Amelia was born at home after 9 hours of intense pushy back labor (totally different than my first birth!)... but then presented perfectly in the end! I learned a lot from this birth... like no matter what I do, I just don't do calm birth. 
Crowning finally happened when I was screaming expletives and OWWWWWW! Once she crowned, my body just wouldn't stop pushing and her whole head came out in one contraction! I tried to relax it away and do it in two, but it just wasn't happening. The sac broke when she crowned, and it was dangling out with her head for what seemed like forever. DP was even getting worried, I could hear it in his voice going, "come on baby! come on out baby!", but the doula said it wasn't that long. It's just freaky to have this head there and not know whether baby is ok, yet! So she came out in the next very painful contraction, not stuffy at all, barely any crowning on her head, and making little mewing noises! I was so overwhelmed with emotion to see my healthy little baby finally, especially after what seemed like an endless montage of pain.
DP and the doula took turns throughout the birth providing pressure and massage to my lower back and hips, and they were just so wonderful about it. I'm so glad to have had both of them there to help me through. The house was a bloody mess from the birth and DP cleaned it all up even though the doula offered to help! All the strongest contractions were accompanied by gushes of blood... total crime scene!
DD stayed at the neighbor's all day and was perfectly happy doing it! I had her come over right after Amelia was born and she was a little bewildered and then wanted to be the baby.
She's been trying to put on the baby clothes. She's held her baby sister a couple of times and helps pick out the baby clothes. She's thrilled when the baby looks at her, and I'm sure will warm up the more interactive Amelia becomes.
Our neighbors sent over a wonderful plate of smoked salmon, creme fraiche, tomatoes, crackers, and avocado. I ate that and some boiled eggs directly after the birth, and then later had some quiche that they sent over as well. I was famished!
Last night was filled with nursing and afterpains. Baby kept relatching and every time she latches I get a big cramp. I guess it's a good thing, though. My jelly belly is noticeably smaller. Now to recover! And read to my high strung DD1! Luckily this baby is sleeping a lot so I can still give attention to DD1 pretty well.
Crowning finally happened when I was screaming expletives and OWWWWWW! Once she crowned, my body just wouldn't stop pushing and her whole head came out in one contraction! I tried to relax it away and do it in two, but it just wasn't happening. The sac broke when she crowned, and it was dangling out with her head for what seemed like forever. DP was even getting worried, I could hear it in his voice going, "come on baby! come on out baby!", but the doula said it wasn't that long. It's just freaky to have this head there and not know whether baby is ok, yet! So she came out in the next very painful contraction, not stuffy at all, barely any crowning on her head, and making little mewing noises! I was so overwhelmed with emotion to see my healthy little baby finally, especially after what seemed like an endless montage of pain. DP and the doula took turns throughout the birth providing pressure and massage to my lower back and hips, and they were just so wonderful about it. I'm so glad to have had both of them there to help me through. The house was a bloody mess from the birth and DP cleaned it all up even though the doula offered to help! All the strongest contractions were accompanied by gushes of blood... total crime scene!
DD stayed at the neighbor's all day and was perfectly happy doing it! I had her come over right after Amelia was born and she was a little bewildered and then wanted to be the baby.
She's been trying to put on the baby clothes. She's held her baby sister a couple of times and helps pick out the baby clothes. She's thrilled when the baby looks at her, and I'm sure will warm up the more interactive Amelia becomes.Our neighbors sent over a wonderful plate of smoked salmon, creme fraiche, tomatoes, crackers, and avocado. I ate that and some boiled eggs directly after the birth, and then later had some quiche that they sent over as well. I was famished!
Last night was filled with nursing and afterpains. Baby kept relatching and every time she latches I get a big cramp. I guess it's a good thing, though. My jelly belly is noticeably smaller. Now to recover! And read to my high strung DD1! Luckily this baby is sleeping a lot so I can still give attention to DD1 pretty well.
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