My 1st child Tucker 4-7-2010
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
"Lotus birth"
Have you ever heard of a "Lotus birth"? This is something I recently learned about. I first came across this while reading the book "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering" by Sarah Buckley, MD. I was reading a section on delayed cord clamping and there was a personal story about a family deciding to have a "Lotus birth".
What is a Lotus birth? "Lotus birth, or umbilical nonseverance, is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord attached to both the baby and the placenta following birth, without clamping or severing, and allowing the cord the time to detach from the baby naturally. In this way the baby, cord and placenta are treated as a single unit until detachment occurs, generally two to three days after birth." (Wikipedia) But I've heard it can be up to 10 days.
Lotus birth is popular among many religions and cultures around the world, inlcuding Balinese. There's even a verse in the bible pertaining to the uncut cord (Ezekiel 16:4).
At first, I thought this practice was way "out there" and strange. Seriously people? Why would you really want to take care of a placenta for days after the birth? After my son Tucker's birth, I remember being extremely overwhelmed just taking care of a newborn, and to take care of a placenta as well??!! Yikes.
Also, I had already learned about delayed cord clamping and the benefits, months before Tucker was born. I knew I wanted delayed cord clamping with his birth, but unfortunately had to compromise this because of the hospital's protocol. They did allow it to be delayed a couple minutes, because I wanted Tucker immediately on my chest after he was born. I didn't realize there was even further less intervention methods involving the cord and placenta. As I read on, I began to understand the reasoning and benefits of this practice.
It is believed that by allowing the cord and placenta to stay attached to the baby, or just waiting more than an hour after the baby's birth, results in a quicker cord stump healing, with an average of only one week for detachment of the stump. Also, it has been observed that lotus babies are less stressed and more peaceful. They also tend to not have the "normal"1lb newborn weight loss and jaundice within the first few days after birth. There are many other benefits and beliefs; these are just a few.
So why do obstetricians cut the cord within minutes of the birth? It's referred to as "active management".
Here's the protocol: Immediately after the baby is born, they will inject some kind of oxytocic drug in the mother's body to increase contractions, cut the cord with in 1-5min of the baby's birth (if not immediately) and then pull out the placenta by tugging on the cord rather than naturally letting the placenta come on it's own. Hmm...and then they wonder why sometimes the mother has excess bleeding?
Anyway, most physicians believe that if babies receive their full blood volume from the placenta they will have too many red blood cells (polycythemia) and become jaundice. Also, it's extremely convenient for the "ideals" of a hospital. Cutting the cord right away allows staff to get on with other routine postpartum practices. Tick tock, tick tock...Despite popular medical opinion, research favors delayed cord clamping and has not found a significant association with the preventive jaundice treatment.
There is much to learn about delayed cord clamping and Lotus birth. I encourage you to inform yourself as much as possible. After reading up on lotus birth, I casually told Zach(my husband) about it. He says to me in a positive and interested tone of voice:
"Are we going to do that". I was like, "That was not the response I was expecting!" Haha. Although, a Lotus birth is very intriguing and natural, we have decided that it's not for us. However, I would like to keep the cord attached to the baby until it at least stops pulsating. Maybe even up to an hour after the birth. This would allow an extra flow of nutrients to the baby. We'll see!
What do you think? Would you ever consider having a lotus birth?
What is a Lotus birth? "Lotus birth, or umbilical nonseverance, is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord attached to both the baby and the placenta following birth, without clamping or severing, and allowing the cord the time to detach from the baby naturally. In this way the baby, cord and placenta are treated as a single unit until detachment occurs, generally two to three days after birth." (Wikipedia) But I've heard it can be up to 10 days.
Lotus birth is popular among many religions and cultures around the world, inlcuding Balinese. There's even a verse in the bible pertaining to the uncut cord (Ezekiel 16:4).
At first, I thought this practice was way "out there" and strange. Seriously people? Why would you really want to take care of a placenta for days after the birth? After my son Tucker's birth, I remember being extremely overwhelmed just taking care of a newborn, and to take care of a placenta as well??!! Yikes.
Also, I had already learned about delayed cord clamping and the benefits, months before Tucker was born. I knew I wanted delayed cord clamping with his birth, but unfortunately had to compromise this because of the hospital's protocol. They did allow it to be delayed a couple minutes, because I wanted Tucker immediately on my chest after he was born. I didn't realize there was even further less intervention methods involving the cord and placenta. As I read on, I began to understand the reasoning and benefits of this practice.
It is believed that by allowing the cord and placenta to stay attached to the baby, or just waiting more than an hour after the baby's birth, results in a quicker cord stump healing, with an average of only one week for detachment of the stump. Also, it has been observed that lotus babies are less stressed and more peaceful. They also tend to not have the "normal"1lb newborn weight loss and jaundice within the first few days after birth. There are many other benefits and beliefs; these are just a few.
