Monday, March 27, 2006
Another pair of arms
Today one of the women from my book club came over to help me out. It was wonderful. She held Molly while I was able to shower, clean the bathroom, eat, and generally just feel human. Not only that, she showed up with flowers and food for me...I am a lucky, lucky woman to find myself surrounded by such generous, thoughtful people.
Today the pain in my nipples is also finally starting to lessen. Now I just wince and hold my breath while Molly latches instead of whimpering, grimacing and swearing...a definite improvement.
Most importantly, today Molly is one month old! I had hoped to get her hand and foot prints done tonight but that seems like a lot of work right now and I'm pretty tired so I think it's going to have to wait.
Today the pain in my nipples is also finally starting to lessen. Now I just wince and hold my breath while Molly latches instead of whimpering, grimacing and swearing...a definite improvement.
Most importantly, today Molly is one month old! I had hoped to get her hand and foot prints done tonight but that seems like a lot of work right now and I'm pretty tired so I think it's going to have to wait.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
The Doula's Account
One of the great things about hiring a doula is getting their account of the birth. Since I still can't bring myself to write my version...this will have to do for now.
The Birth of Molly Flatters
As told by doulas Tania Dufault and Jennifer Ferleykos
On the day you were born the world was covered in a blanket of white snow. The sky was clear and the sun shone with all its might. Your mother had been having contractions since the day before but was doing well ignoring and coping with them. She went to a party that evening with your dad and their friends didn’t even notice that she was in labour. Your parents laughed about their little secret. Your dad went to sleep that night and your mom tried but she was up off and on. When your mom was awake she paced and cooked, paced and rocked and waited. I guess the pacing turned into a circling type of pacing which only worked well in the clockwise direction.
Your dad woke up around 5 am and came down to see your mother walking around and around in a big circle in the living room. Both your parents could see that these contractions were not going to stop. Your mom phoned me at 8am on February 27th to tell me that she was pretty sure she was in labour. She was still talking through contractions and coping well. The intensity of the contractions had definitely increased but your parents decided they would visit their doctor for your mom’s scheduled appointment at 11:30am. Your mom waited in the car while your dad went up and said to Dr. Oyebanji that his wife was in labour in the car and would stay there until she could be seen immediately. When Dr. Dr. Oyebanji examined your mom she said “I think it is going to be a couple more days.” Your mom just about lost it right there in the office. Quickly the doctor saw that her joke wasn’t very funny and told your mother the good news that she was already 4 cms dilated. The doctor told your mom that she could go home and come to the hospital in a couple of hours or stay at home as long as she wanted with the doula (that’s me) present.
Your mom was comfortable at home and I arrived around 1:20 pm to support your parents. Your mom and dad were slow dancing through contractions in the living room. Your mom was making a low moaning sound during contractions and coping well. It didn’t take long to get into a routine. Your dad gave your mom lots of hugs and verbal support. I massaged her back and did some counter pressure on her sacrum. We all went upstairs around two o’clock and your mom sat on the couch with a hot magic bag on her lower back and around her neck. Eventually, your mom started feeling tired and lay down on her side to rest. She lay on the couch and slept between contractions. She had a hot magic bag on her back to help with the back pain. We flipped your mom to the other side for a while. At 4:45pm she got up and went to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, your mom started a mantra and shaking her head from side to side. “Open, open, open....”, she repeated over and over. I had her try hanging from the door which only worked for one contraction and according to your mom was incredibly painful. She started pacing in the sunshine in your parents room. I encouraged her to try a squat which she did and got an incredibly shocked expression on her face while doing it. She got up and said that it hurt way too much. It was shortly after when she started saying, “Water, water, water....!!!”. Your dad hurried to her assistance with a glass of water but what your mom was telling us was that her water had broken. The time was now 5:15pm.
Contractions really picked up at this point. They were coming every 2 minutes and lasting at least 90 seconds. Your mom wasn’t really getting a break at all. My partner Jennifer arrived at 5:30pm to relieve me. Unfortunately, I had to teach a prenatal class and was going to miss all the fun. Your mom was holding us out at arms length and we couldn’t touch her because things were so intense. Jennifer and I helped your mother down the stairs and with a few moments of saying, “Dana look at me” she was able to concentrate enough to get ready to go to the hospital. It took a while to get to the car because your mom was having so many contractions. It was about 6:00pm when she was ready to go out the door. Your mother said she was scared of the car ride but with a few encouraging words she quickly refocused. I had to say goodbye as your mom slowly got into the car with Jennifer and your dad. I followed your parents’ car to the hospital and was able to give your dad thumbs up through the car window as they turned onto the hospital road. Jennifer was in the car with them and your dad was waving at me and grinning from ear to ear......Tania.
