Tag: pregnancy

pregnancy

Thoughts While on Bedrest

Humble Mama

Being stuck in a bed for weeks without the freedom to move around really puts a damper on things. I remember feeling so much anxiety and at times so much sadness for not being able to spend my time with my family. For missing out on Halloween with my 5-year-old. For not being able to be by my husband’s side at night…

I thought maybe if I had done things differently. If I would have stayed off my feet more and did less, would I have gotten to this point of preterm labor anyway?

There was only so much I could do from the hospital bed at 30 weeks. I cried. I prayed. And I meditated. Every morning I would make it a point (and I still do) to express my gratitude for the blessings I’ve been given. I know that things could always be worse no matter what, and I was in the best place possible for my baby and me.

Whenever my anxieties would start to creep in, I would hold on to my amethyst and practice some breathing techniques that I had learned along the way through guided meditations.

Some days when I couldn’t quiet down my thoughts and concentrate on my breathing, I would listen to uplifting music. If that didn’t work, I would watch something funny, and when all else failed, I wrote. I wrote to myself. I wrote to my husband, or I would call my family.

They surrounded me with so much love, prayers, and strength that I honestly can’t ever repay them but spread that same love, prayer, and strength to those that might be needing it.

I know that it doesn’t always work out this way for every Mama, but regardless of the outcome, I am a firm believer that the universe has a plan for you. Often times, it’s so much better than what you had envisioned in your mind. It is important to keep an open mind and an open heart. Whatever you are going through today, know that it shall pass. There are even more beautiful things waiting for you out there! Stay strong, my Humble Mamas.

Sending you tons of love, light & positive vibes!

Postpartum

What to Expect Within the First Few Hours After Delivery

Humble Mama

Nothing can compare to the feeling of absolute bliss (given that all goes well) once your little bundle of joy is snuggled up in your arms. With both my babies I remember the quietness and peacefulness of just finally having them in my arms and caring for them. I remember staring, both times, in amazement.

Newborn Assessments

Immediately after giving birth they place the baby in your arms for a brief moment before cutting the umbilical cord, then they are taken to be cleaned up, assessed, and weighed. (In the meantime, don’t think you’re done. You still have to push out the placenta. The contractions are milder and can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. Your doctor then will stitch you up, if you had any tears). The first assessment your newborn undergoes is known as the Apgar score. They are monitored for heart, respiratory rates, muscle tone, reflexes, and color at 1 minute, and 5 minutes after birth. With my first, baby, they whisked her away to the nursery for additional testing and put in an incubator since she was born at 35 weeks, making her a preemie. My second pregnancy was completely different, my son was born at 38.5 weeks. He wasn’t taken to the nursery till much later about 2-3 hours after bonding.

Bonding

Once your little one has been assessed, cleaned up, and weighed you get to bond by placing your baby on your body. The technique is called skin-to-skin. If you, like me, had a pregnancy tracker app, you probably read all about skin to skin and the benefits that are associated with it. There is just something magical about having this tiny being laying on your chest.

Breastfeeding

The bonding often leads to baby led initiation of breastfeeding. Here is where your baby might begin breastfeeding or trying to latch on. For me, the second time around happened more naturally. Because my daughter was whisked away for testing, I wasn’t able to bond with her for an hour. I don’t know if that played a role in her not latching but we still did skin-to-skin a few hours after her birth.

Refueling

Now after 2-3 hours, its time to refuel! This is when I was finally able to have a drink of water and have a snack. Because I delivered both my babies in the afternoon, my first meal of the day was dinner. I’m not sure if all the work (blood, sweat, and tears) of pushing out a baby makes your first meal or sip of water taste like the best thing ever, but seriously. It was heaven. Make sure you eat well. Get your daily servings of fruits veggies protein and healthy fats to help with your recovery and even with your breastfeeding journey, if that is what you decide.

Bathroom Break

Now at the 5-6 hour mark, If you had an epidural, it takes some time for you to get the feeling back in your legs and be able to get up and go to the bathroom. Your nurse will help get you to and back, from the bathroom. This is also when they whisk the baby to the nursery. Here is where you’ll get cleaned up, as best as possible. Your flow typically feels and looks like a very heavy period. I suggest having some items readily accessible for this process. I used Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle, to keep stitches dry and clean. The brand Frida Mom, also has a kit that came in pretty handy but the hospital can also provide you with a peri bottle, pads and Dermoplast which is a pain relieving spray that will work wonders for the soreness/pain post delivery.

Recovery

After you leave labor and delivery and are taken to the maternity ward with your new bundle of joy, your recovery begins! For me the first 24-48 hours were painful. Especially during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract and helps reduce post delivery blood loss. I took Motrin or Tylenol every 4-6 hours for the first 24 hours to help with the pain. Make sure you still take your prenatal vitamins, to help get some nutrients your body still needs. Eat well and take care of yourself. Remember, you can’t take care of another being without taking care of you first. I know once you leave the hospital, it can be hectic, but this is what family is for. This is what your spouse is for. If you find yourself overwhelmed and needing help, don’t be afraid to reach out to a trusted friend. This is all part of the journey. It is different for every mama, so don’t compare yourself. Just know that you can get through it. You got this humble mama!