When you know better, you do better....

Taelyn 11/14/08

I've been thinking about writing a post like this for awhile now. A lot of people I know are always curious of why I have certain ideas about unvaxing, choosing a midwife, among other things. Well, it wasn't long ago that I was pregnant with my daughter Taelyn and, although I had an idea of what I wanted, I was too afraid to stand up to my Dr. and do what I felt what right. I did some research here and there, but to tell you the truth, I felt that I couldn't say no or even say what I wanted without being offensive.

I had a very medical birth with Tae. I'm thankful it didn't end up a c-section, but I felt that everything that could have gone wrong, did. After I had her, I was determined to learn everything I could and to also not be afraid to stand up for what I believe. I thought I would make a list of things I have researched and include links to material I felt was helpful. Now I know not everyone will agree with some of the things that I believe in, but I think that you shouldn't just make a decision, especially one concerning such a precious life, because "everyone else does it" or because it is what your Dr. suggest. All I can say is research, research, and research some more. You have the right to make every decision for you and your baby.

Midwife vs. OB

I went with an OB with Taelyn. She was my regular OB that I had been seeing for years and I felt "comfortable" with her. I found out (much too late) that she had her way of doing things and nothing could change this. Let's face it, OB's are (mainly) trained to perform c-sections. This is something that they have to perfect during medical school and they feel most comfortable doing something that is "by the book". Also, Dr.'s are humans and they make mistakes. Not everything they say or do is the right thing. I feel with a midwife, they are more geared toward natural delivery and they seem to care more about what the woman wants. I feel that an OB is there to deliver the baby while a midwife is there to assist the mother with delivery. You have hired this person and are paying them a lot of money to assist you during delivery.

http://www.inspiredchildbirth.net/ob-gyn-doctors.html

Glucose test

Every pregnant woman, around 25 weeks or so, will be suggested to take a test to see if she is at risk for gestational diabetes. This test involves drinking a sugary beverage (Glucola) and then having your blood sugar tested an hour later. I did this test with Taelyn and I did not have gestational diabetes, but having to drink that artificially flavored, colored, and sweetened beverage is enough to make almost anyone sick! This time around, I spoke with my midwife about eating or drinking something as an alternative to the Glucola. She agreed that I could drink anything of my choice as long as it had 50g of carbohydrates. I have heard of some midwifes allowing you to eat something with the same equivalent, such as a banana and two pieces of toast. Also, you can refuse this test if you feel you are not at risk for gestational diabetes.

http://boston.todaysmama.com/2011/08/third-trimester-glucose-test-alternatives/

Breastfeeding

Now, I'm lucky to say that I was a breastfeeding advocate even before I was pregnant with Taelyn. My mom breastfed all five of her children and all my sisters breastfed their children. I definitely knew I was going to breastfeed and that there was no alternative for me. I ended up breastfeeding her for 2 years and have the same plans for this little gal. I strongly suggest doing tons of research and reading up on breastfeeding. I also feel it is so important to see a lactation consultant the minute something is not right.

http://www.llli.org/

Circumcision

This was another thing that I had researched before finding out Tae was a girl. My sister suggested my husband and I watch the video here. This was enough for both of us to make the decision that we would not circumcise if we had a boy. I think whatever your decision is, you should still watch this video. You shouldn't make a decision without knowing exactly what is happening to your child. If you can't watch it, you shouldn't circumcise.

http://www.circumcision.org/

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/02/christians-baptism-not-circumcision.html

Eye ointment

I think most people are aware of the eye ointment that is smeared across a babies eyes as soon as they are born, but I'm not sure most people know why this is done. The eye ointment is an antibiotic that is used to prevent the baby from contracting an STD after passing through the birth canal. Now, if you know that you don't have an STD, why would you take the risk of using this stuff on your child?

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/is-erythromycin-eye-ointment-always-necessary-for-newborns/

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/eyeointment.html

Hepatitis B shot

This shot is given to newborns to prevent them from contracting Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is contracted by intercourse with an infected person or by infected blood. I'm pretty sure newborns are not sexually active and are not involved in risky behaviors such as needle sharing.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/vaccines/hepatitis-b-vaccine-and-disease-do-newborns-need-vaccine-sexually-transmitted

Vitamin K Injection

Vitamin K is given to newborns to help with blood clotting. The only reasons I could find that Vitamin K might be necessary is if you are planning on circumcising or if there was severe birth trauma (bruising). Eating a diet rich in Vitamin K several weeks before you deliver can have the same effect as this shot.

