Breastfeeding with Baby #2

It's amazing how things can just click the 2nd time around.

I still look at my breasts and think to myself, amen.  My son had a great latch from the very beginning.  I remember the first feeding and the nurses praising his latch.  I fumbled on how to hold him, but it was just like riding a bike and it all came back to me after that first cumbersome hold. I was determined this time around to do my best and to not stress.  I knew if it didn't work out, that I would happily switch him to formula and life would go on. I didn't want to hold on to those stressful feelings I had with Jillian, and the pressure to provide breastmilk. And I was not going to be married to my breast pump for 4 months. No way!!

In short here is why breastfeeding is working this time around:
1) My son has a great latch
2) I am calm and not freaking myself out
3) I made sure for the first two weeks, that he was feeding on each breast for at least 15 minutes.  If he was done eating, I would still leave him there to sleep on me.
4) We nursed naked!  The skin to skin contact is supposed to help and I remember that being a very important way to stimulate my production
5) I nursed on demand. Which was every 2 hours or sometimes even 90 minutes.
6) I added in one pumping session (this was in addition to Weston's normal feeding) to help production.
7) I took fennel greek, ate a ton of food and drank a lot of water.


I contribute a majority of my success to the fact that Weston had a great latch and health wise, my breasts didn't get any clogs or infections. They were definitely sore and painful, but you have to tredge on.

My breasts are currently a 34 DD, which is crazy, because pre-baby I am a solid B.

I am beyond proud that breastfeeding is working.  It's this amazing gift I can give my son, and the bond we have shared so far has succeeded every single expectation I have ever had. I keep thinking, I get it now.  I wish I could have shared this with Jillian, but if there is any advice I could pass on, or give myself when baby #3 arrives, is that you just have to stay calm and determined. We all know the first 4 weeks is the hardest, but the saving grace is that it does get easier.  You hear that phrase all the time, but the beginning IS the hardest.

Weston's Birth Story

As I write this, Weston is almost 2 weeks old. I am still in newborn baby bliss, but the memories from his birthday are fading and I don't want to forget those moments leading up to our first meeting. There is nothing more powerful than giving birth. The love you feel is so overwhelming.  Even through the pain and discomfort, I would do it 1,000 times over just to feel the warmth of his newborn skin on my chest minutes after he was born.

I knew in my gut he was going to come early.  I wasn't far from my original prediction of February 26th.  On February 27th, I had my 39 week appointment.  Tim and Jillian both came with me, because I knew we were going to talk about induction.  My doctor per usual gave me an exam, and instantly told me he was extremely low and she wouldn't be surprised if he came any day.  That excitement alone had Tim and I giddy as we left the appointment.  Tim went back to work, and I went home with Jillian.

During Jillian's afternoon nap, the contractions started.  I didn't think too much about them, and started to casually time them.  I made lunch, checked email, finished laundry and when that was all said and done, I was exhausted and decided to take a nap.  When I woke up, I became very nauseous. I was also having strong contractions but nothing consistent.  I called Tim and told him he needed to come home right away because I was feeling like I was going to throw up and I was fearful for Jillian to see me hoovering over a toilet bowl.

The minute he came home, I started to throw up.  Shortly after the vomiting started, the diarrhea kicked in.  I was contracting during all of this, but couldn't decipher between cramping because of all the vomiting.  When I started vomitting blood, Tim called the hospital on duty and they told us to sit still.  I was super frustrated.  I couldn't even keep water down, and started to get nervous about the well being of our baby. 

So finally around 9 pm, we called Lisa so we could head to the hospital.  Jillian was in bed already, and we had made plans with Lisa to babysit once we knew it was go time.

As suspected, I was contracting and was 3 cm dilated when they monitored me.  The doctor on duty checked me in without hesitation and once I was settled into the room they offered some anti-naseau medicine in my IV drip.  Once that kicked in I started to feel much better.

I found it odd that I wasn't really bothered by the contractions. Surely, I felt them, but the distraction of the nasuae spells, took my mind off of them.  However, when I hit 5 cm, I was ready for my epidural.

Once again, I was vomiting but this time from the pain of the contractions, so when the epidural finally kicked in, I was so happy.  Tim and I both decided to get some sleep.  By 4 am, there was very little change so the nurse gave me a small drip of pitosum to hopefully speed things along and literally within 30 minutes I was at 10 cm and ready to push.