Your mom was nervous about how she would do in the car ride, but she was amazing. She kept her focus and stayed in the ‘zone’. When we got to the hospital at around 6:25pm, I helped your mom get up to the labor and delivery floor while your dad parked the car. The nurses gave your mom a delivery room right away since they could tell that she was really close to having her baby. They were right, because once they checked her, the nurse told her she could start pushing. Your mom tried a variety of different positions for pushing as she got used to the new sensations of what this was all about. Dr. Dr. Oyebanji was scheduled to end her shift at the hospital but because your mom liked Dr. Oyebanji so much, she decided she would stay for your birth. Dr. Oyebanji had a sense of humor just like your mom.
When we started to see a bit of your head emerging, everyone got excited to see that things were getting really close. The doctor turned around to make a phone call and the nurse was charting some stuff down and your dad I were supporting your mom in her efforts to birth you. Normally babies take about 10-30 minutes to be born at this point, but you decided to make an entrance!! All of a sudden ~ there was your whole head! I called the doctor right away and encouraged your mom to take short ‘huffing’ breathes to slow down your entrance. The only panic in the room was the doctor and nurse trying to quickly get gloves on! While this was happening, you and your mom slowly birthed you.
It was beautiful to watch. There you were lying on the bed while the doctor was still fighting to get her gloves on. I told your mom to open her eyes and look down so she could see you. I gently took her hand and told her to go ahead and touch her baby. It was wonderful to watch your mom be the first one to touch you. I’m pretty sure your dad also touched your foot that was sticking up in the air. Usually, the doctors and nurses touch the babies first, so I think it was fantastic that you were touched first by those who love you.
Through tears of joy, your parents pulled you up onto your mother’s chest and held you as they welcomed you into this world. I grabbed their camera and started taking some pictures for you to reflect on as you grow up. Your dad’s mom (your Grandma) was at the hospital and came in for a quick peak to meet you and wish you and your parents well before she went home.
After spending some really great skin to skin time with your mom, (including breastfeeding) she had to leave you for a short time to go into the operating room to get some stitches as a result of your quick birth. You and your dad had some special cuddling time while your mom was busy.
When we returned to the room, Tania had also returned from her class teaching. We all took a few moments to reflect on your birth and watched you get weighed. It was then time for your doulas to leave. It is very special to be a part of someone’s birth, however, I will always remember your birth and how beautiful it was to watch your unassisted entry into this world.…Jennifer.
Molly Rose Corkey Flatters
Born on February 27th, 2006
At 7:27pm
Weighing 6lbs 8ozs
The Birth of Molly Flatters
As told by doulas Tania Dufault and Jennifer Ferleykos
On the day you were born the world was covered in a blanket of white snow. The sky was clear and the sun shone with all its might. Your mother had been having contractions since the day before but was doing well ignoring and coping with them. She went to a party that evening with your dad and their friends didn’t even notice that she was in labour. Your parents laughed about their little secret. Your dad went to sleep that night and your mom tried but she was up off and on. When your mom was awake she paced and cooked, paced and rocked and waited. I guess the pacing turned into a circling type of pacing which only worked well in the clockwise direction.
Your dad woke up around 5 am and came down to see your mother walking around and around in a big circle in the living room. Both your parents could see that these contractions were not going to stop. Your mom phoned me at 8am on February 27th to tell me that she was pretty sure she was in labour. She was still talking through contractions and coping well. The intensity of the contractions had definitely increased but your parents decided they would visit their doctor for your mom’s scheduled appointment at 11:30am. Your mom waited in the car while your dad went up and said to Dr. Oyebanji that his wife was in labour in the car and would stay there until she could be seen immediately. When Dr. Dr. Oyebanji examined your mom she said “I think it is going to be a couple more days.” Your mom just about lost it right there in the office. Quickly the doctor saw that her joke wasn’t very funny and told your mother the good news that she was already 4 cms dilated. The doctor told your mom that she could go home and come to the hospital in a couple of hours or stay at home as long as she wanted with the doula (that’s me) present.
