Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
My Top 5 Breastfeeding Must Haves
I knew with the twins it was breast or bust. I never for one second entertained the thought of formula. I actually got pretty sassy with an LC in the hospital who dropped the F-bomb.
I sought constant support from my local Lactation Specialists, I read and researched everything I could find and asked constant questions of friends. I pumped constantly to boost supply, dealt with nipples that felt like they were being seared off with a dull machete, boobs the size of watermelons ready to explode with each breath and never, ever questioned my body's ability to provide for my babies.
I tandem nursed the biggies for just over a year and was able to donate gallons upon gallons of stored milk. Dude was the same...accept I had a whole second boob to spare! I too nursed him for a bit over a year and was given the huge honor of being to share my milk with a close friend who too was dedicated to breastmilk. It was one of the greatest things I was able to do for someone I love.
It's easy to forget how challenging those first few weeks of nursing truly are. The honey-like colostrum requiring constant massage, milk coming in hard and fast making you sick with discomfort, the boob boulders, sand granules, fearing plugged ducts, bloody and cracked nipples, latch issues, the CONSTANT questioning that all this is normal...I mean it is no easy feat.
Now that the hard truth is out of the way, here comes the good truth.
As with everything pregnancy/birth, all that pain/discomfort is temporary. That hard work, that dedication, will (in most cases), pay off. Once your milk stabilizes, nipples turn to leather and you/baby get into your groove, there is truly nothing more amazing than being able to provide your baby with the most natural, perfectly created just for him "meals by mommy".
There of course are many mommies who really struggle and give it their all before accepting that bitter defeat. While I am no professional, I think early stress from any sort of medical or other issue can really play a role in affecting milk supply. I know from supporting close friends that the heartbreak they feel from giving up on breastfeeding was devastating.
But above all else, any mommy who loves and feeds their baby in any form is doing a great job.
Phew, with all that out of the way, let this (overly) milky mommy share my favorite breastfeeding products/supports. I would be LOST without them!!
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| CLICK & BUY! |
1. MILKIES MILK SAVER: Obvi, I couldn't use this with the twins as both of my boobs were occupied, but with Dude and after soaking through one too many T-shirts, I saw this and immediately bought it. I used it nonstop with him and have already been catching milk like crazy with Richie. It is so easy to use; just stick your nipple in, secure with your bra/tank and let that boob drip fill up that silicon saver. I usually get like 1-2 oz per feeding from just sitting there. No manual pumping required and always a dry shirt!! This is my favorite thing to use, especially in the first few weeks before I start pumping because I can build my stored supply without increasing my already over supply. Just be careful when you go to pick up baby... milk tsunamis are never fun.
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| CLICK & BUY! |
Thankfully, I am a quick study. This guy was a total blessing in disguise after having Dude. Being as I have too much milk and my boobs are on the verge of explosion constantly, I needed some extra relief after each feeding. I would catch on one side while nursing on the other, then after I swapped him to the other side I would pump out the rest of that golden goodness and then following him finishing on the other side, repeat. I LOVED the freedom of not being hooked up to the electrical pump while getting in more snuggles with Dude and doing little work for lots of supply. I have already used this a bit with Richie but only for comfort as I am not trying to kick up my supply any higher than it already is!
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| CLICK & BUY! |
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| CLICK & BUY! |
4. Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter. Oh those sweet nipples. That phase between raw and leather is not an easy one. Thankfully Earth Mama has the most soothing nipple butter to ease some of that chappy, scabby process. I use it after each feed, before I use my manual pump and always before I shower. I love keeping those nips hydrated and calm...since it feels like fire torture at first with each latch. Aside from this being all natural and totally safe for mommy, another bonus is that it is safe for baby too! No more having to wipe off the lanolin from those tender feeding devices, baby can jump right on and you both can relax into a wonderful, snuggle filled feeding.
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| CLICK & BUY! |
5. Earth Mama Organic Milkmaid Tea. Just because I am a milk machine doesn't mean I don't continue to support a healthy supply! As an oatmeal and tea lover, a daily dose of this amazing, organic tea does the job to keep me freely flowing. With all the right herbs straight from nature, this tea is a must have for any milky mommy's pantry.
