Hey Humble Readers...
I hope you are all doing well, wherever you're at today. Things here on the flatland are trucking along. Today started off with a rare summer fog, which was kind of nice. I just wish I had thought to take pictures. It's warm, but not too hot. Now if we could just ditch the humidity (and I know that it's nothing like the humidity my eastern friends deal with) things might be completely comfortable in our little hobbit-hole.
*****
The Good: Ginny. Today she's been active, but manageable. She took her morning nap without complaint, and SHE KEPT HER DIAPER ON! Of course, she is wearing a onesie and jeans, so it would have been harder for her to get at it, but hey... I'm going to take my victories where I can get them. She has also been fairly sweet to Pippin so far today, so that's an added bonus.
*****
The Bad: As of today, I'm going to begin winding down the breastfeeding/pumping. Pip hasn't shown any inclination to get back on the breast, and when I pump for a half hour (15 minutes per side) I'm only getting two ounces. It's time. As of this morning, I'm only pumping for 10 minutes a side, and I will lower that to 5 minutes a side in a few days. I'm also going to be going longer in between pumping sessions. Instead of getting down on myself, I'm counting this as a sort-of victory. Is it ideal? No. But it's a heck of a lot better than what I was expecting. I've given our wee little mister a good start.
*****
The Ugly: Our finances suck. Again. Still. I am doing all that I can to limit the outflow of cash... using coupons when I can, planning meals that are as inexpensive as I can, cutting any bad spending that creeps in (damn the book aisle at Costco) and trying to sell some of our no-longer-needed items on Kijiji. I am in desparate need of both new bras and new pants (all my pre-pregnancy pants are falling down... and belts and I don't get along), but I'm going to have to choose between the two next month.
My Beloved asked for a cost-of-living raise, as his last one was almost two years ago, and his boss has not responded favourably, so Beloved is now in the hunt for a new job. There are more opennings now in his field than there were in the fall, so we are choosing to be hopeful that something good may yet come.
*****
I'm attempting to get back into the routine I had before Pip made his appearance for taking care of our hobbit-hole. I'm well on my way to having today's to do list completed. I've also added some self-care things to my daily to do lists, in hopes that I will be able to carve out 20-30 minutes a day for some form of exercise. My weightloss has plateaued at 30 pounds, so it needs something more than what I'm doing right now. We'll see how that goes.
*****
Another reason why I'm eager to get back into being active is to try to keep the PPD at bay. Last time around, getting out and just spending that 20-30 minutes a day walking and listening to music by myself was a huge part of getting through my PPD. I'm trying to be proactive this time around, as I know that with stopping pumping I'm going to have some crazy hormone stuff going on for the next while.
*****
I'll Look Back At This And Laugh moment from the weekend: We went to visit my MIL yesterday, to see her new place. The little town where she lives if 45 minutes south of us. I remembered to take the breast pump, toys for Ginny, and spare outfits for both kids. What I didn't pack was an extra shirt for me... and of course Pip decided that it was time to have a major pukey incident. Seriously, he puked up almost a whole bottle... all over himself and me. And I had to then sit there in a wet, smelly, pukey shirt until our visit was over, and through the drive home. LESSON LEARNED!
*****
Well, I need to get back to my to-dos. What's on your to do list for today?
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Monday, June 25, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Tuckered Out
Hey there Humble Readers...
Tuckered out seems to be my constant state of being these days.
Pippin has hit his 4 week growth spurt a couple days ahead of schedule, so I'm not getting a lot of sleep these days. The other night he was awake every hour and a half or so. Add in the fact that in less than a week Ginny has cut four teeth. It's been challenging, to say the least.
Breastfeeding is not happening, at least not in the traditional sense. Pip is still getting close to 50% breastmilk and 50% formula. I'm pumping every three to four hours (usually 15 minutes a side), and he's getting every drop I have to give him.
Pumping and exclusivly bottle-feeding was not what I had planned, of course. Our little man started out so well at the breast, that I had high hopes, but the effects of the jaundice combined with the realities of my life with a newborn and a toddler brought a different reality.
With the jaundice, Pip became an incredibly lazy eater... a trait that has still lingered, even though I have tried every trick under the sun to keep him awake. He simply eats a little, and then dozes off, only to wake up 5 or 10 or 15 minutes later ready for more. He even does this with the bottle.
Struggling to keep him awake to eat, then ultimately bottle feeding, and then having to pump meant that every feeding was taking an hour and a half. This routine was completly impractical, and honestly impossible to maintain. Something had to give.
That something was breastfeeding.
I know that he's still really young and we may yet be able to get him onto the breast. I still try once a day. I am hoping that perhaps this growth spurt and his increased appetite might prove helpful in this regard.
I also know that a nursing baby will get more and better milk at the breast, than what a pump can draw out. It was a choice I had to make.
I'm trying to keep the feelings of having copped out at bay. I'm constantly reminding myself that Pippin is growing like a weed, and he isn't hurting for food. I'm also working hard to remember that I'm providing half of his dietary needs without medications or supplements, and that is such a huge improvement over what I was able to provide Ginny.
I don't know how long the pumping and supplementing will last. Ideally, I'll be able to get him on the breast and have him stay awake. But if that doesn't happen relatively soon, I'll have to take a hard look at how long I can continue pumping. The pump rental is expensive, not to mention that it's still taking a long time for each feeding/pumping session, even without actually breast feeding. I'm tentatively looking at our 6 week doctor appointments as a possible weaning point, but we'll see.
Both wee ones are sleeping just now, so I'm going to try to catch a few zzz's myself. I hope you all are keeping well.
Tuckered out seems to be my constant state of being these days.
Pippin has hit his 4 week growth spurt a couple days ahead of schedule, so I'm not getting a lot of sleep these days. The other night he was awake every hour and a half or so. Add in the fact that in less than a week Ginny has cut four teeth. It's been challenging, to say the least.
Breastfeeding is not happening, at least not in the traditional sense. Pip is still getting close to 50% breastmilk and 50% formula. I'm pumping every three to four hours (usually 15 minutes a side), and he's getting every drop I have to give him.
Pumping and exclusivly bottle-feeding was not what I had planned, of course. Our little man started out so well at the breast, that I had high hopes, but the effects of the jaundice combined with the realities of my life with a newborn and a toddler brought a different reality.
With the jaundice, Pip became an incredibly lazy eater... a trait that has still lingered, even though I have tried every trick under the sun to keep him awake. He simply eats a little, and then dozes off, only to wake up 5 or 10 or 15 minutes later ready for more. He even does this with the bottle.
Struggling to keep him awake to eat, then ultimately bottle feeding, and then having to pump meant that every feeding was taking an hour and a half. This routine was completly impractical, and honestly impossible to maintain. Something had to give.
That something was breastfeeding.
I know that he's still really young and we may yet be able to get him onto the breast. I still try once a day. I am hoping that perhaps this growth spurt and his increased appetite might prove helpful in this regard.
I also know that a nursing baby will get more and better milk at the breast, than what a pump can draw out. It was a choice I had to make.
I'm trying to keep the feelings of having copped out at bay. I'm constantly reminding myself that Pippin is growing like a weed, and he isn't hurting for food. I'm also working hard to remember that I'm providing half of his dietary needs without medications or supplements, and that is such a huge improvement over what I was able to provide Ginny.
I don't know how long the pumping and supplementing will last. Ideally, I'll be able to get him on the breast and have him stay awake. But if that doesn't happen relatively soon, I'll have to take a hard look at how long I can continue pumping. The pump rental is expensive, not to mention that it's still taking a long time for each feeding/pumping session, even without actually breast feeding. I'm tentatively looking at our 6 week doctor appointments as a possible weaning point, but we'll see.
Both wee ones are sleeping just now, so I'm going to try to catch a few zzz's myself. I hope you all are keeping well.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Small Victories & Minor Grievances
Howdy Humble Readers...
Oy! I haven't gone this long without posting in a while. I've been checking in on many of you, in a hit or miss fashion over the last few days, but I just haven't had the juice to put thoughts down on paper. The following are just a few of my observations of our new life, with Pippin settling into our world.
*****
Breastfeeding isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Pip is getting breastmilk at almost every feeding, but for the last few days it hasn't been in a direct manner. Although I have better supply this time, things are still challenging. He's staying awake longer at the breast, and getting better about nursing even if he's dozing. BUT... I took a half day break (because my nipples were super sore... sleepy baby on the boob equals not a great latch) and that ended up being a three day break due to a plugged milk duct. Fun times. I have been pumping constantly, and that has helped greatly, but we have only just gotten back to trying the direct approach in the last 24 hours. We are still supplementing, but I am totally okay with that, so long as he's getting all I've got to give.
*****
Why, oh good heavens, why do I have to be so blankety-blank itchy? I don't remember this at all from last time. And it's not the incision itself that's itchy. It's about an inch or so on either side... and it's driving me nuts!!! I've tried all the usual itch cures... scratching another body part, scratching another person. Nothing helps. And of course I can't put lotion on it or anything. Ugh!