So why do obstetricians cut the cord within minutes of the birth? It's referred to as "active management".
Here's the protocol: Immediately after the baby is born, they will inject some kind of oxytocic drug in the mother's body to increase contractions, cut the cord with in 1-5min of the baby's birth (if not immediately) and then pull out the placenta by tugging on the cord rather than naturally letting the placenta come on it's own. Hmm...and then they wonder why sometimes the mother has excess bleeding?
Anyway, most physicians believe that if babies receive their full blood volume from the placenta they will have too many red blood cells (polycythemia) and become jaundice. Also, it's extremely convenient for the "ideals" of a hospital. Cutting the cord right away allows staff to get on with other routine postpartum practices. Tick tock, tick tock...Despite popular medical opinion, research favors delayed cord clamping and has not found a significant association with the preventive jaundice treatment.
There is much to learn about delayed cord clamping and Lotus birth. I encourage you to inform yourself as much as possible. After reading up on lotus birth, I casually told Zach(my husband) about it. He says to me in a positive and interested tone of voice:
"Are we going to do that". I was like, "That was not the response I was expecting!" Haha. Although, a Lotus birth is very intriguing and natural, we have decided that it's not for us. However, I would like to keep the cord attached to the baby until it at least stops pulsating. Maybe even up to an hour after the birth. This would allow an extra flow of nutrients to the baby. We'll see!
What do you think? Would you ever consider having a lotus birth?
Friday, June 22, 2012
30 weeks!
I remembered today that I haven't posted any updates in a while, so I thought I should share something! I've been so busy lately. It seems Summer time is always this way.
Well, I'm finally 30 weeks! The 3rd trimester has been kicking me in the butt. My sweet darling seems to be beating me up a bit. Ailments include, beautiful varicose veins starting at my butt and all the way down my legs, very sore feet and legs, easily fatigued, nightmares, etc. I have been wearing compression stockings to help with the pain from the varicose veins. These do help a lot! Well, as long as I'm wearing them. They reduce the soreness and help maintain my energy. The thing is, is that it's Summer and it has been SO hot. I refuse to wear them out of the house because of this. Unless, I want to die of a heat stroke.
The dreams and nightmares I've been having every night. Last night I dream-pt that I went to a doctors appt to check my babies heartbeat. In my dream, the doctor instead did an ultrasound and then proceeded to do a cesarean section against my will! She basically ripped the baby out of me! I woke up in a panic and thanked God that I was still pregnant. Dreams are very normal at this stage in pregnancy. The hormones are going crazy and the anticipation of my little one coming very soon is sinking in.
Last week I went through a crazy nesting stage. I had a lot of anxiety over getting things ready for the baby. I made a couple of to-do lists and shopping lists. I had a few minor panic attacks because I was so overwhelmed. Also, the reality of having a newborn again is sinking in and sometimes I don't think I will be able to do it, especially with a 2 year old.
At one point, I randomly decided to make my own laundry detergent, in the evening when I should have been making dinner. I stood by the counter grating this soap for which seemed like forever! The grater kept getting clogged and I cut my thumb a bit. At the same time, Tucker was trying to grab all the toxic powder products off the counter. I was so frazzled by the end, that we decided to run through the Culvers drive thru for dinner. Seriously, why I decide to do these things, I don't know!
Thankfully, I had an appt with my midwives on one of the panic days. We talked for a long time about ways to cope with the anxiety. It helped so much to just talk about these issues. From that day on, I've been feeling more balanced. I'm a accomplishment driven person, so I tend to work myself to death until I feel I've done enough for one day. It's hard for me to relax and do nothing. I feel like I'm wasting time and I get bored. Finding this balance is key for me. I'm really trying to take multiple breaks during the day to maintain my energy to last for the entire day. Almost everyday I get a few things done off my baby to-do list and it feels good. I also struggle with Fibromylagia, which is a condition with long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues; with fatigue. The combination of this with pregnancy is rough.
Anyway, this weekend my husband and I are hosting a bonfire party at our house. Am I crazy?!! We do this every Summer. We cook food and invite our friends from various places over. My husband is a bit of a pyro, so his expertise is the making the fire. This usually involves some kind of minor explosion ;) One year the ground shook from the intensity. Boy, was everyone talking about that for a while! I tend to overdue myself with the food prep, so this year I'm making really simple things, like chili. I've been taking the past few days and doing little by little to prepare for the party. I'd rather not be a pregnant zombie by the time everyone arrives! Should be a fun weekend!
Well, I'm finally 30 weeks! The 3rd trimester has been kicking me in the butt. My sweet darling seems to be beating me up a bit. Ailments include, beautiful varicose veins starting at my butt and all the way down my legs, very sore feet and legs, easily fatigued, nightmares, etc. I have been wearing compression stockings to help with the pain from the varicose veins. These do help a lot! Well, as long as I'm wearing them. They reduce the soreness and help maintain my energy. The thing is, is that it's Summer and it has been SO hot. I refuse to wear them out of the house because of this. Unless, I want to die of a heat stroke.
