tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91369441205627115702024-03-21T00:29:15.998-07:00Road To VBA2COur journey from 3 months until the VBA2C of our third child.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-85342722688335506782012-05-07T10:52:00.001-07:002012-05-07T10:52:52.043-07:00One Year Later (well, almost)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lot can happen in a year. Before you know it, the tiny little baby that came out of your body is walking, talking and growing right before your eyes. Josiah is a very happy 11 1/2 month old. He is walking, saying a few words, and just as happy as can be. I've decided to leave this blog as an homage to my VBA2C, and not add anything more to it. If you wish to follow me and my crazy life and hear about lactivism, VBACtivism, intactivism, homeschooling and homemaking head over to my new blog, <span id="goog_23123229"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Attached To My Kids<span id="goog_23123230"></span></a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Becca</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-13643649197532130422011-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:002011-06-06T09:04:20.097-07:00The VBA2C Of Josiah Morgan<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Josiah’s birth story begins the weekend before he was born. I had been through a rough appointment with my OB’s partner (and the CNM at that, not the other OB). She wouldn’t let me leave the office without my c-section scheduled for 42 weeks, which was the following Thursday. I was overdue, swollen, tired and just ready to meet my baby boy. I posted to a few groups about my frustration and it was suggested to me that I look into acupuncture. So, on Friday afternoon I went in to see a local chiropractor who did acupuncture. We did a session, and I went home. We took the kids to the community pool after LJ got home and enjoyed some family time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday morning, we woke up, got everyone dressed and went down to the beach with my parents. We had quite a fun day together. The kids loved the sand and water. We were on the family beach, which was a lot quieter than the “real” beach. We didn’t have to worry about the tide (which was nearly fully in when we got there), waves, anything. Sunday we went to church as usual, stopped for sushi on the way home. We decided to take advantage of our last chance to enjoy the pool before the baby got here, because one way or another he’d be here this week. At the end of the day, we were quite content with our fun-filled final weekend as a family of four! (Try saying that four times fast!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday we didn’t do much. LJ went to work, I went to get more acupuncture done. I had some minor contractions, nothing that was enough to time and they were barely noticeable. I was supposed to go for more acupuncture on Tuesday, but had decided to spend the day at home working on cleaning the house, getting laundry caught up, everything I wasn’t going to be able to do the rest of the week come Thursday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday morning started like every other day. I fought to get out of the bed and got LJ ready to go out to work. When he left, I used my breast pump for a few minutes, trying one final time for the day to get labor started. Nothing. Not even a tightening. Jonas woke up and was hungry, so I put the pump up and started to get up to get him breakfast. And that’s when it happened. Right at 8:00AM. The telltale “pop” quickly followed by the gush… and gush… and gush. My water had broken! I called LJ and told him he needed to come back home. He had just pulled in his parking space at work! I called my mom to come get the kids, and called my doula, Carrie, to let her know today was the day. I called out for my sister (who had been staying with us to help me) to bring me a towel. I couldn’t move without gushing more fluid. We got the kids ready to go to my mom’s house, and I started making the cappuccino muffins I’d planned on bringing the nurses. By now my water had been broken for an hour and I started getting contractions. They started out slow, about every 10 minutes. I finished the muffins, then my mom arrived and took the kids. We kissed them goodbye, and our house was quiet. We didn’t want to jump the gun with going to the hospital, so we hung out at home for a couple hours. The contractions started to grow closer together, about 4-5 minutes apart. We decided around lunchtime to head on to the hospital. We waited for me to get something to eat (because I knew they wouldn’t want me to eat at the hospital), then we stopped by Taco Bell for LJ (there’s a first—contractions in the Taco Bell drive thru!) and headed on to St. Luke’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the way to the hospital, I listened to the “Easy First Stage” Hypnobabies track. It certainly helped make the trip down 95 a lot easier. We got to St. Luke’s, checked in and were sent to triage. I handed over the cappuccino muffins to some very happy looking nurses. Since I told them I was using my third towel to catch amniotic fluid, they didn’t bother checking to see if my water had truly been broken. Carrie arrived and we were soon transferred to a birth suite. I had several people come in and do some things. One nurse came in and asked about a million questions and had me sign a bunch of papers. One nurse came in and put me on the monitor. Another nurse came in and tried to start an IV. Fail. We asked to wait a bit, and stating something about being back because we needed it “in case of an emergency” she left. The anesthesiology nurse came in and asked a ton of questions and wanted me to sign the consent for anesthesia “in case of an emergency”. I got tired of hearing that phrase. When I asked to wait, he reluctantly accepted. He then offered to get my IV started. His first try was too close to a nerve and right as a contraction started, and I made him stop. His second try was an immediate success. We were left alone then for a while. LJ rubbed my feet with some oils Carrie had. It felt good. The contractions were slowly but surely getting more intense and closer. The room we were in was really hot. We asked for the temperature to be turned down, but apparently it was not working properly, so we were transferred to another birth suite. I walked to our new room, pausing for contractions. We got settled into the new room. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With each contraction, I had an overwhelming nausea. LJ and Carrie each held a pressure point on my ears and it helped get me through. At one point, the nausea got to be too much and I asked for some Phenergan. It made me drowsy, but I was still able to focus during contractions on my relaxation, with LJ and Carrie’s help. With every contraction, one or both of them were there to use a relaxation cue and help me get into hypnosis. At this point, I had been checked and I was only at 1-2cm.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nurses had given me one or two bags of IV fluids, and at one point they wanted me to go to the bathroom. I got up and walked to the bathroom. I tried to sit on the toilet, but the intense pressure was way too much for me to handle. I just couldn’t sit down. I tried to go standing up, but that was a no-go as well. I told LJ I wanted something for the pain. I think he maybe thought I meant an epidural or spinal, because he tried severely to talk me out of it. He reminded me how important a natural birth was to me, and how I desperately wanted my VBA2C and pain medicine would possibly hinder that. I said I just wanted something in my IV. The nurse came in and said they needed me to use the bathroom. I said I couldn’t do it, and asked to be catheterized. They cathed me and Dr. VanScriver came in to check my dilation. She said I was 2-3cm. 2-3?! For real?? At this point I should at least be a 6! Why wasn’t I dilating quickly? I was relaxed during contractions… well, sort of… I later found out that she was being “generous” and I wasn’t really 2-3, more like still 1-2. I asked for something mild to take the edge off and help me focus again. She gave me Stadol in my IV. And that’s where everything goes fuzzy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember contractions. I remember being encouraged to “release”. I also remember Carrie leaving for a little bit. I remember seeing LJ and Carrie drinking Cokes and wanting one for myself. But, I also remember things that weren’t there. Like my oldest son giving me dirty looks, sitting in my living room. My mom and I talking in her kitchen. Other things that just weren’t happening, and I remember responding to them, and then being brought back to reality when LJ would ask me why I was asking him why he was looking at me like that, when he was across the room talking on his phone. That’s about all I remember of my experience with Stadol. Carrie later informed me that they were able to let me listen to several Hypnobabies tracks and I was a lot more focused afterward. She got to go pump for her baby, they ate dinner and got to get ready for what was coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shortly before midnight I believe (given the timetable I have been told), Dr. VanScriver came in and checked me. I was 9cm. NINE!! For a brief minute, I got nervous. Here I was, where I got to with Arianna. My body had never gotten past 9cm. Could it get there? BAD THINKING!! I could do this. Easy. This was what my body was made to do. I started feeling “pushy” and Carrie picked up on it immediately, based on the noises I was making (sign of a good doula!). I think she or the nurse suggested I get checked again. Sure enough, I was at 10cm with a little bit of a lip! I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t have a faulty cervix! I got to 10cm! Now came the hard part…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The room had quickly transformed from the pretty suite into a “procedure room” look. All the birth tools the doctor would need (and wouldn’t need but were there “in case of an emergency”) were ready and waiting. I was given the go-ahead to start pushing, although I think my body had been doing some of that on its own. I tried to find a good position to push. I pushed on my hands and knees, but they lost the baby on the monitor and wanted me to move positions so they could read him. I tried to push lying on my side. I couldn’t even get on my side. The pressure I felt was way too much. So, I laid on my back in a semi-reclined position and pushed. They still had trouble getting Josiah’s heartbeat on the monitor. We got it settled, and I started to push. I pushed for a couple hours and kept accidentally moving the monitor, so the doctor asked to put in a IFM (screw in the head to monitor his heartrate). I didn’t want it, but if it kept the nurses from having to find his heart rate as I pushed, I would allow it. I was tired of the external monitor. I pushed some more. It was intense. I finally found a position that was moving him down and a routine that worked for me. I’d wait until I felt the urge to push. LJ and Carrie would grab my lower legs, I’d grab my thighs and push as long as I could. Then LJ and Carrie would each grab my ears to keep me from throwing up. I’d push again, then rest and Carrie gave me a sip of water and I’d put the oxygen mask on they gave me. The oxygen helped a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I heard someone say, “He’s crowning!” I felt his head and couldn’t believe I was so close to holding my baby! We pushed a few more times and the doctor tried to stretch my perineum out so he could get out. Nothing she or I could do would stretch it enough. He was stuck on my perineum for an hour. She numbed it and we tried pushing some more. I began to tear below my perineum, so the doctor said I would need to get an episiotomy. I begged to let me go one more contraction before cutting, and she let me. I couldn’t push him out though. So, she cut me. That sound is nauseating! And what does my wonderful husband do? Comment on how nauseating the sound is! I thought Carrie and I were going to beat him up! He quickly stopped commenting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shortly after the episiotomy, I