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/newborn-vitamin-k.html

Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping is something I had learned before I had Taelyn and had told my OB, to which she replied, "well, we never know what will happen". This should have been a huge red flag as her cord was clamped immediately. Delayed cord clamping is the process of waiting to clamp the cord until all the blood has gone back into the baby.

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/lateClamping.html

http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=5730

Newborn Bath

Babies are not born dirty! Babies are born with a milky coating called vernix. This stuff is extremely nourishing to the babies skin and should be rubbed in, not washed off. This is not to mention that there are chemicals in the soap they use in the hospital. Instead of having a newborn bathed, this time can be used to bond with the mother and have very important skin-to-skin contact.

http://raisingnaturalkids.com/2012/04/13/wait-dont-wash-that-newborn/

http://birthbliss.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/benefits-of-vernix-its-amazing-stuff/

 
Skin-to-Skin

One of the biggest things that I was angry about over Tae's birth was that immediately after she was born my OB cut the cord and she was handed to the nurses where she was cleaned off, diapered, and swaddled. I didn't get to hold her for about 20 minutes. I think immediate skin-to-skin contact is so important for bonding and for success with breastfeeding. Everything that needs to be done to the baby after birth can be done on the mother. Weighing and other things can wait until breastfeeding has been established. I think the mother should be the only one to hold the baby until after breastfeeding has been initiated.

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/jack_newman2.html

Get off your back!

The worst position to push a baby out is lying on your back. I think this has become the common position for most woman in a hospital because it is easier for the Dr delivering the baby. When you are pushing on your back, you are fighting against gravity and, therefore, are making it harder for the baby to come down the birth canal.

http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/04/05/worst-position-to-give-birth-on-your-back/

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-pushing-positions/

Induction

Your EDD (estimated due date) is an estimate, not an expiration date. Babies should be born when they are ready, not because a Dr doesn't want to deliver on the weekend. When you are induced, you are given pitocin to induce contractions. These contractions are much more painful and less productive than natural contractions. An induction also leads to a higher c-section rate.

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/if-you-dont-have-this-baby-by-42-weeks-we-have-to-induce/

http://news.health.com/2010/06/22/labor-induction-may-boost-c-section-risk/

Placental Encapsulation

I know this is probably the weirdest thing for some people. I thought so too before I did the research. Placental encapsulation is where your placenta is dehydrated, ground into a powder, and placed in capsules. You then take these capsules like you would take a vitamin. There are several benefits to consuming your placenta. These include lessening the risk of post partum depression, increasing milk supply, and helping heal from the birthing process. This practice has become very popular and there are several people that perform the encapsulation where I live.

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/10/the-benefits-of-placenta-encapsulation-for-postpartum-healing.html

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/happy-pills-placenta-encapsulation.html

http://placentabenefits.info/articles.asp

There are probably a lot of things that I missed and also there are tons more resources available out there. My advice to you is to question EVERYTHING! This is just a start and I encourage everyone to do their own research and make their own decisions.

*Things expressed in this post are my own opinions. I am not a medical expert. Please conduct your own research before making any medical decision for you or your child.

Bumpdate: 24 weeks!

Weight Gain/Loss: 6 lb

Baby Size: A Cantaloupe (10.5-11.8 in, 12.7-20.8 oz)

Her see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque. And it's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.

Symptoms: Nothing really new this week. Been having some muscle pain and the occasional stiff back or sore hips. I've noticed it harder to get up from a sitting position and sitting on the floor is almost impossible!

Movement: She really likes to move when I eat breakfast in the morning and then about dinner time!
 

Gender: A pretty little princess!

Maternity Clothes: I haven't gotten anything new this week, but I have seem to have accumulated a pretty good supply.

Cravings: Panera seems to be something that I always come to. I love that place. I've noticed I'm not as hungry as I have been. I think it's because she is getting bigger and taking up more room.

Sleep: Sleep is still going well. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get comfortable and turning over has become more difficult.

Best Moment This Week: We decided on a name for this sweet little girl and I love it so much! We aren't telling anyone quite yet because I have a little plan to tell everyone : )

Taelyn: She has been so excited to help pick out diapers for the baby. I love that cloth diapers come in so many cute colors and Taelyn loves to be a part of picking them out!

Bumpdate: 23 weeks!

