Long, rambling update... Read at your own risk!
Thank you all for your encouraging comments - they have been very, very helpful to me as I needed to hear that an induction didn't have to be this horribly, awful experience. They have also helpful for me to think of how to prepare for the birth. This is a complete switch in gears for me, so I'm grateful for any input and suggestions.
As many of you know, I'm one of those people who prefers to do things as naturally as possible. I had a wonderful, wonderful birth experience last time at the free-standing birthing center I went to and for me to even have a hospital birth would have, up until this week, been my last choice.
However, I feel really at peace about our new birth plan - even if it is so different from what I would have chosen for my "ideal." And the good thing is that I may even get to have quite a natural birth. The plan is that my midwife will be delivering me at the hospital along with her backup doctor who has been working with me since I went in on Monday. They are both very skilled and very experienced and - best of all - want to do things as naturally as possible. I think most doctors would have just done an emergency induction when I was in a few days ago and though this was talked about a lot and something which they thought might very well happen, they didn't want to go ahead with it unless it was absolutely necessary. And gratefully, it wasn't. I was also so grateful to avoid a blood transfusion, as this was something else which was seriously considered.
Since the baby is so healthy, that is buying us more time, which I'm very thankful for. Another good thing is that since my levels are so low - especially my platelet levels - not only can I not have an epidural, they also want to avoid a C-section if at all possible. So that is another relief to me as I would really, really like to avoid a C-section unless it was a life-threatening emergency. Since I hemorrhaged quite a lot after my last birth, this has also presented some concern for my upcoming birth, especially since I was somewhat anemic at my last birth and am much more anemic this time around. I'm very hopeful this won't happen again and that I can avoid a blood transfusion after the delivery. But, it's all in God's hands.
They are planning to try to induce with Cervidal first and are hopeful that will work so that I can maybe even avoid Pitocin at all. I was glad to hear from some of you that this was a good route. I also made sure that I would be able to do things as naturally as possible so long as there are no risks involved. And if all goes as planned, I'll get to labor in the Jacuzzi as I so loved doing last time! I'm trying not to go in with any set plan - my goal is the end result of a healthy mom and healthy baby. At this point, whatever it takes to achieve that, I'll go for! Who knows, if I can hold out until 38 weeks without my levels dropping into the life-threatening zone, I may go into labor on my own? I doubt it, but one can always hope, can't they?!
Thank you again for your many prayers. After getting home and having time to reflect more on things, I have realized more and more just how powerful your prayers are and were. Not only did God use them to strengthen and encourage us as we were very weak and weary, but I believe something else was accomplished, something we can't really even explain and probably won't know this side of Heaven.
You see, when I was admitted, my blood work was showing very clear signs of infection and many other problems, there were also some very alarming things showing up in my urine tests. And this was on top of being severely dehydrated and anemic. Yet, after just half a day, everything - besides my low hemoglobin and platelet counts and besides still being dehydrated - was normal again. There were no signs of an infection, even though I hadn't been put on any antibiotics. The urine tests were also coming back normal.
All the doctors and nurses were baffled, perplexed, and thinking something must be going on and yet they had no answers. And ever since then, my tests have continued coming back normal. The more I think about it, the more I am not baffled about it. Whatever abnormal was going on in my body, God took care of it. He heard and answered the many, many prayers being offered up on my behalf.
Another huge praise is how God has protected our little baby through all of this and has continued to nourish this precious child even though my body is so depleted. Again and again, we heard remarks of how healthy our baby was as they did various monitoring. I thought they probably just say this to most everyone but time and again they assured us that this child was so healthy it was amazing! Well, actually, it's not too amazing considering there are people all over the globe praying for this child!
I'll keep you all updated over the next week or two as to what the plan is and when this precious babe might be arriving. There are a lot of details to get into place right now. Our hope is that my mom and both my older and younger sister will be able to be at my birth - something which probably would not have been possible without all these complications due to timing and logistic issues. My younger sister is hopefully also going to be "live-blogging" the birth. Not only did I think that might be fun for some of you who enjoy such things, but I know I will also appreciate all the prayers possible at that time!
Thank you so very much for your prayers, concerns, and offers to help in practical ways while I was in the hospital and now while I'm at home mostly on bed rest. I have been truly humbled and overwhelmed at the outpouring of the love of Lord shown through His people. I can't even adequately express how much you all have meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. So many of you - especially those of you who live nearby - have written and asked if there is anything you can do to help. I'm not used to being on the receiving end of so many offers for help and I've found myself just wanting to respond that we're fine and to turn down the offers, even if it would be really helpful and even if we are going through a needy time. The Lord has been convicting through this time that it's really selfishness, stubbornness, and pride on my part to not accept offers for help. I learned this lesson afresh this morning as Jesse had me write out a list of things people could do to help since many have offered. Do you know how hard it was for me to write that list? I guess asking people to pray for me is one thing, but to accept help from them in other ways - like bringing food or doing my laundry - is really humbling for me. I think this is one of the greatest lessons the Lord wants to teach me through this - that I can't do it myself. I need the help and support of the Body of Christ just as others do when they are going through needy times.
One final question: Since I had nothing done in preparation for the birth or baby, I'm sort of scrambling to get everything ready. I sat down and wrote out a list yesterday of everything that had to be done before the birth. I can't do a lot since I'm supposed to be on bed rest as much as possible, but I was wondering if any of you all had suggestions for me as to your best recommendations to prepare for making the transition from one child to two. What do you wish you had done ahead of time, or what are you glad you did ahead of time? Any and all wisdom is much appreciated!
As many of you know, I'm one of those people who prefers to do things as naturally as possible. I had a wonderful, wonderful birth experience last time at the free-standing birthing center I went to and for me to even have a hospital birth would have, up until this week, been my last choice.
However, I feel really at peace about our new birth plan - even if it is so different from what I would have chosen for my "ideal." And the good thing is that I may even get to have quite a natural birth. The plan is that my midwife will be delivering me at the hospital along with her backup doctor who has been working with me since I went in on Monday. They are both very skilled and very experienced and - best of all - want to do things as naturally as possible. I think most doctors would have just done an emergency induction when I was in a few days ago and though this was talked about a lot and something which they thought might very well happen, they didn't want to go ahead with it unless it was absolutely necessary. And gratefully, it wasn't. I was also so grateful to avoid a blood transfusion, as this was something else which was seriously considered.
Since the baby is so healthy, that is buying us more time, which I'm very thankful for. Another good thing is that since my levels are so low - especially my platelet levels - not only can I not have an epidural, they also want to avoid a C-section if at all possible. So that is another relief to me as I would really, really like to avoid a C-section unless it was a life-threatening emergency. Since I hemorrhaged quite a lot after my last birth, this has also presented some concern for my upcoming birth, especially since I was somewhat anemic at my last birth and am much more anemic this time around. I'm very hopeful this won't happen again and that I can avoid a blood transfusion after the delivery. But, it's all in God's hands.