I remember getting the shivers when they told me it was time.  Tim covered me up in a blanket and held my hand while the staff prepared for our arrival.

I pushed for 5 minutes and at 4:57 am, our little West made his debut.

Once on my chest, he stopped crying.  I was so happy, I remember staring at him thinking "he is so calm." Alert, calm, very sweet.

This labor was so different than Jillian's. The epidural was WAY better.  I could feel my legs and I could REALLY feel Weston when I was pushing.

I recovered A LOT faster.  I had some tearing, but after I was stitched up, I was up and walking shortly after.

I am enjoying every single second of Weston, his smell, his sweet coo's, even his cries.  I am unbelievable happy, indescribably living in bliss, and I never want these feelings to escape me. I am sure I will be a crazed sleep deprived mom of two in no time, but right now I am on cloud 9.  Our family feels complete now that he's here.

I love you, Weston.

Weston Michael is Here!

The sweetest little boy I have ever laid eyes arrived at the end of February.  My heart really did double in size!!!.

Born at 4:57 am

Weight: 8 pounds, 5 ounces

Height: 21.5 inches

 

Baby #2 Nursery Reveal

My sense of urgency to get the baby room done early was not as intense.  Instead, I slowly added pieces and kept my eye on craigslist for all the used items we were in need of.

I added pictures, shelves, banners all towards the end, and had so much fun looking for inspiration at thrift stores, pinterest and consignment stores.

I wanted this room to be very boy. So I went with blue as the primary color.
I found the rug off craigslist and went from there.

Again it was a labor of love putting together this sweet, calm room.  I love sitting in the oversized rocker and imagine him sleeping or playing.  This room feels very peaceful to me, and I
hope he loves it!

If you look close enough you will see his name written on a chalkboard frame.  Let me clarify that this is still not a final decision, and is part of our top 3.  We have decided to wait to meet him to figure out what name suits him best. 

Baby #2 - 37 weeks

We made it, full term!

Looking back, this pregnancy has definitely not been as easy as my first, but I haven't had any major problems. I would say fatigue has been my biggest complaint next to heart burn and allergies (aka Rhinitis), but overall pregnancy is such a blessing. I feel lucky my body can take on the task of creating life.

In the last month, I have come down with Pregnancy Rhinitis. This can be often confused with a Sinus Infection, but lasts about 6 weeks. It's supposedly really common, about 30% of pregnant woman experience it.  It is the worst thing ever.  I am constantly congested. I have sinus headaches, ear blockage, cough, fatigue and it's constant. It affects my sleep, it affects my mood, it affects my appetite.  So far it hasn't affected the baby, because he is still a mover and shaker, but taking care of my family while feeling under the weather constantly has been a HUGE struggle for me.  I am just glad this is only temporary. 

I also want to note that I get very winded and exhausted in doing simple things like walking to the park, getting dressed, chasing after Jillian. 

I am very huge. 
I live in my casual clothes, leggings and tunics.

I am very excited and ready to hold a brand new snuggly little newborn.  Now we just wait. 

How Far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain: 36 pounds
Sleep: Sleep doesn't exist anymore! I am up 5 + times a night!!
Best Moment this week: Hearing that I am 50% effaced and 1 cm dilated!  Baby is head down and in go position.
Food cravings: No cravings recently.
Gender: Boy!

Baby #2 - 35 weeks

I can't wait to meet this little guy, and with 5 weeks left let the guessing and the suspense begin on when he will arrive.  Even though my due date is March 5th, I feel like he will be a February baby.

I did a little impromptu photo shoot via the iPhone.  I am definitely feeling huge.

Baby #2 - 33 Weeks

Over Christmas our entire household got sick.  Tim caught it first and was out of work for a day or two, then Jillian got it.  We spent 2 hours in the ER when her daycare called us and told us she wasn't breathing right.  Turns out it was due to a fever spike, she clocked in at over 102 in the ER.  It was inevitable that I was next and it hit me right before Christmas. Luckily I was off work, but I spent a solid two weeks fighting a sinus infection and cold.  I was miserable during vacation, of course didn't take anything because I was pregnant. I finally cleared the lingering cold a few days after New Years, but really haven't been the same since.

