Minisweets is here!

Cilley · August 2012

Minisweets is here! I knew that she would be born before her due date just as her older brother and sister were. She was born on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 38 wks 2dys. I planned to go natural and since I have had 2 babies in the last 2 years I wasn't really anxious about L&D. I really didn't practice a lot of breathing or relaxation techniques this time. I was hoping that my past experiences would help me get through this time. I just tried to relax, breathe through the contractions and then rest when I wasn't. My water broke at almost exactly midnight. Contractions started about a half hour later. My in-laws arrived about 1:45a to take care of the siblings and we were arrived at the hospital about 2:30a.

I had to have an IV since I was strep B + and needed penicillin and fluids. I was expecting the contractions to get really strong, but they seemed more manageable than the last time. This time we didn't have a doula because last year the only thing that our doula did for us was to get coffee for my husband and take pictures at the birth. We thought we would save our money and get through this L&D experience by ourselves. DH helped me breathe through each contraction and that helped a lot. Between each contraction I was literally falling asleep and preparing to breathe through the next contraction.

I was ready to push at about 9:45a and was expecting a baby at least 6 lbs or more. When I pushed, I could tell she was smaller than my last, who was over 7 lbs. Minisweets was less than 6 lbs! She was born a little after 10a and she started crying right away. They took her to clean her up and DH said she was opening her eyes already!

I refused to have pitocin after the birth, but the nurse seemed disapproving of my choice. Luckily, the OB said I didn't need it. Why would I want more hormones in my system than I needed. I got a second degree tear and had a few sutures, but I didn't pay attention as I was too busy bonding with my new baby.

Her siblings met her later that day. Her brother is so interested in her and he always wants to smooch her, so DH picks him up so he can air smooch her. Big sister is curious about her, but doesn't exactly know what to think of her. I can't wait for the older sibs to start bonding with baby and teaching her about the world. I feel like the luckiest mama in the world!

Good luck to all you mamas-to-be and hope that you get the best birth possible!