Feb 2013 DDC Postpartum Thread - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[Chloe'sMama]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

it was so intense at the time, I really was blown away by the intensity.  I am happy with how everything went, but MW kind of stepped in and was a little more hands on than we wanted.  DH wanted to catch the baby and at the last minute, MW helped deliver him (his head was 14cm and chest was 14.5cm, so he kind of got stuck and MW pulled on him a little).  I had a little skid mark, so this is the first time I have not torn or had stitches.  I am happy with that!

How are things going with your LO?

He is just so cute!  I am loving him.  Sleep is going pretty well.  He woke up 3 times between 10 and 7..... we will see how it progresses.  mil and mom have been here taking care of me and the kids.  i feel very lucky!

How is nursing/feeding going?

nipples are a little sore.  milk came in yesterday and ds has been spitting up like crazy.  DD2 still is nursing 1-2 times a day.

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

I feel great.  just a little sore and bleeding is really light already.  Emotionally i feel great too.  DD2 is really having a hard time, really needy.... i am glad mil and mom are here to help.

What's going on at home?

Girls are hanging out with MIL now.  DS is nursing and sleeping all the time.  DH just took monday off and is off tomorrow and we are getting the birth certificate taken care of.  Still have the cough from the flu as do the girls.  I have MIL and mom's help for another week, so I am feeling good..... nervous about being a mom to 3 and how it is all going to look.

[etsdtm99]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

YES. by far my best. birth. ever.

How are things going with your LO?

How is nursing/feeding going?

these 2 questions really go together for right now,  my little guy is 2 days old, he is constantly held (mostly by me, but i do hand him off to use the bathroom and shower) and almost constantly nursing - i have never had a baby who wanted to nurse THIS much, he will nurse for 10-60 mins at a time, and while he does stop for 1-2 hours at a time overnight, during the day his longest breaks have been about 20-30 mins..  this is the first time i've tried to completely not used a pacifier (hoping to keep my period from returning as soon as it did with #3)- i know this is how it should be, i'm just a little concerned because i tend to have issues with oversupply and this is a LOT of stimulation.. my milk is already in, just waiting for this little guy to start pooping, he has had tons of wet diapers, more than i can keep track of.. (8-10 on day 1!) and 5 poop diapers total, still getting the meconium out.. any time we should start seeing the normal BF poops..  i tried using cloth diapers yesterday and overnight but gave up and had DH run to the store for disposables because i couldn't keep the cloth from rubbing/tugging on baby's cord and it was bleeding..we'll move to cloth as soon as that falls off like we did with our last 2 babies.. 

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

i'm feeling really good physically, i get tired easily and have some muscle soreness and my belly is a bit sore if i do too much .. i've also got some massive hemorrhoids, they are kind of achy but otherwise not bothering me too much at this point.. i have a few skid marks that i'm starting to be able to feel which i assume means they are healing,... basically with a baby who nurses 90% of the day i'm resting a lot so i should be fully recovered by the time baby starts to think about letting me get up and around more.. Emotionally i'm hitting that point where i'm very weepy but good otherwise, and completely in love with my little guy ..

What's going on at home?

my DH is home from work all week - he is working from home part of the time when my mom is able to take a couple of the kids..  monday he goes back to work and we are planning to stay home for most of another week then we're back to business as usual .. DH is doing an AWESOME job keeping up with the kids and keeping the kitchen clean enough that i can go out there and not feel like the house is trashed..
 

[etsdtm99]

Originally Posted by HouseofPeace 

 but i'm so happy to have my baby, and feeling totally euphoric in between times of feeling totally like a useless lump. 
 

i can SO relate to this ..

[sweetestday]

Originally Posted by etsdtm99 

i can SO relate to this ..

Me, too. :) Love the way you describe things. :)

[sweetestday]

It's been one month today since Joel was born.