They are planning to try to induce with Cervidal first and are hopeful that will work so that I can maybe even avoid Pitocin at all. I was glad to hear from some of you that this was a good route. I also made sure that I would be able to do things as naturally as possible so long as there are no risks involved. And if all goes as planned, I'll get to labor in the Jacuzzi as I so loved doing last time! I'm trying not to go in with any set plan - my goal is the end result of a healthy mom and healthy baby. At this point, whatever it takes to achieve that, I'll go for! Who knows, if I can hold out until 38 weeks without my levels dropping into the life-threatening zone, I may go into labor on my own? I doubt it, but one can always hope, can't they?!
Thank you again for your many prayers. After getting home and having time to reflect more on things, I have realized more and more just how powerful your prayers are and were. Not only did God use them to strengthen and encourage us as we were very weak and weary, but I believe something else was accomplished, something we can't really even explain and probably won't know this side of Heaven.
You see, when I was admitted, my blood work was showing very clear signs of infection and many other problems, there were also some very alarming things showing up in my urine tests. And this was on top of being severely dehydrated and anemic. Yet, after just half a day, everything - besides my low hemoglobin and platelet counts and besides still being dehydrated - was normal again. There were no signs of an infection, even though I hadn't been put on any antibiotics. The urine tests were also coming back normal.
All the doctors and nurses were baffled, perplexed, and thinking something must be going on and yet they had no answers. And ever since then, my tests have continued coming back normal. The more I think about it, the more I am not baffled about it. Whatever abnormal was going on in my body, God took care of it. He heard and answered the many, many prayers being offered up on my behalf.
Another huge praise is how God has protected our little baby through all of this and has continued to nourish this precious child even though my body is so depleted. Again and again, we heard remarks of how healthy our baby was as they did various monitoring. I thought they probably just say this to most everyone but time and again they assured us that this child was so healthy it was amazing! Well, actually, it's not too amazing considering there are people all over the globe praying for this child!
I'll keep you all updated over the next week or two as to what the plan is and when this precious babe might be arriving. There are a lot of details to get into place right now. Our hope is that my mom and both my older and younger sister will be able to be at my birth - something which probably would not have been possible without all these complications due to timing and logistic issues. My younger sister is hopefully also going to be "live-blogging" the birth. Not only did I think that might be fun for some of you who enjoy such things, but I know I will also appreciate all the prayers possible at that time!
Thank you so very much for your prayers, concerns, and offers to help in practical ways while I was in the hospital and now while I'm at home mostly on bed rest. I have been truly humbled and overwhelmed at the outpouring of the love of Lord shown through His people. I can't even adequately express how much you all have meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. So many of you - especially those of you who live nearby - have written and asked if there is anything you can do to help. I'm not used to being on the receiving end of so many offers for help and I've found myself just wanting to respond that we're fine and to turn down the offers, even if it would be really helpful and even if we are going through a needy time. The Lord has been convicting through this time that it's really selfishness, stubbornness, and pride on my part to not accept offers for help. I learned this lesson afresh this morning as Jesse had me write out a list of things people could do to help since many have offered. Do you know how hard it was for me to write that list? I guess asking people to pray for me is one thing, but to accept help from them in other ways - like bringing food or doing my laundry - is really humbling for me. I think this is one of the greatest lessons the Lord wants to teach me through this - that I can't do it myself. I need the help and support of the Body of Christ just as others do when they are going through needy times.
One final question: Since I had nothing done in preparation for the birth or baby, I'm sort of scrambling to get everything ready. I sat down and wrote out a list yesterday of everything that had to be done before the birth. I can't do a lot since I'm supposed to be on bed rest as much as possible, but I was wondering if any of you all had suggestions for me as to your best recommendations to prepare for making the transition from one child to two. What do you wish you had done ahead of time, or what are you glad you did ahead of time? Any and all wisdom is much appreciated!
posted by Crystal Paine at 9:22 AM
55 Comments:
Crystal,
Reading this post and knowing that you are at peace with the change in plans is wonderful to read. I, too, know the experience of having birth plans go awry and change drastically and do know that the shock of such changes can be a huge pill to swallow at first. We had been planning a homebirth, but I wound up going into labor at 35 weeks with no warning, so off to the hospital we went. (Her birth story is on my blog, if you might be interested in reading.) Even when the plans we had made have changed, isn't it amazing to see how God always does know best? The surprises surrounding my daughter's birth and early days were some of the things that have brought me the closest to the Lord and really helped me to learn to trust Him and rely on Him even more. I will be praying that God may bless you in such a way, too!
What a joy it will be if your family could be there for the arrival of your precious baby! I do hope this becomes a reality for you!
Please take good care of yourself, Crystal. Blessings!
My prayers are with you. The thing that I did ahead that helped was to purchase and wrap a few small gifts for my child to open either when others were bringing presents for the baby or when he needed a little "me" time with Mom. I chose games like Hi Ho Cherry O, coloring books and new crayons, puzzles and such. Things we could do together and didn't involve much moving around. You will do fine I'm sure. It takes awhile to adjust to having a baby and a toddler but it is a joy to watch your children bond. It is such a sweet thing to watch.
Praise the Lord you are home! With my last baby I was supposed to be resting as much as I could before the birth due to my blood pressure. My dear sisters in the Lord really helped by taking the older ones for a few hours here and there, sending food, etc. It is humbling to be on the receiving end of such help and it also speaks volumes to the world. The world notices we are Christians by our love one for another and this is a great time to allow that love to shine! As for preparing, please don't do much. I wanted everything done before I had the baby thinking I'm going to be too busy to get anything done afterward and that really contributed to me having to be on semi-bed rest at the end, I just was doing too much. So I would read some good books, rest, let others tend to you, spend some sweet time with your child and enjoy it-everything will fall in place. Life does get back to normal!
Crystal, thank you so much for keeping us updated. It is such a blessing to know that you are doing better - and praise the Lord for hearing and answering our prayers. He is truly merciful and generous beyond all comprehension. Lots of love and best wishes in Christ to you and your family. I only wish I was closer so I could help get that list completed! ;-)
It's such a blessing that God gave you health enough to avoid an emergency induction -- and therefore time to be at peace with the idea -- but made circumstances such that the doctors want the same birth plan as you do! :)
We're all praying for you and the little one. ((hug))
Buy (or have someone else do it) some extra socks and underwear for everyone in the family so you don't have to worry about laundry right away.:-)
Even if you can't have an epidural, you might consider having something through an IV (if it's allowed). I took Staidol (similar to Demarol) with one of my births and it was SUCH a help. It took just enough of an edge of the contractions toward the middle of the birth. I could still feel every twinge, but it wasn't quite as sharp. It didn't seem to have an effect on the baby and he nursed within 10 minutes of being born.
Crystal; My mom was supposed to have been induced with all five of us children, due to her being a diabetic. She was induced for two of them, I came on my own before the induction date, and with the other two she self-induced herself on the night before the induction date. I'm sure if you research online you could find self-induction methods, or your midwife might have some suggestions. I think my mom took some herbs and also did breast palpation. (it really did work!)