While this is only my five most used items, there are many more things I just can't seem to live without. Nursing tanks to holster my melons during engorgement (any bralettte is just too restrictive for me), organic cotton/washable breast pads and of course my favorite breastfeeding app for the new (or always anal) mommy; Baby Connect.
And of course no breastfeeding post would be complete without sharing my two favorite sites to troll while feeding and wondering if you are doing this correctly...Kellymom.comcom for ALL the things breastfeeding. And my personal favorite timeline breakdown, The Alpha Parent - Timeline of a Breastfed Baby.
As I enter my last breastfeeding experience with my last baby, I am soaking up every second of the good, bad, horrible and magical. I love me some breastmilk superpower and intend to live it up, pump it out and cherish this last wet n' wild ride.
As I enter my last breastfeeding experience with my last baby, I am soaking up every second of the good, bad, horrible and magical. I love me some breastmilk superpower and intend to live it up, pump it out and cherish this last wet n' wild ride.
Strive to thrive,
Em
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
How to Prepare for Lying In - A Postpartum Must
The rush of having a new baby is truly euphoric. The transformation of pregnancy, the pure magic in the experience of birth and the incredible emotion that takes over when you hold that sweet baby for the first time. A whole new life for you and baby is beginning.
That new life needs to begin with rest, healing and nourishing your miraculous body for all she has accomplished. Not getting home and throwing in a quick load of laundry before heading to Costco because you are out of milk *ahem, yes, I am talking to you...well myself that is*
Sadly, my last time around looked more like me getting home with a newborn, leaving him with his Daddy and big brothers while I quickly rinsed off the hospital cooties and freshened up my lady parts. and racing to unpack After a nurse session with my sweet baby, I hopped up, cleaned up the house a bit from my two day absence and started making dinner. BIG MISTAKE. Newsflash, you JUST HAD A BABY LIKE 48 HOURS AGO!! YOU NEED TO CHILL THE F OUT.
Thankfully this time around I am ready to apply what I've learned and the use the incredible struggles I faced previously to approach this postpartum recovery differently. I am going to put myself and baby first. The house will be fine if it is not maintained to my OCD/anal standards. The kids will continue to thrive with their Daddy and Maj taking care of their daily needs. The laundry will still get done, the dishes will be washed and everyone, yes everyone will survive. (This is my new mantra. I say it on repeat to calm my anxieties).
When I entered my third trimester, the time came to really develop my postpartum plan of attack. I was so grateful to have been given an amazing resource to help me achieve my new goals. I was also flabbergasted to realize that this "mommy bedroom vacation" I was dreaming up was in fact a legit thing that had been celebrated throughout cultures ,across the world for centuries. How had I missed that?!
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| CLICK & BUY! |
My MBV (Mommy Bedroom Vacation) was actually referred to as Lying-In. A time to rest, heal and bond with your newborn. When The First Forty Days was sent to me as a part of my trimesterly Mama's Bump Squad package, it felt like the sky had opened and Earth Mama sent me a gift from Heaven.
Well, that was that! I was ready to start sharing my new found knowledge and preparing for my Lying-In period. I was going to force myself to slow down and was actually looking forward to being able to accept that this needed to happen and I was the one who needed to make it happen.
So, now, how to prepare for this amazing experience...
1. CREATE A PLAN. To make this even easier, Earth Mama provides not only excellent information on the process as a whole, but also has a FREE and easy fillable document that prints into a lovely PDF for you and your support team to reference. Now you have an outline to discuss with your support team and have your goals ready to share!
2. GET YOUR SUPPORT TEAM UP TO DATE ON SAID PLAN. Obviously I knew my husband and Thriving Mommy were going to be the key players, so that was easy to establish. Having a plan for everyone to reference with what I saw for my week of bed rest and slow re-entrance into full mommy-ness made it easy for us to get on the same page. Since my main concern is my three little guys, it was good for me to be able to delegate responsibilities and discuss how I saw each person fulfilling the role I hoped they wouldn't mind assuming for a bit.