Next to complain about was hitting 31-32 weeks.  I really slowed down.  I get winded really easily running after Jillian.  I am getting strong braxton hicks contracts, sometimes feeling them in my back, but they are really inconsistent so I know it's  not pre-term labor.  However, as I count the weeks left, I realize things probably won't get any easier from here.

But let's switch to the positive.

I am feeling glorious kicks all the time.  It still feels like he has room to roll over, poke me, play and explore.  I love the feeling, and have figured out his little schedule.  He's awake at the following times: 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm and 10 pm.  I love the 10 pm hour because it's when I notice it the most and every night I anxiously await for him to wake up and poke me!   So far this one has a defined routine, something I really didn't pay attention to with Jillian.  I am going to miss this activity as he starts to get bigger and things get tighter in there, so I am really living in the moment when they happen.

Some other things I want to remember:

• Heartburn gave me some relief for a few weeks, which was great.  It's back now, but milk is still solving the problem at hand. 

• I am iron deficient and am taking additional iron daily. 

• I had a breakdown moment last week when I realized I didn't have any newborn clothes.  My mom listened to my gripes and sent me some of the cutest onesies 0-3 month.  

• We purchased a glider off Craigslist and the nursery is just about complete.  The only thing left is decor on the walls!

• Our little man is still nameless however, we have narrowed down to a list of 5 names.  We will probably just see which ones fits our guy when he arrives. 

• I am starting to get really scared about the sleep deprivation again, let's hope our little one is one of those magical babies that loves to sleep!

• My breastfeeding woes have re-surfaced again, but I am determined to make it work.  I don't want to pump for 4 solid months again, so I am willing myself with all the resources and support I can find. I want to meet with a lactation consultant before the baby to get tips and go over my concerns and hopefully meet with one in the hospital once our guy is here. I am not going to be shy to reach out for help. 

• I start maternity leave soon, and will go out 4 weeks before baby.  Work is coming to an end, so I am trying to get ahead on loose ends. 

• I predict that I will go into labor around February 25th.

 
How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain: 33 pounds, I am trending a pound a week :)
Sleep: Solid, with two bathroom break per night
Best Moment this week: Getting a new nursing tank top and bathrobe for the hospital. I think getting some new things made me feel excited about what is to come.
Food cravings: No cravings, although I have been eating a TON of those mini cutie oranges. So good!
Gender: Boy!

Dear Son,
I look back on my weekly updates of this pregnancy and I haven't gushed about you enough and shared my feelings of happiness since I found out you were a boy.  The truth is, I have been a bit scared that I am bringing a son into the world. It's taken me a while to get used to the idea that I will have an active rambunctious son, and I let the nerves get to me. 

But time has passed. I have found inner peace and truly love you. I can't wait to see you, to hold you, to meet you and get to know you.  In so many ways you are already very different than your sister.  I can't wait to see who you are, and embrace all those unique qualities about you. I already have my own dreams for you.  I have visions of you with your dad enjoying the outdoors and you with your sister playing together, teaching one another, forming a true bond. I realize one day you will be bigger, stronger and taller than me, and I hope I can do everything in my power to make sure you are raised to be true gentleman and an honest man.

You are truly the piece to our family that will make us complete!  I hope you are ready to meet us, because we sure as heck can't wait for you to get here!!

31 Weeks with Baby #2

I have been really bad about taking bump pictures but I snapped these last weekend (unfortunately iphone quality)

Baby #2 - 27 weeks

And just like that I am done with the 2nd trimester...I am still in shock.  The reality that I will be meeting this little one in less than 3 months is just plain crazy.  I wrapped up a very hectic November with two long business trips to NYC (in the midst of Hurricane Sandy) and worked more hours than I would like to admit, but now that December is here, it's time to focus on this baby.  Until he is born, I have a ton of down time and plan on taking every single second to listen to my mama nesting instincts. Nursery furniture is complete, still searching for the rocking chair.  Our focus will be on going through Jillian's old toys and baby products and find out what we can reuse.  All of these are in bins in our garage so we will need a full day to go through these.  And while I am at that, we might as well do a quick clean out of Jillian's room and store any clothes she has outgrown. I have a short list of baby items I still need for this little guy, but I really want to get a grasp on that list and start crossing things off. It's not much, but now that my focus is 100% on this baby, I am really anxious to get everything done.

