Typical Newborn Procedures in Hospital Birth

This video is typical of newborn procedures in the hospital. This is considered normal, and yet the newborn is separated from mom for several minutes while being poked and prodded by strangers. Keep in mind that this is a healthy baby, with no complications.

This is completely different from my home birth experience in which I held my baby from the moment he was born. He never left me, and the midwives gave us about an hour or so before doing any of the newborn exam. He didn't have anything put in his eyes or injected into him or hooked up to him other than my breast.

My baby didn't cry.

Pain Free!

Remember the severe low back and pelvic pain I was having? It's gone.

My friend Cherieann recommended that I try taking Cod Liver Oil and she sent me a bottle to try. That was a smart move on her part, because between the exhaustion and the pain I was feeling I might not have put forth the effort to get it myself.

She sent me this bottle of Carlson Cod Liver Oil: 

It comes in softgels so you don't taste the fishy taste. Please forgive me, but I don't remember all the reasons she said it would be helpful, but I trusted her advice and told her I would try it. I'd also read about the wonderful benefits of Cod Liver Oil before, but I'd never tried it, and I wanted to see what it would do for me.

I took 4 softgels each morning when I first woke up, along with a big glass full of water. Occasionally I got little fish burps, but I'm familiar with that from taking omega supplements in the past, and it didn't bother me.

At first I didn't notice anything, but about 4-5 days later I realized my pain was gone. Completely. Not just eased, or a little better, but gone. I can function so much better now!

Some highlights from the supplement facts on the bottle:
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Omega 3 fatty acids
EPA
DHA

I guess I was deficient in one or more of these things, and didn't realize it. Thankfully, my friend Cheriann was able to recognize a need and suggest a solution.

Check out Cherieann's facebook page: The Black Sheep Princess. A page about living life off the mainstream and taking charge of your life in various ways: from health, to birthing, to finances, to your attitude, relationships, and more. Cherieann is a genuine person who wants to help people. She has a goal of being a health and nutrition coach and helping people achieve full health.

Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans

A Short Birth Documentary

An Explanation for my Pain

Yesterday I was in severe pain. My sacrum, hips, and low back were in constant pain, and any time I tried to walk, bend down, or generally move, it was debilitating.

I've had pain like this with each pregnancy, but it's never happened as early as 12 weeks before, and so severely at that point. I know that the relaxin hormone is loosening my joints, and that has something to do with the popping in and out, and the pain.

I tried a lot of things to see what helped. I drank extra minerals in my water, and drank lots of water. I took an epsom salt bath. I later took a hot shower, on my hands and knees in the shower with the water aimed at my low back/sacrum while I did pelvic rock exercises.

I think I have Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), and have had it with each pregnancy. There are no cures, but there are coping techniques.

• Prenatal exercise: After my shower last night I did some stretches and tailor sitting on the floor, and it helped even more with the pain. If I strengthen the muscles that hold everything together it should help lessen the movement and discomfort. I hope to incorporate exercise and stretching into my daily routine.
• A good supportive pregnancy belt: I have one that's essentially a 3 inch wide elastic band. I've worn it with each pregnancy, but it doesn't quite give enough support with the increased pain of each one. My sister has a better support belt she'll let me borrow. If it doesn't help enough then I'll look into other models. If any of you have suggestions of good supportive pregnancy belts, please feel free to share!
• Regular chiropractic care: I had this for my second pregnancy and it did help. However, the relief was usually temporary and I had to go back a few times a week. The chiropractor taught me some really good stretches that I've used through each subsequent pregnancy.
• Pain relief: I'm hoping to avoid medication. I plan on using hot and cold compresses instead, and sleeping with lots of pillows to support my joints.
• Good nutrition: This something I was doing well at before I got pregnant. However, the constant hunger in the first trimester made me a lot less picky about what I ate. I need to get more fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet, and I'm sure it will improve my overall health, even my muscles and joints. I'll continue taking my awesome nutritional supplements and drinking my water with minerals.

I'm sure there are other things that can help. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them. I can use as much information as I can get. I really need to feel better.

12 Weeks!

Just a quick update.

I'm 12 weeks today. Yay! I never made it this far with either of my miscarriages.

I'm still tired a lot. Someone suggested that I take my prenatal vitamin with lunch to help give myself more energy in the last half of the day. I did that yesterday and it seemed to help. I made it through the day without taking a nap, which was amazing.

I had an issue earlier this week where I thought I had a urinary tract infection. I had frequent urination (no surprise there - duh, I'm pregnant), constant low back pain, bladder pain (constant aching and hurting during and after urination), and lots of muscle fatigue and soreness. I got some urinalysis strips from the local pharmacy, but my leukocites and nitrites were negative for a UTI. My midwife suggested my symptoms could be from muscle soreness and/or dehydration. I realized I hadn't been drinking much water, and she was probably right. I started drinking water like crazy, with trace mineral drops added to it, and taking baths with epsom salts at least once a day. Within 24 hours I was feeling MUCH better. I'm so grateful for a smart, wonderful midwife! I even thanked my husband for "making" me hire her again.

So, in a nutshell, at 12 weeks I'm still having a lot of first trimester woes (mostly fatigue and mood swings) but they seem to be easing. I'm also having some typical second trimester symptoms. My belly has already started popping out and my body temperature has risen, so the summer heat is affecting me more than usual. All in all, I'm happy to have clear signs that I'm still pregnant.

What I'm Up To

It's nothing super special.

Like I have the energy for that.

Between the first trimester fatigue and severe writer's block, I've been doing my best just to take care of myself and my family.

I did something cool though. At least I think it's cool. I'm told this makes me "crunchy".

I finally got a drying rack for my cloth diapers! I can move it inside or outside depending on the weather, and I'm hoping the sun will help bleach some of the stains. Stains? Yeah, well, you know what they're used for.

I found it at a local hardware store for about $15.

In case you're wondering, there are 17 diapers, 23 inserts, and 4 wash cloths on there.

"Why Mothers Need Their Sleep"

Almost Kicked Off the Bus for Breastfeeding!

Blatant harassment for breastfeeding!

Birth Without Violence: Trailer