Just a suggestion.... God bless you and the baby!
Crystal,
With my last baby, Erin, 5 months! (smile) I was anemic and at 36 before delivery and was down to 24 when I refused the blood transfusion. I left the hospital when my levels were 23. I take iron and it helps but it takes a while to get your energy back especially when you have two little ones so don't push yourself and let others help you.
I am so glad to hear that things are going better. Take care of yourself!
Wanted to add that I was induced with #3. Water broke at 9:00 am and delivered him at 3:10 pm. 6 hours. Nothing very painful until the last 30 minutes. I did cave at the very end and get an epidural. You won't have that option. I also dealt with low platelets through all of my pregnancies. Had all sorts of complications through the deliveries. But, God saw me through it all. he will see you through it too. Good luck with everything! Induction is not all bad, as I found out. Actually that was the only birth that I allowed the TV on. Dh liked that LOL.
Crystal,
I also had an induction with my second child, and like you, I had heard many horror stories of inductions.
Fortunately, God is bigger than horror stories and even Pitocin, and my daughter's birth went incredibly well.
It was much, much shorter than the first time around (first labor was over 24 hours, second was 5 hours from Pitocin start to birth of the baby!) I will be praying that you go into labor on your own, but even if you don't, just know that all inductions aren't horrible!
And it does make it very easy to plan meals, child care for other children, and relatives who want to be there for the birth.
In transitioning from one to two babies (mine were 1 year, 3 days apart), we planned the oldest's naps to coincide with the newborn's so that I got at least one, and on some days, two times where I could lay down and relax or nap.
Take care!
Hi Crystal,
You've certainly been in my thoughts and prayers a lot this week, especially since some real life friends are on the verge of giving birth! (Had news one had to be induced last night, in fact.) I suffer from anemia in general, and pretty severly myself while expecting last year, so I can relate a bit to your experience. I'm so relieved to hear that everything is going better.
Before I read that you hope to labor in the tub again, I was going to tell you to keep laboring in the shower in mind too. I really hope they don't keep you pinned to the bed! I spent almost my entire labor in the shower and it helped things move so fast and definitely helped with the pain. (I had back labor- ouch!) There's something about the shower, and I think it also helped that I was on my feet. I would go that route again in a heartbeat!
You'll contintue to be in my prayers. God bless you, Jesse, Kathrynne, and Baby.
Crystal, I was induced first with cytotek, similiar to cervadil in that it is an insert. Two rounds of that, then pitocin. I ended up having a C-section b/c baby was occipult (sp) anterior and the duration of time since water broke. I just want to say that C-sections themselves are NOT the horror story everyone makes them out to be! I hope you don't have one, simply bc you said you do not want to, but if you do have one, they really aren't that bad.
I know that for people who want large families they are more of a problem b/c you can't have multiple C-sections (well, over 4 I think ) but IF you have to have one, and I was so scared - they are not bad.
I - like you - wanted a natural birth. Had a doula, planned to labor at home, etc. However, I ended up being admitted thru the ER and being induced. For a while I was mad that 'my plan' had been robbed of me and that instead of a normal, natural delivery I had an induction followed by a C-section
But you know what? God really does know best and who is to say that had I put my 'plan' in first place, something could have happened to me or DS? So, you are very wise to trust the Sovereign Lord.
God bless and remember Psalm 23 and 121...
I'll be praying for you!
I just delivered my fourth child, eight weeks ago. I have experienced something different with each delivery. You will be fine being induced. I was induced for medical reasons - one was two weeks late and a second child two weeks early. God allowed me to start laboring on my own the morning of each induction. The doctors went ahead with the induction to speed things along. Let family members and friends do as much as they are willing for you in preparing for the baby. The main things you will want ready are the basinette, a few clothing items, and the carseat/carrier. Freezer meals are great! People brought food by to us and I didn't have to start using the freezer meals until this baby was four weeks old. Made things easy! The suggestion about little gifts for Katherine, though not necessary, I have found to be a great idea. We've done special things like that with each birth and it does seem to make things enjoyable. The important thing is that you are in God's hands and no matter the type of delivery - a healthy mom and a healthy baby is the goal! I did natural with the first, induction 2 wks late with the second, induction 2 wks early with the third because of pre-eclampsia, and a c-section 2 wks early with the fourth because baby was in transverse position, weighed 10lbs and 11 oz, and I was borderline pre-eclampsia. But I can honestly say that I know that God was with me through each delivery. He took care of me and gave my doctors' wisdom. Blessings on you and the birth of your little one!
Dear Crystal,
I'm a fairly new blog reader, and I greatly enjoy the wisdom you have to offer other moms. You've got a great attitude and that makes a big difference in helping things go smoothly, even if this is not what you had hoped for or planned.
I found it helpful to ease the transition between 1 and 2 children to have the swing already set up (for times when you HAVE to lay the baby down and tend to your older daughter), to have 2 or 3 new books to look at with your toddler while you're nursing, have a litle list of jobs she could do as her part in taking care of the new baby, and probably most importantly, getting the two to nap simultaneously in the afternoons right away (even if that means bumping Kathryn's time around a little bit) and sleeping yourself until the baby wakes up. This will refresh your weary body and give you a little pep before your husband comes home from work. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have some early sizes of baby clothes very accessible so you don't have to do digging and searching right after the baby is born. (I suspect you're pretty organized about that already, though.)
I am a bit of a perfectionist, so it was hard to let things go a little, but sitting down and just BEING with my children during those early days reaped great rewards later, both physically and relationally.
God bless you richly!
Christy W.
When I was going from one child to two children, I made sure that the first time my number one child saw his new sister I wasn't holding her. She was in her hospital crib. When he saw her for the first time he wasn't threatened by her (he hadn't lost his mommy). We let him climb in the hospital bed with me and as far as he knew (at the time)he was the first one to hold her. For the first year of her life my son referred to his new sister as "his baby". I didn't have to worry about any jealousy.
Crystal-
I just can’t get you off of my mind, I’ve been thinking that I should tell you something, so I will and I hope that it helps!! My mom loves nutrition and studies it everyday!! These things have really helped with her pregnancies and births and I pray that they help you!!
1) With the last 4 children she has drank shock tea throughout the pregnancy and birth and at the births the nurses said that she doesn’t bleed! She didn’t exactly know what that meant until she had my littlest brother at home and she said that there was hardly any!! She also gets mommy shakes really bad during/after births and at the last birth the midwife told my dad to get some for her and after she drank it she didn’t have them again! My mom said that this would really help with your low hemoglobin and platelet counts as cayenne cleanses the blood. It is REALLY hot, but if you eat milk or bread after it doesn’t burn for long! Here is the recipe:
½ c. -1 c. warm water
1 T. honey
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1/8 -1 t. cayenne pepper (start with 1/8 and work up to 1 t.)