In the first 6-8 weeks after our son is born, we will keep Jillian in full time day care so I can get some baby/mommy bonding time and work through all the sleepless night. This little one is a mover and shaker and moves/rolls/kicks late night and early mornings. If that is an indication of his sleeping schedule, then I will be getting no sleep at night  I am bracing myself for those sleepless nights, so having Jillian at daycare full time will help me get some rest during the day.

We are still struggling with the name.  I am ashamed to admit this on a public forum, but Tim and I got into a huge fight about it one day and ever since we decided we needed to cool off and not discuss it for a while. I am one to have a short list of names that I like and then I practice using them and think about them for weeks to come.  Sometimes a name I liked, ends up getting thrown out.  And that is what happened with Tim's favorite boy name.  I liked it when I first heard it, but after a few days of using it, thinking about it, it became something I couldn't imagine. Tim thinks I am overly thinking this whole name thing, but I really want a strong boy name that is interesting, strong, a twist between classic and unique, and I just can't find anything. The good news is we still have time....

I am planning on getting a food delivery service for us for the first month.  Just dinners.  I haven't started my research on this yet, but I heard about it after Jillian was born and thought that was such a good idea.

The only thing worth noting since my last weekly post is that my heartburn is still going strong.  I get it once a day, and last week it was so painful, I couldn't eat and felt naseaus. It's not like I am doing anything to help this pain....I still just drink milk, but I need to get on my A-game and get some tums in my purse so I can pop them when ever it starts to flair up.  This is my only REAL complaint in this pregnancy so far.  I mean I am gaining more weight, which sucks, but I am still active, comfortable, sleeping well, so I am beyond grateful.

How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 pounds
Sleep: Great! I am up once for a water and bathroom trip
Best Moment this week: Tons of movement from this one and finishing up all events for the year!
Food cravings: Sweets and MORE sweets!!!
Gender: Boy!

Baby #2 - 24 Weeks

I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going by.  I still forget I am pregnant, but now that I am feeling big all over, I am having a hard time finding comfortable clothes to wear. With Jillian I could wear pre-pregnancy dresses and tops for most of the pregnancy.  This time around, my chest and bottom are so big, I can only get away with legitimate maternity clothes.

In the past few weeks, I have started on the nursery and picked up some baby boy clothes. I also purchased a new bouncer and rug.  I am still in search of an upholstered rocking chair and dresser, so I am checking craigslist daily.

We are still trying to figure out a name.  We have a short list of favorites, but we just can't agree.

Heart burn with this little guy has been ridiculous. I get it almost once a day. Thankfully it hasn't woken me up at night. A glass a milk usually helps minimize the burn.

 
How far along? 24 weeks
Total weight gain: Our scale at home broke, so if I had to guess I would say between 20-25 pounds.
Sleep: Still up once or twice of bathroom breaks, but can't complain about anything else.
Best Moment this week: Lot's of kicks
Food cravings: Nothing really, still drinking a ton of water.
Gender: Boy!

 

Bump #2 - 22 Weeks

Baby #2 is a Boy!

Our gender reveal was very special, because this time we got to include Jillian.  Tim and I both went to the 20 week ultra sound together, super excited to see this little babe.  We brought with us a gift bag with two onesies: 1 pink and 1 blue. 

Upon arrival we told the ultra sound technician that we did not want to know in the room what we were having, but we did want to know later that evening.  So we asked her to wrap up the onesie that was the sex of our baby and we would go home with a gift bag to unwrap that night.

After the baby checked out great during the ultrasound, we went home with a little surprise in our hands. 

Just like last time we had dinner together and talked about boy vs girl.  I thought it was a girl, because the pregnancy has been so similar to Jillian's.  Tim thought it was a girl too, so we were both in complete shock as we watched Jillian open her "gift."

Jillian pulled out a bright blue onsie.  What??!! A boy??  Really are you sure????

Tim and I just sat there mouth wide open in disbelief, while Jillian looked around not sure what was going on.  I won't ever forget Tim's first words, Jillian is going to have a little brother. 

And just like that, there was balance in our home.  We can't wait to welcome you, little one, to our home and love you to pieces.

Bump #2 - 16 weeks

16 week bump with our baby #2.
A few things I want to remember during this time: The bump hasn't really emerged yet.  I really want it to pop!  I just feel like I have an enormous beer gut.
I am really impatient to find out the sex this time around. I even thought about paying to get one, but Tim wants to wait.  We find out on October 17th.

