Our Birth Story

We had our baby girl! It's been a little over two weeks now. It's been a lot more work than I thought it would be, so it's taken me a while to get a chance to write our birth story. Here it is...

On Tuesday the 17th of February we decided to try to slowly induce naturally to see if we could jump start anything. This was all under the guidance of my midwife. We tried taking an herbal tincture every 30 minutes for a few hours. No contractions. So the next day as soon as I woke up I drank a disgusting castor oil shake that I will never forget. It made me go to the bathroom like super crazy all day long. No contractions. 

Thursday the 19th we went in for another biophysical ultrasound and it only scored a 2 out of 10. Baby had a good heart rate and good fluid levels, but she wasn't moving the way they needed her to be. The technician wasn't too concerned with it, so we left the hospital/medical building to go meet up with my midwife. When we got there she asked why we had left and the doctor of the office we went to needed us to come back to the hospital. My midwife was very concerned that the baby was not engaging at 41w6d. She said she had never seen anything like this and was worried the baby's cord was wrapped around her body/neck or something else was wrong. She came out telling us we needed to return to the hospital and have a c-section. Obviously this was something serious as midwives aren't in the business of having their patients do c-sections. Luckily we had our bags packed in the car as we were planning to do some serious inducing that day.

We returned to the hospital and we got setup on the monitors. Baby's heart rate kept going up a little too high in waves, so they pushed the c-section up an hour earlier than the anesthesiologist normally would perform them. Our little Emily was born at 1:40pm. She came out and we heard her little cries. She was a healthy little 7lbs 8oz and 19.25 inches baby girl. 

As the doctor was leaving the surgery room, he told us that Emily had been engaging the side of my uterus instead of the cervix and we had been very close to uterine rupture. I was so relieved that we did not try to induce any more than we had, as all that inducing could have caused the uterus to rupture - a very serious thing for baby and me. The doctor later talked to us and said my uterus is positioned to make babies posterior, which makes it harder for the baby to go through the birth canal. On top of that, my hip/bone structure was angled even more than normal, so a posterior baby would unlikely be able to come out. Knowing that the second baby is bigger than the first usually, we will opt to do a c-section next time in order for everyone to be safe. I really am not one to want a c-section. I had been trying to go natural the whole time, but my body apparently isn't designed to do that. The doctor said in his 35 years of working as an OB, he had only seen 1 other patient that had a situation like me. This is so crazy to me, but it is what it is.

Emily latched on right away when I got into the recovery room. As of writing this 16 days later, we are finally doing well with breastfeeding. The first 2 weeks were painful and hard, but my midwife helped me perfect her latch and I think everything is healing. It takes a while for your nipples to toughen up. Now it's not so bad.

We were able to go home the following evening which is uncommon, but we told the doctor that I wouldn't get sleep in the hospital - and sleep allows you to heal. I hadn't slept the first night. Too much noise and commotion. I was told healing goes better when you have a c-section without inducing/laboring beforehand. I am truly happy that I didn't spend 20 painful hours in labor to only go in for a c-section and have to recover from both situations. 

Well, that is our birth story. I should add that I do not feel sad about not being able to do the natural birth I had wanted knowing now that my body wasn't very capable of doing so. I am much more thankful we are both safe and sound and healthy. That's the most important thing.

40 Weeks & 4 Days Appointment

Today I had my weekly midwife appointment. Here's an update on what is going on:

• I am finally dilated - 1cm. Tried to do a membrane sweep, but Emily wasn't far enough in the pelvis so she couldn't. But the scar tissue was all gone!! :)
• There is too much (who know it was possible) amniotic fluid so little Emily is basically just moving all over the place. She hasn't been in my pelvis very far, so I need to lessen the fluid so she has less run to move. We need to make sure she can get into my pelvis so we know for sure she fits and because she is too high for labor right now. So I will be taking mag-cal vitamins, epsom salt baths, and drinking drinks with electrolytes every day.
• I also need to use the breast pump, walk, do the miles circuit, and take evening primrose oil daily to help move things along.
• My midwife will try to make an appt for Thursday (2 days) for an ultrasound biophysical to make sure everything looks good for baby to stay another week. 
• My next appointment is Tuesday the 17th. Let's hope I don't make it to that appointment though!! :)
• The 18th would be trying induction methods at the birthing center. The 20th I would go to the hospital for a medical induction (pitocin). This is the plan if all else fails.