2) The next thing will really help with your dehydration. You are supposed to drink ½ your body weight in oz + more when you are pregnant. But if you are severely dehydrated that would be hard to get that much in… and actually the BEST way to get rehydrated is to soak in the bath for AT LEAST 1 hour probably 2-3 times a day. Whenever we get sick my mom sends us to the bath with a movie and we soak until it is over. I don’t know if you like baths, but they are so relaxing and really would help you get rehydrated FAST!! Once my baby brother was really sick and whenever my mom would nurse him he would throw up. He was getting worse and worse and my mom kept trying things, but nothing worked. She called a friend of hers and asked what to do, and she said that if we took him to the hospital all they would do would be to rehydrate him with an IV. So she got in the bath with him (I think he was 3-5 months old) and soaked for an hour and after that he recovered so fast! My mom is helping someone that has morning sickness really bad and the only time that she isn’t nauseated is when after she soaks for about 2 hours. So we are having her soak more often to be able to keep her hydrated!
3) The last thing that my mom suggested is to go to a pharmacy and get an electrolyte packet. She said that with everything that has been going on that you are probably really low. We could tell you ways to get all of them naturally, but she said that taking them separately might throw you off. So taking them this way would just really help you get on top of things!! We have been focusing on getting them up in our family and SURPRISE, SURPRISE my mom got pregnant with baby #8 after trying for 2-3 years! Electrolytes are really so important!
I pray that these things help! I would love to answer any questions if you have anymore, or find out how to answer them! Thank you so much for your wonderful example of trusting in God! I’ve been praying for you and hope that everything turns out for the best!!
Alex S.
I had my second child this past winter, and so my kids are less than two years apart. I have to be totally honest and say that, yes, it was very overwhelming at first, but after hitting the six week milestone, things started to look up and I got back into routine. Here are a few thoughts on making it an easier transition:
Have Kathrynne come and visit you and baby at the hospital. I know, it's exhausting to chase a two year old around, but it's better than just coming home with a new baby and will give her a chance to adjust gradually to the idea. When my husband arrived at the hospital with my son, I made it a point to have the new baby lying in her crib so that he didn't see me holding her right away and feel threatened. I spent some one on one time with me and read a few of his favorite books that I had taken along. Then I brought him over to the crib and showed him his new sister. He was a bit unsure of what to do, but before long he was smiling and talking about cute she was! Eventually we took her out and helped him to hold her on his lap.
I had picked up some little treats beforehand at the Dollar store that I wrapped and brought to the hospital. It was nice for him to have his own small presents to open so he didn't feel left out when people brought gifts for the new baby...and it gave him something new and exciting to keep occupied with.
If you are anything like me, I rarely ever left my son with a babysitter and never overnight. It was very hard to be away from him, and I was worried what his reaction would be when he awoke that morning and found that I wasn't there. One idea would be to copy a short message onto a video of you talking to Kathrynne about getting to be a big sister very soon, that you are thinking of her, etc.
I have had two, unplanned inductions so far. I never imagined that would happen, since I was so determined to do things naturally with no interventions. Well, things have a way of changing when we least except it, and I ended up not only with extended hospital stays, but also the inductions (with pitocin), IV pain relief, an intrathecal injection in my back , constant fetal monitering....you name it! But, it's amazing how these unplanned things really help you focus on the end goal: healthy baby. When it came down to it, all I cared about in the end was having the baby and it didn't matter to me what I had to go through to make that happen. :-) My first labor was ten hours and the second was eight hours, so it can be shorter the second time. I would have had the second baby sooner, but the water sac was in the way. So you can't predict what your body will do when the time comes. I would say overall that the induction process is fairly straight forward and they can control the pitocin drip and increase it gradually, rather than cranking it to the max right away. The nice thing about inductions is that it cuts out alot of the early labor and you are able to get down to business right away. If I have a third baby someday I wouldn't hesitate to be induced again, so I guess it has gone well for me in the past, and I know you'll do great. You'll have so much support from those present and all of us blog readers will be praying. Stay strong!
Crystal,
I would say one thing I make sure that I have is a calling card to be able to call family or friends for my husband. I just purchase 10.00 card. It is also nice for calling my husband if he steps out to grab a bite to eat or needs to tend to the other kids. I can call him if I feel lonely, nervous, or if I need him to bring me something. I also pack a goody bag of snacks and some waters for my husband because he always stays the night with me and is there most of the day. This keeps for wasting a lot of money in vending and such. Muffins, cookies, and pretzels and such. I will have a c-section so I am in the hospital longer than most people. I wish you the best. NON SKID SOCKS or slippers are also a must for me.
Chrissy T
Chrissy T.
I am so pleased to hear that your baby is doing well! Thank God for His wonderful protection of your little one! As to your request for suggestions in preparing, I have only one: Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Your friends and family are delighted to help in any way they can. I was on bed rest for 10 weeks leading up to the birth of my twins and there were times that I (wrongly) thought I was a burden to my family as they helped out with my oldest child, who at the time was barely a year old. Also, when you need to rest, do so. Having a newborn and a toddler is vastly different from having just one baby. Given your current anemic condition (I had this as well), you will be quickly be depleted if you try to do too much too soon. I gather that you are a go-getter, but this is one time you will have to take it slowly until your body has completely recovered. Save your energy for the things that matter most, being there for your husband and kids. I wish I had taken my own advice.
I AM SO THANKFUL you have decided on a hospital birth with this change in your health. I was concerned you might still try a home birth, which i am all for, but I know you will be in the best of hands at the hospital.
Don't think for a minute it will be anyless special or "not natural" or something. Or that you are not a "crunchy momma"... You are doing the best thing for your health and for baby! I had great hospital births, all natural too...
I am praying for you!
as for the transistion from 1-2, well, what can i say... Its like trying to explain to a new mother preg. with her first, its not really comphrehendable until you deliver. Just take it one day at a time... Its not hard and your momma insticts will kick in again. The best advice I can give is plan on doing nothing but baby and kathrynne for about 4 weeks. Dont try to force a schedule onto a new baby (I am not an advocate for babywise if you can't tell)...
Just enjoy your time together, read to K after you have nursing down again... let things go and know it will all be there for you when you are up to it...
You can remind me of this when I have #5 in October during our homeschooling year :)
xoxoxox
so glad to hear there were no serious infections or anything.
please forgive my spelling mistakes, in a hurry.. xoxoxo
Crystal,
I am so glad you are at home now. I will continue to pray for you and your family. It is wonderful that so many are close to you and can help. Letting them help will bless them as much as it blesses you.
I have been induced with all three of my babies so far, so I don't know the difference, but it wasn't too bad and I needed no further medical interventions. With my fist, I also had staidol for a short time to get some rest, as my contractions where right on top of another. My doula made the suggestion because she knew I didn't want an epidural but was almost at the point of begging for one. I love having a birth doula. My baby boy was born alert and ready to nurse.
As for preparing for two, I bet you are already prepared with all of your thoughts on details. I agree that having some books nearby where you will nurse is handy so that Kathryn can be with the two of you and have something to look at or you can read to her while nursing. Something fun could be to wrap books you already own in gift wrap so when you sit down to nurse Kathryn can open
a "surprise" to read. For my son I also kept some legos close by to where I would nurse for a quite activity he could do and we could be near eachother. My children have also liked to have their own doll that they could cuddle and "nurse" while I was with the baby. Also, letting them help with baby as much as possible helps them feel connected. No real new ideas here, just wanted to help out too.