Baby #2 - 16 Weeks

I am guessing in the next few weeks, my belly will really start to pop and then people will be able to tell that I am pregnant. Even though I am gaining weight, it doesn't seem to be going to my belly!   I am carrying lower than I was with Jillian, but I read that is  normal with baby #2 because of the muscles that have already been stretched.  I still don't have any idea on what the sex is, but the pregnancy has been almost identical to my first.  No sickness or nausea, so if I had to guess I would say we were having another girl.  We find out on October 17th. I can't wait to get started on the nursery and to start organizing. We are getting a gorgeous hand-me down crib and changing table, but it is for a girl, so if this baby turns out to be a boy, we will give Jillian the new crib set. I thought we would be ready to transition her to a big girl bed, but I am going to wait until after the baby to do that.  

How far along? 16 weeks (due date is: March 8th)
Total weight gain: 10 pounds
Sleep: Sleeping great, but I am up so many times in the night to pee.
Best Moment this week: I think I am starting to feel this little one move.  It feels like little bubbles in my belly and I get so excited when it happens.
Food cravings: I have been eating a lot of Oatmeal lately!
Gender: ?

Baby #2 - 14 Weeks

 I forgot my due date.  In all fairness it changed during my 8 week appointment, and now that I am back from vacation I don't remember.  I do know for a fact I am 14 weeks this week, just not sure what day!

How far along? 14 weeks
Total weight gain: 7 pounds
Sleep: Always up at least twice for bathroom breaks
Best Moment this week: Being in the 2nd trimester! My belly is rounding out, I feel womanly.
Food cravings: Nothing
Gender: ?
Milestones:Making it this far while, and finally getting my energy back.  I know there is a little one inside me growing and flourishing and I am really starting to feel a bond start. It's a good feeling to know our family is expanding, and I continue to hope for a healthy smooth pregnancy and baby.

Bump pics soon :)

Baby #2 - 11 weeks

 There isn't much to share this week, it's still so early.  I am starting to see a small belly bump emerge and I am really excited to get out of the first trimester, into the golden weeks.  I can still fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes, but things are getting tight.


How far along? 11 weeks
Total weight gain: 4 pounds (I feel hungry all the time with this one)
Sleep: Waking up twice a night to pee, and am extremely thirsty!
Best Moment this week: I am starting to get my energy back, slowly and surely. 2nd trimester is so close, I can feel it.
Food cravings: Nothing, but I still am really picky about what I want to eat.  I have been eating a lot of sweets, which would explain me gaining 4 pounds already.
Gender: ?
Milestones: Telling my friends and co-workers the big news now that I am far enough along to feel safe.

9 Weeks - Baby #2

Tim and I are expecting our second baby!
It was quite a shock when we found out.  We had JUST started trying.

I had a business trip to NYC and I decided to test 3 days early to see if I was pregnant.  With Jillian I tested early and tested positive. However, with this one, I did not.  So I went to NYC for my event and when I was supposed to start my period, it never came.  I related it's absence to stress and didn't think much of it, until I was home and still hadn't started. So I  peed on a stick and a blue line popped up.

Just like the first time, Tim and I were apart. He was headed on a backpacking trip with his buds so I called him right away to tell the news.  Of course the in the moment excitement was delayed because he was in a car full of his friends. Word got out and everyone figured out my news right away.  Smart friends.

He called me at a rest stop when he had a private moment, and was very happy for us.

It was crazy how quickly you can think you aren't pregnant to then being pregnant.

I didn't feel real until we had our 8 week appointment.  Our little bean popped up on the screen, measuring ahead and with a steady strong heartbeat.

So far I have the same pregnancy symptoms I had with Jillian, except I am more tired.  I chalk that up to the fact that I am chasing Jillian around the minute I get home from work.  There is absolutely no down time for a working mom with an almost 2 year old toddler.

No nausea, but I have had major food aversions and am starving all the time.  I really need to start eating healthier, because I have already gained 3 pounds.  Plus I haven't been back at the gym since early May.  Once I get out of this first trimester, my goal is to start back at the gym and eating clean.

All in all, I am amazed by this little person growing inside. The emerging of a small belly bump has me giddy, and I am really looking forward to all the good things to come.