felt him move down even more. I think it was two or three more good pushes after that I felt intense stretching and pressure and then relief. He was out. He was here. He wasn’t really crying. I was scared to death. They suctioned him in between my legs, then put him on top of my chest as they cleaned him up and tried to get him to cry. He was moving, just not exactly pink and not wanting to cry. They let LJ cut the cord and took him over to the warmer. Those few minutes of silence were deafening. I was scared to death. I wanted someone to tell me what was going on. LJ would look over there. One of the nurses told him what was going on. Josiah would breathe and cry when they rubbed him, but when they stopped, he didn’t want to cry. They called the neonatologist in. Josiah had a fever of 102. They wanted to take him to the Special Care Nursery to make sure he wasn’t sick, didn’t have meconium, etc. I said ok, but I wanted to see him first. The neonatologist acted like I was crazy. Of COURSE I’d get to see him first! They brought him over to me. I kissed him. My littlest man. He was so wonderful, so beautiful. He looked just like his brother. I kissed him again and let them take him, escorted by his daddy. I laid there as the doctor stitched me up. I delivered the placenta about 25 minutes after Josiah. As soon as she was done, I sat up. I felt great! Well, yeah, I was sore. Really sore. I felt like a Mack truck had been run through me! But, compared to the c-sections? TOTALLY different! After a while, I got up and walked to the bathroom. Compared to being catheterized for 24 hours following a c-section, totally great! Carrie helped me back to bed, and got me my cell phone so I could be in contact with LJ.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Different than the calm before the storm, the calm after was quite unique. All of the medical equipment was removed from the room. The nurses left, the doctor left, it was just Carrie and I. We sat on my bed mostly in silence. I was digesting everything that had happened over the last 19 hours. Every now and then I would say, “I can’t believe I did it.” She filled in a few details, like my true dilation the second time I was checked, what I did during my Stadol time, etc. I apologized to her for any bruises she may have on her arms. I was holding on pretty tight to her and LJ at one point. She said it was normal. She offered to help me shower, but I refused. I wanted to keep by my phone to make sure Josiah was ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About an hour after birth, I was getting anxious. I wanted my baby. I had lost an hour of his life. Yeah, he was with his daddy, and his daddy would make sure nothing we didn’t want him having would happen, but I wanted him. Skin to skin, nursing, with Mommy. I apologized to my nurse in advance, but I was going to be a trouble patient and insist on going to the special care nursery to be with my husband and son. She went to get a wheelchair, but returned to get the bassinette. Josiah was coming back to Mommy. They said he was going to be ok. His bloodwork was fine. They did an x-ray and would bring him back to me. LJ and Josiah came back. We got a picture with Carrie, and she left shortly after. Then it was just the three of us. And I cried. God is so good!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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</span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-91331855465582468322011-05-12T05:48:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:24:21.374-07:0040 weeks!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I'm still here. Things have been a little crazy around here, trying to get everything ready for our newest little man. I've been blessed to have my 12 year old sister staying with us most week days to help me around the house and such. She's been such a blessing. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed having their "E" (not just reserving her privacy... that's what they call her) around a lot. Right now "E" and J are blowing kisses across the table while eating breakfast.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A and J both seem to be more clingy to Mommy right now. They know something is about to change. J has been especially clingy to me. He'll sit down next to me on the couch while I fold laundry and just sit there. If you know J, you know what a rarity this is. He's not a big fan of sitting still. A at least once a day tells me she's ready for her new baby brother.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had weekly visits to the OB for a few weeks of course. I've started leaving the kids with my mom so I don't have to deal with them. Although, I couldn't ask for better kids. When they did go with me, they were perfect angels. I would tell them where to sit, and they would sit. Occasionally J's 2 year old mind would wander from what Mommy said to what J wants to do, and I'd have to sit him down again. Other than that, they're just great. And that's expected. But, at full term, I don't feel like chasing them. So, they stay with GeGe and have fun watching Playhouse Disney, something that they don't get at home (no cable).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was getting a little anxious as my due date approached. I was worried I would reach my due date and my OB would tell me something along the lines of, "We've gone as long as we can, it's time to schedule a c-section." I was especially concerned because my only other labor wasn't until 41w3d. So, at my appointment this week, I asked some very to-the-point questions of the midwife (my OB was at the hospital that day). I asked what happens when I reach 40 weeks, 41 weeks, 42 weeks. Her answers really mirrored everything I've heard "normal" OBs for "normal" pregnancies. At 41 weeks, we'll have a nonstress test (NST)/ultrasound to make sure everything is okay in there (since he is currently kneeing my ribcage with impeccable accuracy I think he is pretty happy in there). As long as the NST is good, we'll be going to 42 weeks. If I make it to 42 weeks, we will have to have something "on the books". Unfortunately, because of the risk of uterine rupture, it will be a cesarean birth. However, just because I have it "on the books" doesn't mean it will happen. Typically when a cesarean birth is scheduled, they do it 3-4 days out, and that gives me an additional 3-4 days to go into labor.