What is your name, your baby's name, and baby's age?
Amanda, Brody, 6.5 months
How was your (or your partner's) pregnancy?
My pregnancy was a healthy one (which I am grateful for) but was very difficult for me physicially. I had it all- nausea for 7 months, bleeding gums, constipation and congestion. I even had a tailbone pain which I just laughed off because it seemed silly.
I gained 55 lbs - 10 of which really enjoy being here and refuse to leave all accompained by 3 stretch marks which I consider as my preggo tribal tattoo .
Besides all that fun stuff though, I really struggled with carpal tunnel for the majority of my pregnancy (for which I required surgery 13 weeks after delivery). It isn't that uncommon for pregnant women but there is not much information about it.
How did you prepare for childbirth?
We didn't- went in blind hoping we would figure it out as we went. We did. I thought that a child birth prep class would make me too anxious.
Was your birthing experience easier, harder or as you expected it to be?
I'm not sure what I expected to be honest. I had heard all my friends childbirth stories but I wasn't sure how I would be in the moment. I didn't expect to go into labor 3 weeks early and I didn't expect to be sent home at 4 am- having intense contractions 3 minutes apart- and I certainly didn't expect to be in labor for 32 hours- but that's my story and it seems to fit my pregnancy! But...I still have to say harder.
What one piece of advice would you give to expecting parents about childbirth?
Make sure you trust your doctor/midwife, etc and know that they will do what is best for you and your baby. I felt safe and knew my baby was going to be safe and that made a world of difference through those long hours.
Describe the first 7 days with your newborn
Somehow that seems so long ago. I had the help of a baby nurse which made things a lot easier on me but the thing that I remember most was not wanting to sleep to that I could stare at him and watch him breath, sleep, move his fingers and best of all to hold him. I could not get enough of him- it felt like the best way to get to know him.
Bottle or Breast?
Both.
Who is on diaper duty?
Grandma and Grandpa!
What resource was the most helpful to you during the first 2 months (book, website, person, anything)
My pediatrician- she coached us through a really tough 12 weeks- oh and prevacid!!
Was there an age when it "suddenly got easier"?
I think we may be at that stage now- 6 months. It seems like we finally have a routine down and making bottles, washing bottles, bath, laundry, midnight feedings- it all seems natural now. I can even find the time, everyday, to shower.
What type of stroller do you use?
Baby Jogger City Mini
for the park, jeep
for the Beach, Graco Snap n Go
on the run.
What was the best newborn gift you received?
A swing. Our life safer.
What is your current can't-live-without gear for baby?
Sophie the Giraffe Teether
.
Are you getting any "me" time?
Does food shopping count?
What did you find most surprising about your newborn?
How this tiny little being can change everything you thought you knew about yourself and your world.