*****
Yesterday was my first day alone with both Ginny and Pippin. It's gone pretty well, I think. Considering that I'm technically not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, having a toddler who needs to have diapers changed, and be put into a crib for naps is challenging. But I'm making sure not to over do it. Ginny has been coping better with sharing Mummy's attention. There haven't been any repeats of the bottle throwing incident, and she's actually been 'helping' quite a bit... carrying bottles and diapers, folding the changing mat I use in the living room, etc. She still tries to steal Pip's bottles and blankets, but we are seeing some progress.
*****
Weight-loss contiues to go in the right direction. As of this morning I'm down 30 pounds from 13 days ago. This happened last time, so I'm not trying to celebrate too much yet. Last time I plateaued at around 40 pounds, and then it slowly crept back on after I stopped bf-ing. I am truly hoping that I will be able to continue to head in a downward direction and, at the very least, keep off what I've already lost.
*****
I understand that I need to be on metformin right now, to help my body adjust from all the crazy amounts of insulin I was on, but man oh man... the side effects suck! Who knew that metformin's primary side-effect is gastrointestinal discomfort? Ha! I've been having some serious heartburn and IBS flares in the last week. Like, wake me up in the middle of the night and spend more than an hour in the bathroom kind of flares. I'm hoping that met is not in future long term. My blood sugars have been great since I went off the insulin, and with a few exceptions to celebrate (I had my sushi and an iced chai latte in the first week after Pip was born) I am trying to continue to eat smart.
*****
I've also been dealing with some random dizzy spells. I don't have any other signs of high blood pressure issues, and they only seem to come on when I am exceptionally tired. I'm wondering if it's just a recovery thing, or if it's a side-effect of something that I'm on, or a drug interaction. I see the underwhelming Dr. B next Tuesday, so hopefully I'll get some advice on this.
*****
Ok, it's been almost two weeks... why can't I get rid of the medical tape gunk on my arm? I've scrubbed it every day, and it's still there. It's just two little spots, but they're bugging me. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
Oy! I haven't gone this long without posting in a while. I've been checking in on many of you, in a hit or miss fashion over the last few days, but I just haven't had the juice to put thoughts down on paper. The following are just a few of my observations of our new life, with Pippin settling into our world.
*****
Breastfeeding isn't all sunshine and unicorn farts. Pip is getting breastmilk at almost every feeding, but for the last few days it hasn't been in a direct manner. Although I have better supply this time, things are still challenging. He's staying awake longer at the breast, and getting better about nursing even if he's dozing. BUT... I took a half day break (because my nipples were super sore... sleepy baby on the boob equals not a great latch) and that ended up being a three day break due to a plugged milk duct. Fun times. I have been pumping constantly, and that has helped greatly, but we have only just gotten back to trying the direct approach in the last 24 hours. We are still supplementing, but I am totally okay with that, so long as he's getting all I've got to give.
*****
Why, oh good heavens, why do I have to be so blankety-blank itchy? I don't remember this at all from last time. And it's not the incision itself that's itchy. It's about an inch or so on either side... and it's driving me nuts!!! I've tried all the usual itch cures... scratching another body part, scratching another person. Nothing helps. And of course I can't put lotion on it or anything. Ugh!
*****
Yesterday was my first day alone with both Ginny and Pippin. It's gone pretty well, I think. Considering that I'm technically not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, having a toddler who needs to have diapers changed, and be put into a crib for naps is challenging. But I'm making sure not to over do it. Ginny has been coping better with sharing Mummy's attention. There haven't been any repeats of the bottle throwing incident, and she's actually been 'helping' quite a bit... carrying bottles and diapers, folding the changing mat I use in the living room, etc. She still tries to steal Pip's bottles and blankets, but we are seeing some progress.
*****
Weight-loss contiues to go in the right direction. As of this morning I'm down 30 pounds from 13 days ago. This happened last time, so I'm not trying to celebrate too much yet. Last time I plateaued at around 40 pounds, and then it slowly crept back on after I stopped bf-ing. I am truly hoping that I will be able to continue to head in a downward direction and, at the very least, keep off what I've already lost.
*****
I understand that I need to be on metformin right now, to help my body adjust from all the crazy amounts of insulin I was on, but man oh man... the side effects suck! Who knew that metformin's primary side-effect is gastrointestinal discomfort? Ha! I've been having some serious heartburn and IBS flares in the last week. Like, wake me up in the middle of the night and spend more than an hour in the bathroom kind of flares. I'm hoping that met is not in future long term. My blood sugars have been great since I went off the insulin, and with a few exceptions to celebrate (I had my sushi and an iced chai latte in the first week after Pip was born) I am trying to continue to eat smart.
*****
I've also been dealing with some random dizzy spells. I don't have any other signs of high blood pressure issues, and they only seem to come on when I am exceptionally tired. I'm wondering if it's just a recovery thing, or if it's a side-effect of something that I'm on, or a drug interaction. I see the underwhelming Dr. B next Tuesday, so hopefully I'll get some advice on this.
*****
Ok, it's been almost two weeks... why can't I get rid of the medical tape gunk on my arm? I've scrubbed it every day, and it's still there. It's just two little spots, but they're bugging me. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
Friday, May 18, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Firsts, Questions, & Tidbits
Hey Humble Readers,
I know I owe many of you comments and emails, and I am hoping to get back into a rhythm soon. Please know that I am thinking of you all and am so appreciative of your support and kindness.
*****
Being a mummy to a little boy is different. We had our first "fountain" incident yesterday, when the little man decided to pee all over himself and his daddy.
*****
Question: To circumcise or not to circumcise? We are leaning toward not, much to my mom's disapproval. We don't have a religious reason to do so, and in looking at info available there doesn't seem to be a significant health benefit. We have to make a decision soon, so I'm looking for any and all opinions and input. (I know that this can be an emotionally charged issue, so I'm just looking for general opinions... not diatribes. Thanks!)
*****
Pippin snores.
*****
I'm feeling more like myself on a daily basis. The staples came out today, thank heaven, and I'm weaning myself off the painkillers. Getting from a sitting position to standing is getting much easier, although actually laying down is still challenging. I've lost 23 pounds in the last week (and I only gained 11 pounds total during the pregnancy), and the swelling almost completely gone from my feet. I was able to put my rings on again this morning (YAY!). I'm itchy all over, and patches of numbness are slowly coming back to life (including some parts that should never have that pins & needles feeling).
*****
He's up past his birth weight as of this afternoon. The nurse who came to remove my staples gave him a check over and he's officially 7lb 13.5oz. He's also rolled over onto his side more than once (OMG!) and he's super strong. He's trying to hold his head up already, and when he's awake it seems like he's always in motion.
*****
Question: Does anyone have any tips for keeping a little one awake while they breastfeed? Pip, due to the lingering jaundice, tends to fall asleep while eating. When he stays awake, he does pretty well, but mostly he's asleep within five minutes. I'm having to pump a lot right now, and of course we're supplementing as well.
*****
We had our first round of jealousy/sibling rivalry yesterday. Ginny has been intrigued by the baby's bottles and wanting to play with them. I have had to repeatedly tell her no, and have had to discipline her a couple of times for not listening. Yesterday, I guess I had said no one too many times, and she snapped. She grabbed one of the bottles and chucked it into his bassinette. Thankfully, it didn't hit him too hard, but my Beloved immediately took her and put her to bed for a while. She's been good today, but I know she's confused and frustrated.
*****
We had our first little outing yesterday, going to show Pippin off at my Beloved's office. The ladies all oohed and ahhed appropriately. As did the ladies over at the little grocery store across our back lane. We have visitors coming tomorrow, and I'm excited to show him off. He's getting his first really big 'debut' on Sunday at church.
I know I owe many of you comments and emails, and I am hoping to get back into a rhythm soon. Please know that I am thinking of you all and am so appreciative of your support and kindness.
*****
Being a mummy to a little boy is different. We had our first "fountain" incident yesterday, when the little man decided to pee all over himself and his daddy.
*****
Question: To circumcise or not to circumcise? We are leaning toward not, much to my mom's disapproval. We don't have a religious reason to do so, and in looking at info available there doesn't seem to be a significant health benefit. We have to make a decision soon, so I'm looking for any and all opinions and input. (I know that this can be an emotionally charged issue, so I'm just looking for general opinions... not diatribes. Thanks!)
*****
Pippin snores.
*****
I'm feeling more like myself on a daily basis. The staples came out today, thank heaven, and I'm weaning myself off the painkillers. Getting from a sitting position to standing is getting much easier, although actually laying down is still challenging. I've lost 23 pounds in the last week (and I only gained 11 pounds total during the pregnancy), and the swelling almost completely gone from my feet. I was able to put my rings on again this morning (YAY!). I'm itchy all over, and patches of numbness are slowly coming back to life (including some parts that should never have that pins & needles feeling).
*****
He's up past his birth weight as of this afternoon. The nurse who came to remove my staples gave him a check over and he's officially 7lb 13.5oz. He's also rolled over onto his side more than once (OMG!) and he's super strong. He's trying to hold his head up already, and when he's awake it seems like he's always in motion.