Let's hope she comes sooner than later though! :)



Edited to add:

40 weeks & 6 days - I had my biophysical profile ultrasound. Emily is weighing approximately 7 pounds & 11 ounces. She is a happy little camper - she is practicing breathing, the amniotic fluid was a 13 AFI (norm is 8-18) which is good, and everything seemed fine. They will send the information to my midwife now. 

40 Weeks

How many weeks?: 40 Weeks - yes, I am still pregnant...

How big is baby?: Small Pumpkin - 20 inches & 7.5 pounds ~ Let's just say baby is as big as a newborn baby ;)

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 38 pounds total. 

Symptoms: I feel big and tired. I feel like I will always be pregnant and it will never ever end. At my last appointment my cervix was not dilated, and it was soft and facing out more. 

Cravings: Fresh berries sound amazing. I wish it were summer only for the fruit.

Sleep: I've been sleeping a little better. Feeling more rested.

What I Miss: Having a body with no bump. 

Best Moment This Week: I hit 40 weeks! I wanted to hit 40 weeks ever since I was pregnant to give our little girl the best. They still do a lot of good growing between 37-40 weeks IF your pregnancy is healthy and low risk. 

What am I looking forward to?: Holding our baby girl.

Next Appointment: February 10th.

Additional Notes: 

• A few years ago I had a colposcopy (procedure where they scraped a few cells off my cervix when my pap came back abnormal). It wasn't a big deal, but it left a little bit of scar tissue on my cervix. At the next appointment my midwife will massage the tissue to break it apart. People that have scar tissue seem to have a harder time getting their cervix to dilate. I've read that people can have contractions for days or it just won't dilate. I want my body to be able to naturally progress when it's time for me to be in labor. I don't want to stall my labor at all.
• I was really trying to be good about letting my body naturally decide when to go into labor. Now that I have hit 40 weeks I will try to do a few natural things to see if it may work, but other than that, I don't have any plans of trying anything more until the 18th - 2 days before 42 weeks. My midwife will try doing a number of things, and if nothing works I get transferred to the hospital on the 20th as I can no longer give birth at the center once I hit 42 weeks. We have a plan with my midwife on the outline in case I don't go into labor.
• I am now at the point where I am over being pregnant. I am glad I expected to go past due as I would be a lot more disappointed at this point. I keep seeing everyone having their babies and I am just sitting here pregnant and not having an end in sight. I need to remember 65% of babies are born after 40 weeks. I just need a little more patience and to just enjoy this time I have alone and with my husband.
• I have also been doing the Miles Circuit to encourage baby to be in the right position. It is helping as she is on my left side a lot more now. Before she always wanted to be on the right side.

39 Weeks

How many weeks?: 39 Weeks

How big is baby?: Mini Watermelon - 20 inches & 7.25 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 35 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: Sweat pants and the same shirts. Pretty much just have about 3 outfits at this point. Even my sweat pants are feeling super tight on me right now! :( I can't wait to for my sweats and yoga pants to fit better once baby is born.

Nursery: Besides two boxes I need to go through in the closet, the nursery is done. I said this last week. Oh well. We also got the cute rug, a teal lamp, and another wall art picture! :)

Symptoms: Not sleeping well. Belly too big to sit comfortably at times. My belly is very itchy and almost painful. I have stretch marks on my lower tummy, and a little bit going down my inner thigh. I do put body butter (coconut oil/shea butter) on everyday, but it's caused by genetics. 

Cravings: We had Mongolian Grill last week - yay! I want it again though ha. We won't be going because it is kind of pricey. However, my birthday is in March so I know that I can go there postpartum (as well as a nursing mom) and be able to get a lot of food... My stomach will have a lot more room!!