God bless you!
How wonderful to read your thoughts of trust and peace as you deal with this sudden change of plans. I pray that God will give me such a heart too, as I hope to be a wife and mother someday. May He continue to bless you in every detail of this process. :)
Crystal, I'm so glad that you are home now. With my third child, Cervidal was used. It did the trick, and Hannah was born at 6:30 the following morning. Pitocin was not necessary and the whole birth experience was wonderful. Really!
On the subject of going from one to two children, I remember telling my oldest daughter that during nursing times, she could bring me a snack and a book to read aloud. She never resented the time I was with her brother, because she felt very included and to this day, she loves books. Praying for you!
I am praying for you, Crystal. I am so pleased to hear you are going into the induction with an open mind. No need to be so stubborn that you either hurt yourself or the baby or end up feeling guilty if something does happen requiring meds or a c-section. In the end, your baby and daughter need a healthy mom! If it means anything, I should have had 3 c-sections instead of 2. Some of my health problems now are because I delivered my first daughter. Who would have thought a 96 pound woman could deliver a 8 pound 3 ounce baby? Honestly, I healed faster from my c-sections than I did my delivery. An interesting little tid bit though - after a c-section drink only warm to hot liquids for as close to 48 hours as you can go. This goes for any abdominal surgery seeing as it helped with my hysterectomy as well. Cold delivers to much of a shock (wake up call) to your intestines causing much more cramping and gas pain. It really works!
Honestly, I would just have an activity bag ready for the hospital and start delegating out responsibilities. With your blood tests I would just be resting preparing for delivery. After delivery, who knows what your blood count will be? Let people take over and help until you have healed. Bed rest means bed rest. : ) Take a step back since you do not know how things will go. God will handle everything. : )
All the best!
In Him,
Johanna
My only suggestion for transitioning from 1 to 2 kids is to have a "nursing" basket (it, of course, can be used other times, too!). Each night or first thing in the morning, fill it with simple snacks (store-bought or homemade things like granola, crackers, raisins, etc.), some books to read/look at, a simple game or two like dominoes, and maybe some crayons and a coloring book (I highly recommend investing in the Color Wonder markers & books, as my toddlers will spend SO LONG working on those-- they are worth the $ during the household adjustment to a new baby!!!). Fill several sippy cups or have juice boxes in the refrigerator where Kathrynne can reach them-- and knows she is allowed to get after asking permission. This basket is invaluable for the times when you're tied up with the baby, whether it be nursing, changing diapers, walking him/her to sleep, etc. Instead of having to delay requests for a snack or drink or book, etc., you can just tell her to go to the basket and get whatever it is she is needing right then.
Also, a word of encouragement: in the 2 times we've now brought a new baby home, the up-until-then-youngest child has never shown an ounce of jealousy. I think when babies are brought into homes that value and cherish children, the toddler(s) take on that attitude towards all people and are as thrilled as the mama and daddy! I've never had to do anything special to ward off jealousy. If anything, I often have to convince the children that there are times when they simply cannot hold/kiss/hug the newborn!!!!
I don't have any suggestions for you as we have an only, but I wanted to let you know that you all will continue to be in my prayers.
I've only been a mom of two for a week, but I would encourage you that it's not that bad! It's an adjustment certainly, but not as much of one as I was expecting. I have noticed that my daughter (17 months old) has had some trouble sleeping when the baby cries, but we've just been trying to make sure she gets more naps or to bed earlier. There have been times when she's gotten very upset that I can't pick her up and read to her at a moment's notice when I'm nursing the baby, but I make a point to spend time one on one with her as often as I can, and when I am holding the baby, I read to her just not on my lap, or sing to her, etc.
I think probably the hardest thing is not really being able to nap much, since so far I haven't successfully figured a way to get them both on the same nap schedule. But if you have helpers around like your mom or sisters or friends from church, maybe they can help you by watching Kathrynne or the baby while you rest.
The only thought I have on the induction is try to get really rested beforehand! The biggest lesson I learned with this labor was how much harder it is when you've not had sleep in a few days! I'm sure you can do it though, and I hope that the birth goes smoothly and naturally for you!
Crystal, I haven't commented a lot but I wanted to tell you that the Lord has put this pregnancy of yours on my heart all along, in an urgent way. Every time I read your blog and sometimes through the day I prayed for his blessing and protection over it. He is soooo faithful.
I was glad I had clothes ready. I had separated out the boy and girl clothes, and could just grab something as soon as my second was born and didn't have to worry about not having appropriate things.
I was glad I knew that I needed help. I had asked for meals ahead of time, and had something like three weeks worth coming in. It was so great.
I was sorry that I didn't have a different room set up for baby number two. I wanted to put her right in the nursery with her big (16-month-old) sister, but that was too hard for her sister. And it was hard for me cause I had to get to certain things during the day and didn't want to disturb her naps. So I eventually just put her in the sewing room which was not ideal as I had to do without several things I only figured out later I needed to have. It would have been nicer to be prepared for that. I can't sleep with a nursling in the room, so I move them out as soon as I'm confident of their strength/stability.
I was sorry I didn't have the right size disposable diapers. Can you believe I sent my husband out to get them and didn't check what he got? We were folding and folding and folding those things to get them to fit.
I finally felt like I was starting to get it all together just a little at about three months. I was glad I was prepared for that. :)
I also wanted to add that during my induction I had nubain (sp) which is not the same as an epidural and it gave just the right edge off of the contrax. I wasnted a completely natural birth but with my induction the contrax were never further than 2 mins apart from the beginning. The nubain allowed me to relax and re-focus.
Also, I remember at one point I prayed out to God for some help - and it was really neat - it was about 2 am and my mom and husband were both there, both dozed off and I literally sat in a rocking chair and had NO pain from contrax for 30 mins. I watched the monitor, I was hving them but it was like God just gave me a breather.
you will do GREAT!!! The second birth is always easier, according to my OB as the passage has been tested. Your body has been through this and will do fantastic!
You will be covered in prayer! But, I do recommend the nubain or stadol if you want about an hour of taking the edge off....
All the best wishes to you for willing to make your childbirth as natural as possible. For natural labor induction and labor pain relief MATERNITY ACUPRESSURE is wonderful.