*****
Question: Does anyone have any tips for keeping a little one awake while they breastfeed? Pip, due to the lingering jaundice, tends to fall asleep while eating. When he stays awake, he does pretty well, but mostly he's asleep within five minutes. I'm having to pump a lot right now, and of course we're supplementing as well.
*****
We had our first round of jealousy/sibling rivalry yesterday. Ginny has been intrigued by the baby's bottles and wanting to play with them. I have had to repeatedly tell her no, and have had to discipline her a couple of times for not listening. Yesterday, I guess I had said no one too many times, and she snapped. She grabbed one of the bottles and chucked it into his bassinette. Thankfully, it didn't hit him too hard, but my Beloved immediately took her and put her to bed for a while. She's been good today, but I know she's confused and frustrated.
*****
We had our first little outing yesterday, going to show Pippin off at my Beloved's office. The ladies all oohed and ahhed appropriately. As did the ladies over at the little grocery store across our back lane. We have visitors coming tomorrow, and I'm excited to show him off. He's getting his first really big 'debut' on Sunday at church.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Week 38: This Is It!
Greetings Humble Readers...
Hoo boy! Here it is, my last ever pregnancy update. Crazy town.
This week has been good. Slower than the last few, both in how it passed and how I was moving. Thankfully, the anxiety hasn't gotten worse, and some days I have been able to almost shove it into a box in my mind. I've also really given up on bending to pick things up off the floor. If it falls and I can't get it, and Ginny's not able or willing to pick it up for me, it stays on the floor until my Beloved gets home. And I'm not ashamed of that. :)
Ginny has been acting... different... the last few days. I commented on it on Sunday, but her need to be next to, on top of, or touching Mummy has really gone over the top. I'm sure she knows that something is up. Of course, she doesn't understand that there's a baby in Mummy's tummy, but she knows that there is change in the air.
I started pumping yesterday. There are some concerns about pumping before baby arrives because it can bring on contractions, but given that my c-section is only two days away, I'm willing to risk it. It was suggested by an L&D nurse that I pump and hopefully collect enough for the Halfling to have as a first feeding while I'm in recovery, to help stave off a blood sugar low (a real risk for GD babies, especially those whose mothers were insulin dependant). My first go round produced less than a milliliter, barely enough to cover the bottom of the little bottle, but I'm hopeful for better things to come. It was hard to relax and not watch the teeny little bit of colostrum drip into the bottle, but I confess I felt like doing a happy dance when I saw that I had something to show for my efforts. If this doesn't work, we'll go with formula of course, but I hope that I'll be able to do this.
Good news from today's NST... my blood pressure is well within target, 132/68. Yay! I was a little concerned given that Ginny has been a bit of a stinker this morning, and I was having to chase after her quite a bit. The Halfling's heartrate was running between 140 and the upper 160s. I didn't actually get to talk with Dr. W today, as she was busy trying to turn a stubborn breech baby in the next curtain. I will be hearing from the L&D ward sometime tomorrow about my surgery time. If it's any time before noon, I have to be there at 6am. I have a list of protocols for my meds for the 12 hours before, and immediately following the surgery. I can't believe it's time.
My mom will be here in the next hour or so. All that's left on the to do list for today is to make the bed when the dryer is done. We have a few little errands to run tomorrow, but nothing big.
Onto the update...
How far along? 38w0d... 2 DAYS TO GO!
Maternity clothes? One pair of mat jeans is officially dead. The stretchy part at the top is unravelling at an alarming rate, and even tho the denim is in good shape, I don't think these ones will be going in the donation bag when all is said and done. I'm going to need to find a craft to do with denim, I guess.
Body Oddities? Gassy beyond belief. Seriously, it's embarrassing. Water retention is a bit more constant, but no other indicators of pre-e. Very thirsty, all the time. Blood sugars have been great, unless I do something spectacularly stupid. And I think if I were going to be going to 40wks, my belly button might actually pop.
Sleep? Pretty good mostly, but I'm finding that I'm having to nap during the day again. That's a little tough to pull off with Ginny being on a bit of a napping strike, but thank heaven for the play pen. I can at least get a little rest, inspect my eyelids for holes for a few minutes here and there and know that she's safe and content.
Intense Dreams? About my old store, about delivery, about housework.
Best moment this week? While it's in no way a good thing, I had a really funny moment at church on Sunday. I was talking with an older lady about the planned c/s and everything, and another older lady I only know by sight joined our conversation. When she caught on to the subject matter she got this hilarious shocked look on her face and then said, "Oh my goodness! I had no idea you were pregnant!" I burst out laughing. I mean, yes, I'm fat, very fat. But good heavens, I should hope that at this point, even the most unobservant person could notice the pregnant-lady-waddle. The look on her face was priceless...
Worst moment? Just a lot of moments where I can't get up from a seated position or walk when I first stand up. I'm so sick of waddling.
Movement? Still good. Every now and then I get a really huge kick or knee in the spleen. I keep reminding myself to savour every one of these moments, because it's not going to be happening again.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing in particular, and everything all at once. I'm just hungry!
Rings? Off. Hopefully I'll be wearing them again in a couple of weeks. Weight gain this week has been a bit higher than past weeks, but I know that a lot if it is water retention.
Gender? Still thinking it's a girl. If it is, I confess I will be a teeny wee bit sad because we do have a couple adorable little boy sleepers that we've never used (they were gifts before Ginny was born). They'll just get passed on to the next little boy we know.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5x a day), High blood pressure (100mg of lobetalol 3x a day), continuing heartburn (60mg of pantaloc), low lying placenta, low iron
What I miss? iced coffee, sushi (will be my first meal at home after the Halfling arrives), real iced tea
What I look forward to? Have I mentioned I'm planning on having sushi??? :) Honestly, I just can't wait to meet this little person, to introduce him/her to Ginny, to know that our family is complete.
Emotional State? Oh man... so hormonal. Bouncing between tears, laughter, anxiety, and insanity on an hourly basis.
Hoo boy! Here it is, my last ever pregnancy update. Crazy town.
This week has been good. Slower than the last few, both in how it passed and how I was moving. Thankfully, the anxiety hasn't gotten worse, and some days I have been able to almost shove it into a box in my mind. I've also really given up on bending to pick things up off the floor. If it falls and I can't get it, and Ginny's not able or willing to pick it up for me, it stays on the floor until my Beloved gets home. And I'm not ashamed of that. :)
Ginny has been acting... different... the last few days. I commented on it on Sunday, but her need to be next to, on top of, or touching Mummy has really gone over the top. I'm sure she knows that something is up. Of course, she doesn't understand that there's a baby in Mummy's tummy, but she knows that there is change in the air.
I started pumping yesterday. There are some concerns about pumping before baby arrives because it can bring on contractions, but given that my c-section is only two days away, I'm willing to risk it. It was suggested by an L&D nurse that I pump and hopefully collect enough for the Halfling to have as a first feeding while I'm in recovery, to help stave off a blood sugar low (a real risk for GD babies, especially those whose mothers were insulin dependant). My first go round produced less than a milliliter, barely enough to cover the bottom of the little bottle, but I'm hopeful for better things to come. It was hard to relax and not watch the teeny little bit of colostrum drip into the bottle, but I confess I felt like doing a happy dance when I saw that I had something to show for my efforts. If this doesn't work, we'll go with formula of course, but I hope that I'll be able to do this.
Good news from today's NST... my blood pressure is well within target, 132/68. Yay! I was a little concerned given that Ginny has been a bit of a stinker this morning, and I was having to chase after her quite a bit. The Halfling's heartrate was running between 140 and the upper 160s. I didn't actually get to talk with Dr. W today, as she was busy trying to turn a stubborn breech baby in the next curtain. I will be hearing from the L&D ward sometime tomorrow about my surgery time. If it's any time before noon, I have to be there at 6am. I have a list of protocols for my meds for the 12 hours before, and immediately following the surgery. I can't believe it's time.
My mom will be here in the next hour or so. All that's left on the to do list for today is to make the bed when the dryer is done. We have a few little errands to run tomorrow, but nothing big.
Onto the update...
How far along? 38w0d... 2 DAYS TO GO!
Maternity clothes? One pair of mat jeans is officially dead. The stretchy part at the top is unravelling at an alarming rate, and even tho the denim is in good shape, I don't think these ones will be going in the donation bag when all is said and done. I'm going to need to find a craft to do with denim, I guess.
Body Oddities? Gassy beyond belief. Seriously, it's embarrassing. Water retention is a bit more constant, but no other indicators of pre-e. Very thirsty, all the time. Blood sugars have been great, unless I do something spectacularly stupid. And I think if I were going to be going to 40wks, my belly button might actually pop.
Sleep? Pretty good mostly, but I'm finding that I'm having to nap during the day again. That's a little tough to pull off with Ginny being on a bit of a napping strike, but thank heaven for the play pen. I can at least get a little rest, inspect my eyelids for holes for a few minutes here and there and know that she's safe and content.
Intense Dreams? About my old store, about delivery, about housework.
