She arrived on time! Birth Story

k8edgerton · May 2012

Everything is crazy and wonderful after LO arrives... I think that is the only way that I can describe it. I am so in love with my little girl, its unbelievable.

My water broke (at the mall) on Sunday May 20th. I had been walking for days and I really think the walking made the difference. My mom said that I walked the baby out of me. I tried multiple things to get labor going but walking and sex seemed to be the only thing that truly worked (for me at least). We went into the hospital and Virginia was born Monday, May 21st, 2012 at 3:27 a.m. (Her due date). She weighed 8lbs 3oz when born and was 20.5 inches long. I love everything about her.

I opted for the Epidural which is amazing by the way and I had to be snipped in order to let her 14 inch nugget out. Healing is painful but each day it feels better. When the doctor says take it easy when you get home from the hospital (take that advice). I overdid it yesterday and took a step back in the healing process and am extra swollen and in pain today. Have DH get up for you and relax, relax, relax. As much as you can with a newborn.

Last night was her first night home and she was (awake) - yes awake from about 10 p.m. till 5 a.m. (It was pretty stressful). I am hoping it doesn't happen again today but so far she seems to be sleeping the day away. We are actually waking her up to feed.

I am currently bottle feeding -- After having breast reduction surgery in 2006. My nipples are too flat for her to latch onto. I worked with the lactation consultant at the hospital for two days - Even tried a nipple shield. She would not latch on. I expressed my colostrum and finger fed it to her. My milk hasn't come in yet, but I am pumping so hopefully it will happen in the next day or so. My hope is to exclusively breast pump if I can produce enough and if not I will supplement. Right now I am concentrating on having my milk come in so I pump all the time. Fingers crossed for me because I really really want to make this work. I sort of had a little heartbreak when the consultant said that she honestly did not think that LO would latch on because of my nipples. I still get teary thinking about it.

Well that is about it for now... She is sleeping, so I am planning on taking a nap!

Motherhood, is truly a blessing and I am so very happy.

bornmommy · May 2012

Congrats on your daughter! I've been awaiting your update!! Hopefully she gives you a little rest tonight Stick out tongue

NatPhoto09 · May 2012

yeah! congrats on your little girl.

blueshamrock7 · May 2012

Congratulations!!! I am due on Saturday and planning to start going for a long walk a day (maybe twice on Saturday) tomorrow!

chyscottbaby · May 2012

Congrats on your baby girl!

ashk7 · May 2012

Congrats on your baby girl!! I had dd 9 weeks early and have been exclusively pumping since, she has been home for 3 weeks now but I am terrified to only breast feed because I have no idea what she is getting! So hang in there, keep pumping every 2-3 hours and your milk will come, it's hard but worth it, then you will establish a routine, I am sure LC has given you great advice but if you have any questions feel free to ask!

hoping4sticky · May 2012

Congrats on your little girl!

Some unsolicited advice because I've been in a similar situation. If you are really dedicated to EPing, I would personally try the shields again. I have short nipples that caused all kinds of latch issues. The first LC gave me 24mm shields and they were just way to big and never worked. Right before I gave up another LC gave me an 18mm shield and it worked. I thought I would be tied to that thing forever, but after 2.5 months we were able to drop it and BF regularly. Hmm I can't seem to find an 18 on amazon, but here is a link to a 20 and and 16 you might want to try the different sizes. Also, you can try the cups to help draw you out. Personally, I hated pumping so my hat is off to those that can EP. GL with however you wind up feeding your baby.

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Contact-Nipple-Shield-20mm/dp/B000YQMWLU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337888065&sr=8-2-fkmr0

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-ContactTM-Nipple-Shield-Extra/dp/B000067PPZ/ref=pd_sim_ba_4

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-SoftShells-Breast-Inverted-Nipples/dp/B001XDKTXQ/ref=pd_sim_ba_6

Heather2256 · May 2012

Congrats! Was wondering after your post the other day!

Nicolewinsbingo · May 2012

hoping4sticky:
Congrats on your little girl!

Some unsolicited advice because I've been in a similar situation. If you are really dedicated to EPing, I would personally try the shields again. I have short nipples that caused all kinds of latch issues. The first LC gave me 24mm shields and they were just way to big and never worked. Right before I gave up another LC gave me an 18mm shield and it worked. I thought I would be tied to that thing forever, but after 2.5 months we were able to drop it and BF regularly. Hmm I can't seem to find an 18 on amazon, but here is a link to a 20 and and 16 you might want to try the different sizes. Also, you can try the cups to help draw you out. Personally, I hated pumping so my hat is off to those that can EP. GL with however you wind up feeding your baby.

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Contact-Nipple-Shield-20mm/dp/B000YQMWLU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337888065&sr=8-2-fkmr0

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-ContactTM-Nipple-Shield-Extra/dp/B000067PPZ/ref=pd_sim_ba_4

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-SoftShells-Breast-Inverted-Nipples/dp/B001XDKTXQ/ref=pd_sim_ba_6

Congrats on your baby girl!

Ditto to the shields! The Medela 20mm shield seems to be the only thing getting this guy to latch on.

Hoping4sticky...want to discuss how you weaned off the shield, but will start a new thread so as to not hijack this post.