He is into 3-6 month clothes already, is sleeping soundly next to me most of the night and loves to nurse every minute that he's awake. :) Seriously, at night he grunts and I nurse him. If he isn't satisfied with that, I pop my Kindle light on and change his diaper. Then we both go back to sleep the rest of the night. I'm sure my period will be back as soon as my post partum bleeding ends. (Still spotting on and off.) It usually does when I have a good sleeping babe.

My husband has been amazing by taking care of whoever else gets up in the middle of the night. My 17mo is in the midst of potty training himself, so he wakes my husband up to take him potty a lot during the night. I know I'm sleeping better than either of them. :)

There are days when I need to chill and just breathe deeply so I don't go crazy with five boys home at once. It helps that I can send 1 or 2 of them with daddy to work in the afternoons. (John owns his own mechanic shop.) It gets crazy loud here a bit too often for my liking, and I am really, REALLY looking forward to spring so the boys can go outside more often and without tons of hats, mittens and all the other gear. 

Here is Joel at 4 weeks:

[Cat77]

__How are things going with your LO?
Really well! I am fascinated and totally in love with her! She is a little character already, and she doesn't fuss for no reason. I have no complaints other than the sleep I'm missing, but its so completely worth it. I look at her and everything seems right in my world, it seems I've been loving her forever!

___How is nursing/feeding going?
Also very well. Initially my nipples were quite sore, and I know baby wasn't latching properly, but that didn't stop her from nursing lots in the hospital, and pretty much constantly since we've been home. My bf'ing experience is awesome to me, I feel so bonded and close to my little one. Satisfied milky grins are the best thing ever...

__How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?
Physically I'm doing alot better, a couple of days back my back was hurting alot, I was slowly and gingerly hobbling around the apt. Today, I actually felt like myself, I left home for the first time, did some chores. I am pleasantly surprised with how quickly my belly seems to be 'snapping back', love it!

__What's going on at home?
Hubby is besotted with DD, grandma has just over 2 weeks left here, and when she leaves I don't know what I'm going to do!

[LadyCatherine185]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

by far my best birth.. it was so gradual that it took me forever to believe i was IN LABOR! it was a very peaceful birth

How are things going with your LO?

pretty well, he is perfectly healthy and beautiful.. he seems like he may be another non-sleeping high-needs baby like his brothers were though.. which has been tough. thankfully DH has been here taking care of everything so all i have to do is nurse and snuggle!

How is nursing/feeding going?

he is nursing great (all the time!)

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

physically- feeling ok.. wednesday we took T in for his newborn checkup (at 3 days old) and we got sent to the hosp for the PKU test.. which meant a ton of walking for me and now my back/pelvis is killing me.. emotionally a little of a wreck today and overwhelmed

What's going on at home?

DH has been home and wonderful.. the big brothers ADORE baby Talley

Talley Morgan E. born 2/10/2013 at 8:23 AM, 9 lbs 8 oz's, 20 inches

[rachieface]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

Hmmm. Yes, overall. The end redeemed it. As I wrote in my birth story, it was such a painful labor for most of it (transition-like contractions from 2-3 cm on), and it was really hard to cope. BUT when I pushed her out in like 4 minutes in the shower, I felt pretty strong and empowered. The fact that I didn't tear and have had a great recovery since makes the pain less traumatic.

How are things going with your LO?

Good. She's so lovely, and tiny, and loves being near mommy.

How is nursing/feeding going?

Violet is such a good nurser. My nipples were a little sore at first from such frequent nursing, but now they're doing much better. This girl can latch herself so quickly, and nurse in a variety of positions. I still need to figure out a good way to nurse in a carrier though, as my son has us on the go and I really cannot predict when Violet is suddenly going to be ravenously hungry.