3. HOUSE/KID PREP. Channel all that pregnancy nesting into lists, tasks and getting organized for you to be out of commission. My goal is one week, which to me will feel like one year. I can barely handle sitting still for one hour let alone one week, but again, this is about healing...which considering I was up at about only two days after my C-section screams that I have a problem and need to rest. Get the house cleaned, the laundry done, sheets changed, kids foods/snacks restocked, menus made and any and all notes prepared for your team. The last thing you want is to be disrupted 300 times a day asking where the extra goldfish crackers are. Make sure everyone has access to your kid's schedule and that they know what they need/have to do. For example, Tuesday, sports camp. Kids need to be ready to go with athletic attire at 8:50am, snacks and water packed for after. Dude needs his own ball so he doesn't disrupt the activity... You can never be too prepared, trust.
4. PREPARE YOUR RECOVERY SUITE. Remember that time my husband got a vasectomy and had an amazing, calm, healing recovery suite all to himself for the weekend? Well take that times 1,000 and that is what you should get mommy! I will be staying in our bedroom which is slightly more tricky as the boys will have easy access to me and I will get to hear all their squeals/daily squabbles a they yell throughout the house, but everything is here where I need it. I am not packing bags to move downstairs, way too much.
I did vamp it up a bit, adding an extra bedside table with all my baby/mommy necessities (nipple butter, single manual pump, diapers, booby tubes, iPad, kleenex...the list goes on). I also have my "eating in bed tray" for constant calorie consumption of healing, nourishing foods (my mommy is all over that). I moved the changing table and little baby chair in my room for when I need to stand up for a second and/or take a quick shower. My linens are changed, my room is clean and I am ready to seclude myself into a sanctuary of healing and connecting with my last baby boy.
5. ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN. Now you are ready. You have your plan, you have done the leg work to prepare, you are set up and ready for action. Here comes the hardest part (especially for me), allowing it to happen. Allow yourself to let go of all those constant tugs at your mommy brain and let chaos ensue. Remember, it can and will all be put back again. So what if your kids eat In N Out for a week straight, worse things have happened. You will soon emerge from your recovery suite with a well adjusted, breast feeding champion baby and a stronger, healthier body ready to get your kids back on Spinach and Kale and into clean clothes. It will be alright.
Truly savor this time as it is so important and so necessary. You can do this mommy!
Are you ready to help yourself or a loved one with their lying-in period? What an incredible way for women to support one another through the greatest miracle of all...motherhood!
Don't miss my IGTV episode on the topic too!!
Stive to Thrive,
Em
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
6 Ways to Prepare for a Thriving VBAC
I am very open and honest about my first birth experience and how it was NOT at all what I wanted, prepared or planned for. While I knew that "special circumstances" could arise (especially with twins) and had said the affirmation over and over, I still hoped I wouldn't have go through a C-section, but I did.
Thankfully, with Dude, I was dedicated to making all my birth dreams come true. Starting with of course, him coming out of my lady parts. And that is exactly what he did. He was my birth dream come true (in terms of goals. Trust, it was no walk on the beach...unless your version of the beach is a lot of vomit). I successfully had the unmedicated VBAC I had set out to achieve.
What is a VBAC you ask?
VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. While I thought this was no big thang, I was in fact quite wrong. Maybe this was because whenever I talked about my next birth being totally different people "seemed" supportive. Maybe it was because I had laser-beam focus and was so committed to a natural, vaginal birth that I didn't realize that people weren't all that supportive. Whatever it was, it was not an easy task to find a doctor to take me on the first time around.
I had reached out to a number of local doctors and was denied by all of them, apparently having a VBAC was not an option in my "rural" community.
I was incredibly upset and thankfully had a locked and loaded birth guru in my corner 24/7, my doula and TW Nic. She hooked me up with some resources to check out (first on the list, ICAN, International Cesarean Awareness Network.) and I eventually found the doctor of my dreams, only a short drive away in San Diego.