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm very content with our plans. I don't see us making it to 42 weeks, so I don't see a scheduled cesarean at 42 weeks as any kind of "threat". It's just procedure. I really hope to do some things over the weekend to try to gently "help" my body prepare for labor. I've already been using evening primrose oil and putting castor oil on my belly (when I can stand that smell--ICK!). I feel further progressed than I did with my first, so maybe things will happen next week and I'll avoid the NST as well!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prayers are appreciated, as well as happy thoughts or whatever you want to send my way. We are so excited about this change in our lives. We can't wait to welcome our new little boy. We can't wait to see his sister and brother interact with him. We can't wait to kiss him, hug him, hold him. It won't be long now!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-69750196060673797072011-04-18T10:05:00.000-07:002011-04-18T10:05:31.583-07:00Nearly Full Term!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We just got back from another OB visit. Today's was with the midwife in the group. Everything is looking good. Baby is head down, measuring fine. I tested negative for GBS, which is good because I really wanted to avoid antibiotics during birth. We start weekly visits now that I'm 36 weeks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's SO MUCH TO DO!!! I've got the birth plan, but I need to get the bags packed for the hospital eventually... I still have to finish some momma cloth pads, get some of the baby stuff we're not using back in the closet, and there's the general day-to-day housework stuff! AHHH!!! We've also got to buy his car seat, figure out what to do with the pediatrician, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a very happy note, my 12 year old sister is going to be staying with me during the week to help me get things done quicker. She's also going to be helping me with Mr. Wild And Crazy, who has been quite the handful lately! A is pretty self-sufficient, dresses herself, doesn't put up much of a fight, is pretty easy going in general.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finishing week 5 of Hypnobabies this week. I just can't believe everything is this close!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-62798352718976949442011-03-28T05:35:00.000-07:002011-03-28T05:35:32.094-07:00Update-March 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, I can't believe it's been over a month since I updated!! I am SO sorry! We have just been so busy! Here's a little example of everything that has happened...</span><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My baby turned two years old *sniff*</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two... maybe three... wonderful OB visits. Passed the glucose tolerance test *yay*</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My uber-hands off birth plan was approved by the OB.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We moved from our two bedroom apartment on the third floor to a three bedroom apartment on the second floor. It's about 30 minutes from the old place, but it's less than 15 minutes from hubby's work. I'm so jealous. I fill up my tank more than he does now!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had J tested for the foods A is allergic to as well as milk and wheat. No allergies! A goes in for testing shortly after Bean is born.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't remember mentioning it before, but we found out that Bean is a Boy! Josiah Morgan, hereafter referred to as J2. Josiah is after the Israelite king who tore down the high places where idol worship was performed, and Morgan after my mother's biological family, who we recently came into contact with.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J's birthday party. I made an egg-free volcano cake, which was quite hairy at first, because I used a cake mix. Cake mix+egg replacer=cake that doesn't stay together. Which was ok for this cake. I mean, how often do you see a non-lumpy, lopsided volcano?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Had our big meeting with our doula. We talked about things I want/don't want during my birth for comfort measures.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing working on Hypnobabies.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think that gets us up to date. J2 is getting big, and he's super low. No matter how low he is, he seems to always be able to manage to get his little feet up in my ribcage. Stubborn little boy.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A and J already know his name. They talk to him, rub my belly, and are just too stinkin' cute! A pronounces his name pretty well, but J says, "siah". They can't wait to get their hands on their baby brother! Friends of ours had a baby in January, and they love loving on her. I know they're gonna be great with J2. The only thing I worry about is J. He's... intense. You know that song "Love Hurts". J's love hurts. He can't hug without chest butting. I'm really nervous about how he's gonna be around J2. I'm just hoping he'll get used to being gentle.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm getting to the point where I'm nesting. Yeah, 33 weeks I probably should be nesting! I have a LOT of nesting to do! Finish unpacking, sort mine and LJ's clothes into our new dressers, get J2's clothes ready, crib (we use as a sidecar co-sleeper) ready, buy some more cloth diapers, and continue the status quo as far as house chores go (laundry, dinner, housecleaning, etc.).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also getting to that ready-to-have-a-newborn point. I miss having a newborn in the house. