Breastfeeding the second time around

So starting breastfeeding Evie was not easy. She would not latch. I had to try to latch her, using sugar water or formula and a syringe. Then feed her with a syringe. Then pump. It was a LONG process, and by the time I was done, everything cleaned for the next time, it was time to do it all over again. It sucked. She was starving since she was not eating enough. I would not have made it through it if it was not for Nick. He was a great support and so helpful in those first few days. Then we moved to a nipple shield, which let her latch, but I still pumped and supplemented with that. I believe we were off the shield around a month.

I was able to breastfeed Evie for 22 months. She decided when she was done. Loved it that way. Around a year we only nursed morning and night since I was DONE pumping at work.

Either it is because I am more confident, or my boobs are more prepared, or Julian is more willing, but nursing is going so much better this time around!

He latched right away in the delivery room! I am nursing on demand and not paying attention to the clock. I really think this helped my milk come in early. When we left the hospital (day 2 - monday birth wednesday left) my milk was already coming in! Was great. (Note: it may have helped that I was drinking Mom's Milk tea in the hospital). Funny - but the lactation consultants at the hospital were surprised about how well things were going. They said I was their easiest patient of the day!

Then I started to get engorged on Thursday. Wow this did not happen the first time around. It was painful. I iced my boobs after feeding. Took ibuprofen. And was generally uncomfortable. Friday (or maybe Thursday I don't remember) I went to Target to get soothies. My nipples were cracked. They both were bleeding. Julian was spitting up some digested blood from them. It was such a pretty picture. The soothies helped a lot.

Some of the issue I believe was that:
1 - was engorged
2 - was not using lanolin after every feeding
3 - was overproducing and his latch would lessen after the initial sucks

Monday I switched over from using soothies to using lilypadz and motherlove nipple cream. These are helping so much more. I was having an issue of some milk leaking out and drying on the breast pad/shirt/bra and having to pry my nipple off of it since it was stuck. Have not had this issue with the lilypadz!

I am leaking this time around, which did not happen with Evie. I want to get some bamboobies breast pads. Have been wanting to get some the past few days, but have not made it to babies r us (maybe today).

And here is a lovely picture of me breastfeeding Julian in the delivery room. Nothing is shown that should not be, and breastfeeding is lovely :)

For the past few days Julian's feeding schedule has been around 2-3 times at night (goes from 3-5 hours between feedings). Then continues 2-3 through the day. Cluster feeding starts around 4 and goes to 7. But then is done for a while! Yes I am currently getting sleep!

Introducing Julian Alexander

Julian Alexander was born Monday May 20 at 1:41 pm!

The morning started off normal. Woke up went to the bathroom, started to loose mucus plug (got excited). Was very excited, maybe things are starting on their own!

Got Evie ready for daycare (school). Dropped her off. Then we headed to the hospital to start the induction process!

Got there a tad after 7am. Went straight to our room and I put on a Johnny. Was a corner odd shaped room, but whatever. Sat in bed and they hooked me up to the monitors. Asked questions, filled out paper work (digital), signed (digital), and just got ready.

The OB came in, saw I was contracting some (they said it was about 3-5 minutes apart). At 7:40 am the OB broke my water and said she would see how that went before using pitocin. She noticed that there was a bit of meconium in the water, so he had to be monitored a bit more.

OK the water breaking was different than it was with Evie. The contractions started to get more painful. With Evie there was one big BIG gush. This one there was a gush, but not as big. And I kept trickling out fluid all day. Like got up and even though I was wearing a pad, it would gush onto the floor and down my leg. Awesome.

With the water broken, the contractions did get much more painful. Very quickly I had to concentrate through them.

At around 8 am they had to start an IV so I could get the IV antibiotics. The nurse warned me that my arm would feel it, and she was not kidding. Was a slight burning sensation, and uncomfortable. She gave me a warm blanket to put on my arm, and yes it did help a lot with the pain. Took a good 30 minutes or more to get the bag of antibiotics.