Your mom was comfortable at home and I arrived around 1:20 pm to support your parents. Your mom and dad were slow dancing through contractions in the living room. Your mom was making a low moaning sound during contractions and coping well. It didn’t take long to get into a routine. Your dad gave your mom lots of hugs and verbal support. I massaged her back and did some counter pressure on her sacrum. We all went upstairs around two o’clock and your mom sat on the couch with a hot magic bag on her lower back and around her neck. Eventually, your mom started feeling tired and lay down on her side to rest. She lay on the couch and slept between contractions. She had a hot magic bag on her back to help with the back pain. We flipped your mom to the other side for a while. At 4:45pm she got up and went to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, your mom started a mantra and shaking her head from side to side. “Open, open, open....”, she repeated over and over. I had her try hanging from the door which only worked for one contraction and according to your mom was incredibly painful. She started pacing in the sunshine in your parents room. I encouraged her to try a squat which she did and got an incredibly shocked expression on her face while doing it. She got up and said that it hurt way too much. It was shortly after when she started saying, “Water, water, water....!!!”. Your dad hurried to her assistance with a glass of water but what your mom was telling us was that her water had broken. The time was now 5:15pm.
Contractions really picked up at this point. They were coming every 2 minutes and lasting at least 90 seconds. Your mom wasn’t really getting a break at all. My partner Jennifer arrived at 5:30pm to relieve me. Unfortunately, I had to teach a prenatal class and was going to miss all the fun. Your mom was holding us out at arms length and we couldn’t touch her because things were so intense. Jennifer and I helped your mother down the stairs and with a few moments of saying, “Dana look at me” she was able to concentrate enough to get ready to go to the hospital. It took a while to get to the car because your mom was having so many contractions. It was about 6:00pm when she was ready to go out the door. Your mother said she was scared of the car ride but with a few encouraging words she quickly refocused. I had to say goodbye as your mom slowly got into the car with Jennifer and your dad. I followed your parents’ car to the hospital and was able to give your dad thumbs up through the car window as they turned onto the hospital road. Jennifer was in the car with them and your dad was waving at me and grinning from ear to ear......Tania.
Your mom was nervous about how she would do in the car ride, but she was amazing. She kept her focus and stayed in the ‘zone’. When we got to the hospital at around 6:25pm, I helped your mom get up to the labor and delivery floor while your dad parked the car. The nurses gave your mom a delivery room right away since they could tell that she was really close to having her baby. They were right, because once they checked her, the nurse told her she could start pushing. Your mom tried a variety of different positions for pushing as she got used to the new sensations of what this was all about. Dr. Dr. Oyebanji was scheduled to end her shift at the hospital but because your mom liked Dr. Oyebanji so much, she decided she would stay for your birth. Dr. Oyebanji had a sense of humor just like your mom.
When we started to see a bit of your head emerging, everyone got excited to see that things were getting really close. The doctor turned around to make a phone call and the nurse was charting some stuff down and your dad I were supporting your mom in her efforts to birth you. Normally babies take about 10-30 minutes to be born at this point, but you decided to make an entrance!! All of a sudden ~ there was your whole head! I called the doctor right away and encouraged your mom to take short ‘huffing’ breathes to slow down your entrance. The only panic in the room was the doctor and nurse trying to quickly get gloves on! While this was happening, you and your mom slowly birthed you.
It was beautiful to watch. There you were lying on the bed while the doctor was still fighting to get her gloves on. I told your mom to open her eyes and look down so she could see you. I gently took her hand and told her to go ahead and touch her baby. It was wonderful to watch your mom be the first one to touch you. I’m pretty sure your dad also touched your foot that was sticking up in the air. Usually, the doctors and nurses touch the babies first, so I think it was fantastic that you were touched first by those who love you.
Through tears of joy, your parents pulled you up onto your mother’s chest and held you as they welcomed you into this world. I grabbed their camera and started taking some pictures for you to reflect on as you grow up. Your dad’s mom (your Grandma) was at the hospital and came in for a quick peak to meet you and wish you and your parents well before she went home.