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

So great physically. Honestly, I've been sleeping pretty well with baby curled right up next to me. *Knock on wood*. Emotionally, yesterday was hard but today has been a lot better. I have a lot of SIDS anxiety, but I think that's because I have anxiety in general and it will latch unto different things depending on the day. I'm expected the hormonal swings to cause me to continue to be weepy/anxious the next few days, and thankfully those around me are great at reassuring me and reminding me that these feelings are normal.

What's going on at home?

DH went back to work Thursday, and so I'm thrilled it's the weekend now and he has more time at home. He is an amazing co-parent and partner. MIL is also here for another week, and has been a huge help. I haven't had to think about cooking at all, and she is helping my toddler through the transition. DS is doing pretty well, and is fascinated with baby sister but also desperately in need of mommy cuddles. At least that's something that can be done while nursing! I keep trying to remind myself that having a sibling is a GIFT when I feel guilty at how much his little world is changing.

[loveandgarbage]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

Yes. This one was INTENSE and FAST and I never went into labor lala land, which was a bit disappointing. But of course it's nice to have a short active labor. There are some things that didn't happen that I wanted to-- like using the birth tub and catching the baby myself. Since this was my first homebirth and last birth I had a lot riding on this one, if that makes sense. So while I'm not disappointed by anything, I almost wish it was longer so I could've experienced it more.... but that sounds a little crazy.

How are things going with your LO?

He's great. A little gassy and sleep has been on and off alright, but that's to be expected. He's thriving and healthy. He's also super strong-- can hold his head up. The eyes have been opening up more and more each day which is just magical.

How is nursing/feeding going?

Good and bad. He has a perfect latch, my milk is in (or almost 100% there) and he's going at the boob like a champ. However he has the most insanely strong latch (tight jaw) I have ever experienced. My midwife noticed and recommended a craniosacral treatment so we have a OT coming to the house on Thursday. I know what nursing feels like, and I know that I'm sensitive to it, but this is pain is sooooo next level I can't deal anymore. It takes everything in me not to scream when he latches on and the pain doesn't really dissipate during the session. So I need to do something.

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

Again, not the greatest. The afterpains haven't been as bad as I thought they would be at least. But I had some funky tears that have been hard to heal from. They are all surface tears and only on one side (where his shoulder got a little stuck coming through). My MW told me that I possibly had a hematoma and that's why it's been so painful, coupled with the fact that surface labial tears can hurt worse than deeper tears (that I had with DS2) because the skin is just so darn sensitive down there. I finally got stitched up today because the swelling had gone down and I also started taking aleve for pain. I'm not supposed to take NSAIDs because they trigger my ulcer but I decided I would take the chance because I was such a wreck from all the of the pains combined. Strange how this was my fasted/easiest labor and my hardest recovery! This also might sound weird, but even though I tore I only did so because of the shoulder thing-- I'm pretty proud that had he come out without that issue I wouldn't have torn at all. So this is like a half victory for me :). Oh and emotionally I'm okay-ish. Had some crying spurts but I think it's more from the pain than anything.

What's going on at home?

DH is home for the week and that's been so nice. My MIL has been around to help out (she arrived just in time for the birth!) but she leaves tomorrow. She's been a great help with the older boys and also with the baby so that DH can solely tend to me. My mom will take over helper duties later this week. I've been sequestered upstairs (where our bathroom is) and am not supposed to climb stairs and I'm starting to go a little batty. Yesterday I told DH I felt like how I did when I was sick as a kid and stuck in my room while the rest of the family went about their day. Lonely indeed. I just can't wait to feel better physically and get on with it!!!

[josie423]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

Yes, it was amazing!!! I am still in shock at how fast it was, but I am so happy it was. After going through all I've gone through this pregnancy, I think this birth was just what I needed. I love that it was me and my Mom and sisters and it was really a beautiful ending to have my Mom catch my baby. Getting all weepy writing about it! I too never really went into laborland, but was pretty with it and aware for most of it. (I went in a zone in the few minutes it took to push her out, but that was it.) I know you can't plan birth, and I didn't try to, but the way I envisioned it going and the things I wanted... That's how it went! I'm very grateful for the birth I had.