Sat in bed for a few, channel surfed. The nurse got me an exercise ball since I knew I would want to use it. Ordered breakfast (fruit, blueberry muffin, juice).

Got on the exercise ball and kind of watched tv. Was doing some hip movements I knew from dancing for birth class. Really helped me through each contraction. I loved that exercise ball. Did not want to walk, since the contractions were decently uncomfortable. Was nice not to be tethered to the monitors too. Every once and a while she would get a listen to the baby, but that was it.

Around 10 am I decided to get in the tub. The nurse started the water for me and got the tub nice and warm. She fluid locked the IV and I got into the tub. Nick brought in our bluetooth speaker and listened to music and just sat in the tub. It was not as good as I thought it would be. The tub was not deep enough. Did not use the jets, just was not feeling them. Tub at home would have been MUCH better. Stayed in the tub for a good hour I believe. Got out when she wanted to get a listen to the baby.

Got back on a Johnny and hoped into bed for the listen. Then got back onto the exercise ball. It was my place of choice this labor. I would like to say the contractions were 3 or less apart and lasting a decent amount of time. At noon they started a second bag of antibiotics, but this one had lidocaine in it so it was not painful at all. Was able to be on the ball with the IV stand. But still not hooked up to monitors!

At a bit before 1pm they were getting decently painful. Nick could tell I was getting close since he could tell the level of pain I was in. The nurse and I were curious how far I was, so I got into bed and she asked the doctor to come by once she was out of a c-section. Took a while, and laboring was HARD. She came in and I was a good 7cm. The nurse told me that 7-10 goes quickly.

Was trying not to get pain meds. But the contractions were one after another, and the time between there was a dull contraction. So a constant contraction that would increase in pain then decrease but not go away. Asked for Nubain around 1:10 and got it quickly. I felt it. At this point in labor it does not do much, but helped with the duller in between contractions pain level. Was uncomfortable in bed, but did not want to move. Was more comfy when I was on my side, but sat up during a contraction.

Around 1:20 I started involuntary pushing with each contraction. Wow could not control that and was really odd feeling. Nurse checked me and yep it was baby time! She went to find the OB. They were quite busy at that time so 2 of the OBs from the practice were there. The OB that was overseeing me was busy so another OB delivered (and I love her).

Started pushing at 1:30. Was a different feeling than pushing with Evie. Just felt like I had to push harder. And I knew I was pooping...haha... 3-4 pushes and his head was out. Took a break to gather my breath and then 1-2 more and his shoulders were delivered. 1:41 he was born!!! They kept him down there for a minute or two until the cord stopped pulsing then he came to me skin to skin. Amazing feeling. Immediately my heart grew. 8 lbs 3 oz 21 inches long!

Cuddled with him for a good 20 minutes while I delivered the placenta. I had to do some pushing to deliver it and my OB had to tug on the cord. OK that did feel odd feeling her tug on the cord. Took a while surprisingly. Then she started to stitch me up. A small second degree tear. She did a lot of 1-2 stitch cosmetic stitches. Like a lot.

They took him to get checked out. His temperature was a bit low so he came back to skin to skin and piled two warm blankets on us.

Interesting note - I did not shake at all after birth like I did with Evie. Maybe because I didn't have pitocin? Maybe because I didn't have as much IV fluid?

I ordered lunch and ate it with him on me. His temperature slowly started to climb. I got cleaned up and sat in the wheel chair. Then started to feel light headed. Sat with my head between my legs for a bit and slowly felt better. My blood pressure must have dropped when I got up.

We got wheeled to the Maternity area and settled into our room a bit before 3. He started nursing off great! Evie came and visited. She is fascinated with him!

She left that evening with her YiaYia and Papou. Nick stayed with me until 9 and headed home so Evie could have a normal morning. They stopped by the gift shop and Evie got him a little stuffed doggie that looks just like Luna! She was so proud of herself to get him a gift. We had breakfast together and she headed to daycare. Nick came back and hung out with us all day. He was an excellent nurser all day! Around 4 he headed out and got Evie and brought her home to do the normal after school stuff.

