails either crossing the ankle over the opposite knee and leaning forward or doing the same thing lying down? Dh swears by it and it has helped me when it’s been achy.

AFM, good appointment this morning (39 w 3 days). She checked me again and the cervix has opened a bit (fingertip) so I guess that’s something. She said she will let me go until 42 weeks if I insist, but prefers to schedule induction during the 41 week.  

But I’ve felt kind of weird today and don’t think it has to do with sleep, although I’ve decided to take it easy, since I have been really good with work lately. I’m kind of groggy, have a bit of a headache and a some lower back pain, and some nausea. I still don’t think I’ve had a real contraction yet, though.  I think we’ll do my belly cast today. Dh has some ideas about how he wants to do it.

[lakeruby]

Andaluza-- enjoy your belly cast and be sure to use LOTS of oil underneath :)  We did ours this past weekend and it was really fun.  I can't wait to paint it and hang it in the baby's room.

LeAnn-- yay for negative GBS!  Enjoy your family time!  A winery tour and brunch sound sooooooo nice.

Boots-- glad to hear the breastfeeding is going well.  Keep us updated on Lyle's status please!

Jenna--  You have convinced me to make a chiropractor appointment for next week :)

I'm thinking of all you mama's facing possible inductions-- sending you lots of good labor thoughts!   

I'm with the few due at the end of the month, no induction in the near future but nothing much happening either.  I had my 37 week appointment today and all my labs looked good (yay!) and GBS status was negative (whew!).  I didn't want to have to worry about antibiotics, so I'm pretty happy about that result.  My only real change has been a major increase in swelling in my legs and feet for the past 2 days-- what are you ladies doing to prevent/reduce swelling?  My midwife suggested watermelon and cucumbers, lots of water, lots of rest... most of that is doable for me, except the rest part.  Last night when I should have been in bed I was up making waffles to put in the freezer :)  There is just so much to do and I'm still working full time.  

[Tizzy]

NewmumJoy - I've been thinking of you today, I'm sorry they didn't have room for you but maybe this will give you more of a chance to go on your own, which will be infinitely easier than pitocin ctx!  The uncertainty can be so annoying though!

Boots - I'm sorry you're having a rough go of it, is it possible for you to get some Floradix? It's a really good iron supplement that won't give you constipation and even though it tastes kind of weird, I find it really helps with my anemia!  Also alfalfa leaf tea, spinach (spinach dip!) and raisins are good sources.  Glad to hear that Lyle is a good nurser, I find it so fascinating with G. that he just knows what to do too.  And I side-lie for nursing newborns all the time! I didn't know that was against the "rules"  LOL

I hope his jaundice clears up completely in short order! 

I'm still sort of baby-mooning here and it is so comfortable!  Actually just having DH around is the nicest part! He's probably going back to work tomorrow morning which shouldn't be so bad, it's supposed to rain all day but I have a bunch of small craft projects that should keep the kids happy. And if all else fails, I have a new Shaun the Sheep DVD
This morning was very encouraging, I brought the baby down to the barn to do chores (I have a swing hanging from the ceiling that I bundle him up in so he's up and out of the way but close to me) I only had to stop once to feed him briefly. It's nice to know that my illusion of "normal" is actually attainable! hahaha  It was also fun to get out and run some errands *with* DH so I can adjust to this whole taking 4 young kids out in public thing.  I went to the library alone with all 4 and it was a little hectic, it will take a bit for us to get into a new groove.

We finally have a promising lead on a new vehicle which, if it actually goes through, will be such a blessing. 
Baby G. is a really good and efficient nurser, somehow I'm suffering from more engorgement this time than the last two times, but I am thankful to have (more than) enough milk.  Poor DH, I have professional looking boobs and he's not allowed anywhere near them! (they huuuurrrrttttt)

[JennaSpring]

Oh my gosh Lakeruby, definitely go see a chiropractor if you're having back pain.  I was seriously considering bribing her to let me lay on the table for just a few more minutes.  I wish I were kidding.  Thanks for the tip, Andaluza!  I'll definitely give that a try!

[1stTimeMama4-4-10]

Originally Posted by ainh 

I have had a weird go of it.  I went for an induction on Sunday night -- didn't want to, but it seemed like the "right" thing to do in lieu of several factors.  I was really upset about it and feeling bad and almost backed out, but then I started having some contractions before they started the pitocin, so I thought "ok, maybe this is 'time' and I'm just nudging it along".  Anyway.  I should've gone with my gut.  After six hours on pitocen I just went from 2cm to 4cm and they wanted to break my water and I freaked out a bit.  I caused quite a kerfuffle and ended up getting one of the doctors to say I could leave!  So, I think I'm quite the talk of the hospital....apparently no one has left an induction there ;).  Mine was elective (stupid of me!!) and I just didn't feel right.  Luckily the baby was PERFECT on the monitors the whole time, so they had no reason to keep me or force any interventions. 

Anyway.  I obviously hoped I'd go into labor this week on my own, but NOTHING.  Now I'm scheduled again for Friday morning for an induction and I just don't know what to do.  Here were my reasons for the first induction: (1) My mom is down briefly after having a double masectomy and before radiation/chemo appts next week, (2) I have a hemerrhoid that was so bad I couldn't stand for more than one minute and (3) my last labor was very quick and it's hard to get ahold of my husband at work (they can't have cells phones or outside email in their offices).  My mom can actually stay longer than she thought at that time now b/c the oncologist hasn't gotten back the genetic testing yet and my hemorrhoid is somewhat better now, so I actually can walk a bit and do things around the house and with the kids. 