How are things going with your LO?

Very, very well. My milk started coming in today, so she's getting a full belly and is very content. I hope she stays this way! She nurses a lot during the day and sleeps a lot at night. My family is just loving her.

How is nursing/feeding going?

Awesome! My nipples are sore, but that is dissipating a bit and hopefully will be gone soon. She latches well and nurses well and I have a feeling she's going to gain quickly.

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

Physically I am doing pretty well. I am sore, especially my butt and have pretty nasty hemorrhoids. Fortunately I had a BM today and it didn't hurt - I've been dreading it, lol! I didn't tear, and I've used a mirror and can't see any abrasions but it burns when I pee so I must have gotten scraped up a bit. That is actually hurting me more as time goes on but I'm sure it'll be gone soon. My afterpains have been blessedly mild, I was really worried about them being horrific like they were after my other babies. I am using ibuprofen every six hours, so I am sure that's helping. Emotionally I am doing fine. My weepiness and yucky emotions don't usually hit until day 3-4 and I'm only on day 2, so that will be here soon. 

What's going on at home?

My family is being a huge, huge help. They take care of my other kids during the day and I have been resting up. I don't know how I'd do it without them!

[kellybeth]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

yes. i knew it would be the hardest thing i would ever do in my life, but i didn't understand how hard it would be going all natural. i completely understand why women get episiotomies and use pain meds, although that is not the route i would chose (still). i feel so fortunate to have had everything gone the way it did for us. our doctor and all the nurses were so supportive and encouraging, and never once tried to push anything on me. i couldn't have done it without my husband. 

How are things going with your LO?

we are completely in love with naomi. she is absolutely perfect. i've never felt so needed- it's quite the feeling. i also have this crazy intense love/protective feeling that i've never had and it makes me feel a little strange. i cannot stand to be away from her, i cry just thinking about it. so weird. i usually have space issues! a woman had to take a blood sample from her in the hospital and hearing her cry and scream was just the most gut-wrenching experience so far. i wanted to knock that woman's teeth down her throat for no real reason. 

How is nursing/feeding going?

my. poor. nipples.

she's a great nurser. by milk just came in yesterday. she cluster feeds and falls asleep at the boob. it's how we sleep through the night. so comforting for us both.

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

i am wrecked. the doctor had to sew me up in a few different places, including my sensitive lady pleasure part that just kills me with every move. emotionally i'm good, just trying to understand my new found protective love/overwhelming joy. 

What's going on at home?

i really don't like visitors but i just try to ignore them, as mean as that sounds.

hubby is amazing, cooking, cleaning, taking care of me. 

[Gillmoro]

 

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

It took me a while but I am coming to peace with her birth.  It was so intense this time and I didn't get time to wrap my head around what  was happening before she was coming out.  I also experienced the ring of fire way more intensely this time.  But, now, 2 weeks out, I barely remember the pain and am thankful that it was over so quickly because of the level of intensity.  I am still working through the fact she was stuck for about 40 seconds in terms of having another baby.  But I think it was partly due to my positioning since it happened so fast and I was trying to birth in my crappy little tub that had no room to manuever.  In the end she came out just fine and did not need any real resuscitation but I definitely had a moment in my head where I thought my baby might die. 

How are things going with your LO?

She is such a good baby.  She is mellow and easy to soothe.  She sleeps well.  I realize now what a high needs baby DD1 was.  She is beautiful and perfect and I am drinking her up. 

How is nursing/feeding going?

Much better now but it has really taken this whole time to get her to latch properly.  My nipple soreness is diminishing and the cracks are pretty much healed up! Yay!