Was not bad being alone in the hospital. I sent him to the nursery at night so I could have a deep sleep. Was nice not to have to listen up for him. He was able to get his testing done, vital signs done, etc. I was able to shower before Nick came over in the morning. Yes sending him to the nursery was a great idea and they brought him back when it was time to eat!

We got discharged on Wednesday morning. Julian's weight was down to 7 lbs 12 oz. An expected weight loss.

So in love!

Induction Tomorrow!

Yep scheduled for tomorrow at 7am.

I am hoping it goes as fast as Evie's went. I am a little afraid of the pain again. I don't know why since I was able to handle it well with Evie's birth. Just jitters I guess.

Should be able to sleep tonight. The end is very close in sight.

I wonder if it will be quicker or longer than Evie's induction. I believe I am further dilated than I was with Evie, so that is beneficial for a quicker birth. I know I want to be more active during labor, more moving around.

Evie is officially going to be a big sister tomorrow! So excited!

Dreams

I think having this kid is so on my mind.

Had 2 dreams (or maybe it was 1 combined).

One was that I woke up so dilated that I could push the kid out from the outside. Funny I know and so not realistic, but that is what dreams do.

The other was (and this is a second time this has happened) is that the kid came out a girl! I want a little boy, but so funny how i keep questioning it.

At most 3 days till this dude makes his appearance!

Giving Up

I have given up thinking that this kid will come on its own.

Yesterday I did lots of stair walking (every other stair), lots of lunges, lots of butterfly stretches, etc. I got some good contractions out of it, but everything puttered out mid afternoon. Blah.

Have not had many contractions since then. Today I had indian for lunch and chinese for dinner, so maybe? But I think I'll wake up to my alarm clock in the morning.

I just doubt my body knows how to go into labor. Or my kids like staying inside. Either he likes this water bed, where his sister isn't climbing all over him (just all over me). It is warm and cozy, and I get that.

I wish doctors were not so hopeful in saying when they think you will give birth. I remember during Evie's pregnancy that they did this and they are doing it again. At my 37ish week appointment, was talking to the doctor and she said that she thought I would be closer to my due date, most likely earlier. Yeah right.

Maybe this weekend. Maybe. If not Monday is the induction. So at most 4.5 days. I hope this induction goes as fast as Evie's was.

Still Working

Yep, I am still working. Today at 40w4d I am still working. This week I put in a few hours in the office on Monday, and have done the rest of my working working from home. Just too uncomfortable to really want to deal with people. And I can get some stuff done to get this kid out of me...maybe

With Evie I worked till that Friday, 40w2d. So going 2 days longer than I did with her so far. I was feeling bad about not going into the office, but after I compared it to Evie's pregnancy, I realized I am doing pretty good.

I am able to check email, do a bit of work, not walk far to the bathroom, etc. The couch and dining room is much more comfortable than my desk. I can put my feet up, take a break when needed. Perfect for being overdue.

I have given up hope that my body knows how to go into labor. Blah.

Mother's Day Craft Day

So I got 2 crafty projects done on Mother's day and just wanted to share.

I had this canvas painted a while ago. Like over a month ago and was just waiting to put a saying on it. From a fun song by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Home". Just love the saying "Home is wherever I'm with you".

So after breakfast on Mother's day, I decided to finally write the words on it. I had a white paint pen to write it out. I first sketched with a pencil, but could not see it much.... Did not space as well as I wanted, but oh well. Then realized I had a huge empty place on the right, so decided to put something there. At first thought an orchid flower. Then thought how about a plumeria. Channeling our honeymoon in hawaii.

Of course I had to do this quickly since Evie wanted to color too. Not the best thinking on my part. Then at one point she got to a marker before I could stop her and did a little color flair on the top left. So she left her mark, whatever.

Here is the finished project. Works well enough and it will grow on me.