After spending some really great skin to skin time with your mom, (including breastfeeding) she had to leave you for a short time to go into the operating room to get some stitches as a result of your quick birth. You and your dad had some special cuddling time while your mom was busy.
When we returned to the room, Tania had also returned from her class teaching. We all took a few moments to reflect on your birth and watched you get weighed. It was then time for your doulas to leave. It is very special to be a part of someone’s birth, however, I will always remember your birth and how beautiful it was to watch your unassisted entry into this world.…Jennifer.
Molly Rose Corkey Flatters
Born on February 27th, 2006
At 7:27pm
Weighing 6lbs 8ozs
Friday, March 24, 2006
I'm having a pity party and you're invited
Perhaps that's overstating things a bit but I'm feeling pretty down these days. After my appointment with the lactation consultant I was full of hope that feeding would stop being painful...days later things were still hurting A LOT so I went to the doctor today and it ends up I've got a yeast infection on both my breasts. Yes, a yeast infection on top of mastitis...life doesn't get much better than that!
But enough of that.
On to positive things...we think that Molly may actually be smiling for things other than gas. She smiles when she hears Noel's voice and when we sing certain songs. She's also started to notice objects (other than the elephant and the quilt) and be able to track their movement. She's pretty into the flying bear mobile that is on the pack'n play that Noel's family got for us...it buys me enough time to get a drink or pee occasionally.
She is 8 lbs now so at least all my boob issues aren't affecting her growth...or perhaps she'd be 10-15 lbs already if things were different!
I'm so happy it's the weekend. I don't think anyone can really appreciate the weekend until they have a baby and are totally housebound until their partner is home for a few days to help out.
But enough of that.
On to positive things...we think that Molly may actually be smiling for things other than gas. She smiles when she hears Noel's voice and when we sing certain songs. She's also started to notice objects (other than the elephant and the quilt) and be able to track their movement. She's pretty into the flying bear mobile that is on the pack'n play that Noel's family got for us...it buys me enough time to get a drink or pee occasionally.
She is 8 lbs now so at least all my boob issues aren't affecting her growth...or perhaps she'd be 10-15 lbs already if things were different!
I'm so happy it's the weekend. I don't think anyone can really appreciate the weekend until they have a baby and are totally housebound until their partner is home for a few days to help out.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Beware the spray
I finally did it this morning...I sprayed my baby with milk shooting (yes shooting) from my left nipple. I got her right in the nose. It made her cry. It made me laugh - especially after telling so many people (nurses, doctors, doulas) that my nipples just didn't spray when she pulled off. It seems like everyone I've been talking to lately thought nipple spray or lack thereof was the source of all my problems...I maintain that my problem is lack of consistent information but what do I know?!!!
On that front, I've finally made a bit of progress. Yesterday Molly and I had our first outting alone to see a lactation consultant. Her name is Mary and she was wonderful. She is one of Calgary's health care nurses...I'd actually already talked to her on the phone the first day I was home from the hospital.
When we got to the community health centre it was totally time to feed and Molly was beside herself. Our appointment started in a whirlwind of positioning talk and trying to get her to latch properly. Ends up I'd been misaligning her - even in my tried and true cross cradle position. She also showed me how to do the football hold. Within minutes of our visit my right boob was feeling much less hard/sore. I could've believe it. It was like a miracle...much better than any antibiotics could ever be!
So the best news is that after talking to Mary about all the inconsistent information I've been getting she decided she would not only do a follow up call with me this week, she'd also let me come back next week for a follow up appointment.
I was on cloud nine when I finally figured out how to get home (pregnancy brain, no food, and extreme exhaustion not the best combination when driving). But like everything it was fleeting. Today I'm back in the world of self doubt and confusion. I have no idea if I'm doing the latches right. My nipples seem to be cracking but I think that's more to do with my own attempts at the football hold a few days ago.
Thank you to all the other moms out there for emailing me with your support. It's good to hear that things will get better soon. I keep picturing this 6 week date as the land of milk and honey...paradise!! Bring it on. I could use a bit of paradise right now.
Off to clean up a dirty diaper.
On that front, I've finally made a bit of progress. Yesterday Molly and I had our first outting alone to see a lactation consultant. Her name is Mary and she was wonderful. She is one of Calgary's health care nurses...I'd actually already talked to her on the phone the first day I was home from the hospital.