Sleep: I'm just going to say "9th month of pregnancy" and that should sum it up.

What I Miss: Being comfortable.

Best Moment This Week: We got to take maternity photos and my sister in law had her baby a few weeks early so we met him!

What am I looking forward to?: Baby's arrival - I'm the type of person that likes plans and knowing what's going on. I can be spontaneous, but I am much more of a planner. 

Next Appointment: February 2nd for my 39th week appointment.

Additional Notes: 

• I gave in got my cervix checked. On January 27th I was not dilated - 0, but my cervix was thin. 

38 Weeks

How many weeks?: 38 Weeks

How big is baby?: Leek - 19.75 inches & 6.8 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 34 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: Sweat pants and the same shirts. Pretty much just have about 3 outfits at this point.

Nursery: Besides two boxes I need to go through in the closet, the nursery is done. Oh, and we are waiting on a rug (it's on it's way) and need to get a lamp at some point (probably after she is born).

Symptoms: I can't sleep at night. I wake up often and pee every 2 hours. My body feels tired and uncomfortable. I am getting huge. My body is ready.

Cravings: I really want Mongolian Grill. I've been waiting forever to get it, but it's never the right time. Was supposed to go tonight, but after Jesse's week at work I am not going to drag him out. Maybe we can go tomorrow.

Sleep: Sleep?! I finally got decent sleep last night when I took Tylenol PM. 

What I Miss: Having a body with no bump. 

Best Moment This Week: Almost have the house all nice and clean and organized. 

What am I looking forward to?: Finishing the house up.

Next Appointment: January 27th for my 38th week appointment.

Additional Notes: 

• Midwife said baby girl is close to the 7 pound mark when she felt her at the appointment on the 20th.
• My sister in law was due 3 days before me. She had her baby boy this morning!! It's getting real. Our's will be here within 4 weeks - at the absolute latest.

36 weeks

36 weeks

How many weeks?: 36 Weeks

How big is baby?: Honeydew Melon - 18.75 inches & 5.75 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 30 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: The last thing I bought were my 2 thermal shirts. I did not and will not buy maternity pants. I've been living in my leggings and yoga pants. They are actually getting super tight around my hips/tummy so I have resorted to sweat pants and hubby's pj bottoms (when home of course!). I do put on my yoga pants if we are going some place nice though. I just deal with it to look somewhat nice.

Nursery: I can't believe I am still here saying it's not complete! I just finished washing the last batch of laundry I am hoping. I had to wash all of her clothes, a billion blankets, bedding, car seat cover, boppy... my goodness, just so much to wash when you wash it all. I have everything 6+ months in 3 different boxes and will not be washing those items until she reaches those sizes. I figured I would end up re-washing them anyways if they sat in a box that long.

Symptoms: Oh there are so many symptoms. Ugh! I can't sleep at night. I wake up often and pee every 2 hours. It really sucks. I debate going back to bed once Jesse leaves as I can't tell if it will be worth it. I can't roll over in bed, I have to push up with my feet to lift myself into the air to turn. It is too uncomfortable and hard to just "roll". I have felt period like cramping the last week and TMI (the area down there feels sore for no reason). My body feels tired and uncomfortable. I often have trouble in the mornings and feel super fatigued and lightheaded. I went to church 2 weeks ago even though I felt really faint. I had a hard time the whole service. I ended up feeling the same last Sunday and decided to skip it. I really hate doing that, but knowing what happened last time... it didn't just go away. My hair is absolutely gorgeous and I love it!! Oh and I am always hot when I sleep. We have been using one comforter the last few nights (I washed the heated blanket we use but don't turn on) and I set the temp for 64 degrees and I still need my legs out of the blanket half the night. 

Cravings: I have been craving hamburgers and fries, fruit juice, and scrambled eggs. I know my body needs more protein, so I am really trying to give it what it needs.

Sleep: Sleep?! Where can I find this?

What I Miss: Sleep.

Best Moment This Week: We met with a pediatrician on Tuesday and will go with her. 

