I have been busy lately. Mostly, I don't want to do anything (including blog) other than hold and stare at S. However, assuming we have at least one follower of our new family blog, I think I'll contribute now.
S is now 3 and a half weeks old. He's already gained at least a pound and getting into a bit of a routine with naps and such. We are very pleased.
My version of S's birth is only a little different than Jared's recollection. I remember really enjoying the hours in the warm bath at home. The water worked miracles in relieving me of the little pressure I felt. Thank heaven for Jared and his patience in boiling more hot water for the tub. Our hot water heater could not keep up with our leaky bath tub drain.
Throughout the night my contractions were not consistent, but I learned from my sister Malea's experience that that doesn't mean this isn't the real deal. I knew S would come that day, so the inconsistency of the birthing waves didn't matter.
Speaking of "birthing waves" Jared mentioned we used Hypnobabies to prepare us for a medication-free birth. "Birthing waves" is what we learned to call "contractions" in order to create a more positive experience. We attended a six-week course and practiced the techniques the months leading up to the birth. The idea behind the techniques (that were very successful for us) is that the birthing mom can use the power of her mind (and lots of practice) to enter a state of self-hypnosis and deep relaxation in order to block and numb the pain. I practiced the relaxation techniques in class, at home, on the dentist's chair, during Braxton-hicks, nausea, and charlie horses. It helped me relax, shut down my pain, and enjoy S's beautiful birth.
And back to the night of S's birth...
Once my water broke at home and we went to the hospital, things moved pretty quickly. I remember just sitting or laying down once we got to the delivery room. I kept my eyes closed most of the time and Jared (being the birth coach) talked me through it as I focused. He was the most outstanding help and the hero of the day. Thank you, Jared, for taking it seriously and being my hero!
The next hour felt like 20 minutes, and then 25 minutes pushing felt like 5. It was fast. I asked them to run the water for the jacuzzi, but I didn't have the time to use it. I couldn't feel the needle in my arm (see Jared's story), or any other intense pain. The entire experience was simply uncomfortable, but never really painful. Even pushing him out was exciting because I knew I would get to meet our son. Due to the rapid pace, S's heart beat slowed and the midwife asked me to slow down the pushing. Although the urge to push is so involuntary, I was very grateful for the Hypnobabies techniques that prepared me to be able to slow down the pushing and protect S.
Once I pushed him out, my mom almost missed it. She went into the hall to get a mirror so I could see S. Silly me for asking for the mirror; once I opened my eyes, I realized I am blind without my glasses on and couldn't see a thing anyway! Note to self: next time wear my contacts.
The midwife said, "Amanda, reach down and grab your baby." It took her several times saying that for me to move. My body didn't move as fast as my mind. He was a little, beautiful cone-head and I was in love with him. I felt awe, joy, exhaustion, and uncertainty at once. I later thought to myself "that was wonderful and I would do that again and again!"
We signed up for a program called Parents as Teachers. An educator comes to our home once a month to discuss the developmental stage Stu is in and how to maximize his learning during that time. We learned his eyes are changing and developing very rapidly. We made the little "book" of black and white images to simulate his eyes and maximize their development. He loves to look at it.