When we got to the community health centre it was totally time to feed and Molly was beside herself. Our appointment started in a whirlwind of positioning talk and trying to get her to latch properly. Ends up I'd been misaligning her - even in my tried and true cross cradle position. She also showed me how to do the football hold. Within minutes of our visit my right boob was feeling much less hard/sore. I could've believe it. It was like a miracle...much better than any antibiotics could ever be!
So the best news is that after talking to Mary about all the inconsistent information I've been getting she decided she would not only do a follow up call with me this week, she'd also let me come back next week for a follow up appointment.
I was on cloud nine when I finally figured out how to get home (pregnancy brain, no food, and extreme exhaustion not the best combination when driving). But like everything it was fleeting. Today I'm back in the world of self doubt and confusion. I have no idea if I'm doing the latches right. My nipples seem to be cracking but I think that's more to do with my own attempts at the football hold a few days ago.
Thank you to all the other moms out there for emailing me with your support. It's good to hear that things will get better soon. I keep picturing this 6 week date as the land of milk and honey...paradise!! Bring it on. I could use a bit of paradise right now.
Off to clean up a dirty diaper.
Monday, March 20, 2006
A minor setback
So much for having things figured out. I should've known I was speaking too soon.
This weekend...Saturday to be exact...I ended up in an after hour clinic at midnight trying to get a prescription to treat my MASTITIS. Yup, you read right folks...mastitis. Now almost everyone I know has gone through this painful ritual but that just doesn't make it any easier. Doctors and nurses telling me how great a mom I am isn't helping either.
Right now Molly is incredibly unhappy with the taste of my antibiotic filled breastmilk and full of gas (also a side effect) so she's fussy all the time. I have to do hot compresses before feeding and then use an electric breast pump after to try to fully drain my breasts. Feeds that were already taking 40-50 minutes from start to finish are now taking 1.5-2 hours. Luckily Molly is usually good for 3 hours so at least I have an hour to myself for sleep or showers or whatnot.
Noel and Mom have had to start helping me with all the feedings because I can't hold Molly and do the compresses, and drink enough, and eat, and pump both breasts all on my own. Supposedly I should be 'resting' as much as possible if I'm going to get over this infection...what kind of cruel joke is that???
My biggest rant right now is with the inconsistency of information I've received about both breast feeding and mastitis treatment. It seems the health care system is set up under the assumption that breastfeeding will go easily for new moms and so they don't bother to give any mastitis prevention information. Since developing this infection I've learned that I should've been doing breast checks after each feed to see if I had any 'lumps' or semi-blocked ducts. Then I would've been able to massage out the block and avoid infection. I've also learned that it's probably best to rotate between different breastfeeding positions (I was only shown one in the hospital) so that the baby is access all the areas around the breasts. I've also learned that I should be massaging my breasts in the shower to help with my 'let down'...I've also finally been shown what 'let down' is.
This all seems like pretty basic information that would've been pretty damn helpful in avoiding this horrible, painful condition.
That all being said, the antibiotics are now kicking in. The swelling, and redness are gone. And I've learned a lot! The 2 biggest thing I've learned is...
1. You have to think of questions and be proactive when it comes to postpartum care
2. Life for a newborn mom is hell for the first 6 weeks (6 WEEKS!!! At least we're halfway there)
In terms of Molly's development...
I read on the internet today that babies usually don't lift and turn their heads until they're 1 month old. Molly was doing that around day 3 - no joke! Our baby ROCKS!
Time to feed again.
This weekend...Saturday to be exact...I ended up in an after hour clinic at midnight trying to get a prescription to treat my MASTITIS. Yup, you read right folks...mastitis. Now almost everyone I know has gone through this painful ritual but that just doesn't make it any easier. Doctors and nurses telling me how great a mom I am isn't helping either.
Right now Molly is incredibly unhappy with the taste of my antibiotic filled breastmilk and full of gas (also a side effect) so she's fussy all the time. I have to do hot compresses before feeding and then use an electric breast pump after to try to fully drain my breasts. Feeds that were already taking 40-50 minutes from start to finish are now taking 1.5-2 hours. Luckily Molly is usually good for 3 hours so at least I have an hour to myself for sleep or showers or whatnot.