What am I looking forward to?: Having our little girl and bringing her home.

Next Appointment: January 13th. This is the first of my weekly appointments.

Additional Notes: 

• According to the last appointment she is head down and ready to go. I have kicks on the right and her bottom is on the left. She is facing away from me since the placenta is anterior, but she is in the best position for anterior. Hopefully she moves around during labor so I don't have bad back labor. Either way, she is head down and that is what she needs to be to give birth.
• We have finished getting most of her things as of now. We only need to get a diaper/trash bin, clothes hamper, and a rug for her room.
• We are having to switch insurances as of the 1st of the year. We are getting all the information over to them today I am hoping. This also means we should be eligible for a breast pump. Our old insurance was grandfathered, so no breast pump at all. We had to switch insurances with Jesse's promotion... unfortunately the old insurance was better and free since he was union with only a $300 deductible. This one has a monthly deduct from payroll and has like a $2500 deductible. Too bad the birth wasn't before the insurance change.
• We ordered some props for Emily's newborn photos! :) I am so excited to get these photos done when she is 4-7 days old. Jesse/daddy is our own professional photographer. We even have the whole studio setup for it!
• One of my favorite parts about being pregnant is not having to worry about my weight gain or body issues. I told myself as long as I didn't go past 35 pounds (max of normal weight gain) I would be perfectly happy. If you are pregnant you will gain weight, and I gladly accepted it and have no regrets. I have eaten what I want and love it. It was oddly invigorating and strange to come to January 1st and not make a diet attempt. Everyone is talking about getting back on track and I say pass the brownies please and thank you! ;) I may go over 35 pounds by a pound or two as I have gained more weight the last trimester than the rest of the pregnancy. Emily has another 2-3 pounds left to gain so there is a possibility of going over. I will be okay with that. I am close enough. 
• As part of our birth plan, we are not allowing visitors during our stay at the birthing center. This has been a bit of a shock, especially for my family, but it's what we want. I want peace and quiet and just the company of my incredible partner. I imagine it would be a different story if I went to the hospital, got an epidural and just had an easy enough birth without much pain. But I am planning to go natural and need the room to be dim lit, without much noise, and my husband next to me. In our birthing class I learned that I need to fake sleep by relaxing (laying down with eyes closed) between contractions in order to keep my energy up. My birthing center also discharges 3-6 hours after the birth. Just enough time to get mommy and baby looked at, do the first latch and then get up to pee. Once I am able to get up and pee, we can get packed up and head out. With an epidural of course you stay longer at a hospital because you can't even stand up right away. 
• I have been stressing out the last few months about having visitors after the baby comes. I really want to enjoy the first few weeks with my husband and our new baby. I am really hoping to not have people over all of the time. I will be sore, tired, and not wanting to share MY baby with everyone else all the time. I hope people make their visits short and sweet, and anything longer then they should be helping around the house and not being a baby hog.
• I totally forgot there are at least 2 more loads of laundry to do - I need to wash my new woven wrap and wash all my cloth diapers. I ordered 4 prefolds and 2 fitted diapers off a diaper swap on FB. They are the green mountain diaper brand and I wanted to try them out. If I like them, I'll get more. I have quite a few others a friend gave us - lots of fuzzibunz size small, 2 thirsties, 2 blueberries, and 1 bumgenius. I also have one fitted I bought from a small company here in Tacoma. I was told not to get all of the same ones until I see what works. So that's what I have.
• I have also started taking gentle birth per my midwife's advice. You start at 35 weeks and take it daily to help your uterus do little contractions to help strengthen it. It supposedly helps when you go into labor. Your uterus should be stronger and I should have a faster labor. I hope it works. I don't want a super long labor. I have heard of people being in labor for 48 hours. I'd prefer less haha.
• I made a list for our labor/post birth bag. I'll be doing 2 bags. One for just the labor portion and then one for the post birth. Jesse can run out to the car once Emily comes for the second bag. I just don't want to haul in too much right away. The labor bag will have a lot less things in it - snacks, some clothing pieces (planning to labor in the tub), and a few other things. I am really excited about the huge water jug with a straw I found on amazon. It looks like a hospital one. I got it because the birthing center doesn't provide everything like the hospital and I know I will need a lot of water. I already am thirsty ALL of the time.