Best moment this week? While it's in no way a good thing, I had a really funny moment at church on Sunday. I was talking with an older lady about the planned c/s and everything, and another older lady I only know by sight joined our conversation. When she caught on to the subject matter she got this hilarious shocked look on her face and then said, "Oh my goodness! I had no idea you were pregnant!" I burst out laughing. I mean, yes, I'm fat, very fat. But good heavens, I should hope that at this point, even the most unobservant person could notice the pregnant-lady-waddle. The look on her face was priceless...
Worst moment? Just a lot of moments where I can't get up from a seated position or walk when I first stand up. I'm so sick of waddling.
Movement? Still good. Every now and then I get a really huge kick or knee in the spleen. I keep reminding myself to savour every one of these moments, because it's not going to be happening again.
Food cravings/aversions? Nothing in particular, and everything all at once. I'm just hungry!
Rings? Off. Hopefully I'll be wearing them again in a couple of weeks. Weight gain this week has been a bit higher than past weeks, but I know that a lot if it is water retention.
Gender? Still thinking it's a girl. If it is, I confess I will be a teeny wee bit sad because we do have a couple adorable little boy sleepers that we've never used (they were gifts before Ginny was born). They'll just get passed on to the next little boy we know.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5x a day), High blood pressure (100mg of lobetalol 3x a day), continuing heartburn (60mg of pantaloc), low lying placenta, low iron
What I miss? iced coffee, sushi (will be my first meal at home after the Halfling arrives), real iced tea
What I look forward to? Have I mentioned I'm planning on having sushi??? :) Honestly, I just can't wait to meet this little person, to introduce him/her to Ginny, to know that our family is complete.
Emotional State? Oh man... so hormonal. Bouncing between tears, laughter, anxiety, and insanity on an hourly basis.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Breastfeeding: Am I A Sucker For Punishment?
Greetings Humble Readers...
When I was expecting Ginny, I had great grand intentions.
I was going to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months. I followed all the well-intentioned advice I was given by other women in my life... my sister, my MIL, friends, nurses, my childbirth class instructor. I got rid of all the free samples of formula that I had in the house, and I didn't buy any bottles. I totally bought into the idea that if I didn't have it handy, then I wouldn't be tempted to 'cheat'.
My birthplan indicated that I wanted skin to skin contact as soon as possible and that I wanted a lactation consultant to visit early to help us get started. I wanted to do everything I could to make breastfeeding a reality for us.
Then, thanks primarily to the gestational diabetes, I went through a three day induction that led to a c-section. Ginny was born at 8:42pm. Because of the c-section, and Ginny needing to be monitored (for blood sugars) in the Special Care Nursery for a few hours, it wasn't until after midnight that I got to hold her.
Right away, we got started trying. But just like getting and staying pregnant, breastfeeding did not come easily. It wasn't long before my poor wee girl was screaming in frustration and hunger, and I was in tears.
The problem? I had nothing to give her.
I knew that I had strikes against me... obesity, gestational diabetes, being induced, and the c-section... all are things that play a role in how challenging breastfeeding can be. I had the perfect storm. But I believed when everyone told me that it would happen, it would just take some work.
The nurses I had that night tried to show me how to do a football hold, how to express milk manually, and how to use the breast pump. Nothing worked. After trying to follow their instructions on how to express milk myself, and not getting anything, one nurse grabbed my already sore bo.ob to show me what I 'was doing wrong'. After a few agonizing minutes, all I was left with was a feeling of failure, a very bruised bo.ob, and two drops of collostrum.
A nurse (who was supposed to be THE nurse on the maternity ward... the one who could get any baby to latch and get the process started for even the most challenging case) came to see me the next morning. She went through everything that the nurses tried the night before, commented on my bruised bo.obs, and watched as I used the pump as I had been shown. After 15 minutes of pumping, I had less than 5 millileters of milk from ol' Righty and nothing from Lefty. This guru of the maternity ward just shrugged, said to keep trying, and left.
Each new nurse I had during my three days after delivery had some sure-fired way to get things to work. Different holds, different ways to express milk, pump one side at a time, pump both together, feed her through a tube while holding her to my breast, feed her through a tube while she sucks on my finger. Each one told me something differently. And on the second night, when I was having a major melt-down, right along with Ginny, one nurse told me that I was being ridiculous and that if I would just relax everything would work the way it was supposed to. (Sound familiar?) She said that I should stop starving my daugher, just give Ginny the bottle and in a couple of days, if I wanted to I could try again.
I caved. I gave her the bottle. When we got home, we had nothing to help feed her except a couple of little bottles that came with the pump we rented. I had to send my Beloved out to get bottles and formula on his own.
I continued to try to breastfeed, with varying levels of success. When the public health nurse came by for her routine visit, she set me up with an appointment with a different lactation consultant. That LC went through the same things that all the other nurses did. I was put on the highest dose allowed of dom.peridone to increase my milk supply, and following the LC's advice I started taking fenugreek. I bought and read the La Leche League book (which honestly I found useless and just more damaging emotionally).
When Ginny was 4 weeks old, things started to improve a bit. I was pumping constantly, and yes I cried over spilled milk a few times. At our best, we were down to one bottle of formula a day, along with breast feeding and pumped milk. I still dreaded every feeding, but at least I felt like it was being productive. But when Ginny hit her 6 week growth spurt, I just couldn't keep up.
Our breast feeding saga slowly wound down from there, until my wee girl was three months old, and nursing for five minutes, twice a day. That was the end.
Since that time, I have learned a few things.
I have found that I can express a few drops now from either side (Righty is still more productive), but just like last time the girls haven't really changed all that much... they hurt more than they did last time, like a constant premenstrual bo.ob ache. I hope that these things are signs of good things to come, but I'm trying not to put too much faith in it.
Breastfeeding is a natural thing, but that certainly doesn't mean it comes naturally. The benefits to mother and child are astounding. But the pressure we put on ourselves or that we allow others to put on us can be detrimental.
Like everything in life, it requires balance and patience. Oh heavens, it needs patience.
When I was expecting Ginny, I had great grand intentions.
I was going to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months. I followed all the well-intentioned advice I was given by other women in my life... my sister, my MIL, friends, nurses, my childbirth class instructor. I got rid of all the free samples of formula that I had in the house, and I didn't buy any bottles. I totally bought into the idea that if I didn't have it handy, then I wouldn't be tempted to 'cheat'.
My birthplan indicated that I wanted skin to skin contact as soon as possible and that I wanted a lactation consultant to visit early to help us get started. I wanted to do everything I could to make breastfeeding a reality for us.
Then, thanks primarily to the gestational diabetes, I went through a three day induction that led to a c-section. Ginny was born at 8:42pm. Because of the c-section, and Ginny needing to be monitored (for blood sugars) in the Special Care Nursery for a few hours, it wasn't until after midnight that I got to hold her.
Right away, we got started trying. But just like getting and staying pregnant, breastfeeding did not come easily. It wasn't long before my poor wee girl was screaming in frustration and hunger, and I was in tears.
The problem? I had nothing to give her.
I knew that I had strikes against me... obesity, gestational diabetes, being induced, and the c-section... all are things that play a role in how challenging breastfeeding can be. I had the perfect storm. But I believed when everyone told me that it would happen, it would just take some work.
The nurses I had that night tried to show me how to do a football hold, how to express milk manually, and how to use the breast pump. Nothing worked. After trying to follow their instructions on how to express milk myself, and not getting anything, one nurse grabbed my already sore bo.ob to show me what I 'was doing wrong'. After a few agonizing minutes, all I was left with was a feeling of failure, a very bruised bo.ob, and two drops of collostrum.
A nurse (who was supposed to be THE nurse on the maternity ward... the one who could get any baby to latch and get the process started for even the most challenging case) came to see me the next morning. She went through everything that the nurses tried the night before, commented on my bruised bo.obs, and watched as I used the pump as I had been shown. After 15 minutes of pumping, I had less than 5 millileters of milk from ol' Righty and nothing from Lefty. This guru of the maternity ward just shrugged, said to keep trying, and left.
Each new nurse I had during my three days after delivery had some sure-fired way to get things to work. Different holds, different ways to express milk, pump one side at a time, pump both together, feed her through a tube while holding her to my breast, feed her through a tube while she sucks on my finger. Each one told me something differently. And on the second night, when I was having a major melt-down, right along with Ginny, one nurse told me that I was being ridiculous and that if I would just relax everything would work the way it was supposed to. (Sound familiar?) She said that I should stop starving my daugher, just give Ginny the bottle and in a couple of days, if I wanted to I could try again.
I caved. I gave her the bottle. When we got home, we had nothing to help feed her except a couple of little bottles that came with the pump we rented. I had to send my Beloved out to get bottles and formula on his own.
I continued to try to breastfeed, with varying levels of success. When the public health nurse came by for her routine visit, she set me up with an appointment with a different lactation consultant. That LC went through the same things that all the other nurses did. I was put on the highest dose allowed of dom.peridone to increase my milk supply, and following the LC's advice I started taking fenugreek. I bought and read the La Leche League book (which honestly I found useless and just more damaging emotionally).
