Oxytocin rush.
I read in stories and heard from friends who had had natural (drug-free) births that immediately after the baby is born, the mother experiences a powerful rush of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which immediately bonds her to her baby. Let me tell you what—it’s true! Although I didn’t really recognize it until it wore off, I was on an oxytocin rush all day Tuesday. I felt so relaxed and dreamy; all was right with the world! I wasn’t even in any pain—I think I may have taken one Tylenol the whole day, and pretty much just stayed in bed with Karis all day long. Ahhh…it was heavenly!
Sitz baths.
Any new moms out there will be familiar with the experience of after-birth sitz baths. Sitting on the toilet in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day. BORING! After Abbie was born, I was so unmotivated to do sitz baths that it took me forever to heal. This time, I decided to be a little more industrious. I set up a tray table right in front of our toilet and spent my sitz bath time online or writing thank-you letters for the scholarships I received last year! It ended up being good alone time. Gross, but when you’re a mother of two children, you do what you gotta do…
Breastfeeding.
I thought it was supposed to be easier the second time. I thought that, because I knew what I was doing, it wasn’t supposed to hurt. Every La Leche League leader and breastfeeding guide says that, if the baby is positioned correctly, the mother’s nipples won’t get cracked or sore. I’d politely like to disagree. Saturday was probably the most pain I’d been in since Abbie started breastfeeding. The worst part of the pain is the persistence of the baby’s need to EAT! Two hours in-between feedings is certainly not enough time to heal, even with lanolin cream. I admit I resorted to the pacifier and the pump and bottle several times that day. Karis and I have gotten better at the whole process, but I’m still healing (slowly). On a related note, I am publicly declaring my eternal gratitude to whoever invented these.
Split pelvis?
I think I may have split my pelvis on Thursday. I’m not sure about this, but from everything I’ve read, my symptoms fit the description. Unfortunately, there’s nothing anyone can do about it. I’ve tried several different positions laying down, but pretty much I’m in constant pain. Anyone with suggestions would be very much appreciated!
Uterine infection.
Turns out, I hadn’t expelled all the…uh…membranes involved with the placenta, even though the placenta was completely intact when it was born. Weird. Anyway, it came out (blahhhhhh) on Saturday night along with a lot of retained blood (which set off another round of after-birth contractions that hurt like Hades)—one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve had lately, as I didn’t know what was going on at first. Anyway, I was already at a higher risk of infection because I lost most of the lochia (after-birth blood) before the placenta was born as opposed to after, and the retained membrane increased my risk even more. Plus, I tend to get infections rather easily in general. Not so much fun. The next night after feeling hot and body-achy, I took my temp. It was 101.4! Yikes! I immediately called my midwife and she advised I visit my doctor in the morning if my temperature was still up; she suggested that it was a uterine infection because I had no symptoms of either breast or urinary tract infection. Needless to say, between the breastfeeding pain, the split pelvis issue, and the emotional rollercoaster of expelling the retained membrane, I was at my breaking point. I was exhausted. If it was an infection, I would need antibiotics, which would increase my risk for developing thrush. Which would make breastfeeding close to unbearable. Matt and I decided to pray…he prayed that God would heal my infection and take my fever away…
Healing.
…The next morning, I took my temperature, expecting it to be elevated again. It was 97.7. I had no body aches. After a few minutes it dawned on me that God may have healed me! I was hesitant to acknowledge this thought for a few hours; after all the fever may come back…it may have just been a bug…it may just be a coincidence. (This is how I usually dismiss God’s practical interventions in my life.) When the fever didn’t come back all day long, I finally admitted to Matt that God had answered our prayer!!
It has been a good week. I am thankful that Matt was able to take off work to spend my labor-day with me and two full days after Karis was born. I’m thankful for my Mom who has been staying with us, helping us take care of Abbie and our house. I’m thankful for my beautiful baby girl who is healthy and happy. I’m thankful that I worship a God Who hears my little prayers and cares for my everyday needs.
Finally, pictures!
5 comments:
Oh my word! She looks so tiny in that last one!
Oh my word! She looks so tiny in that last one!
she's beautiful! i love her chubby cheeks and dark hair.
congratulations!
Congratulations! She is beatiful!
I really admire you for being able to give birth at home like that. The hospital is so darn intrusive. I'm of the age now (35) that even if I wanted to have a home birth, it wouldn't be advised.
I don't know anything to tell you about the pelvis. Have you tried sleeping with one of those body pillows? If you keep your knees aligned and your legs slightly apart (by using the pillow), it should help alleviate some of the pressure.
God is so good! She is so cute!
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