  

  Hoping this isn't too big for a going home outfit. It's 0-3 months.

  

  Large Water Container - Yeah!

Well, that sure was a lot for one week, but I haven't been posting many weekly pregnancy blogs. We have been busy around here, and every time I think about posting something I think - should I take the time to do that or work on the dishes/laundry that needs to be done. You can see what has been winning out. 

31 Weeks

How many weeks?: 31 Weeks

How big is baby?: Pineapple - 16.25 inches & 3.3 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 20 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: I pretty much just wear the same 2 leggings and 3 maternity shirts. I won't go buy any more clothes. I have 2 more months, not a big deal. Everyone just has to see me wearing the same thing all the time.

Nursery: It will be elephant themed (my favorite animal) with grey and white colors, with pops of color. It hasn't been put together yet. We are putting the dresser in there this weekend. We have her crib and 9 cube thing all done. We will be doing a lot in the nursery this weekend, so maybe it will be done in a few days?

Symptoms: Hip pain is not there anymore. I have had bad rib pain lately and my bra strap makes it even worse. I am having trouble sleeping - waking up often and always remembering my dreams. Which tells me I never get my deep sleep!! :( My back and pelvic bone area always crack at night when I move from side to side - I hate the feeling of it, but I always know that it's going to happen now. My stomach on the left side seems uncomfortable, so it's bothering some to sleep on my left side, but that's the side I am supposed to sleep on. I just feel like each week I get a new symptom now and have started counting down the weeks haha.

Cravings: Not much - jello fruit cups & Juice.

Sleep: I have been using 4 pillows. Not getting enough!! :(

What I Miss: My energy level still. I always feel out of breath. 

Best Moment This Week: We finished our Bradley Method birthing class. We are officially ready. It feels so real now that we are done. It's just a waiting game now, but we are prepared for when it comes. It just makes it feel so close to the end.

What am I looking forward to?: Finishing up the nursery

Next Appointment: December 9th.

28 Weeks

28 weeks & 5 days

How many weeks?: 28 Weeks

How big is baby?: Eggplant - 14.8 inches & 2.25 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 19 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing my maternity tops, but still getting away with my pre-pregnancy leggings. I bought 2 thermal shirts a few weeks ago that I am totally in love with. It's been in the 30-40's here the last few weeks so I've been cold.

Nursery: It will be elephant themed (my favorite animal) with grey and white colors, with pops of color. It has been put together yet. We still need a dresser, a mattress and some other little things. We need to setup the 9 cube box thing so we can put all of her books and other things away. Once we get the dresser and some hangers I can put her clothes away. 

Symptoms: Lately I have had more hip pain. I'm starting to feel a lot more drained and exhausted by doing absolutely nothing. I am trying really hard to take my vitamins because I think if I miss them, it's just adding to my exhaustion. Oh and super emotional. I could cry at so many things.

Cravings: Hot cocoa.

Sleep: I have been using 4 pillows.

What I Miss: My energy level. I miss the days where I was all motivated and able to clean the house from top to bottom. It's a good day if I did the laundry, dishes, dinner AND actually did some unpacking.

Best Moment This Week: I got to spend some good time with my husband. The last few months have been so busy between fixing the house up, moving, working, etc... that we barely got much quality time together. We have had several quality moments together this past week and I've really enjoyed them.

What am I looking forward to?: Next week is Jesse's birthday and Thanksgiving. Lots of love - family time and of course food!

Next Appointment: December 9th. It's my 32 week appointment. After that I switch to bi-weekly. I just had an appt. last week - glucose test was good, but I have mild anemia so I am on liquid iron. So gross, but I need it.

23 Weeks

23 Weeks at my BIL's wedding

How many weeks?: 23 Weeks

How big is baby?: Large Mango - 11.5 inches &1.1 pounds

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 12 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing my maternity tops and dresses. I can still wear my leggings, but will need maternity pants soon enough. Until then I just wear my leggings.