Noel and Mom have had to start helping me with all the feedings because I can't hold Molly and do the compresses, and drink enough, and eat, and pump both breasts all on my own. Supposedly I should be 'resting' as much as possible if I'm going to get over this infection...what kind of cruel joke is that???
My biggest rant right now is with the inconsistency of information I've received about both breast feeding and mastitis treatment. It seems the health care system is set up under the assumption that breastfeeding will go easily for new moms and so they don't bother to give any mastitis prevention information. Since developing this infection I've learned that I should've been doing breast checks after each feed to see if I had any 'lumps' or semi-blocked ducts. Then I would've been able to massage out the block and avoid infection. I've also learned that it's probably best to rotate between different breastfeeding positions (I was only shown one in the hospital) so that the baby is access all the areas around the breasts. I've also learned that I should be massaging my breasts in the shower to help with my 'let down'...I've also finally been shown what 'let down' is.
This all seems like pretty basic information that would've been pretty damn helpful in avoiding this horrible, painful condition.
That all being said, the antibiotics are now kicking in. The swelling, and redness are gone. And I've learned a lot! The 2 biggest thing I've learned is...
1. You have to think of questions and be proactive when it comes to postpartum care
2. Life for a newborn mom is hell for the first 6 weeks (6 WEEKS!!! At least we're halfway there)
In terms of Molly's development...
I read on the internet today that babies usually don't lift and turn their heads until they're 1 month old. Molly was doing that around day 3 - no joke! Our baby ROCKS!
Time to feed again.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Day 18 - and we're finally figuring things out
Progress...finally!!!
Yesterday mom figured out how Molly likes to sleep and I got some decent rest in the afternoon.
Last night, I called one of my doulas to get the contact information for a lactation consultant and instead she came over to see Molly (she hadn't see her since the torpedo birth) and to see if she could see what was going on. Basically, I'd been having trouble with Molly's mount and dismount...both hurt A LOT - but the feed itself didn't hurt at all and I didn't have any nipple damage so I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. All I knew was that if Molly decided to try to take my nipple "to go" (where she would bite down and then hurl her head away from my breast in an attempt to dislodge my nipple permanently) one more time I was going to go insane. Turns out my laziness was the problem. I was allowing her to slip off because I wasn't holding her head or my breast consistently. I was also just pushing her head into my breast instead of bringing her whole body towards me.
So last night was our best night yet. Molly's feeding went to a 3 hour cycle instead of 2 or 1 hours so we both got some decent rest. She didn't fuss at all before going to sleep. She didn't squack or talk in her sleep. She fed efficiently, burped well, and didn't cause me any nipple pain at all. It's like the skies have opened up and golden light is shining down on us. Asking for help was the BEST thing I've ever done!
Now nothing in life is perfect...we're all of a sudden experiencing a poo deficit but I'm sure that won't last.
Yesterday mom figured out how Molly likes to sleep and I got some decent rest in the afternoon.
Last night, I called one of my doulas to get the contact information for a lactation consultant and instead she came over to see Molly (she hadn't see her since the torpedo birth) and to see if she could see what was going on. Basically, I'd been having trouble with Molly's mount and dismount...both hurt A LOT - but the feed itself didn't hurt at all and I didn't have any nipple damage so I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. All I knew was that if Molly decided to try to take my nipple "to go" (where she would bite down and then hurl her head away from my breast in an attempt to dislodge my nipple permanently) one more time I was going to go insane. Turns out my laziness was the problem. I was allowing her to slip off because I wasn't holding her head or my breast consistently. I was also just pushing her head into my breast instead of bringing her whole body towards me.
So last night was our best night yet. Molly's feeding went to a 3 hour cycle instead of 2 or 1 hours so we both got some decent rest. She didn't fuss at all before going to sleep. She didn't squack or talk in her sleep. She fed efficiently, burped well, and didn't cause me any nipple pain at all. It's like the skies have opened up and golden light is shining down on us. Asking for help was the BEST thing I've ever done!
