Should I have a C-Section?

I ended up having a c-section with my daughter because she was breech. I never expected that I would have a c-section and I never knew how hard the recovery would be. I was completely unprepared and I wish I had known how hard it would be and how it would affect my future pregnancies. If I had known I would have tried some natural ways to turn the baby before I agreed to have the c-section.

The surgery
In preparation for my surgery I had to wait 8 hours from my last meal before I was taken to the operating room. I couldn't eat or drink, not even water, during this time. My husband was allowed to go in with me but I had to be prepped before he was allowed in which was really hard. I had a spinal tap, since I didn't have an epidural, and it wasn't to bad. The worst part followed. I immediately felt my feet burning and within minutes I no longer could feel anything below my chest. The staff had to move me to the operating table and then my arms were strapped down in a T position. I was warned I might throw up during the operation and I began to get nauseous soon after my arms were strapped down. I was given some medicine by the anesthesiologist which calmed my nausea. My husband was finally alllowed to come in and sat next to me. The doctor began the operation and within 15 minutes my duaghter was born. The next 10 mintues went very quickly. I was able to catch a glimpse of my daughter before she was taken to be weighed, cleaned, and checked out. Since I was strapped to the table I couldn't be there with her. She was brought to me and I was able to kiss her and take pictures with her but I couldn't hold her. She was taken to the nursery while the doctor finished. It took an hour for me to get the feeling back in my legs.

The recovery
The recovery process was very long. It took 8 weeks before I was able to do most things. I was on pain medication for 2 weeks because the pain was so unbearable. The pain medication made me sleepy so it was very hard to take care of my daughter. I wasn't able to carry anything heavier than my daughter. I couldn't drive, go up the stairs in my home, and I could barely walk. The recovery process was so slow and I was very upset that I couldn't really do anything at all, not even take care of my daughter. It has been 5 months since the operation and I still have pain. Some areas by my incision are numb and probably will be that way forever. It takes a full year before the incision heals and if you get pregnant before the year then their are some risks involved.

Tip of the Day

If you can sew and would like to make your own cloth diapers some good patterns are available. Little Comet Tails has patterns for fitted diapers, diaper covers, all-in-one diapers, and training pants. Kayla's Cloth Kits has patterns for one size pocket diapers and sized pocket diapers, fitted diapers, and all-in-one diapers. Both of these sites have videos demonstrating how to use the diapers and how to sew them. They are very eager to help and you can always contact them with questions you might have.

Breastpump Cleaning and Care

When I first started pumping I wasn't sure how to properly care for my pump. I did some research and this is what I found. If your pump uses tubing, any moisture in the tubing can contaminate milk. Moisture can get inside tubing and grow mold. In order to keep this from happening you should either boil or steam clean your tubing, I do it once a week. Always make sure you sterilize your pump before the first use. Put all the pieces that come into contact with your milk in a pot, cover them with water, and boil for 20 minutes before using the pump. After every use, wash the pieces that come in contact with your milk in hot, soapy water (using mild detergent), rinse with hot water. You then need to either, boil, steam, or wipe your pump pieces with disinfecting wipes. They sell quick clean wipes and micro-steam bags making it easier to clean your equipment when you're away from home. If you don’t have time, place the pump parts unwashed in a clean plastic bag, such as a Ziploc, and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to wash them thoroughly at least once a day when you get home. To clean your pump motor bag, just wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. This is also a good way to clean the outside of your pump tubing if milk drips onto it.

Fantastic Banana Bread Recipe

This banana bread recipe is so good I had to share it. If you don't like almonds you can use any nut you like or you can leave out the nuts. I use almonds because they are my favorite nut.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium)
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup slivered almonds

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease  2 loaf pans, 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches.

2. Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Add bananas, yogurt and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt just until moistened. Stir in almonds. Pour into pans.

3. Bake 8-inch loaves about 1 hour, 9-inch loaf about 1 1/4 hours, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

Tip of the Day

I have been taking my daughter out with me since she was 2 months old. I waited a long time to take her out because I was very afraid of germs. She was a preemie and weighed only 4 lbs and I was afraid she would get sick. She was born right before flu season started and I didn't want her catching anything. All newborns are very vulnerable to germs and can't take any medication until 6 months. I was afraid if she caught anything she would have to be hospitalized so I was very cautious. They told us at the hospital to make sure everyone washed their hands before touching her. I am sure that anyone who has had a baby has been told this by the hospital staff. When I started taking her out I was amazed at how many people would touch her without asking my permission. They would do it so fast that I didn't even have time to tell them to stop. I found out about these car seat signs from my support group.

My Tiny Hands Signs

My Tiny Hands has very bright plastic signs that tell people to please wash their hands before touching your child's hands. I only wish the sign said please wash your hands before touching me period but they are still good signs. If you're looking for a please don't touch sign you can find them at Healthy Little Ones. These signs are much longer and not as bright so I am not sure how effective they will be.

 

My Hands Are Clean, Are Yours?

I recently came across some signs that are non-toxic and eco-friendly at My Hands Are Clean, Are Yours?. They come in a variety of cool designs and shipping is free! They are around 5 inches so they are very hard to miss and a portion of all sales is donated to a local charity.