Before my second child arrived just 27 months after the first one, I had purchased some small little toys and books and wrapped them, putting them up on a shelf in my closet. That was for my son to open and enjoy whenever someone brought over a gift for the baby and not for him...also on some hard days, when things were going rough, to give him some pleasure. Also, being the 2nd one came the first part of February, I had had my parents get him a rocky horse for the Christmas prior and set it aside...so that was brought out the night we brought the 2nd home...and he hardly even noticed her presence for his excitement over the new toy. I never saw any jealousy at all in him towards his younger sister...ever. Also, I got a doll and had my mother-in-law make some clothes, diapers, etc for it...and he would change his doll alongside my changing his sister. (I do not see a problem with a small boy having a doll like that...it did not wear dresses!!) By the way, today he is the most involved dad I have seen...his children have always been just fine with him whenever mom was gone someplace because when he is home, he has taken the primary care of them. Someone gave me these ideas and it worked for me. Hopefully your family could go out and get a few things for your daughter and get it ready for those days ahead. Plus as long as family are around, likely daughter will deal well with it all...it is when they go home and things are just you 4 that it will grow difficult perhaps...some days, not all.
Crystal,
I had a homebirth with my first and an semi-emergency induction with number 2 at 37 weeks with only 12 hours notice. Induction was different, but blessedly faster; that is one thing to look forward to. No pushing for three hours as I did with #1 (he also had a 15cm head and only weighed 7 pounds...).
Mine are 17 months apart, and they are best friends. My son (#1) has never been jealous. We let him "hold" and cuddle his little sister from the beginning even though she was a preemie and quite small. Reading to him and letting him sit by while she nursed was a great help.
Let others do the housework! I never had the blessing of help other than DH after mine were born. Use this provision from the Lord! Rest and enjoy the two blessing He has given you!
We will be praying!
We'll keep praying. :)
I noticed a few people mentioned having the new baby in a crib when Kathrynne first gets to see him/her... personally, I wanted my older child right there about as soon as possible! So for us, that meant that Yehoshua (20 months) came into the room when Eliyahu was about 3 minutes old. He was wet, lying on my tummy, and covered in an old towel. :) Maybe I'm weird, but I love the family closeness we had, and I didn't want to send my other child away (he was in the next room) for any longer than necessary (since 20-month-olds can be rather hyper... ;D)
Yehoshua had been excited for a long time (like I'm sure Kathrynne is!) and I think the biggest thing that helped was OUR (the parents') enthusiasm about how much he was going to LOVE being a big brother, and how important his help was, etc... I made sure to find LOTS of little jobs for Yehoshua to do (throwing things away, taking dirty clothes to the laundry basket, etc.) so that while I was changing a diaper or doing something with the new baby, he knew he needed to be right there to do "his jobs". :) Move the trash can extra far away, if you have to... keeps them running longer. ;)
Also, we read books while nursing, as soon as I could nurse with one hand and hold a book in the other. :)
And thankfully, my second baby slept a lot more than my first ever did, so there was still "mommy time" for my oldest, where he got to be my "helper" during naps.
Having a second baby was easier than I had expected, but I had been expecting "the worst", a fussy, sleepless baby. I think having two was about the same (as far as difficulty) as having just one... though there were many times that I thought, "Wow, if my first baby had been like this, things would have been sooooo easy!" :) I guess I was thankful that my babies weren't born in the opposite order, or I would have been in for a real shock. ;) With Kathrynne's energy level, you should be able to handle anything. :D
Dd was born at home and ds (who was 25 months) was in the house until the last hour, when my mother took him over to the neighbour's. When he came back (an hour after the birth), I made sure that the baby was being held by dh in the lounge and I opened the door to ds and told him that he could have the big cuddle that hadn't been possible at the end of the pregnancy due to my big tummy. We then went to have a look at his sister.
I had a present from the new baby for ds, which I left at the bottom of her crib next to my bed, so when ds came in the next morning and saw that the baby was in Mummy and Daddy's room, he also saw that there was something for him from his sister.
The other thing I found useful was having a supply of new sticker books, crayons, and some new stories for us to do together on the sofa whilst I was feeding dd.
Friends and family were great at saying hello to/making a fuss of ds before looking at the new baby. As a result, most of the time, ds was the one who wanted to introduce everyone to his little sister.
I introduced a system of a cardboard tube from a kitchen towel roll. Anything that fitted inside the tube was too small to go anywhere near the baby. This worked well with two-year-old ds who didn't really understand why some things were too small, but understood the concept of what fitted inside the tube and what didn't.
I involved ds in as much as possible. He fetched nappies and wipes. Washed his sister's feet when she was having her bath. Little things that made him feel important.
So far - praise the Lord - there has been no jealousy, but I'm still learning on the job and my two are 4 and 2 now!
You and Jesse will do a great job as parents to two little blessings, Crystal, and Kathrynne will be a fantastic big sister.
God bless.
First of all, I am so thankful that God has graciously answered so many prayers and trust that He will continue to keep you and this new little life safe and healthy.
I have two little girls that are 21 months apart. When we brought the second one home, we had transitioned the older one to her own twin bed. We gave her a baby doll when we got home from the hospital so she could take care of it the way I was taking care of the baby - this was a tradition started by my grandma when she brought my aunt home and gave a doll to my Mom.
I tried to think of every way I could to not allow Emily (our oldest) to feel put out or replaced in any way - which was why we had already done the bed switch.
I allowed Emily to sit with me while I was nursing and could read stories to her during this time.
But, honestly - I think that the absolutely best things you can do are pray for a smooth transition, and show lots of love to both of your sweet ones. God will continue to give you His perfect wisdom in this area!
Crystal,
My mother was anemic during one of her pregnancies and her midwife had her start taking beet root powder mixed with orange juice. My mother drank it and it put her iron levels back at normal. The beet root powder is very high in iron, and the vitamin C in the orange juice helps your body to absorb the iron. An Iron deficiency is what cause you to be anemic, and your body needs a lot more Iron when your pregnant.
Our family has learned that if the undersides of your eye lids are not very pink it means your anemic. I sure hope this helps.
Daisy: Thanks for the input. When we found out I was very anemic a number of weeks ago, I was put on the maximum amount of all kinds of herbs and supplements which are supposed to boost iron. I also have been drinking preg. tea and red rasp. leaf tea since almost the beginning of the pregnancy, eating an iron-rich diet, and downing lots of blackstrap molasses. Oh and doing all this without taking any of it with calcium or caffeine (as both things hinder the body's assimilation of iron) and eating lots of Vit. C with all of this as this helps the body assimilate iron. I've pretty much done everything possible there is to do to boost iron levels all to no avail.(By the way, if anyone else is looking to boost your iron levels, I'd be happy to share everything my midwife and I have tried - it almost always works for everyone else, but not for me!).
This is one of the major reasons there is so much concern - because I had been doing all of those things and my body should have responded and my levels should have increased. Instead, they plummeted. My midwife and the doctors and every other health person I've consulted is pretty baffled by why my body wouldn't in anyway respond to all of this. And this was one of the major reasons they were sure I had some sort of blood disease, etc. However, I seem to be healthy as a lark in all areas but the anemia. In one of the tests, something came back which made it appear that my body cannot assimilate iron and no matter how much iron is pumped into me, it won't make any difference. Very strange, eh?
A few weeks after I have the baby, I'm supposed to go in and do some testing with the hematologist so that we can confirm whatever is going on in my body is indeed pregnancy-related. I'm pretty positive it must be and I can't tell you how anxious I am to have at least a bit of normal energy again!