Nursery: It will be elephant themed (my favorite animal) with grey and white colors, with pops of color. The nursery has been painted and the floors have been installed! We move in to the house in 2 weeks, so we can start the nursery after that.

Symptoms: I have been feeling like myself lately, besides have a bump! Oh and I am feeling her move!! It started at 22.5 weeks.

Cravings: Nothing really that I can think of.

Sleep: I've been using 4 pillows.

What I Miss: Being able to move easily and pick things up without worrying about the weight. I need to help pack the house, but I know I can't pick too much up, so it will be interesting to see how that all works out.

Best Moment This Week: We went to Los Angeles this weekend for a wedding. It was beautiful and fun. We also went to the beach on the way to the airport and I had so much fun putting my feet in REAL sand and in the water!!

What am I looking forward to?: Finishing my last day at my job... which is tomorrow! I have been working A TON of overtime (salaried - so of course unpaid) to get it all done. The company was acquired, and I have been helping transition everything over and reconcile the AP. So I am almost done!!

Next Appointment: October 20th I have my 24 week appointment with my midwife. My sisters are planning to come instead of Jesse. I'll be going in the morning since I won't be working. :)

20 Weeks

How many weeks?: 20 Weeks

How big is baby?: Banana - 10.0 inches (starting now to measure from head to toes instead of head to rump) & 10.5 ounces.

Gender: Girl

Weight Gain: I have gained 9.2 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing my maternity tops. I will need to buy bottoms soon though with the weather changing.

Nursery: It will be elephant themed (my favorite animal) with grey and white colors, with pops of color. We won't start the nursery until we move.

Symptoms: I have been feeling like myself lately. I did throw up once a few days ago though.

Cravings: Fruit still.

Sleep: I'm back to my 4 pillows. I like them better at this point.

What I Miss: Nothing right now.

Best Moment This Week: We started our birthing class. We choose to do the Bradley Method. 

What am I looking forward to?: Feeling baby's kicks. My placenta is anterior so I haven't felt anything yet. I was told between 20-22 weeks, but I have heard of people that didn't feel anything until even later. 

Next Appointment: October 21st I have my 24 week appointment with my midwife. 

What Is Baby's Gender?!

On Saturday we hosted a baby gender reveal brunch! We had some delicious food, and family and friends to visit with! Finally we got to the cake reveal - wahoo! 

The aunties are so excited to find out!

I made some fun gender reveal pancakes!

And the winner goes to....

It's A Girl!!

Another little girl to add to the group!

My mom and sister Sarah pointing to the pink cake - another little princess coming!

Pink cake!

We went out and got Emily her first girl outfit!

Well, there you have it! The Sellands are adding a baby girl to their family!!

19 Weeks

How many weeks?: 19 Weeks

How big is baby?: Zesty Zucchini - 6.0 inches & 9 ounces.

Gender: Unknown!!

Weight Gain: I have gained 7.4 pounds total. 

Maternity Clothes: I have worn a few shirts/sweaters that are maternity. I have yet to buy any pants that are maternity as I can still fit into my leggings and jeans (unzipped) ;)

Nursery: It will be elephant themed (my favorite animal) with grey and white colors. We won't start the nursery until we move.

Symptoms: I have been feeling like myself lately... I've heard this is the joy of second trimester! :) 

Cravings: Fruit for the most part.

Sleep: I've swapped my pillows for the maternity pillow, but I may swap back, I kind of like the pillows as I can move them to the areas I want right now.

What I Miss: Nothing right now.

Best Moment This Week: We went to the anatomy scan. We got to see baby moving, kicking, and hanging out. It seems so unreal. This is our baby! We made this together!

What am I looking forward to?: Finding out the baby's gender tomorrow!!!! EEK!

Next Appointment: Next Tuesday I have an appointment with a new midwife. I am switching from my doctor's office to a midwife who practice's on her own. I am doing this because I want to give birth at a birthing center instead of a hospital.