Now nothing in life is perfect...we're all of a sudden experiencing a poo deficit but I'm sure that won't last.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
It could've been worse
I found out today that I got off easy with our little cluster-feed fiasco the other day. Supposedly they can last up to 3 days!! I don't know how people are expected to keep up that schedule without going insane. After only 12 hours, I was litterly a shivering, crying mess. The good news is that Molly is continuing to gain weight like a champ and it 'right on the curve' - whatever that means. Our doctor's appointments went well but I was so braindead by the time we got there that I can't remember what she weighed...hee hee oops! I think I'll bring paper with me next time so I can write it down.
Today mom watched her between feedings so that I could go out to the store. It was my first outting alone and it was very, very strange. Now that I talk to her all the time it's hard not to talk to myself in public. I found myself muttering away in the aisles of the grocery store - trying to remember why I was there and how to interact with people. It was nice to be out though so we went one step further after lunch and tried out the new stroller (new to us thanks to Margot!). It looked a bit dodgy at first with Molly really fussing but once we were rolling she settled in and went to sleep. I think a daily walk might be just what we both need to get on track.
She's just finished a record 4 hour nap thanks to my mom's wisdom. I got some much needed rest too. I can't begin to explain how helpful/wise/supportive my mom has been over the last few days. We're booking her trip home today and I can't imagine what we're going to do without her. I know we'll manage but it won't be nearly as fun.
Today mom watched her between feedings so that I could go out to the store. It was my first outting alone and it was very, very strange. Now that I talk to her all the time it's hard not to talk to myself in public. I found myself muttering away in the aisles of the grocery store - trying to remember why I was there and how to interact with people. It was nice to be out though so we went one step further after lunch and tried out the new stroller (new to us thanks to Margot!). It looked a bit dodgy at first with Molly really fussing but once we were rolling she settled in and went to sleep. I think a daily walk might be just what we both need to get on track.
She's just finished a record 4 hour nap thanks to my mom's wisdom. I got some much needed rest too. I can't begin to explain how helpful/wise/supportive my mom has been over the last few days. We're booking her trip home today and I can't imagine what we're going to do without her. I know we'll manage but it won't be nearly as fun.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Cluster Feeding SUCKS
I knew it was coming and I remember how hard it was the last time but man remembering and experiencing is two different things. Molly decided to feed every hour on the hour today. No joke. It takes about 30-40 minutes to feed/change her and then I had 20 whole minutes to myself before it started all again. Needless to say I'm drained (physically and mentally) and feeling pretty crappy right now. Luckily she seems to have slowed down a bit. It's been 2 hours since her last feed. Mom has been holding her so that I can relax and have a cup of tea. I really, really can't wait until she gets back on a 3 hour schedule. That seems like such a luxury to me now.
Because of the hourly schedule today I didn't make it to the grocery store. Our neighbour Melinda was nice enough to take mom for me and then mom spent the day cooking up a storm (no wonder she's Gramma Cookie). She's determined to fill our freezer so that we never have to cook again.
I think the ever-hungry Molly is waking up...the feedbag is back in action.
Because of the hourly schedule today I didn't make it to the grocery store. Our neighbour Melinda was nice enough to take mom for me and then mom spent the day cooking up a storm (no wonder she's Gramma Cookie). She's determined to fill our freezer so that we never have to cook again.
I think the ever-hungry Molly is waking up...the feedbag is back in action.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Where does the time go?
I can't believe that Molly is 2 weeks old already. On the other hand, I can't believe it's only been two weeks!
Noel went back to work today. Luckily mom is here to help me adjust. She's keeping me fed, helping me get some rest and generally just being the best Gram any baby could ask for. I feel like things are getting harder rather than easier. At this time last week I was wearing clothes and getting stuff done. Now I'm in PJs all the time, leaking all over myself and the baby, and just moving from one nap to another so that I can get though the nights. Molly is still on a 2 hour feeding schedule but luckily she has the odd shift of 4 hours...so good! Today I was actually able to clean the bathroom during one of these long naps. Supposely we're coming into another round of cluster feeding (where the baby wants to feed even more often) any day now...I can't say I'm looking forward to it. The last one (around day 3) nearly killed me.
Tomorrow we're going to try to go to the grocery store with mom. Just the thought of it fills me with fear. This will be my first outting with the baby without Noel and for some reason it seems really scary. When we're together I feel like we can handle anything but I'm still working on my confidence with Molly when I'm by myself.