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

Physically much better starting today.  Today is the first day where I'm not feeling bad either from having a baby or the nasty stomach flu.  I ended up getting my doctor collegues to come give me an IV three days in a row and that really helped.  My vag is feeling like its healing up and the hemmorhoids are calming down.  Emotionally I'm doing ok, I get weepy sometimes but not as bad as with DD1.  I'm feeling more balanced in general.  Just trying to figure out how to be a mom of 2, get caught up with school, and get in some time to dress and shower. 

What's going on at home?

DH is back at work full-time.  We have had my mom and MIL staggering visits to help but they are gone now too.  I have 4 weeks left of my current school term and no option to take time off so trying to schedule more people to come help out.  My classmates have been amazing recording lectures and taking notes for me so I can catch up.  I'm only planning to go to classes that have mandatory attendance (just 2) so it shouldn't be too bad.  Still, I wish I could just be home for some time. 

[Adaline'sMama]

Congrats all the new babies!!!

We are at 7 weeks now. Babies are finally at the breast primarily, and we are starting to get smiles and coos. They've really packed on weight (from about 4 1/2 lbs to 7 1/2 lbs in just 5 weeks). Life is so different, but we're making it. 

Josie- how are things with H? Have you seen/talked to him?

loveandgarbage- I totally feel you on sometimes feeling like a fast labor feels like you were cheated out of the experience- not that Im complaining!

sweetestday- Adorable!!!

Ladycatherine- those are some beautiful pics!!

[josie423]

I'm glad things are going so well, Holly!! I can't wait for smiles and coos! :D

I haven't seen him at all since I left and haven't talked to him since Jan 2nd (only communication has been through email). He found out about the baby from someone who didn't realize I wasn't telling him yet and has been contacting us like crazy, but it is all going unanswered. He hasn't changed a bit and I don't need him in my life right now.

As for me, I'm 8 days PP now and doing well. My lady parts are no longer sore and my hemorrhoids have shrunk to almost nothing. Thank goodness, because they were insanely huge and painful! I've been able to have BMs without pain, so I'm happy. My milk supply is great and Lydia is back up to her birth weight. I was concerned about a possible infection or that I'd retained something but everything seems ok (flu-like symptoms and funky-smelling lochia). The smell has cleared up and a couple family members got the flu-ish feeling I had so I must have been sick. Overall, things are great. My family has been a huge help and I really don't have to do anything but rest and eat. :) It has been my most enjoyable postpartum period and I've enjoyed Lydia more than my other babies. It has been wonderful!

Edited by josie423 - 2/25/13 at 5:28am

[loveandgarbage]

Holly-- so glad the twins are doing well! Wow, what good gainers.

Josie-- I'm so happy for you that you have so much good support. You deserve it!

[typebug]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

 

This is a really complicated question for me. Losing my midwife a few days before the birth was rough but we got through it. Going through an emergency and hospital transfer with a student midwife was exactly the situation I was hoping would not ever happen and what are the odds right? Well it happened and she coped pretty well though I lost a lot more blood than she reported to my OBGYN on hospital intake and thus did not receive the right care during my stay in hospital. My family is here and they are really on top of it but I am a little unsure of my post birth trauma level. I guess we'll see how I feel in the next few weeks. 

 

How are things going with your LO?

 

REALLY well. He's so chilled out. Because I can't carry him yet, all his care (diapering, burping, soothing, bathing...) aside from nursing and cuddles in bed with me have been with his grandparents and Dad. He's totally indifferent to who's carrying him around. Loves having a bath, and is a good night sleeper. We get 3-5 hour blocks and rarely a cry. 

 

How is nursing/feeding going?

 

Due to the rough shape I was in after the birth my colostrum stopped so by day two and he had no interest in practicing latching on a breast that had nothing to offer. I got milk from a donor and we began finger/syringe feeds that night to get calories into him. My lactation consultant showed up the next day to work on his latch and help us move toward breast feeding. A hospital breast pump was also loaned to us to get my milk going. Just to cover all bases he went to an osteopath who specializes in newborns and voila, we ended up with him nursing at last and my milk coming in. I am in a very good neighbourhood for breast feeding help apparently! 