Crystal, I'm so happy everything is going well. I don't have much to add to what has already been said. Just take care of yourself!
Praying for you along with all your blogging friends.
My best advice for the transition from one to two is just keep telling Kathrynne that you love her and that her baby sister/brother is going to love her so much too.
Sometimes when baby is asleep use that time to sit and read a story together (or whatever other quiet restful games Kathrynne likes to do). If you can get Kathrynne to nap at the same time as the baby you should get a nap too. All but the most essential household chores can wait...something I found hard but it's a lesson I needed to learn.
I'd echo the freezer meals suggestion if you can. Accept ALL offers of help. Rest more than you think you need to. Drink lots and lots of water. Eat bananas, athletes eat them to replace the potassium lost during the exercise and through sweat, it is good to replace potassium when you have been dehydrated too.
Potassium maintains the water and acid balance in blood and tissue cells, assists in muscle building, and transmits electrical signals between cells and nerves (taken from health food site).
I got this too off a friend's blog: Bananas are a good source of the amino acid tryptophan a substance used by the brain to make serotonin. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that helps initiate sleep and balance mood. And there's more, bananas are also rich in vitamin B6. Serotonin can only be made by the brain when B6 is present and we can only get B6 from our diet. Vitamin B6 is also essential to the manufacture of another sleep inducing and brain balancing neurotransmitter called GABA! (off homemakershaven.blogspot.com)
I know I sound like a bananas salesman! LOL but they really are a great food for post pregnancy energy restoration, and in the early days when the mother only gets a few hours sleep at a time it could help you to get some quality sleep even if it is only for short periods :)
OK enough about bananas!
I'll be praying that all goes well. My second little on was born at 36 weeks and my first at 38 weeks they were both very healthy.
Blessings.
Thanks for the update-took me two times to read your post and comprehend it all-slow brain.How neat to read how God kept you and the baby healthy.Enjoy your help while you can-trusat me one day you will be helping somebody and remember how it was to have the extra help.
Willbe prayinf for the person who does your laundry!
I've been reading every entry since you were admitted to the hospital and have been praying for baby and you and your family. But hadn't had a chance to comment until now and tell you how much you have been on my mind and heart. So glad that your baby is doing well despite the scare! And I hope that things for you will continue to improve and the baby will be able to go to full term. The Lord watch over and keep you in these next few weeks and I hope the delivery is problem free. And hopefully it will work out for your mom and 2 sisters to attend the birth. I attended several of my sibling's births and it was an awesome experience! Btw, I think you are going to have a boy. ;)
~jaclynn
Crystal,
I always enjoy your blog and have been encouraged by your positive, accepting attitude through all this. I have also been particularly blessed by reading the comments on this and your previous post, both for the positive birth stories the suggestions on helping with the transition from 1 to 2 children.
I planned a natural, birth-center birth with my son, but ended up induced with a forcepts delivery. My son, now 22 months, nursed well for 14 months and is just as much of a blessing to me as if I had been able to have him "naturally." Before I had my son, I seemed to only hear the horror stories about induction, epidurals, c-sections, etc. so I was scared of them all. The bottom line I came to realize after several unexpected interventions is that God is in control no matter what and that, while I would still prefer to avoid such things, both my and baby's health are worth it if they are necessary.
You mentioned wanting to avoid a transfusion if at all possible. I'm 100% with you on that. Something I learned this time that I never knew before is that at many hospitals a friend or relative with your blood type can donate blood a week or so ahead of time to be held in reserve for if you need it. That way if you do need a transfusion, the blood is from someone you know, not from a stranger. If you don't need it, then after you are released, someone else can use it. If you are interested, you can check with the blood bank at the hospital where you will deliver to see if this is an option. I was told that while my hospital won't guarantee that I get my donor's blood (in an emergency they may not have time to locate it specifically), they will try to accomodate this request. I hope that helps!
Crystal,
This is just a thought, but have you ever been checked for Celiac Disease. I'm asking the question because of your anemia and blood issues.
My step-mother and I both have it, but she has very severe anemia because it went undiagnosed for years.
It's just something I thought you could pass to your hematologist, since they are drawing blood anyway.
Crystal-Delurking to offer some practical advice. I went from 2 DDs to 3 almost 5 years ago, but that last birth was a c-section 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Don't worry, I won't offer details, just setting up the situation. Have plenty of diapers (cloth or disposable) on hand, as well as wipes or washcloths. Also, tons of onesies-more tahn you think-and blankets. And laundry detergent. Let people help. When they ask what they can do, don't be afraid to ask them to do laundry or bring food. When they ask what you need, TELL THEM. I specifically asked for newborn-sized clothing with DD3 because she was so small compared to her siblings. The usual 0-3 and 3-6mo sizes were so big as to comical! She grew quickly, though! The nursing basket is great. Small gifts for Kathrynne are a good idea. Don't worry if she seems to gravitate more to her dad for a while. Use it! And let her help. She will getr a huge kick out of being Mommy's "Big Girl" and getting to bring you a diaper, or letting her "read" to the baby. She may revert to wanting to nurse once she sees Baby. Normal, but talk her out of it and tell her babies don't get to eat chicken or peanut butter or wahtever her fave food is at the moment! Above all, ENJOY this time. It won't happen again and will seem very precious when you look back.
In Him
Megan
After reading these comments and your response to them, I took a look at our bottle of blackstrap molasses, curious to remind myself of how much iron it provides. Something that seemed rather amusing to me was that while the recommended serving provides 20% iron, it also provides 20% calcium, which from what people have been saying would probably negate the postitive effects of the iron....?
When it comes to being prepared for the baby, all I can say is to make up a list of the things that you know you'll need, the things you think you'll need and be sure to get everything gathered up sooner rather than later. That way you won't be rushed at the end. Our 4th is due in less than 4 weeks and I have already begun a list of 'things to buy', another of 'things to have on hand for the baby', another of 'things to take to the hospital for myself and baby' and another of 'things to do at the last minute'. While most of this is something that your family can help you with, we aren't going to have any extra help - neither of our families live close enough to come. Having those lists is just one way that I can make the last minute preparations go more quickly and smoothly - and they will also be well thought out before I need to refer to them and thus prevent me from wondering 'what do I need to do before I go?'
As for the issue of dealing with an older sibling accepting a younger, I can't really give any 'advice' on what to do to make this easier. We really didn't need to do anything. Our treatment of and love for our oldest never changed with the new addition and he never felt left out or neglected. In thinking about it, it seems to me that a child who is taught discipline, respect, etc, and who is not spoiled by being treated as though they are the center of the universe will more readily accept having to share his or her parents with another child. As I have already said, we didn't have any trouble at all, with the oldest or the second child as we brought the new baby home. We have always spoken of the new baby as being 'our' baby, including the older children in the 'our' and when #3 was born, for a very long time the older children called him 'my baby'.
The way I see it is this is just another situation where the child has to learn how to share. True, it seems entirely different to share ones parents than it does to share a toy or food, but is it really?