When Ginny was 4 weeks old, things started to improve a bit. I was pumping constantly, and yes I cried over spilled milk a few times. At our best, we were down to one bottle of formula a day, along with breast feeding and pumped milk. I still dreaded every feeding, but at least I felt like it was being productive. But when Ginny hit her 6 week growth spurt, I just couldn't keep up.
Our breast feeding saga slowly wound down from there, until my wee girl was three months old, and nursing for five minutes, twice a day. That was the end.
Since that time, I have learned a few things.
- My bo.obs hardly changed at all during pregnancy. Other than being sore during the first trimester, they didn't change in shape or size. This should have been an early sign that things weren't going to be normal.
- I never experienced 'let down'. My sister talked about the sensation hurting, especially the first time. My Beloved's niece-in-law talked about the tingly sensation she experienced whenever her little guy cried. Other than a few twinges in Righty, I never felt anything. Another red flag.
- Women who have dealt with diabetes should really not expect their milk to come in until the latter half of the first week after delivery. No one told me this, ever. I found it out on a GD-mommies message board.
- Fenugreek does not work for women who have (or have had) diabetes. In fact, it has the opposite effect. I was working against myself just by taking the herbs.
- I'm a large woman. And those involved parts of my anatomy aren't delicate little flowers, by any stretch. This made latching hard for Ginny. Also, big bo.obs do not have anything to do with the amount of milk you have.
I have found that I can express a few drops now from either side (Righty is still more productive), but just like last time the girls haven't really changed all that much... they hurt more than they did last time, like a constant premenstrual bo.ob ache. I hope that these things are signs of good things to come, but I'm trying not to put too much faith in it.
Breastfeeding is a natural thing, but that certainly doesn't mean it comes naturally. The benefits to mother and child are astounding. But the pressure we put on ourselves or that we allow others to put on us can be detrimental.
Like everything in life, it requires balance and patience. Oh heavens, it needs patience.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Weekend Recap
Howdy Humble Readers...
Well, we ended up having a relatively unproductive weekend. Friday night ended up being a write-off for me in terms of sleep (I have been dealing with stuffy sinuses at night and it makes sleeping very challenging). I dozed off finally some time after four in the morning, and Ginny decided that 5am would be a great time to wake up (I think she actually had a nightmare, but timing's a biotch!). She dozed off again around 6, I got less than three hours sleep. Ugh. It made for a completely wasted Saturday. I ended up having to send my Beloved to do the grocery shopping on his own and didn't take a shower until four in the afternoon.
*****
One funny thing from Saturday... I took a nap while Ginny was napping, and I had a bizarre dream about my mom being 7 weeks pregnant right now. Particularly crazy as she had a hysterectomy more than 20 years ago. I told her about the dream when I called to wish her a happy birthday last night, and I don't know if it was the wine she had with dinner, but she thought it was the funniest thing she ever heard.
*****
I seem to be a walking mess of minor injuries. I'm nursing a bit of a goose-egg on my forehead. On Friday, Ginny decided that she no longer wanted to sit on my lap, and threw herself backward rather unexpectedly. I can safely say that she no longer has a soft spot on her skull. Ouch!!! I've burned myself in the kitchen more times in the last week than I have in the last six months. I think I have tendonitis in my right thumb (and of course I'm right handed, so that makes all kinds of things a challenge). And, oh yeah, I think I wrenched my back/hip a bit... I've had a stitch in my side for the last 24 hours. I'm a mess, I tell ya!
*****
If you've been here a while, you know that I had challenges with breastfeeding Ginny. Granted I had a lot of strikes against me (being obese, GD, a failed induction, c-section), but I still had some pretty high expectations of myself, and ended up really beating myself up about it when I finally gave up after three months. I totally get that 'the breast is best', but for some women, it just doesn't always work the way it should. Soooo, when I read this article the other day I almost jumped out of my skin in anger and frustration. Apparently the La Leche League in New Zealand is so powerful, that it has forced changes to a national non-smoking ad campaign, all because it shows a dad bottle feeding his child! I was just completely flabbergasted. The commercial wasn't to promote a brand of baby formula or bottles. IT WAS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING!! And somehow the sight of a father feeding his child was so offensive and controversial that it had to be removed from the ad campaign. (ok, rant over)
*****
Confession time... I love America's Got Talent. Love it. So, of course, I am now watching Canada's Got Talent (a shameless rip off, of course). I love the good, the bad, and the truly terrible. But, I have to ask... what is the deal with people sticking strange things up their noses in the name of entertainment? I just don't get it! :)
Well, we ended up having a relatively unproductive weekend. Friday night ended up being a write-off for me in terms of sleep (I have been dealing with stuffy sinuses at night and it makes sleeping very challenging). I dozed off finally some time after four in the morning, and Ginny decided that 5am would be a great time to wake up (I think she actually had a nightmare, but timing's a biotch!). She dozed off again around 6, I got less than three hours sleep. Ugh. It made for a completely wasted Saturday. I ended up having to send my Beloved to do the grocery shopping on his own and didn't take a shower until four in the afternoon.
*****
One funny thing from Saturday... I took a nap while Ginny was napping, and I had a bizarre dream about my mom being 7 weeks pregnant right now. Particularly crazy as she had a hysterectomy more than 20 years ago. I told her about the dream when I called to wish her a happy birthday last night, and I don't know if it was the wine she had with dinner, but she thought it was the funniest thing she ever heard.
*****
I seem to be a walking mess of minor injuries. I'm nursing a bit of a goose-egg on my forehead. On Friday, Ginny decided that she no longer wanted to sit on my lap, and threw herself backward rather unexpectedly. I can safely say that she no longer has a soft spot on her skull. Ouch!!! I've burned myself in the kitchen more times in the last week than I have in the last six months. I think I have tendonitis in my right thumb (and of course I'm right handed, so that makes all kinds of things a challenge). And, oh yeah, I think I wrenched my back/hip a bit... I've had a stitch in my side for the last 24 hours. I'm a mess, I tell ya!
*****
If you've been here a while, you know that I had challenges with breastfeeding Ginny. Granted I had a lot of strikes against me (being obese, GD, a failed induction, c-section), but I still had some pretty high expectations of myself, and ended up really beating myself up about it when I finally gave up after three months. I totally get that 'the breast is best', but for some women, it just doesn't always work the way it should. Soooo, when I read this article the other day I almost jumped out of my skin in anger and frustration. Apparently the La Leche League in New Zealand is so powerful, that it has forced changes to a national non-smoking ad campaign, all because it shows a dad bottle feeding his child! I was just completely flabbergasted. The commercial wasn't to promote a brand of baby formula or bottles. IT WAS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING!! And somehow the sight of a father feeding his child was so offensive and controversial that it had to be removed from the ad campaign. (ok, rant over)
*****
Confession time... I love America's Got Talent. Love it. So, of course, I am now watching Canada's Got Talent (a shameless rip off, of course). I love the good, the bad, and the truly terrible. But, I have to ask... what is the deal with people sticking strange things up their noses in the name of entertainment? I just don't get it! :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Week 28: Third Trimester!!
Howdy Humble Readers...
Well, here we are... technically in the home stretch! It's so hard to believe that this is my life. My Beloved asked me today if I'm scared about the future. I admitted that I am, not just about the relatively short term... getting to May 10th with this Halfling healthy and safe. I'm concerned about life after... being mommy to two wee creatures.
This isn't an O-M-G-I'm-panicking type of post. This is more a wondering-about-what-the-future-holds sort of thing. My Beloved and I have been married for almost 5 years, and for 4 of those years we (meaning mostly me) have been focussed, if not obsessed, with building our family. That phase of our lives is quickly drawing to a close. I know that I will have plenty to occupy my mind, but I wonder what that will look like. I know that IF and RPL will always be a part of who I am... I just wonder how they will impact the next stage of my life. Does that make any sense at all?
And now for something completely different... Ginny has always had this bizarre habit of trying to stick her hands down the top of my shirt. It seemed to fade considerably in the fall, but now she's back at it regularly, always trying to cop a feel, as it were. It makes me wonder, even though I was only able to breastfeed for three months, does she remember? And now that 'the girls' are producing again (righty is anyway, lefty was always less productive) I can express almost as much now as what I could when Ginny was first born. Admittedly, it's not a heck of a lot, no more than a teaspoon. But I wonder if she can sense it, or maybe even smell it or something? Something to ponder...
On to this week's update...
How far along? 28w0d (only 10 weeks to go!! HOLY CRAP!)
Maternity clothes? Yup. Sadly, some of my mat clothes are starting to show some wear. This time around I only bought a couple of long sleeved shirts, a sweater, and a pair of cords. Of course I still have all the tshirts and jeans from last time, but they are looking very tired.
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks NEW THIS WEEK: shrinking belly button!!
Sleep? Not as tired as I have been. Maybe the iron pills are working? I seem to be able to get by with just a brief nap in the morning, and I'm not falling asleep in the evening. Still sleeping like the dead.
Intense Dreams? OMG... they just don't stop! Being stalked by my bio-mom, finding a pure white yorkshire terrior in the dairy section of Safeway while shopping with my Mom, singing karaoke with Minta (yes... Minta, you were in one of my dreams), and last night's was set in a weird variation of my college, but it was also a hospital, and I found out that there were problems with the halfling (he only had one eye... and yes, I said he. The halfling has been a 'he' in several dreams this week.)