I again found myself fighting for the right to birth the baby inside MY body how I wanted. I gave a local doctor a good run in an effort to make it easier on myself and my boys (the appointments in San Diego can be tricky with so many kids not to mention my husband's panic about the hospital being nearly an hour away), but halfway through my pregnancy I realized that it was far more important to be supported unconditionally and went back with my AMAZING Dr. Cap.
So while I am ready for this guy to make his smooth, easy exit from my body in a few short weeks, I also know that not everyone is as lucky as I am when it comes to finding a match to support you and your wishes for birth.
With that said...
Here are my suggestions on how to best prepare for a VBAC -
- Educate Yourself. Apparently there are some safety concerns surrounding VBACs (this was news to me of course), like uterine rupture. Well, the research indicates that the possibility of that is less than 1%. A risk I am more than willing to take. However, not all women feel the same which is of course understandable. But, take the time to educate yourself with evidence based research and make sure you are confident moving forward in whatever path you choose for you and your baby.
- Take Classes. As a second time around mommy, I assumed I didn't need any classes besides a little HypnoBirthing refresher. Well, I was wrong. Not only did I freshen up on my Hypno skills but I also took an amazing class designed for VBAC moms. Not only was the class incredibly therapeutic as we connected and shared our stories, but it provided more information to boost my confidence levels even higher. I also took a Labor Comfort Measures class which allowed my TH and I to re-create what we saw for our next experience. The Birth Education Center of San Diego was an excellent resource and Care is an absolute dream!! Now that I am going in again, I didn't take the classes and more centered my mind around what was going to happen and refreshed some of my Hypno skills.
- Release. I still have some negative memories with the twins birth (back labor nightmare) that sometimes haunts me, but I have to let it go. I try and focus on all the positive things that happened during Dude's labor and imagine that it will be the same...but faster! And he was FAST!
- Create A New Experience. I am now sending energy to my new experience. I see myself starting to feel surges and welcome them calmly. I let my family know it is time to go, kiss the boys and slowly walk to the car. We make an easy drive to the hospital, I get checked in, relax into my body and my baby...and two minutes later I am engaging in my favorite part of the whole experience...breathing him out and feeling him leave my body along with my purple leg syndrome...
- Find Support. Every pregnancy is different and every mother requires a different level of support. Since I had found a doctor who I trusted completely I knew the only other birth support person I needed besides my TH was a doula. My doula, Nic. I cannot recommend a doula enough. Granted, I am lucky enough to have a doula wrapped in a bestie, but this service is truly one I wouldn't want to be without. Having someone there to help not only you, but also your partner is huge. Whatever support you feel you need, you should get. It is well worth the investment.
- Get excited. Every birth is different and should be treated as such. For those of us who desperately want a VBAC (or a second one), this is the time to get super excited. I know I can do this, I've done it before. I know things may arise, but I am choosing to send energy to a smooth/easy birth...did I mention fast too?
Whether or not you want to be a repeat cesarean mommy, have a VBAC or pretend the baby will never come out and do nothing to prepare, just make sure the choice is yours. There is no wrong way to bring a baby from a loving womb into a loving mommy's arms. From my experience, I never want anyone to feel the self-doubt, despair and confusion I did before having Dude. I refused to accept someone telling me what was best for me and my baby. Remember to trust your body, your instincts and follow your gut. We are strong, powerful Thriving Women who have been given the gift of co-creating, sustaining and delivering HUMAN LIFE. I mean, is there anything more freaking cool than that?! I think not.
I look forward to sharing my birth story in the upcoming weeks as I welcome my last sweet baby boy. I am hoping to help other Thriving Mommies take another look at their birth choices and find the strength I momentarily lost...then got back ten fold when I made that VBAC my b*%@#.
*Here are some additional resources that I found helpful and empowering**
Strive to thrive,
Em
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Summer Swim Workout - Preggo Approved!
Channeling my Mermaid Mommy more than ever these days!
It is like the Universe knows I need my daily workout and therefore honors my needs by giving me Fall babies. August, October and now (soon to be) September have been when all my babies have made it into my arms. As I get bigger, my workouts evolve into low impact, low intensity. I am so thankful to have swimming be my go-to third trimester workout.