For yourself, although it might seem a daunting task to have two children to take care of, just remember - you've done this before. You may never have had two children before, but this isn't your first time to be a mom and with the experience of #1 behind you, it is so much easier to care for #2!
Enjoy your rest, the help and your family.
Crystal,
It's so wonderful that you've found peace in the change in your birth plans.
I went through a similar experience when my daughter was born in 2005 - we had planned a peaceful home birth, and complications required an urgent transfer to the hospital in intense labor (and pain!). We were blessed that our midwife's backup doctor (a Christian) was at the hospital, and allowed us to work through it rather than calling for the "obvious" C-section.
God is with us, even when we're too distracted to realize it. ;)
We'll definately be praying for you!
- Tiffany
http://www.TiffanyBlitz.com/blog
Hi Crystal,
You have been in my prayers, and I just wanted to encourage you with Jeremiah 29:11-13. I am a doula and childbirth educator, and wanted to tell you about something that many midwives I know recommend for their mamas with anemia. It is a liquid called Floradix, and can be picked up at health food stores. You might want to ask your midwife if it would be a help to you.
One thing that I did when I had another child (mine are 18, 16, 11, and 9 now) is that I had a special basket of stories, puzzles, wholesome videos, coloring pages/stickers, that could be brought out only when mommy was feeding the new baby. I also made sure I had a sippy cup with juice and water available within reach, so that my 2 year old could help himself to a drink. It seemed my oldest always needed a snack or drink when I sat down to nurse the baby. :-) I also took a muffin tin and filled each spot with things like cheese cubes, goldfish crackers, etc. and would sit it out where he could reach it just before I started a nursing session. This made him much more independent. He also loved being the helper, bringing me diapers, etc.
Taking time now to freeze an extra casserole or batch of soup, and even investing in inexpensive paper plates/bowls/cups and utensils to cut down on the amount of dishes can be a real blessing later.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
Blessings!
Hi Crystal,
I will pray that you go into labor on your own (late enough to give the baby as much time possible and early enough that you don't have be induced).
Now for the unsolicited advise:
If you do have to be induced and end up needing to use the Pitocin (my husband calls it "The Liquid Devil") make sure they are closely monitoring you. If the contractions get too intense, tell them to turn it off for a little while to give you a break and see what your body will do on it's own.
Know that you can make it through induction without pain medication.
I, personally, had a traumatizing experience being induced, but by God's grace was able to make it through without the aid of pain medication. It would have been more bearable for me if they had closely monitored me and shut off the pitocin.
I can understand your desire to do it naturally since ultimately that's the best thing for the baby; however, I thank the Lord that we live in a country where pain medication is available for use when it is necessary.
I will pray for wisdom and discernment for you and your husband as well as protection for you and your baby.
God Bless You,
Mary Beth
ps- I have enjoyed reading your blog from time to time.
I know--it's so difficult to accept people coming in and doing laundry or cleaning. :-) It's hard to lie helplessly on the couch and watch everyone else doing your normal jobs and feeling like YOU should be doing it youself. In the long run it will help you to be able to rest up as much as possible in preparation for the fast approaching birth. Plus you will get to spend more one on one time with Kathrynne.
Don't worry about being induced. Yes, it is intense and the contractions start coming pretty soon after the process is started, but I think with it being your second delivery it will be easier for you to handle. I've been induced a couple times now and everything went fine. With one of my births I did take some pain relief through an IV so that I could avoid a needle, and that worked great. I could still feel every pang, but it took a bit of the sharpness away so that I could catch my breath between contractions and prepare myself for the final stage and pushing. The second time around, I agreed to have the doctor manually break my water, and I must say, it really sped things up! My baby was born about 20 minutes later, and this was after being stuck at 5 centimeters for a few hours. :-)
I'm glad that you are open to change surrounding the whole birth process. Each birth is a little different than the prior one and you just never can anticipate all the twists and turns that could arise. While I'm all for having a birth plan of sorts and educating yourself so that you know what you would like to avoid, it's also good to balance that with flexibility. I'm praying earnestly for everyone involved and am looking forward to reading all about your wonderful birth experience and your new little bundle. It seems like I was just reading your pregnancy announcement and now here you are in the final week or two! :-)
Thanks, Anonymous, I've actually been on Floradix ever since we found out I was anemic some weeks back - been on that along with Yellow Dock, Chlorophyll, Folic Acid, and of course, prenantals, high iron diet, blackstrap, pregnancy tea, red rasp leaf tea, etc. I always try to do things naturally - whenever possible. And we did everything we could to try and boost my levels naturally but all to no avail. For some reason, my body just doesn't seem to want to be absorbing iron. No one is sure why, but the levels I'm hovering at are not good at all for me or baby and if they drop anymore would be very bad. Which is the only reason I've consented to an induction - something my midwife thinks would be best as well. It's not at all my first choice, but in the given situation, it is what we feel is the best choice.
Even though I am all for natural birth and have attempted to have that two times in a row now :-), it is such a blessing to have experienced medical help when unexpected circumstances arise. I had no real problems during my pregnancies, aside from five months of morning sickness and perpetual fatigue, that is. :-) I had hospital births both times and had various unforseen things happen such as stalled labor, baby's heart rate rapidly dropping, me hyperventilating and needing oxygen, extremely low amniotic fluid, etc. etc. that required some intervention. They honestly weren't the births I had planned in my mind or on paper, but God worked in really amazing ways and I learned so much about faith, His sovereignity, letting go and just giving my baby over to Him. Like you said, in the end all that matters is a healthy baby anyway! I was really encouraged reading your latest posts about your birth plans changing and how positive and joyful you are in spite of things going awry. Keep pressing on--you're almost there now!
I don't know if you saw my post, but I'd like to encourage you to be checked for Celiac Disease.
Celiac Disease is the body's inability to digest gluten. The gluten attacks the lining of the intestines, the "celia", or microscopic hairs that line the intestine. Symptoms can range from cramping, loose stools, and weight loss to pervasive anemia, which, overtime, can become very severe requiring intrevenious iron transfusions.
If your body is not absorbing the iron, this might be the reason. As I said in my previous post, my stepmother has it and it has become so severe that her hematacrit is 3. 16 is considered critical, but her's is almost non-exisitant. Because of this her body is not making anymore blood which in turn, affects her heart.
All it takes is a simple blood test - they check the IgG and IgE antibodies, but it may also require a biopsy down the line.
I was induced at two days overdue with my first child. I live in Australia, and they started by inserting the Cervidal the night before the birth. I started contracting during the night and early the next morning they came in and broke my waters. I didn't need to have Pitocin because I was progressing and my midwife was dead set on keeping things as natural as possible. I was desperate for a waterbirth and I was able to get in the tub two hours before. It helped out with the pain so much!! I gave birth to my daughter in the tub and was the first one to see her or touch her. It was amazing! I'm hoping wih #2 (I'm newly pregnant) I can have a completely natural birth but only because I'd like to see what the difference is. I would be happy to be induced again if it was necessary.
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