Best moment this week? Making progress on my to do list!
Worst moment? A dizzy spell while I was grocery shopping. Nothing like clinging to the shopping cart in the middle of the dairy section, seeing spots (thank you GD... grr).
Movement? Lots and lots! As the Halfling is turning vertical, it seems like he/she is opposite of what Ginny was. Throughout the third trimester, Ginny was on an angle, with her head on my right hip and her feet and bum under my left lung/ribs. Halfling 2.0 has his/her head on my right hip and likes to kick and stretch out under my right lung/ribs.
Food cravings/aversions? Fruit! But it has to be icy cold. Pineapple, strawberries, oranges, etc.
Rings? Surprisingly, still on.
Gender? I still think it's a girl. But it appears that boy is winning in the poll on the right.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones (they're back!), low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Nothing too big this week. I just wish I could have some of my favourite tempura maki rolls!
What I look forward to? Making some serious progress on my to do list.
Emtional State? Pretty mellow this week. No extremes one way or the other.
Well, here we are... technically in the home stretch! It's so hard to believe that this is my life. My Beloved asked me today if I'm scared about the future. I admitted that I am, not just about the relatively short term... getting to May 10th with this Halfling healthy and safe. I'm concerned about life after... being mommy to two wee creatures.
This isn't an O-M-G-I'm-panicking type of post. This is more a wondering-about-what-the-future-holds sort of thing. My Beloved and I have been married for almost 5 years, and for 4 of those years we (meaning mostly me) have been focussed, if not obsessed, with building our family. That phase of our lives is quickly drawing to a close. I know that I will have plenty to occupy my mind, but I wonder what that will look like. I know that IF and RPL will always be a part of who I am... I just wonder how they will impact the next stage of my life. Does that make any sense at all?
And now for something completely different... Ginny has always had this bizarre habit of trying to stick her hands down the top of my shirt. It seemed to fade considerably in the fall, but now she's back at it regularly, always trying to cop a feel, as it were. It makes me wonder, even though I was only able to breastfeed for three months, does she remember? And now that 'the girls' are producing again (righty is anyway, lefty was always less productive) I can express almost as much now as what I could when Ginny was first born. Admittedly, it's not a heck of a lot, no more than a teaspoon. But I wonder if she can sense it, or maybe even smell it or something? Something to ponder...
On to this week's update...
How far along? 28w0d (only 10 weeks to go!! HOLY CRAP!)
Maternity clothes? Yup. Sadly, some of my mat clothes are starting to show some wear. This time around I only bought a couple of long sleeved shirts, a sweater, and a pair of cords. Of course I still have all the tshirts and jeans from last time, but they are looking very tired.
Body Oddities? VERY dry skin, alternating constipation and IBS flares, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, super sore & slightly leaky boobs, dry/itchy eyes, leg cramps, round ligament pain, tingly fingertips, tired, gassy, Braxton Hicks NEW THIS WEEK: shrinking belly button!!
Sleep? Not as tired as I have been. Maybe the iron pills are working? I seem to be able to get by with just a brief nap in the morning, and I'm not falling asleep in the evening. Still sleeping like the dead.
Intense Dreams? OMG... they just don't stop! Being stalked by my bio-mom, finding a pure white yorkshire terrior in the dairy section of Safeway while shopping with my Mom, singing karaoke with Minta (yes... Minta, you were in one of my dreams), and last night's was set in a weird variation of my college, but it was also a hospital, and I found out that there were problems with the halfling (he only had one eye... and yes, I said he. The halfling has been a 'he' in several dreams this week.)
Best moment this week? Making progress on my to do list!
Worst moment? A dizzy spell while I was grocery shopping. Nothing like clinging to the shopping cart in the middle of the dairy section, seeing spots (thank you GD... grr).
Movement? Lots and lots! As the Halfling is turning vertical, it seems like he/she is opposite of what Ginny was. Throughout the third trimester, Ginny was on an angle, with her head on my right hip and her feet and bum under my left lung/ribs. Halfling 2.0 has his/her head on my right hip and likes to kick and stretch out under my right lung/ribs.
Food cravings/aversions? Fruit! But it has to be icy cold. Pineapple, strawberries, oranges, etc.
Rings? Surprisingly, still on.
Gender? I still think it's a girl. But it appears that boy is winning in the poll on the right.
Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day), High blood pressure (on 50mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 60mg of Pan.taloc daily), kidney stones (they're back!), low lying placenta, low iron.
What I miss? Nothing too big this week. I just wish I could have some of my favourite tempura maki rolls!
What I look forward to? Making some serious progress on my to do list.
Emtional State? Pretty mellow this week. No extremes one way or the other.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: New Beginnings and Celebrations
Howdy Humble Readers...
I am striving to improve both my blogging and commenting, as they have significantly sucked over the last couple of months. Granted, I have had a wonderful new distraction, but I miss you all! In hopes that it will help my blogging re-birth, I have signed up last minute for this month's ICLW. I'm going for my 6 comments a day... so maybe I'll be back into the swing of things by the end of the week.
*****
Feel like doing a happy dance with me? I finally went clothes shopping last weekend, because all my pants were falling off my ass (seriously, I had two pairs of pants left that fit, and I hated one of them and strongly disliked the other). Pre-Ginny, I was either a 26 or a 28 (told ya I was plus sized) depending on the cut. I started out optomistically with 24s, but in the dressing room discovered that I needed 22s instead! Woohoo! I haven't been that size since sometime just after college. I ended up with two new pairs of jeans, a pair of casual pants, and 2 shirts... and I got pretty good deals too!
*****
Speaking of weightloss and such... I was looking back, and since this time last year I have lost 56 pounds! I lost almost 20 pounds just prior to getting pregnant and with all that I lost right after Ginevra's birth, I'm doing pretty gosh darn well, if I do say so myself.
*****
Have any of you tried quinoa? Am I the last person in the world to discover how amazing this stuff is? I made sausage and peppers last week, and served it over quinoa... Absosmurfly fantastic! And good for you too! What a bonus!
*****
Ginny is growing like a weed. I had to pack away most of her newborn clothes this past week. (insert tear-y moment) Because she was so big when she was born, and because of how small my niece and nephew were at birth, Ginny looks to me to be the size of a four month old. She's getting close to 12 pounds now, and it's almost time for her 2 month vaccinations.
*****
Breastfeeding has taken a turn for the worse. Because she's growing so much, Ginny is needing a more milk than I am capable of producing, even with medical help. She gets 4-6 goes at the b00b throughout the day, but generally by 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I'm tapped out. I'm thankful that there are things like formula to help in situations like this, but I still feel a bit like I'm failing her.
*****
I mentioned to my Beloved the other day that I was excited because I saw tulips at the grocery store. That means that spring is coming! So guess what he came home with for me last night? A nice little bouquet of red & yellow tulips. How sweet is he?
*****
I have a pork roast in the slow cooker tonight, in preparation for a trip to my MIL tomorrow. We're going to be having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and broccoli slaw. What's on the menu for your family?
I am striving to improve both my blogging and commenting, as they have significantly sucked over the last couple of months. Granted, I have had a wonderful new distraction, but I miss you all! In hopes that it will help my blogging re-birth, I have signed up last minute for this month's ICLW. I'm going for my 6 comments a day... so maybe I'll be back into the swing of things by the end of the week.
*****
Feel like doing a happy dance with me? I finally went clothes shopping last weekend, because all my pants were falling off my ass (seriously, I had two pairs of pants left that fit, and I hated one of them and strongly disliked the other). Pre-Ginny, I was either a 26 or a 28 (told ya I was plus sized) depending on the cut. I started out optomistically with 24s, but in the dressing room discovered that I needed 22s instead! Woohoo! I haven't been that size since sometime just after college. I ended up with two new pairs of jeans, a pair of casual pants, and 2 shirts... and I got pretty good deals too!
*****
Speaking of weightloss and such... I was looking back, and since this time last year I have lost 56 pounds! I lost almost 20 pounds just prior to getting pregnant and with all that I lost right after Ginevra's birth, I'm doing pretty gosh darn well, if I do say so myself.
*****
Have any of you tried quinoa? Am I the last person in the world to discover how amazing this stuff is? I made sausage and peppers last week, and served it over quinoa... Absosmurfly fantastic! And good for you too! What a bonus!
*****
Ginny is growing like a weed. I had to pack away most of her newborn clothes this past week. (insert tear-y moment) Because she was so big when she was born, and because of how small my niece and nephew were at birth, Ginny looks to me to be the size of a four month old. She's getting close to 12 pounds now, and it's almost time for her 2 month vaccinations.
*****
Breastfeeding has taken a turn for the worse. Because she's growing so much, Ginny is needing a more milk than I am capable of producing, even with medical help. She gets 4-6 goes at the b00b throughout the day, but generally by 3 or 4 in the afternoon, I'm tapped out. I'm thankful that there are things like formula to help in situations like this, but I still feel a bit like I'm failing her.