Granted, you can and should absolutely swim anytime during pregnancy or not pregnant at all, but something about relieving all that weight while also feeling that burn I so love really makes me look forward to it. That and I am a terrible swimmer so I am seriously dying after each lap...
From jogging, kicking, lap swimming to treading, this is a total (preggo approved) body workout. Best part, it is GREAT for getting baby into position for that calm, easy birth we all prepare for...and no, I did not make that up, a midwife told me.
Since I now have my own pool (not a lap pool by any means) I set my timer for 30 minutes and go back and forth from corner to corner across the pool. The big boys LOVE watching and cheering me on too which makes it even more fun!
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| Kicking is my favorite; flutter, "mermaid" aka butterfly kick and breaststroke all get 10 laps. Don't forget your hat! |
Once I've done my kicks and my legs are on fire, it is time to grab one of my kid's goggles (lash protection always is a top priority) and get in my laps!
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| This is where I reallllllllly struggle, but I LOVE IT! |
Have access to a pool and want to give this splash worthy workout a try? Well then, here you go! The workout below is based on a lap pool, but if you've got one in your backyard, just find the longest distance and go for it!
As I countdown these last 10 weeks of my very last pregnancy, I can honestly say, THANK G FOR THE POOL! It has saved me once again and I look forward to kicking my way to that second unmedicated VBAC and meeting my sweet Richie!
Anything I should try next time I take my daily dip?
Strive to thrive,
Em
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
10 Minute Tushy Toner - Preggo Approved
Since my days of teaching fitness classes (for more than myself) are on hold for a bit, I really try to mix up my workouts.
I tend to find comfort in intense cardio (well, as intense as can be when you are growing a human), so I make a point to include weight training 3-4 times a week. One of my favorite zones to target? My tush.
My body goes through quite a transition when pregnant. I expand early on and while I stay consistent with my healthy lifestyle, I still seem to struggle embracing the changes my glorious body goes through to create life. I remind myself this is all temporary, rub my big belly and get back to doing what I love most (well right up there with organizing/cleaning)...sweating.
Now that the intensity of my workouts has slowed (no more squat jumps for now) I love to pull out some of my low impact, burn until you cry, fast and furious exercises. This FOR SHO is one I never tire of...I love to hate it.
This PopSugar, 10 Minute Booty Burner requires only a mat, 5 pound weight (or less) a timer and a ten minute commitment to yearn for that burn.
Each exercise is only 30 seconds, I repeat, only 30 seconds. Easy enough right? I mean you can do ANYTHING for 30 seconds...ha. Talk to me after.
I love this booty blaster and incorporate it into my weekly weight routine regularly. I feel my tush and hamstrings getting tighter and only pray this dedication pays off...especially once I shed my pregnancy suit this Fall!
Do you have any good workouts for your backside? PLEASE share!
Strive to thrive,
Em
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Mother of Boys...Again!
Apparently, one should not write off "it will never happen for us", because just when we were in no way shape or form expecting it...it happened!
After two years of heartbreaking disappointments, one year of tests, trials and emotional decisions we decided to go through IVF to get our first boys.
Fast forward 18 months, I went through IVF again and got pregnant with our third boy.
Fast forward 15 months, I stopped breast feeding....and we discussed what was next. Even though I had always seen myself with four, my husband was perfectly content with three. We had the same conversation about 100 times (mostly because I basically needed him to say "absolutely not" before accepting it.
But, I also knew I couldn't go through IVF again. It was hell on my body and to be frank, I felt too old to go through it again. I had three healthy, wonderful boys and they were enough. I accepted it, we were done.
I didn't worry about when my cycle would start up again, I knew my hormones were balancing out and my body was getting back into the swing of being free from people living in it or surviving off it.
The big question...How did I know?
Well, I have had three bloody-ish noses in my life. One when I was pregnant with Clarke and J.R, one when I was pregnant with Mac and one when I was pregnant with this little man. While I had one in late December, my husband assured me it was just he weather changes. That made sense, the weather was rather odd lately...back to my sparkling rosé.