When Evie was napping, I decided to work on my ring sling. I got the pattern from slingrings. Specifically used this one. I kind of did 2 pleats for the shoulder to make it small enough. This made it nice and thick which I bet will make it more comfortable and works with my small shoulders. Maybe I'll undo it and fix it one day, but I like how it looks. I have some fleece to add to the tail to make a soft wipe area for drools and such. But was quick to make. The hemming sucked and want to get a hemming foot for my sewing machine now. I also may shorten the tail, but don't want to shorten too much so I can use this as the kid gets older. 

Finished Project - I don't look great - but no make up day. At least I am past the point of what I look like and will post photos online for people without make up!

Still Overdue

Yep still pregnant.

I don't feel that bad in reality. Yes it hurts when I walk. Yes I am uncomfortable, but it hasn't gotten much worse in the past few weeks.

Went to my dancing for birth class last night. I love this class. It is fun to get together with a group of girls, laugh, dance, and have fun! And it has been fantastic in relieving pregnancy pains. I have learned a lot of moves that I hope to use during labor. I recommend this class to anyone pregnant - at any stage of pregnancy! It is a class where we do belly dancing moves, african, hawaiian, and other fun moves. I went to this class before I was pregnant and plan on going back after.

Anyways, was hoping it would help put me into labor. But yep morning came and nope, still home. I am working from home today so I can do some lunges, walk up and down stairs, sit and do moves on the exercise ball, bounce on exercise ball, whatever to get this kid out.

I am already 4cm dilated, so would be awesome to get this kid going. Also today is my sister's birthday. Would be kind of cool to share it with her. Only 16 hours left.

Guess I should change into some yoga pants and get moving! Come baby Come OUT!

40 weeks

How Far Along:
40 weeks - overdue! haha

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weights about 7 1.2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "moulding' is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured - it's normal and temporary.

 

Weight Gain:

4 weeks and have not gained! So still hovering around 20lbs. 

Best Moment of the Week:
Mother's day. Had fun with Evie and this dude didn't want to come out. 

Movement:

Mostly get stretches lately. 

Belly Button:

Almost fully flat

What I miss:

Energy, getting things easily, not belly getting wet when doing dishes. 

How I am feeling:

OK overall. Really not that bad. But lots of pressure when I stand. So maybe I need to stand and sit on the exercise ball more often!

Cravings/Aversions:

Heartburn has gone down, but eating smaller meals. 

What I am looking forward to:
Having this kid!

Had my 40 week appointment today. Had a cervical check and am 3.5 almost 4 cm dilated. 70% effaced. Cervix is still back, but lots of good progress. And the doctor said I did drop, so should be soon! 

If this dude does not come by next Monday, I will be induced. Hoping it won't come to that, but ok if it does.

40 weeks with this guy:

40 weeks with Evie:

Come Out! Come Out! Come Out!

"Come Out!"
"I'm Done!"

Those are the words I say the most in my head and whisper to myself. Seriously though, I am done!

The past few days have been icky. Moving takes so much effort, especially at night. I have a constant feeling of a stomach bug. Nausea that runs on and off. Loose Stools for a few days. I go pee every 15 minutes. It is just awesome here.

Yes I am still working. I don't want to talk to anyone. Don't have much motivation or concentration. Even though it was August, I think I felt better with Evie at the end than I do with this one. It is the sick feeling that just makes it SUCK. But still at work trying to get things done. I may take off some of next week to rest up a bit. That is if the kid is not here yet.

My appetite is on and off. I blame that on the nausea. Sometimes I want to eat something. Other times just the smell of food makes me want to puke.

Due on Saturday. So I am 39 weeks 4 days today. At the point (I remember doing this at the end with Evie) every time I go to bed wonder if I will wake up in the middle of the night in labor. And am disappointed each morning when my alarm goes off. Will I go overdue? Will this be a due date baby (that would be so cool)?

39 weeks

How Far Along:
39 weeks. Now when someone asks when I am due - I can now say Saturday...

