The truths of labor and delivery

I’ve said it before, all labors are different. Each woman has a different vision for how she wants labor and delivery to go. Whatever you decide does not make anyone more or less strong. 

Before I had Keegan, I read my share of ‘what to expect’ and ‘what no one tells you’ about labor and delivery, but nothing really sunk in. It wasn’t that I disregarded them; it was more that I didn’t really understand how these things would feel. And now that I’ve been through it, there were different things that stood out to me than I read.

This may end up being one of those blogs for you, but I felt like I should be honest about what I found to be unexpected in the case that it’s helpful for someone else. Keep in mind I had a natural birth.

1. Labor comfort positions. I had it all in my head that standing, leaning over and the birthing ball would be great comforts for me. They seemed to feel soothing when we practiced during class. Well, I did nothing but lay on my back and on my side during labor. We tried a massage on the lower back, but that didn’t make a difference. Breathing to calm myself was the only thing that helped. 
2. Waterfalls. Turns out your water breaking is your protection barrier against the strong contractions. No one ever mentioned that nor did I read it anywhere before labor. But, it’s the truth. The moment your water breaks, brace yourself for stronger contractions.
3. Contractions. Speaking of contractions...they are horrible. In the beginning, they’re barely noticeable. A slight menstrual cramp that comes and goes. I can see how women don’t realize they’ve started labor. It’s not like the movies where all of the sudden you have one big contraction and, wham, you’re in labor. However, when you’re in full swing of labor, contractions are a b!$@h. To me, it was worse than actually pushing.
4. Ring of fire. If you take a labor and birthing class, they’ll talk about “the ring of fire.” There’s definitely a burning sensation, but I was so busy pushing that it didn’t seem as bad as everyone made it out to be. Don’t get me wrong - it hurts like hell. 
5. The quiet. I wasn’t expecting it to be chaos in the delivery room, but I didn’t realize that for most of the laboring (all of it really) you’re left alone. We knew the baby and I were being monitored, I just figured that someone would be there all the time. Ha! It’s nice to have your privacy, though. 
6. Shakiness. Just after labor I started trembling. My whole body was shaking. It never occurred to me that after the “trauma” my body had gone through that I would literally shaking as I recovered. You’re totally fine, it’s just that body of yours taking over again. 

In hindsight, I now realize that nothing can really prepare you for labor and delivery. Our bodies are so amazing that they really just know what to do, and we need to trust them. Anyone that knows me can tell you I’m a planner, and not being ready is a really hard thing for me. I read in so many places that labor and delivery didn’t go how it was expected and it was so difficult to recover. So, I decided to imagine and prepare for every situation. I had about five different plans ready to go. 

What I didn’t think about was how fast the process could be. I am so blessed to have had a quick labor. And true to what everyone says, my “plan” didn’t happen - even the five plans I had. As much as the process is excruciatingly painful, it’s a part of the process that will lead you to your sweet baby. It’s all worth it. 

Back to work, back to work

Well, I survived my first week at work and Keegan’s first week at school. That sounds good to say! 

Keegan's first day of school.

While my week was very up and down emotionally, the anxiety of going back to work was probably worse than actually going back to work. It’s both good and terrible at the same time. I’ll break it down for you:

Going back to work is good (in no particular order) because:

• I can take my time to eat lunch
• I haven’t changed a poopy diaper in a week
• Keegan is exhausted when he gets home and sleeps like a champ
• I get to have adult conversations
• We have less trash at home
• Keegan will learn all sorts of things at school (he’s already more vocal – in a good way)

Going back to work is terrible (in no particular order) because:

• My nipples are SO sore from pumping
• I’m sad I don’t get to see my baby throughout the day
• I worry that Keegan will be gassy and fussy and uncomfortable, and I can’t take care of him
• I’m concerned about my milk supply
• There are a billion things to juggle and fit in
• I have at least 3 bags to pack every day
• We wash bottles every single night

The best part of my day is picking up my sweet boy and seeing him smile. He’s getting more acclimated to school and its noises, bright lights and teachers each day, which makes for a happier mommy. 