At least now we have a better car seat...We bought Margot's second hand carseat/stroller on the weekend. Then Wednesday we're back to the doctor's. Hopefully I'll get good news on my stitches and I won't have to have any removed (YUCK!). I'm still surprised by how sore I get if I don't take tylenol regularly.
We gave Molly her first bath today. We decided to wait until her stump fell off (even though the nurse said we didn't have to). It went much better than we expected - no tears at all until after she was out of the warm/comforting water. I can't say I like baby towels though. They look cute but don't have much absorbancy or warmth. I think we'll probably just use real towels from now on.
Time for my nightly sitz bath - oh the glamourous life I lead!
Noel went back to work today. Luckily mom is here to help me adjust. She's keeping me fed, helping me get some rest and generally just being the best Gram any baby could ask for. I feel like things are getting harder rather than easier. At this time last week I was wearing clothes and getting stuff done. Now I'm in PJs all the time, leaking all over myself and the baby, and just moving from one nap to another so that I can get though the nights. Molly is still on a 2 hour feeding schedule but luckily she has the odd shift of 4 hours...so good! Today I was actually able to clean the bathroom during one of these long naps. Supposely we're coming into another round of cluster feeding (where the baby wants to feed even more often) any day now...I can't say I'm looking forward to it. The last one (around day 3) nearly killed me.
Tomorrow we're going to try to go to the grocery store with mom. Just the thought of it fills me with fear. This will be my first outting with the baby without Noel and for some reason it seems really scary. When we're together I feel like we can handle anything but I'm still working on my confidence with Molly when I'm by myself.
At least now we have a better car seat...We bought Margot's second hand carseat/stroller on the weekend. Then Wednesday we're back to the doctor's. Hopefully I'll get good news on my stitches and I won't have to have any removed (YUCK!). I'm still surprised by how sore I get if I don't take tylenol regularly.
We gave Molly her first bath today. We decided to wait until her stump fell off (even though the nurse said we didn't have to). It went much better than we expected - no tears at all until after she was out of the warm/comforting water. I can't say I like baby towels though. They look cute but don't have much absorbancy or warmth. I think we'll probably just use real towels from now on.
Time for my nightly sitz bath - oh the glamourous life I lead!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
8 Days old already!
Noel and Molly take give my hospital bed a try
Noel enjoying a crave cupcake from his mom
Molly at 7 days old trying out the jiggle chair
We had our second doctor's appointment today - man it's hard getting anywhere with a new baby - and Molly has not only gained back the weight she lost after birth...she's up 3/4 of a pound. I guess the frequent, long feeds are actually working.
I'm loving being home with Noel and Molly. I'm still pretty sore from the tearing but I'm managing well. We're slowly getting a handle on a feeding/sleeping schedule that seems to be working for all of us. Our first night at home and the next day were really, really hard but that's not surprising. Molly decided to cluster feed that night (feeding every1/1.5 hours) and I still wasn't used to our home set up. After days of feeding/changing in the hospital it was hard getting a new system up and running.
No matter how hard it gets it is still so incredibly wonderful. There isn't an hour that goes by that I'm not moved to tears at the thought of my new family or our future. Noel continues to be incredibly supportive and involved. I hope that he can continue to feel that he is a huge part of things once he returns to work. It'll be hard to see him go but at least my mom will be here then to help out.
I still plan on writing my side of Molly's birth story but it's still too huge and emotionally charged for me to do now. In the meantime I'll try to post pictures and keep people updated on what our new lives are becoming.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Molly Rose - 27 Feb, 6lbs 8 oz., 20.5"
Noel here on Dana's behalf. Dana and Molly are still in the hospital as the docs want to make sure that the tear she had has healed well enough for her to come home.
Rest assured, gentle reader, that Dana will post her own version of the birth experience, but in the meanwhile I'd invite you to check out my version of events and various photos of Mom and Molly Rose on my blog:
http://jitbag.blogspot.com
If you scroll down you'll find the entry I wrote and updated throughout labour.
Rest assured, gentle reader, that Dana will post her own version of the birth experience, but in the meanwhile I'd invite you to check out my version of events and various photos of Mom and Molly Rose on my blog:
http://jitbag.blogspot.com
If you scroll down you'll find the entry I wrote and updated throughout labour.