*****
I mentioned to my Beloved the other day that I was excited because I saw tulips at the grocery store. That means that spring is coming! So guess what he came home with for me last night? A nice little bouquet of red & yellow tulips. How sweet is he?
*****
I have a pork roast in the slow cooker tonight, in preparation for a trip to my MIL tomorrow. We're going to be having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and broccoli slaw. What's on the menu for your family?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thank Heaven...
... for small victories, Humble Readers!
We finally got our appointment with a lactation consultant today (last week's appointment had to be rescheduled because the consultant was sick), and I wasn't holding out much hope. Every time, over the last two weeks, Ginevra and I would try the whole breastfeeding thing, we would both end up frustrated, and in her case screaming.
I was anxious when we got to the clinic because my experience with the nurses in the hospital wasn't the greatest. I was sure that I was going to be told (again) that my nipples were too big, that the combination of high blood pressure, GD, and c-section had screwed my chances of bf-ing, or the dreaded 'just relax and it will happen'.
Denise, the consultant, totally made everything okay tho. We started by just talking through the hurdles we've faced up to this point and what may be causing them. Then she took a look at 'the girls' and at Ginevra's mouth. My nipples are good, altho a little raw from pumping all the time. Ginevra has a bit of a tongue tie, and she doesn't like to open her mouth real wide unless she's screaming.
As an aside, I have never ever had so many people manhandle my b00bs as I have in the last couple of weeks. They say that having a baby makes you more comfortable showing off all your goods, but it still weirds me out.
She then had me lay down and do some skin to skin time with Ginevra. After about 20 minutes we moved to a chair, and after some initial fussing, my beautiful little girl latched on and nursed like a champ! It took a little working to get the right position, and to get my 'ginourmous' (as one nurse at the hospital called them) nipple into the right spot in her mouth, but she did it. I was ready to cry, I was so happy!
I know we still have a ways to go yet, and that it will likely be a bumpy road, but we are on our way. I have another appointment with her next week, and we'll just keep on trying.
*****
I still can't believe the weight I'm losing. It's slowed down now, but I'm almost 40lbs down from 16 days ago. My maternity pants AND my pre-pregnancy jeans are falling off me when I walk. I can't wait until I'm cleared for exercise... who knows how much I'll be able to lose!
I have a rather modest goal considering how much I 'should' lose, albeit an odd one. My Beloved is almost a full foot taller than me, and he weighs 25lb less than I do right now. I want to weigh less than my husband by our anniversary in April. I don't care if it's only half a pound less... I want to be lighter than my husband.
Think it's possible?
We finally got our appointment with a lactation consultant today (last week's appointment had to be rescheduled because the consultant was sick), and I wasn't holding out much hope. Every time, over the last two weeks, Ginevra and I would try the whole breastfeeding thing, we would both end up frustrated, and in her case screaming.
I was anxious when we got to the clinic because my experience with the nurses in the hospital wasn't the greatest. I was sure that I was going to be told (again) that my nipples were too big, that the combination of high blood pressure, GD, and c-section had screwed my chances of bf-ing, or the dreaded 'just relax and it will happen'.
Denise, the consultant, totally made everything okay tho. We started by just talking through the hurdles we've faced up to this point and what may be causing them. Then she took a look at 'the girls' and at Ginevra's mouth. My nipples are good, altho a little raw from pumping all the time. Ginevra has a bit of a tongue tie, and she doesn't like to open her mouth real wide unless she's screaming.
As an aside, I have never ever had so many people manhandle my b00bs as I have in the last couple of weeks. They say that having a baby makes you more comfortable showing off all your goods, but it still weirds me out.
She then had me lay down and do some skin to skin time with Ginevra. After about 20 minutes we moved to a chair, and after some initial fussing, my beautiful little girl latched on and nursed like a champ! It took a little working to get the right position, and to get my 'ginourmous' (as one nurse at the hospital called them) nipple into the right spot in her mouth, but she did it. I was ready to cry, I was so happy!
I know we still have a ways to go yet, and that it will likely be a bumpy road, but we are on our way. I have another appointment with her next week, and we'll just keep on trying.
*****
I still can't believe the weight I'm losing. It's slowed down now, but I'm almost 40lbs down from 16 days ago. My maternity pants AND my pre-pregnancy jeans are falling off me when I walk. I can't wait until I'm cleared for exercise... who knows how much I'll be able to lose!
I have a rather modest goal considering how much I 'should' lose, albeit an odd one. My Beloved is almost a full foot taller than me, and he weighs 25lb less than I do right now. I want to weigh less than my husband by our anniversary in April. I don't care if it's only half a pound less... I want to be lighter than my husband.
Think it's possible?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Just Checking In...
Howdy Humble Readers!
I can't believe how the last week has flown by. I'm working on our birth story, but honestly I'm struggling with the earliest parts because everything seemed to go so slowly for so long, and then it hit hyper-speed.
My black and blue belly (from all the insulin and the assorted shots I got after Ginevra was born) is slowly turning a grotesque shade of yellow and green. My staples were removed on Saturday and now the inscision is itchy beyond belief. And check out that new ticker to the right... I am currently more than 20 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight! It's like I'm melting away.
My rings are back on. I'm done with the insulin and my blood sugars have been well within target when I do random checks. I have to go for another GTT after my six-week check up.
I did have a little scare the other day. The public health nurse had come by to do a check on Ginevra and I, and she did a bp check on me. I had been feeling dizzy and light-headed for a day or so, and had some troubles taking a deep breath the night before. My bp was sky high and I was retaining a lot of water. She stopped the check up at that point and sent us to my doc immediately. Long story short, I'm back on the Lobe.talol, and all is much better now. We'll see how my bp is when I go back to the doc at the end of the month.
Ginevra is doing amazingly well... she's surpassed her birth weight already, and other than a few issues with gassiness she's a very happy little girl. She sleeps anywhere from 3-6 hours at a stretch and eats well. Cloth diapering is going great, and I don't know why people choose to use disposables when there are such great products and services out there. The only area that we're still struggling is with bf-ing. Because of my blood pressure, the c-section, and the GD, I had next to no milk for the first several days, so we had to go with formula (which was a frustration for me). I'm now on some meds to help my milk supply (which it has, in spades!), and Ginevra is on mostly breastmilk, albeit from a bottle. I've been trying to use a nipple shield to help her, which is working somewhat, but mostly she gets mad because she can't get milk as quickly from me as she can from a bottle.
All in all, I think things are going really well. Even when we have frustrating moments (like when I had to throw the covers to the couch cushions in the wash at 2am because she spit up all over them), I am still so incredibly thankful and happy. My Beloved is amazing with her, and I am so very proud of him! He's also been great with looking after me and making sure that I'm not overdoing it.
I will hopefully be able to start checking back in with all of you soon. It seems like when I'm not feeding, pumping, or changing diapers, I'm doing laundry or trying to catch up on sleep.
I hope you are all well... and that you are enjoying a magical holiday season!
I can't believe how the last week has flown by. I'm working on our birth story, but honestly I'm struggling with the earliest parts because everything seemed to go so slowly for so long, and then it hit hyper-speed.
 |
| Our Family! |
My black and blue belly (from all the insulin and the assorted shots I got after Ginevra was born) is slowly turning a grotesque shade of yellow and green. My staples were removed on Saturday and now the inscision is itchy beyond belief. And check out that new ticker to the right... I am currently more than 20 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight! It's like I'm melting away.
My rings are back on. I'm done with the insulin and my blood sugars have been well within target when I do random checks. I have to go for another GTT after my six-week check up.
I did have a little scare the other day. The public health nurse had come by to do a check on Ginevra and I, and she did a bp check on me. I had been feeling dizzy and light-headed for a day or so, and had some troubles taking a deep breath the night before. My bp was sky high and I was retaining a lot of water. She stopped the check up at that point and sent us to my doc immediately. Long story short, I'm back on the Lobe.talol, and all is much better now. We'll see how my bp is when I go back to the doc at the end of the month.
 |
| Ginevra's first bath - in the hospital |
 |
| One of my favourites - in the car seat, on the way home from the hospital |
I will hopefully be able to start checking back in with all of you soon. It seems like when I'm not feeding, pumping, or changing diapers, I'm doing laundry or trying to catch up on sleep.
I hope you are all well... and that you are enjoying a magical holiday season!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 6: My Favourite Quote (and a few other ramblings)
Greetings from the chilly flatland, Humble Readers!
Yesterday my dyslexia kicked in and I skipped ahead one day on the list. So now I'm going back and catching the assignment that I missed.
A favourite quote is another tough one.
There's that 'Fool's Hope' quote over in the right hand column from Return of the King that I adore. It and the quote from Scripture below it sum up my journey through life, and particularly through IF.
I have a whole journal somewhere full of quotes that I collected when I was in my 20s.
But the quote that I have become attached to recently is something I try to live out every day.
*****
Our Prenatal classes were interesting. It was particularly useful for my Beloved to hear and learn all the stuff I've been reading about for the last few months. It certainly boosted his confidence in terms of being able to do the things I will need from him. We opted to do our classes on two Saturdays, rather than over 5 weeks. I wanted to make sure we were through them before November rolled around.