Mid January...again with the bloody nose. Enter also unexplainable exhaustion and a causal comment made by my bestie Mrs. G , "Maybe you are pregnant"...."Ha! I thought, fat chance"...yet something inside me flipped a little...apparently that was the baby.
I dug out a dusty old pregnancy test from 2013 trapped in the back of my bathroom cabinet and took it. POSITIVE.
I asked my husband to clarify the number of lines and compare to the box. He looked as if he was going to vomit.
Me - "Nope, this one is clearly expired, I'll go to the store on my way to work, Vons opens at 6am...it's fine, everything is fine...everything is fine...everything is fine".
Insert disbelief, panic, nausea, joy, terror...wait, is this what normal people go through?!?!
Keep in mind I had NEVER seen a positive pregnancy test aside from the one I took just to see a positive result for the first time ever after blood-work had confirmed our IVF treatment had worked. Needless to say, this was UNREAL. Those few years filled with negatives. Those few years of utter despair sobbing on the bathroom floor. Those few years of being an emotionless zombie with my heart cut out and a smile pasted on.
It. Actually. Happened. The odds were in our favor.
I know "they" say that lots of women get pregnant after IVF, but I was certain it would never be me. I mean yes, I had secretly prayed and dreamed, but never did I think it would happen. That in itself made the news even that much more surreal.
Goes to show the power of manifestation is legit.
What was even more insane to me is that I had finally come to terms that we were done. My experiences being pregnant were over, my love of breast feeding would never happen again; it was on to phase two of mommyhood. Or so I thought...
And now, I am in about to embark on my second trimester having my FOURTH son and my husband is already meeting with urologists...his decision.
Who would have ever guessed it. Not me, not even in my wildest dreams did I think this would truly happen. But it did, and I cannot imagine feeling any more complete than I do at this very second.
Now, here are the top 5 FAQ I've been getting -
1. Are you sad it isn't a girl? Yes and no. A girl would have been unchartered territory for me which if you know me, makes me rather anxious. The thought of it excited yet kind of terrified me at the same time. The main reason I always wanted a girl is because I am so incredibly close with my mommy and wanted a similar relationship with my future daughter. However, being a boy mommy is my JAM and I love it so much, so this is AMAZING news as far as I am concerned...plus I have everything I could ever need!
2. Are you going to keep trying for a girl? No. I am all done. Four kids in five years is plenty. I am ready to get my body back and just enjoy raising my crew of men.
3. What are you going to name him? Since I am 100% sure my Poppa sent this angel down from Heaven for me, I of course want to name the baby Poppa...just kidding...kind of. I want to name the baby Richard (after him) and call him Papi for short. Fingers crossed that gets approved by my TH.
4. Why were you so shocked? I mean, didn't you know this could happen? I think to go through what we went through kind of took a toll on me mentally and emotionally. I have been trying to explain it by comparing it to the Lotto. Yes, you play, but you never think you will actually win, so when you do it is hard to comprehend and takes time to process. I still sometimes pinch myself even though I am fully popped and there is no denying it. Another reason I had a hard time comprehending what was happening was I had mentally closed the door on that being a possibility as I decided to not undergo IVF again, which for my brain, made it harder to really grasp.
5. How is this pregnancy different since it was spontaneous? The best part has been medications prior to conception which means I avoided packing on those 15 hormonal pounds pre pregnancy which make me CRAZY! I have also been able to keep with my normal fitness routine which has also been such a game changer. I still felt like crap for six weeks with a sweet hangover about 18 hours a day. Still super tired and even found myself randomly falling asleep for minutes at a time during the day. Still same amount of crazy excitement, joy and amazement at the female body and it's ability to grow freaking human life. I mean how cool are we?!
So there you have it, my "Mother of Boys" title shall live on as we expect our little love to join our family this September.
Looking forward to keeping you all up to date and I grow my fourth and final little boy!