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Weight Gain:

3 weeks and have not gained! So still hovering around 20lbs. 

Best Moment of the Week:
Hmm... Does this have to be pregnancy related? How about one evening Evie and I were going upstairs. I was carrying her and she told me she liked me. Love is one thing, but like...aww hunny I love/like you too!

Movement:

Slowing as he runs out of room. But still get some dance movements. Seem to be more arm movements than legs lately. 

Belly Button:

Has not changed much this week. So flat/poking out on top and inny at bottom

What I miss:

Bending over to get something. Even bending to get something on the ottoman is difficult. Not to be so exhausted at the end of the day, but that won't come back for a while. 

How I am feeling:

I have energy, but get tired quickly too. Motivation is starting to dwindle. Peeing is increasing. Lots of pain down low. Have to think for a second if I really want to get up. Funny when laying on the couch, I have to do it in multiple steps. First sit up. Second wait for energy/boost to stand up. 

Cravings/Aversions:

Nothing much. Not feeling anything spicy right now, but know that is spawned from killer heartburn

What I am looking forward to:
Giving Birth. Yep that would be it. And really introducing Evie to her baby brother. Watching them interact, grow up together, play, fight, etc. I am realistic and know how my sister and I grew up (now super close). 

39 weeks with Evie:

Thoughts

So my due date is in 9 days. Wow. Single digits. Yes I know this means nothing, but it does mean any day now. I have contractions on and off, and lots of cramping. I have dropped which I never did with Evie! Or at least don't really remembering it. It is funny because when I sit down at work I feel like a guy with how far apart I spread my legs to fit my belly. haha.

But was thinking about when this kid will come. Here are the dates I think he is waiting for:
May 11 - due date, would be cool to come on the estimated delivery date
May 12 - what a great gift for mother's day
May 14 - my sister's birthday - would be cool too

Yes 2 out of 3 of those dates are overdue, but not that bad. And they are cool days :)

So I have 1-2 weeks of work left hopefully. Hope I don't go past 41 weeks. Yes I am working till this kid comes out, would rather spend time with him at home than just sitting around twiddling my thumbs at home.

38 Weeks

How Far Along:
38 weeks. Wow. Cannot believe I am this far and this kid will be born soon!

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Weight Gain:

Around 20 lbs still. Was very happy on Monday's appointment that I did not gain a pound.

Best Moment of the Week:
Actually last night I painted my toe nails. Kind of proud of that. It was difficult, but now sporting a fun blue for the non shoe weather we are having!

Movement:

Stretching, punching, etc. Loves to punch me in the crotch lately, or just is lower and snuggling in getting ready for arrival. Very painful at times - the whole lightning crotch idea. 

Belly Button:

Somewhat an innie. Flat on top, somewhat poking out. Did not get this poking out with Evie!

What I miss:

Being able to sit without spreading my legs to fit the bump. I feel like the kid has dropped a ton in the past day since the lower sharp pain and now changing sitting position... It is fun I tell you!

How I am feeling:

OK. I have energy again. Been getting things done around the house. But I waddle. Pee constantly. Have to sit odd since the bump is so low and in the way. Upped my dosage to 2x a day Zantac 150 (was taking 75). And still have a tums in the middle of the night.

Cravings/Aversions:

Ice cream/dairy. Not eating spicy foods at all lately - they give me horrible stomach aches and heartburn. Just not worth it. 

What I am looking forward to:
This kids birthday. Any time now. I would rather you come out than keep punching me in the cervix. Please Please Please

Also wow this pregnancy has flown by. Really has. I packed my hospital bag this weekend - just missing a few key items - undies, makeup, toiletries, cell charger, camera, ipad and charger. I have a list in the kitchen so we can grab last minute items. I did not pack much, since I remember what I used last time. And going more relaxed this time too. If I forget anything, it isn't like we live far away, and Nick will be home for the night with Evie, so he can bring whatever the next day.