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That sweet newborn smell, the squeaky noises he'll make, nursing a newborn again, the newborn poo (yes, I said poo--when you've changed toddler diapers for 2.5 years, newborn poo sounds heavenly), wrap lovies. And no, I'm not letting all those mommy hormones get to me and have me in la-la land. I know I'm gonna lose sleep. I know I may need to adjust my diet if he has his sister's digestive system. I know I'm never going to get to take a shower while LJ isn't home for fear of J wanting to "help" with the baby. I know I'm going to have to get up 30 minutes or more earlier for church, start getting everyone ready 30 minutes or more earlier to get out the door. I really don't care. My newest little man will be worth it. :)</span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-63201366597163464822011-02-01T06:56:00.000-08:002011-02-01T06:56:00.976-08:00Giveaway!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Head over to <a href="http://thegoodletdown.blogspot.com/2011/01/february-giveway-beautiful-earrings.html">The Good Letdown</a> and check out their February Giveaway!!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-31517717586410753722011-01-13T19:33:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:33:05.676-08:00Wow, it's been a while<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I apologize to my few but faithful followers for not updating before now. It's been quite a crazy few weeks. Let's see where we've been...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Week 19-I met with the OB that will hopefully be taking over my care from the midwives at the birthing center. We had a nice discussion about my history, this pregnancy and the future. She told me she had to discuss my case with her colleagues before giving me an answer. Later that week, we had an ultrasound. We have quite a stubborn Bean. Bean's head was at my belly button and facing my spine. It was quite difficult to see, but Bean is a HE! We have a Josiah on the way. Josiah was measuring about 9 days off. I planned on discussing a repeat ultrasound or changing my due date completely. The "typical" standards are if they are measuring 10 days off, however I am not a "typical" mother, and 9 days can mean the difference between going into labor naturally or having to fight to prevent yet another unnecessary cesarean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Week 20-I was beginning to get stressed out. I hadn't heard from the OB yet. I was worried she was going to say no. I didn't know what I was going to do. I got a phone call the day before Xmas eve from her office. She agreed to take me as a VBA2C patient! I was so excited! What a Xmas present!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Xmas day was... chaotic at best. We woke around 10:30. The kids were happy, we were happy, we ate breakfast and casually got ready for the day. We left the house knowing we weren't going to be home again until that evening. We went to my in-laws house, and A had an allergic reaction to fumes from peanut oil my father-in-law was frying in. It was nearly aniphylactic. We had to give her Benadryl and leave immediately. We went to my parents' house, however the rest of the day she was lethargic and "drugged up". She had no desire for opening presents, playing with her aunts or even watching the Xmas parade on TV. At one point she asked to go home, so we left the house. In lieu of our annual trip to the Japanese restaurant with the kids, we ordered some sushi to go and headed home. When we got home, A threw up and fell asleep. She slept 14 hours and woke up happy and back to normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The kids were sick most of this week. It was pretty miserable. I love my kids, but honestly have you tried cuddling with a body that is at 104degrees?? I stayed hot. It didn't help that we had unseasonably warm weather that week either! I was happy when they returned to feeling better and we got back to normal daily living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Week 21-I had my last visit with the mdiwife at the birthing center. We discussed her conversation with the OB. She informed me that the OB I met with was the only provider in the practice that approved the VBA2C. She said I needed to go ahead and switch over to the OB's office for care. I was so sad. I felt so at home at the birthing center, but knew they could only do so much with a primary VBA2C. I called the OB's office and made an appointment. According to the OB's office, the OB I met with didn't see new OB patients, only OB patients who were established. Even though I was an established patient with the practice, they insisted on making the appointment with another OB in the practice. I accepted, understanding that the visit would not be the best, and understanding I had to just get over that hurdle and be done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I woke one morning with a migraine. I have a history of them and they've come back with a vengance. It got to the point where I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I was sort of in limbo between providers, so I went to the ER. My mother-in-law picked the kids and I up, dropped me off at the ER and took the kids to my mom's house. The ER doctor gave me a prescription for medicines that would help, and I went home to sleep. My mom kept the kids the next day and I appreciated a day to rest and recoup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Week 22-What a week. I took A to the allergist to discuss Xmas day and get refills on prescriptions. It's always nice to get a refresher on using an Epipen, especially when apparently you may have a time you need to use it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The next day, I had the appointment to switch providers over to the OB's office. You could say me expeccting the visit to be a total and utter fiasco was a self-fulfilling prophecy, or you could just say I'm too smart. Either way it happened. I was a few mintues before my appointment time, and had a bunch of paperwork to fill out. I filled out everything except the Enfamil Family Beginnings Program enrollment form. I don't need a formula company to tell me how to breastfeed. Eventually we got back to the waiting room and the doctor came in. She introduced herself and shook my hand. That is the only time she touched me during the entire visit. She began looking at my paperwork and began discussing my history. The conversation went something like this...</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing she says is, "Well, you've had two c-sections, so you're not going to have a vaginal birth." Immediately I said, "I'm going to VBAC."<br />