Strive to thrive,
Em
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Letter to Juniper - A Home HypnoBirth Story
It's almost a new year and what better way to ring in 2017 than to share a beautiful story of a 2016 birth?!
Nic had the great fortune of being reconnected with her little sister from Alpha Phi at San Francisco State when her midwife sent an email asking if she could help get another client's home birth reimbursed by insurance. She couldn't believe the coincidence and immediately arranged for a play date as they both had toddlers born in the same month. Of course the conversation quickly turned to birth, and Krystal decided to take Nic's HypnoBirthing class since her first birth had been a traumatic and medicalized hospital birth so she was hoping to learn some better coping skills. A friendship re-blossomed as Krystal's belly grew and the two met somewhat regularly for playdates and saw each other in class. 6 months after the birth of her little Juniper, Krystal wrote the most beautiful birth story so we couldn't dream of keeping it from you as it's just amazing! Read on to see for yourself, and grab some tissues while you are at it!
(All photos taken by Krystal & Nic's amazing midwife Lindsey Meehleis.)
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Baby Mac - 36 Weeks and Counting!
It is hard to believe that I am already 36 weeks along in my second pregnancy. The fact that we will be welcoming our third little boy in less than a month never ceases to blow my mommy mind.
This pregnancy has been totally different from my first...and for good reason...I am not having twins! While this pregnancy is not nearly as filled with rest and relaxation, it has still been pretty amazing. Granted I wish that I had known that NO MOTHER should potty train or embark on any other major milestone while pregnant (these activities REQUIRE large amounts of WINE), I have made the best of every second, especially those which involve spending as much quality time as possible with my little dudes.
So...here is the latest info as we head towards the finish line..
- Estimated Due Date: October 12th. While I had said before I wanted to keep him in there a bit longer, I have changed my tune. The week of October 3rd sounds great!
- Symptoms: Last time around I could barely walk due to my feet being in such pain from carrying around 75 extra pounds. Thankfully, I am not experiencing that nightmare, but I have been dealing with some leg pain. The lactic acid is pretty intense and I have to stretch quite frequently as well as take Epsom salt baths to keep the aching under control. I have also started to experience some pretty painful reflux, but with my trusty Organic Apple Cider Vinegar on hand it doesn't stand a chance! But hey, if that is as bad as it is going to get, then I am stoked!
- Weigh In: Along with the cute 10-15 pounds I gain from IVF I have packed on additional 20 pounds. Looking forward to that falling riiiggghhhhttt off after birth!
- Fitness Program: Throughout this last trimester I have slowed down a bit with my actual "fitness regiment" and just continued to stay active...which is to be expected with two toddlers. I hit my target of 12,000 steps a day and feel pretty good about it. I have been trying to add more stretching into my routine (to help with the legs) but other than that, I am just waiting until I pop this guy out and can get crazy with cardio again!
- Birth Plan: I have taken all the classes possible to prepare for my unmedicated VBAC and as I mentioned to my beloved doula Nic, I am ready to stop thinking so much about it and just SEE it happening the way I want it to. My birth plan has been printed, placenta preparation paperwork turned in and I am all ready to go at the hospital in San Diego.
- Preparation: With the boys moved into their "big brother room" for over a month now, their old nursery has been "refreshed" and prepped for another little man to join the family. Since I LOVED their Little Golden Book nursery so much I just couldn't bare not to do it again. We are waiting to figure out the crib situation depending on what is going on with the boys moving into toddler beds and it won't matter for the first few months anyway as Mac will be sleeping with his mommy! My hospital bag is packed, pumping supplies organized, car seat installed and we are as ready as ready can be!
While Baby Mac continues to get bigger inside my belly, I am using him as an excuse to snuggle with my boys as much as humanly possible. I swear, sometime I consider crawling into their cribs while they are sleeping just to take in a few more hours of them.
I try not to focus too much on how their little worlds will change or how their routine will be affected when mommy is tied to another baby, because it just makes me sick with anxiety. I know it will all be fine and we will fall into a new rhythm of three in no time.
So here we go.....the final countdown!
Strive to thrive,
Em
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Pregnancy Update: 1/2 Way There!