Weight Gain/Loss: 5 lb

Baby Size: A Grapefruit (10.5-11.8 in, 12.7-20.8 oz)
 

She's forming little nipples (yeah, really!) Her face is fully formed now -- she just needs a little extra fat to fill it out. She's listening to your voice and your heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

Symptoms: I have had a rough time with a cold this week. I was running a fever one day and felt horrible. I'm finally getting over my cough and congestion. I think the baby is finally heavy enough that she is causing me to go to the bathroom more often. It's almost any time I stand up!

Movement: She moves a lot and I even felt hiccups this week!
 

Gender: A pretty little princess!

Maternity Clothes: I think Ross is my new favorite place to get maternity clothes! I got three really cute tops this week for $6 each!

Cravings: I still haven't had any big cravings. I've wanted things like tuna, baked fish, baked potato, salads, among other things.

Sleep: Sleeping good! Getting up once or twice during the night, but falling asleep easily. Still been taking naps on occasion, which is a big help.

Best Moment This Week: My husband got to feel the baby this week! He sat with his hand on my tummy for about 10 minutes and she was really moving. Now if I can get Tae to feel her too!

Taelyn: She told me the other day that the baby is getting closer to being ready because my tummy is almost touching the wall. I guess that she has her own way of measuring : )

Bumpdate: 22 weeks!

Weight Gain/Loss: 4 lb

Baby Size: A Papaya (10.5-11.8 in, 12.7-20.8 oz)

Now that she's got more developed eyes and lips, he's looking even more like a newborn. She's sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day (hint: they're probably those times you're not feeling any kicks!).

Symptoms: The other day, I think the baby was laying on a nerve, because all of a sudden I had shooting pains down the back of my leg. I was in tears and I could barely walk. I thought I might have to go to the emergency room, but I laid down with some ice for awhile and it eased up. Heartburn has been making itself known this week. The papaya enzymes seem to help a lot, especially if I take them right after I eat.

Movement: This little girl likes to move! I feel her after eating and usually if I sit still for any length of time.
 

Gender: A pretty little princess!

Maternity Clothes: I have a select few non maternity clothes that I can get away with wearing. Comfort is really important these days! This baby doesn't like anything pushing on her. I've been cramping if I wear something too tight around my tummy!

Cravings: I really can't think of anything that has sounded good this week. I craved so much fruit with Taelyn, but this time around I have to make sure I eat fruit every day! It's the same way with milk, I craved it with Taelyn, but I can't drink it by itself too often this time around. I know I 'm getting plenty of calcium with all the other dairy I consume.

Sleep: I still have been sleeping pretty good. I've been getting a few naps in during the week as well. My dreams have become very real and very wierd. My husband and I really like the show Breaking Bad and the other night, I had a dream that we were being chased by the cartel. We had to make a stop at a hispanic grocery store for tortillas and it took my husband 40 minutes to come back out. He said they had way too many tortilla options to choose from...haha!

Best Moment This Week: My husband is so sweet and caring that the other night he woke me up to ask if it was okay that I was sleeping on my back! I love all the little things he does that make me feel special : )

Taelyn: About every other day Taelyn will put her hand on my tummy and ask if she can feel the baby kick! I can't wait until she can...it's so exciting!

Bumpdate: 21 weeks!

Weight Gain/Loss: 3 lb

Baby Size: A Pomegranate (10.5 in, 12.7 oz)

As her digestive system preps for the outside world, she's manufacturing meconium -- the tarry black substance you'll find in her first dirty diaper (ew)! If it's a girl, she's already got a lifetime's supply of eggs in her womb -- about six million of them!

Symptoms: Nothing too different from last week. I've noticed that carrying Taelyn is almost impossible and it is becoming harder for her to sit on my lap. I'm having occasional braxton hick's and what my midwife might be real contractions. She told me to watch them, but nothing to worry about.

Movement: She is very wiggly in there! She kicked twice while we listened to her heartbeat today! I think we might be getting close to Aaron and Tae being able to feel her!
 

Gender: A pretty little princess!

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes are definitely needed these days. I might try out some thrift stores out this weekend and see if I can find anything good!

Cravings: Cheese, cheese, anything with cheese!

Sleep: Sleep has been better! I think I have gotten used to not sleeping on my stomach and I feel I'm sleeping more comfortably.

Best Moment This Week: We had our midwife appointment this week and it went well! I'm measuring 23 weeks and she could feel the baby's bum : )

Taelyn: She talks about the baby so much and has been asking what we are going to name her. She is always wanting to buy something for her when we go to the store.