"No you're not."<br />
"Yes, I'm [your colleague]'s VBAC patient. She's already approved me."<br />
"It's against the standard of care."<br />
"Not since <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38349267/ns/health/">ACOG's October statement</a>."<br />
"That had nothing to do with repeat c-sections."<br />
"Yes it did."<br />
"Well, <i>I'm</i> not approving it. You need to see [my colleague]."<br />
"Honestly, I don't know why I'm here with you. I asked your staff to make an appointment with [your colleague]. They said I had to see you first. I knew you wouldn't want to touch me because I'm a VBAC."<br />
"Well, we'll reschedule you with [my colleague]."<br />
"Okay."<br />
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I stood up, took the stupid paper she had, grabbed my kids and walked into the waiting room. I was beyond furious. Mainly for several reasons.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Her assumption that her word was final and I had no choice in how to birth my children.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Her arguing with me about what I have planned.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Her bold-faced lie about ACOG's new policy regarding VBACs and VBA2Cs. October's statement had EVERYTHING to do with VBACs and VBA2Cs.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Her refusal to discuss any issues about my current condition. I am still having migraines and will run out of medicine long before the 31st, when my appointment with my OB is.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such is life, you know? When you parent the way I do, you make "enemies" naturally. We (LJ and I) feel that with a healthy mother and healthy baby a vaginal birth is healthier than a cesarean, with only very few exceptions. We feel breastfeeding is natural, normal and the best way for any baby to be nutured. We don't feel circumcision or vaccination is necessary or wise. We feel that our baby is safest at night in our bed, with easy access to nursing and cuddling. We refuse to let our children cry-it-out. We don't think "sleep training" is necessary, ethical or safe. Do people disagree with us? Sure. If we did formula, circumcision, vaccines and sleep training we'd still have "enemies". So, I'm used to having to fight for my parenting beliefs, and this fight begins for me, because of my previous ignorant decisions, shortly after conception. I hope my meeting on the 31st with my OB is better than it was with her colleague. I am pretty sure it will be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Week 23-We're at today now! I had my first official meeting with our doula. We have a lot in common, and we get along great. I probably talked too much, but she didn't seem to mind (at the time lol). She gave me a lot of information to read, and I probably should be reading instead of blogging, but I haven't in such a long time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, it's late, my kids are tired, my husband is on his way home, and I'm ready to go relax. Goodnight, internet. I will post after my next grand adventure!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-2910489366716532042010-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:28:23.698-08:00Giveaway!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a lot going on in the pregnancy world, but I'm not quite ready to blog about it quite yet. Baby and mommy are fine. I wanted to share a giveaway that a friend is doing on her blog. Go check her out!</span><br />
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<a href="http://faraboverubiesjewelry.blogspot.com/2010/12/im-feeling-generous.html">Far Above Rubies</a>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-48720949787654083342010-12-03T08:51:00.000-08:002010-12-03T08:51:44.249-08:0017 Weeks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went in for a visit yesterday to the midwife. When I say "we", I mean Bean and myself. My mother was wonderful and watched my two big kids so I could go to the appointment in peace. I love my kids, but when confined to small spaces, they tend to go a little wonko.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday I met with the head midwife of the birth center. She was awesome. She was very sweet, remembered me from our e-mail correspondence and slowly went over my birth history and my list of concerns. Nothing serious, just minor swelling and other stuff. We made plans to meet with the OB I'll hopefully be transferring to so we can discuss our plans for VBA2C. She also gave me a letter authorizing dental work to be done so I can get this horrid tooth taken care of so I can sleep at night and not have as many headaches. We listened to the baby's heartbeat, but not before Bean kicked the doppler. I love feeling my babies move inside me, and I'm starting to feel this one more and more everyday.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a wonderful visit. I love all the ladies at the birth center. They are always friendly and helpful. I wish we could birth there, but hopefully if we are successful with this VBA2C if we have a fourth we can go the birth center route.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was my weekly visit to my wonderful chiropractor. She said my pubic bone is swollen, so I have to ice it more. I've noticed when I have it adjusted and ice it down that I don't have as many ligament pains. I really believe going to the chiropractor will reduce or eliminate many of the issues I have had in the past with my previous pregnancies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our way home from the chiropractor, J started throwing up in the car. I just hope he's not really sick, or he at least waits until Daddy gets home! Mommy's gag reflex is too strong to clean up pukies!