Do I stick with the Friday induction?  I hated the first one and don't know that this will be any more successful.  But since I'm AMA they want to do it since they have me at 41w2d.  Ugh.  I really want this baby out now.  I'm ENORMOUS and uncomfortable and can hardly drive.  But it was the same with both of my boys (a week late each).  I just feel trapped and helpless.  If my body could just "go" in the next 24 hours I would be SO relieved.

I backed out of my induction the first time around too (with my first pregnancy, not this one). I went into labor on my own about 36 hours after I left the hospital - it was, and I'm not exaggerating, one of the best decisions of my life.  I am glad to hear that you were permitted to leave (it's unusual) and I encourage you to wait it out as long as you can.  Maybe push it to Monday?

[pennywhistle]

It's so exciting seeing all the babies being born!  I'm at 38 weeks so my kid is staying put for now...he hasn't dropped at all and my cervix is still completely closed, so I don't think I'm going to see him any time soon.

I did another 24-hour urine test and had no protein spillage, so the official consensus is that I do NOT have pre-eclampsia.  I'm SO relieved.  I do still have gestational hypertension, though, which might still risk me out of the birth center - we have an appointment on Saturday to find out.  I've been monitoring my blood pressure twice a day and getting 2 non-stress tests a week, so everyone is keeping a very close watch on me & the baby.  So far we're flying through and doing great.

It's so funny how much ownership I have over the babies in this DDC...when I see your photos, I feel like they're family!  I can't believe both how long we've all been posting here, and how short it's really been.  I both can and can't wait until it's my turn!

[rebecca10]

Boots-oh, I'm so sorry things have gotten off to a rough start.  Hugs!! I'll be sending lots of wishes that it all calms down soon.

NewMumJoy, Ainh, and others facing an induction--here's hoping the babies all come on their own.  But if you do end up with a pitocin induction, I just wanted to say, it's still possible to have a great birth experience.  I ended up on pitocin with my first (after my water broke and I wasn't going into labor), and while I don't have anything to compare it to, I still had an amazing and otherwise drug free birth experience. One thing that I think helped is I made them up the pitocin really slowly (even slower than their normal protocol which is pretty slow) and made sure they stopped upping the dose as soon as my contractions finally became regular.   And NewMumJoy, so sorry it din't work to have the induction today. All the waiting must getting really frustrating. But before you know it I'm sure the baby will be here.

Andaluza--your symptoms sound exactly like mine (although I'm only 37 weeks).  I've been a bit confused by the reemergence of headaches and nausea, but I guess I'm not alone.  Hope you feel better soon!

 AFM, I'm loving being off of work. Having a bit of down time is exactly what I needed right now. I was just so exhuasted. I had my GBS test yesterday. I'm extremely nervous about the results, since I really, really don't want to go through what I did last time, where I ended up catching c. diff from being on clindamycin to treat the strep, but I'm also nervous about declining the antiboitics all together.  I'm trying not to worry too much about it until I get the results on Monday, but given that it's been probably my biggest worry all pregnancy, that's easier said than done. 

Love seeing all the new babies everytime I log in! 

[LeAnn A Doula]

Andaluza - This is the link for the bench DIY we are using. There lots of other plans on that site, if the style doesn't work w your table. I'll let you know how we fair. :)

Boots - I hope little Lyle's levels are staying down for you. I have never heard that side-lying was a no-go for newbies either. Sounds like you and Lyle make a great little team already!

Ainh - I'm sorry its been a tough go so far. I hope your baby decides its time to come before you have to try another induction. I agree w 1stTimeMama, maybe push it to Monday since you're still feeling uncertain. If baby is doing well, there's no reason you can't trust your intuition and do what you think is best. Hugs to you! Keep us posted.

Tizzy - You are amazing! I love the mental image of your LO in the swing while you work in the barn?! Love it! It sounds like your brood is taking the new addition in stride. :)

Lakeruby - Yay for negative GBS! :D It is a big relief to not have to worry abt antibiotics. Fingers crossed for you, Rebecca10!

Penny - Great to hear that they ruled out preE! Good luck w your appt on Sat. I feel the same way abt our DDC babes! Its been the fastest/longest 9 months of my life. Its reassuring to know we're becoming mama's together!

I can't wait to see who decides to join us this weekend! :D

[LilyTiger]

Boots, I'm reading Ina May's breastfeeding book and right before you got that advice I was reading the chapter on breastfeeding positions.  Her argument is that whatever feels best for mom and baby is the best position to nurse in.  So don't listen to people who are telling you you're doing it wrong if it's actually working.  Everyone has an opinion, but the only ones that matter are you and Lyle's! 

Penny, good luck with the bp stuff!  So glad they ruled out pre-e, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that its low enough that you can still do the birthing center. 

Hello to everyone else!  I have to finish this Ina May book so I can give it back to my friend, so I'll do that instead of posting more.  But I hope we have some new little ones this weekend!  Particularly NewMumJoy's!!!!  (C'mon, little one!  Everyone wants to meet you!!!)