Our classes were lead by one of the L&D nurses from our hospital, so it was good to be able to get information on current practices on the L&D and Postpartum wards. She is also an IBCLC, so we got lots of good info about breastfeeding (more on that further down). In the childbirth portion of the class, we focussed a lot on coping techniques (positions, activities, etc). I'm really hoping that I will be able to stay mobile for at least the first part of my labour, and be able to take advantage of some of the things I learned. I also learned that my Beloved has no idea how to put a diaper on a child... lol!
The most interesting for me was the segment on breastfeeding. I have been doing a lot of reading about bf-ing and I have long been committed to nursing for as long as I can. My primary concern is that I have heard a lot of plus size women have issues with it, and that there isn't a lot of support, particularly in the hospital setting. She was able to put my mind at ease, and I now have a lot of contact numbers for support after the Halfling arrives.
The funniest aspect of the whole class was one of the fathers-to-be. It was very VERY apparent that he hadn't done any reading, and really has no clue about delivery, breastfeeding, or babies in general. He asked the most awkward questions. I actually felt badly for his wife. But it was when he started spouting his opinions about bf-ing in public... well let's just say I was chomping on the inside of my cheek to keep from getting into an arguement. (He actually compared women bf-ing in public to men who pee on the street outside bars!) I'm not going to be whipping out the 'girls' just any old time and place, but neither am I going to nurse my child in a public bathroom just to keep people like him happy! You could tell that there were many others in the group that were struggling not to get into it with him.
*****
A couple of you asked the other day what my opinion is of ereaders. As I stated in my favourite book post, I adore books. I love the feel of them in my hand, the smell of them, the print on the page. All that said, I own an ereader (a Kobo - the ereader that my company put out earlier this year). I like it for traveling, and for trying new authors, and for the numerous mass market romance novels I normally read and then recycle. I don't think I will ever go 100% to an ereader, but I do see the place for it.
Yesterday my dyslexia kicked in and I skipped ahead one day on the list. So now I'm going back and catching the assignment that I missed.
A favourite quote is another tough one.
There's that 'Fool's Hope' quote over in the right hand column from Return of the King that I adore. It and the quote from Scripture below it sum up my journey through life, and particularly through IF.
I have a whole journal somewhere full of quotes that I collected when I was in my 20s.
But the quote that I have become attached to recently is something I try to live out every day.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - GhandiSimple and straight-forward. If we want to make a change in the world around us, we need to change ourselves first.
*****
Our Prenatal classes were interesting. It was particularly useful for my Beloved to hear and learn all the stuff I've been reading about for the last few months. It certainly boosted his confidence in terms of being able to do the things I will need from him. We opted to do our classes on two Saturdays, rather than over 5 weeks. I wanted to make sure we were through them before November rolled around.
Our classes were lead by one of the L&D nurses from our hospital, so it was good to be able to get information on current practices on the L&D and Postpartum wards. She is also an IBCLC, so we got lots of good info about breastfeeding (more on that further down). In the childbirth portion of the class, we focussed a lot on coping techniques (positions, activities, etc). I'm really hoping that I will be able to stay mobile for at least the first part of my labour, and be able to take advantage of some of the things I learned. I also learned that my Beloved has no idea how to put a diaper on a child... lol!
The most interesting for me was the segment on breastfeeding. I have been doing a lot of reading about bf-ing and I have long been committed to nursing for as long as I can. My primary concern is that I have heard a lot of plus size women have issues with it, and that there isn't a lot of support, particularly in the hospital setting. She was able to put my mind at ease, and I now have a lot of contact numbers for support after the Halfling arrives.
The funniest aspect of the whole class was one of the fathers-to-be. It was very VERY apparent that he hadn't done any reading, and really has no clue about delivery, breastfeeding, or babies in general. He asked the most awkward questions. I actually felt badly for his wife. But it was when he started spouting his opinions about bf-ing in public... well let's just say I was chomping on the inside of my cheek to keep from getting into an arguement. (He actually compared women bf-ing in public to men who pee on the street outside bars!) I'm not going to be whipping out the 'girls' just any old time and place, but neither am I going to nurse my child in a public bathroom just to keep people like him happy! You could tell that there were many others in the group that were struggling not to get into it with him.
*****
A couple of you asked the other day what my opinion is of ereaders. As I stated in my favourite book post, I adore books. I love the feel of them in my hand, the smell of them, the print on the page. All that said, I own an ereader (a Kobo - the ereader that my company put out earlier this year). I like it for traveling, and for trying new authors, and for the numerous mass market romance novels I normally read and then recycle. I don't think I will ever go 100% to an ereader, but I do see the place for it.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Hobbit vs. The World: Breastfeeding Rant
Good Evening Humble Readers...
Before I start this post I have to say... I have never breastfed a baby, but I plan to. And as an owner of a pair of milk-producing breasts (in comparison with, say, John Goodman) I think I am allowed to have an opinion.
Over the last week I have heard a lot of opinions expressed about breastfeeding in public. I have read blog posts, news stories, and heard some opinions that just shock the poop out of me. And today, I saw a trailer for a national tv news story about it. Who knew it could be so darn controversial?
The gist of all the stories I have come across is that breastfeeding in public should be restricted, if not outright banned.
I'm sorry, but I just can't believe this.
Yes, I am a relatively conservative hobbit, and no, when I am breast feeding I don't plan on just whipping my b00bs out any old time and place. I plan on using some sort of a cover up (even that's not good enough for some of the people complaining). But to say that a mother doesn't have the right to feed her child in public just makes me cranky.
Apparently, it makes people uncomfortable.
Well, you know what makes me uncomfortable? Seeing every tom, dick, and harry's butt crack! Men and women alike. If your skinny jeans don't allow you to bend over without showing half of your ass, then I think you need to reconsider your wardrobe. But you can bet that would never make the CTV and ABC evening news.
There are two very extreme sides in this debate, and I don't fit in either camp. I'm not (and I really and truly do not mean to be offensive here) a militant 'breast is best' person. I don't disagree that breast milk is best, but I know that breastfeeding is hard, especially at first. I watched my sister struggle in frustration and pain, and ultimately switch to formula after her son was getting more of her blood in his mouth than her milk. But I have read several comments from women who say they don't even see their breasts as private parts and that exposing them is no different from exposing one's arms or legs. I just can't get that argument at all.
Nor do I identify AT ALL with one commenter who said that 'those women need to get a life' and that it's 'inappropriate in the extreme'. In my opinion, the people who find breastfeeding in public offensive need to get their minds out of the gutter, because that's the only type of thinking that makes it offensive.
There are plenty of things that I do in the privacy of my own home that I would never do in public, but that doesn't make them wrong. Yes, I think that we need to be aware of our surroundings and be respectful of others. Absolutely!
However, no one has the right to tell me or any mother where and when and how I can feed my child.
Okay, rant over for now.
Before I start this post I have to say... I have never breastfed a baby, but I plan to. And as an owner of a pair of milk-producing breasts (in comparison with, say, John Goodman) I think I am allowed to have an opinion.
Over the last week I have heard a lot of opinions expressed about breastfeeding in public. I have read blog posts, news stories, and heard some opinions that just shock the poop out of me. And today, I saw a trailer for a national tv news story about it. Who knew it could be so darn controversial?
The gist of all the stories I have come across is that breastfeeding in public should be restricted, if not outright banned.
I'm sorry, but I just can't believe this.
Yes, I am a relatively conservative hobbit, and no, when I am breast feeding I don't plan on just whipping my b00bs out any old time and place. I plan on using some sort of a cover up (even that's not good enough for some of the people complaining). But to say that a mother doesn't have the right to feed her child in public just makes me cranky.
Apparently, it makes people uncomfortable.
Well, you know what makes me uncomfortable? Seeing every tom, dick, and harry's butt crack! Men and women alike. If your skinny jeans don't allow you to bend over without showing half of your ass, then I think you need to reconsider your wardrobe. But you can bet that would never make the CTV and ABC evening news.
There are two very extreme sides in this debate, and I don't fit in either camp. I'm not (and I really and truly do not mean to be offensive here) a militant 'breast is best' person. I don't disagree that breast milk is best, but I know that breastfeeding is hard, especially at first. I watched my sister struggle in frustration and pain, and ultimately switch to formula after her son was getting more of her blood in his mouth than her milk. But I have read several comments from women who say they don't even see their breasts as private parts and that exposing them is no different from exposing one's arms or legs. I just can't get that argument at all.
Nor do I identify AT ALL with one commenter who said that 'those women need to get a life' and that it's 'inappropriate in the extreme'. In my opinion, the people who find breastfeeding in public offensive need to get their minds out of the gutter, because that's the only type of thinking that makes it offensive.
There are plenty of things that I do in the privacy of my own home that I would never do in public, but that doesn't make them wrong. Yes, I think that we need to be aware of our surroundings and be respectful of others. Absolutely!
However, no one has the right to tell me or any mother where and when and how I can feed my child.
Okay, rant over for now.
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