It is insane to think that I am already halfway through my second pregnancy. With another boy on board, I look forward to embracing #threeunderthree as my twins will have just turned two when Baby Mac (yes, his name will be Mac after my great-grandfather) comes into the world.
Being pregnant with only one baby this time around has made meeting this halfway milestone much different...
- Estimated Due Date: October 12th...but I'd like to keep him in there until the 20th so I don't have to buy my Geena a birthday present...
- Symptoms: Now that I have gotten through the sick part of the pregnancy (that mostly evening but a little bit of all day baby hangover), I am feeling great. Tired of course, but I think that is a result of chasing two incredibly busy boys. Biggest bonus of all? No "BROKEN RIBS"!!!! My last pregnancy was plagued with insane back pain. For months it felt like my entire left rib cage was shattered. Lucky for me, just carrying one baby apparently didn't kick up my hormones enough to regularly move my vertebra...whew!
- Weigh In: Despite my growing belly, it seems minuscule compared to my twin belly. Therefore, sometimes I am convinced that I am just fat and the burrito I ate simply has a heartbeat and likes to kick me most of the day. I popped right away and was massive, but now I seemed to have hit a plateau. I knew the weight gain was coming (as it always does with IVF) so I had worked to prepare my body by getting as fit as possible prior to this pregnancy. Now that I am cleared for exercise, I am starting to feel a little more in control...but I did pull out those maternity clothes reeeaallly early. I totally forgot how much my bones move when I am pregnant. HELLLLLLLLO hips!
- Fitness Program: I have committed to at least five days a week. I cycle two to three days for 30 minutes or hike for cardio. I also do multiple strength sessions per week and while trying to fit in some time to slow down and stretch with yoga.
- Birth Plan: Leaving Orange County and moving to the "country" made it a bit difficult to find a doctor who supported my dreams for that natural birth I so desperately wanted the first time around. Thankfully, after multiple rejections, crying, researching and more crying, I finally found THE most amazing doctor who not only supported my Vaginal Birth After Cesarian (VBAC) goals, but also made me feel incredibly confident and strong in my decision. Traveling to San Diego for Dr. Cap is well worth it considering his practice is literally everything I could ever wished for. With my HypnoBirthing refresher completed, I am excited to take on additional birth classes to help me feel fearless and excited for my upcoming birth. Especially since my Nic will be right my by side as my doula again. Hooray!
For now, I am focused on spending every precious moment I can with my boys as I know our worlds are going to change so much, so soon. So here we go, countdown to the third trimester and Baby Mac's Birthing Day!
Strive to thrive,
Em
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Em's Expecting....Her THIRD Boy!
I am so excited to announce that we will be adding another beautiful boy to our "wrecking crew" this October. After a quick surgery, single embryo transfer, five days bed rest (not possible without the wonderful help of family taking care of the twins), months of medications I have finally made it through my first trimester!
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| Won't miss that... |
- My belly popped almost instantly as it was stretched to the size of a small mobile home with the twins.
- I suffered "night sickness" (feeling my worst at night) and an annoying icky feeling all day that left me not wanting to eat but needing to eat to not feel sick...annoying.
- No rest for the mommy. With my first pregnancy I could relax whenever I wanted...now I have two little beasts racing around my feet all day long and therefore, I swear, my mommy adrenaline keeps the sickness away until they go to bed...then it's on.
- Sweets! With my first pregnancy, no sweets (my favorite of any kind), this one, sweets were ok from the start (thank G)
- Death exhaustion. In the evenings I literally have to drag myself through the motions to make it through. 8pm equals 3am to me and I. Am. Done.
- Boy joy! I always said I wanted boys...you get what you ask for! I will say I am very excited to have to purchase next to nothing as I more baby boy stuff than I know what to do with! Yet still a little sad to not yet have a little girl...one day maybe.
Now that I have been "cleared", I look forward to getting back to regular exercise (beyond walking and weight lifting), preparing my crazy boys to be big brothers and planning my beautiful, natural VBAC!
Stay tuned for updates on my little baby, "tres"!