I know it will take a while to adjust, but we’re on our way – whether I like it or not.

Keegan's first Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 


Christmas this year was truly wonderful. Keegan isn't quite old enough to get in on all the excitement, but he sure did observe all the craziness. We had Christmas morning with gifts and breakfast at our house with my family, and it was perfect. Later in the day we went to Chris' parents' house for Christmas dinner and more gifts. Keegan spent some time with his cousins, and the rest of the time having a breakdown from his lack of naps throughout the day. 

He really was such a trooper, but the stimulation and lack of sleep wore our poor boy out! Needless to say, he slept great that night. 

Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and New Year with family and friends! Here's to a great 2016.

Keegan monthly update: 3 months

Weight: About 12 pounds according to the bathroom scale

Vision: Not sure how far you can see, but you seem to be making better eye contact and observing things a lot more this month.

Movement: You are super wiggly, kicking you legs and moving your arms about. You have stopped rolling from your stomach to back (mostly because you hate tummy time and get so mad when we even attempt to put you on your stomach).

Eating habits: You generally eat every 2-3 hours, except at night.

Sleeping patterns: You started sleeping all night this month! Shout out to the Merlin Magic Sleepsuit (it’s the best thing ever). You were wiggling out of your swaddle and waking yourself up, and as soon as we switched to the sleep suit, you never looked back. You generally sleep from about 8ish to 6:30-7ish. However, before this happened at the end of the month you were sleeping for about 6-7 hours, waking up once to eat around 3:30-4, and then going back to sleep for another 2 hours. You were also out of sorts and slept poorly after you had your shots earlier in the month.

Sounds/words: You are continuing to make sweet noises, talking away to us. You laugh and smile a whole lot more now, and it’s just the best. 

New discoveries/accomplishments:

• You still despise tummy time and don’t want to roll over. 
• You are a pro at holding your head up; we don’t really worry about bobble heading anymore.
• You started drooling - I see a lot of bibs in our future.
• You love to lay on your play mat and stare at the toys, but you haven’t started reaching for them yet.

Places you went/adventures: 

• You celebrated your first Thanksgiving and enjoyed hanging out with your family. 
• You got a Christmas tree (even though you slept for the whole time).
• You went on several lunch dates and were awesome every time we went out.
• We went Christmas shopping and finished up getting gifts for everyone (you were a great little helper)!

   

Keegan monthly update: 2 months

Height: 22 inches (18%)

Weight: 9 pounds, 12 ounces (11%)

Head circumference: 37 cm

Vision: You make more and more eye contact with people and are pretty good at following the rattle back and forth. You also get distracted while eating when you see daddy.

Movement: You rolled over! This is becoming a more regular thing, but not sure that you’ve mastered it quite yet.

Eating habits: You generally eat every 2-3 hours, except at night.

Sleeping patterns: You typically get up once per night. You’ll sleep one good 4-7 hour block, wake up to eat and then sleep for another 2 hours before getting up for the day. We’ve even had a couple of 8-hour blocks, which are glorious! We’ve had a few nights in there where you wake up more, but think that was due to an upset tummy.

Sounds/words: You make a lot more noise now. You are pretty good throughout the day with the occasionally fussy day, and then you are a bit fussy in the evenings. You also make some cooing sounds when you’re awake and looking around. 

New discoveries/accomplishments:

• As mentioned above, you rolled over!
• You started to hold your head up with no help. You are a little wobbly still but won’t be long now until you’re a pro.
• You are more and more alert and have started to smile!
• You are fussier this month, but it seems to be evening out.
• You love snuggling and sleeping on your mommy and daddy.
• You hate tummy time now, and either scream your head off or roll over during that time. We still try every day, but also practice your strength skills on my shoulder and laying on our stomachs.
• You are tolerating bath time now, and no longer cry. 

Places you went/adventures: 

• You had your first halloween, dressing up as James Bond.
• You went to your first GA/FL and halloween parties at the neighbors.
• You went to the outlets with Auntie Janna and mommy for some Christmas shopping.
• You had your first (and second) play dates with Ethan!
• You helped Grandma host a garage sale.