The dreams and nightmares I've been having every night. Last night I dream-pt that I went to a doctors appt to check my babies heartbeat. In my dream, the doctor instead did an ultrasound and then proceeded to do a cesarean section against my will! She basically ripped the baby out of me! I woke up in a panic and thanked God that I was still pregnant. Dreams are very normal at this stage in pregnancy. The hormones are going crazy and the anticipation of my little one coming very soon is sinking in.
Last week I went through a crazy nesting stage. I had a lot of anxiety over getting things ready for the baby. I made a couple of to-do lists and shopping lists. I had a few minor panic attacks because I was so overwhelmed. Also, the reality of having a newborn again is sinking in and sometimes I don't think I will be able to do it, especially with a 2 year old.
At one point, I randomly decided to make my own laundry detergent, in the evening when I should have been making dinner. I stood by the counter grating this soap for which seemed like forever! The grater kept getting clogged and I cut my thumb a bit. At the same time, Tucker was trying to grab all the toxic powder products off the counter. I was so frazzled by the end, that we decided to run through the Culvers drive thru for dinner. Seriously, why I decide to do these things, I don't know!
Thankfully, I had an appt with my midwives on one of the panic days. We talked for a long time about ways to cope with the anxiety. It helped so much to just talk about these issues. From that day on, I've been feeling more balanced. I'm a accomplishment driven person, so I tend to work myself to death until I feel I've done enough for one day. It's hard for me to relax and do nothing. I feel like I'm wasting time and I get bored. Finding this balance is key for me. I'm really trying to take multiple breaks during the day to maintain my energy to last for the entire day. Almost everyday I get a few things done off my baby to-do list and it feels good. I also struggle with Fibromylagia, which is a condition with long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues; with fatigue. The combination of this with pregnancy is rough.
Anyway, this weekend my husband and I are hosting a bonfire party at our house. Am I crazy?!! We do this every Summer. We cook food and invite our friends from various places over. My husband is a bit of a pyro, so his expertise is the making the fire. This usually involves some kind of minor explosion ;) One year the ground shook from the intensity. Boy, was everyone talking about that for a while! I tend to overdue myself with the food prep, so this year I'm making really simple things, like chili. I've been taking the past few days and doing little by little to prepare for the party. I'd rather not be a pregnant zombie by the time everyone arrives! Should be a fun weekend!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Button art
I made these for the kid's room. Button art; got the idea off of Pinterest. I'm normally not much of a crafts person. I'd like to be. But every time I attempt a craft, it takes me 10x longer than everyone else because I'm such a perfectionist and then I get overwhelmed. This actually wasn't that hard, but it was enough for me! The "T" is for my son Tucker and the "R" is for my soon-to-be daughter R____ well, you'll just have to wait 2 more months!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
"More Business of Being Born"
Got together with a group of friends to watch the first session of this documentary. The sequel to "The Business of Being Born".
Monday, June 4, 2012
Similarities & Differences
A friend of mine requested a post about the similarities and differences between my two pregnancies.
Similarities
Similarities
- Severe nausea and vomiting from 6 weeks-16 weeks pregnant
- No stretch marks (yay!!!)
- Occasional heart burn
- Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the entire pregnancies
- Occasional migraines mainly in the 1st trimesters
Differences
- Tucker
- Great hair! Shiny and easy to manage. However, body hair grew thicker and more coarse.
- Great nails! Firm and fast growing.
- Dark "Linea Nigra" starting in the second trimester. A dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy.
- A lot of strong fetal movement throughout the 2nd-3rd trimester. I remember my doctor telling me that he was going to be a football player!
- Craved Subway sandwiches and salty things like french fries.
- Sensitivity to acidic food like tomato sauce.
- 1 varicose vein bruise, on my left thigh, that disappeared soon after giving birth.
- Struggled with Sciatica throughout the entire pregnancy
- Girl
- Bad hair! Very coarse and dry. However, body hair is thinning and and more faint.
- Terrible nails! Very brittle and short.
- Very faint "Linea Nigra" that just appeared in the 3rd trimester
- Less fetal movement. Movements started getting stronger around 25 weeks.
- Craving sweets and meat
- Sensitivity to dairy. Unable to drink milk, eat yogurt, and ice cream without feeling sick
- Many varicose veins forming on my legs. Some very sore. 1 vulvar varicosity.
- No sciatica. But I have sore feet.
Garden baby shower
My friend Emily threw me a baby shower this weekend. So lovely.
 |
| In the garden |
 |
| Burritos wrapped up like babies |
 |
| Emily, me, and Nicole-BFF's! |
 |
| Fabulous gifts |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)