 

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

 

Physically it's been very, very slow. One week in, I can walk a little and get into the shower by myself (fist pump). I was a little frustrated but my midwife stopped by and thought I was doing better so that was nice to hear. Emotionally I'm on a really even keel unless people do really sweet things for me and then I'm inclined to blubber a bit. ;) 

 

What's going on at home?

 

My husband is off work and on duty 24/7 getting me in and out of bed, doing baby care. My parents are cooking, washing diapers, running errands and keeping my supplement schedule straight. My sweet cleaning lady is coming in twice a week to give the team a few breaks. It's not quite a well-oil machine but it's pretty darned close. I can't wait to be more mobile I so I start to take on some of these things and let them enjoy a bit of SE Asia. 

[Teles]

Do you feel comfortable with/ are you happy with your birth experience?

 

I'm really happy with my birth experience, overall. I keep thinking back to it and reviewing things to see how much I can still remember and if I would have changed anything and I really don't think I would. It's funny because I don't remember the pain, I just remember feeling something intensely but I wouldn't describe it as "painful". One other strange memory is trying to listen to my birth cds while time was zooming by so quickly that I was only hearing one word here and there and couldn't even slow down long enough to recognize what song was playing.

 

How are things going with your LO?

 

Mila is a demanding little beast, but I love her intensely. Now that we have somewhat of a routine down and we're getting to know each other a bit better, it's getting easier (not easy, but easier). I'm getting really tired of spending all of my days sitting in front of my computer with rain sounds blasting from the speakers for hours on end, especially when she insists that I hold her so I only have one hand free to use the mouse and wander around the internet. I've learned that typing emails with one hand is a rather frustrating activity.

 

How is nursing/feeding going?

 

Breastfeeding is going awesome now. I feel like there was a really steep learning curve at the very beginning that was pretty difficult to get through, but I never considered formula to even be an option so I knew I would get to the other side eventually. I have an aggressive let down that sometimes fire hoses the back of her throat, causing her to choke and gag a bunch sometimes, but at I definitely know that there's plenty of milk in there for her. It's a race against the clock to get from the shower into a bra with pads before I start serving as a milk sprinkler all over my bathroom though.

 

How are you feeling, both physically and emotionally?

 

Emotionally, I'm doing much better now I'm feeling on top of this whole caring-for-a-newborn lifestyle. I haven't cried in about two weeks now, which is awesome.

 

Physically, I'm mostly healed though still spotting consistently. I'm still having some trouble having a BM without feeling like I'm going to split in half, but I have high hopes for the future.

 

What's going on at home?

 

DH is going in for surgery today that will require that he's in hospital for the next three days and my MIL is flying in from Holland to stay with us for the next 9 days. I've met MIL for a total of maybe 4 hours in my life and her accent is very thick so it's complicated to talk to her sometimes and now that DH won't be here as a translator/buffer, I expect things to be pretty awkward. Due to the surgery, hubby is also not allowed to lift anything over 10lbs for the next 4 weeks and Mila just clocked in at 10lbs, 3.5oz at her one month appointment. It's going to be a very long month taking care of two babies alone :(

[typebug]

Originally Posted by Teles 

 

 

What's going on at home?

 

DH is going in for surgery today that will require that he's in hospital for the next three days and my MIL is flying in from Holland to stay with us for the next 9 days. I've met MIL for a total of maybe 4 hours in my life and her accent is very thick so it's complicated to talk to her sometimes and now that DH won't be here as a translator/buffer, I expect things to be pretty awkward. Due to the surgery, hubby is also not allowed to lift anything over 10lbs for the next 4 weeks and Mila just clocked in at 10lbs, 3.5oz at her one month appointment. It's going to be a very long month taking care of two babies alone :(

That sounds very stressful! I hope your MIL is intuitive to your needs and can support you.