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-16822504170722012942010-11-28T18:33:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:33:22.404-08:00Thanksgiving Recovery<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, we made it through yet another Thanksgiving. This one was particularly nice, although we dealt with on-again-off-again stuffy/runny noses (that are currently on again). My kids rarely get sick, but it always seems to fall during times that are rather difficult. However, they were healthy for Thanksgiving, which is what counts!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday, we (the kids and I) drove over to my chiropractor and I got adjusted. We ran a quick errand and picked up my 24 year old sister, Rachel, and we headed out to my mom's house. We (mom, Rachel and I) spent the rest of the morning and afternoon doing Thanksgiving prep. We made cornbread, pies, greens, sweet potato casseroles, brined the turkey and boiled the neck and giblets. We ordered pizza for dinner and I left early for church, leaving A with her GeGe and Aunt RaRa to come later, so I could bring LJ some pizza for dinner. We met up at church and enjoyed our pre-Thanksgiving devotional. On Thanksgiving eve, our elders have a devotional rather than the regular Bible classes as our attendance is typically low because of travel. The men have an opportunity to tell how God has blessed them this year and what they're thankful for, or share a verse, prayer or lead a song. It's always a nice way to start the holiday. A went home with my mom from church, and LJ, J and I went back to our house. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We said I'd sleep until I woke up, or 9 whichever came first. My body was awake at 6:45! I got J up and loaded him up in the car, jammies and all. We stopped for a quick breakfast and drove out to my mom and dad's again. I got there as the house was beginning to wake up. We started getting food ready to cook. My Grannie got there around 9, and we enjoyed visiting with her. The funniest part of the day was when we had the sweet potato casseroles out on the table, A kept sneaking some of the marshmallows off of them!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LJ picked up an elderly gentleman from our congregation and brought him out to my parents' house for lunch. We enjoyed visiting with him. Before lunch, my dad read to us President Washington's Thanksgiving declaration. It made me cry (I'd like to blame preggie hormones, but I think I have to blame this one on hyper-patriotism--no one speaks like they did back then anymore). Lunch was, as always, absolutely delicious. After lunch, LJ and I took the kids over to his grandmother's house and the kids enjoyed playing with their great grandma. I fell asleep watching the Lions getting demolished.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After we returned from LJ's grandma's house, we said our goodbyes to him (he had to work the next day). A went home with my four siblings and Grannie to her house. And the house was quiet... except for J. He ran around crazy for a few more hours, then fell asleep. At 10:30 we woke him up to attempt (read: attempt) some Midnight Madness shopping at the local mass retail store. B-I-G M-I-S-T-A-K-E. Not because J was cranky, he was actually happy and full of giggles. The store was utter chaos. We left around 11, disturbed at the lack of peace and Godliness in some of the shoppers at the sale! We went back to my mom's and went to bed. We woke up around 6 and went back and got the majority of the stuff on our list, without fighting or wrestling someone to the ground, cursing or chancing our souls. Which brings me to my excitement...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am finally the owner of a brand new sewing machine! I'm so excited! There have been so many times I've tried to sew things up by hand only to either completely mess it up or succeed in doing so, but only after hours of work and frustration. I've got so many projects planned in my head. One of which is to take apart a spaghetti string shirt I wear underneath several of my shirts to make them more modest, and sew them to the immodest shirts, covering any cleavage that would normally show. I've wanted to do this for a while, and never had the opportunity. Now that I have my lovely sewing machine, I can do it! Once I get my house in order from the Thanksgiving chaos! :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I hope you ate to your fill, but not too full. I hope you enjoyed the company of family and/or friends. I hope you ate leftovers until you don't want to look at another turkey for another 350 days. I hope you didn't lose your self control going Black Friday shopping. I hope you continue reading and enjoying my blog. The feedback I have received so far has been so encouraging! I know what I'm planning is against the norm, but it's what we feel is best for me, our baby, and our family.</span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-25915479980318286782010-11-22T07:28:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:30:11.282-08:00Our Journey So Far<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're coming here from my facebook page, you're probably already aware of how we found out we were pregnant and how my pregnancy has been so far. If you don't know yet, here goes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J woke us up around 3 in the morning the day of our planned picnic at a local park. He'd been teething and was quite irritated. While LJ dealt with him, I went to take a test. I was about 3 days late, a little nauseated and just *knew*. Sure enough, the second line showed up. I walked back in to my son and husband and said, "Now, J, that's not the way a big brother behaves." An indescribable smile went across my husband's face. "Positive?" "Positive." I said. Soon after, LJ and J fell back to sleep. My mind raced. So many things running through my head. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had several weeks of morning sickness. It was pretty bad. I could barely lift my head off the pillow of the couch. One evening, LJ got home late from work and saw me still sick, so he drove down to the pharmacy and picked up some SeaBands. I can't tell you how helpful they were! It literally helped me get around for the next few weeks. By week 12, I was a lot better. I had already seen my midwife and she also suggested I get on a B Complex supplement. That helped a lot too. By week 13 I was pretty much over morning sickness, which was such a relief because I had it so long with my first two!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My second trimester was welcomed with a slightly growing belly. I'm at that wonderful pre-pregnancy pants are too small and maternity pants are too big phase. I don't get nauseated much anymore, except for maybe once a week. Last week, I started to feel tiny little flutters. My baby is growing bigger and bigger everyday. I can't wait until you can feel his/her tiny bumps on the outside of my belly. I especially can't wait to see A and J respond to the kicks and movements.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Don't forget to thank God for all the blessings we have in our lives. We live in an amazing age and country!</span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14726915730931131297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136944120562711570.post-24386474435283143672010-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:45:32.727-08:00Cesarean Did Not Save My Children's Lives<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would be remiss if I did not begin this blog without mentioning the fact that cesarean sections have saved lives. Many lives. I am thankful for modern medicine. If many modern medical treatments weren't available, I wouldn't be alive. I have asthma, and have been rescued several times by my inhalers. So, yes modern medicine and cesarean sections have saved lives.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My children are not part of that group.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first labor and delivery was full of unnecessary interventions. I blame a lot of the interventions on myself. Going into labor without enough education. Not accepting that 40 weeks is an "estimate", and being miserable and frustrated from 39 weeks until 41 weeks when I went into labor. Going to the hospital as soon as I started having contractions. Accepting an epidural at 5cm and being content to lay on my back for the next 16 hours not feeling anything from my belly button down. Buying into the doctor's statement at 4AM that I wasn't going to dilate any further than 9cm and since I didn't feel an urge to push, I needed a cesarean. My daughter was not in distress, my vitals were fine, there was no true medical true diagnosis yet for a cesarean. So many things could have been done to prevent an unnecessary cesarean (unnecesarean to those in the blogging world). My epidural could have been turned down. I could have been moved into a sitting position. However, no one with me was thinking of things like that at 4AM after being in the hospital for 24 hours. So, at 4:30AM on July 16, 2007 my little girl was pulled out of my body via "the sunroof".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twelve months later, we were pleasantly surprised to find out we were blessed with another child. When I was 22 weeks pregnant, I suggested to my OB that I wanted a VBAC. His response was, "Sure. I don't see why not." At 37 weeks, during an internal exam, my doctor declared, "You are not dilated and his head is not engaged. You need a cesarean." I was heartbroken. It didn't make sense to me, but my husband and I decided we wouldn't fight the system and our son was delivered 19 months to the day after his sister via the same exit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While the recovery from my son's birth was a lot easier than my daughter's, it was still difficult. I couldn't pick up my daughter. I couldn't do housework for 2 weeks. However, I did it without narcotics and was quite pleased to do so. We were a family of four and we were content. I was not emotionally healed from my daughter's delivery, but I had healed from my son's delivery easily. When my son was 18 months, my husband and I felt like there was something missing from our family. We decided we wanted another baby. I told him I could only do this if we had a VBA2C. We went into TTC (trying to conceive) knowing if we succeeded, we may have to fight "the system" to get the birth that I so desperately desired. Surprisingly, we were blessed in the first month of TTC with a pregnancy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here we are. On the road to a VBA2C. I have been blessed with encouragement online and in person. My husband is about as determined to see me through this as I am to get it done. We found a very sweet and encouraging doula, I am seeing a midwife for my current prenatal care and intend to switch to an OB that supports VBA2C later during my pregnancy. I am also going to a chiropractor who is helping keep me in good health during this pregnancy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This pregnancy and birth will be so different and life-changing, I decided to keep a record of it online. I don't know how many people will read it, but I want to keep the record so I can see where I go from here and how I get there. I hope that whoever reads it will be encouraged to take charge of their own birth choices and make informed decisions as my husband and I have.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will attempt to post as regularly as possible. Definitely after every development in pregnancy: Milestones, midwife appointments, etc. However we have a lot going on between now and when our new little blessing is due in May. Thanksgiving, holiday shopping, possible travel, birthday parties, moving, my parents moving, and then spending that wonderful nesting energy on unpacking our home and getting it ready for baby. So, I'm sure you will hear about all of that too! It's all on our road to our VBA2C!</span><br />
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